Many of the 150 or so restaurants in the Cayman Islands serve traditional local favorites like fried plantains, turtle stew, and seafood concoctions. Some of the tastiest Cayman Islands meals are prepared at modest jerk stands whose hot and spicy chicken dishes rival those found in nearby Jamaica. Diners wishing to splurge a little more can enjoy dinner cruises aboard an authentic tall ship or a number of luxury catamarans. Cayman mudslide cocktails, Caybrew beers, and rum punches are the most commonly served local drinks at Cayman Islands beach bars.
Bars and Pubbing in Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands nightlife may have a dull reputation compared to other Caribbean hotspots, but lively parties are still easily found for those who know where to look. One of George Town’s trendiest local hangouts is the Corner Pocket Pool Hall (139 Allister Towers, George Town). Tourists are welcome to join in friendly matches, dart competitions, and even off-the-books wagers held at this gritty hole in the wall.
Another popular George Town watering hole is My Bar (390 South Church Street, George Town), where about 36,000 palm fronds were used to build its Polynesian-style thatched roof. Local lawyers frequently take part in spirited domino games. Bars in George Town, like elsewhere in the Cayman Islands, must be closed by one in the morning.
One of Grand Cayman’s main live music venues is the Royal Palms Beach Club (West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach). The patrons who regularly dance to this club’s salsa, reggae, and calypso beats range in age from early 20’s to well in their 50’s. The Attic Billiard Lounge (Queen’s Court Plaza, West Bay Road) is West Bay Road’s most popular pool hall, where locally brewed Old Dutch beer is the beverage of choice among most players. Little Cayman’s liveliest watering hole is Southern Cross Club (South Hole Sound), which hosts weekly Friday night poolside barbecues.
Dining and Cuisine in Cayman Islands
The hearty American and West Indian breakfasts served at Corita’s Copper Kettle (Edward Street, George Town) are an ideal way to begin a morning in George Town, but this local favorite also serves up traditional turtle, conch, and lobster dishes for lunch. Jerk and seafood dishes also appear alongside the Italian specialties served at Casanova’s (65 North Church Street, George Town).
No Cayman Islands restaurant boasts a more sumptuous atmosphere than Blue by Eric Ripert (The Ritz Carlton, West Bay Road), which has over 800 different wines in its cellar and plenty of gourmet items on prix fixe menus. The Triple Crown (Marquee Plaza, Seven Mile Road) British-style pub serves up roast beef pudding on Sundays and full English breakfasts all day long.
One of Little Cayman’s most popular restaurants is the Hungry Iguana (Paradise Villas Resort), where American and Caribbean delicacies are served in front of the sports bar’s large satellite television. The Pirates Point Resort Restaurant (Pirates Point Resort) owner studied alongside James Beard and Julia Child at the prestigious Paris Cordon Bleu culinary school.
Click here to learn about Shopping and Leisure in the Cayman Islands