An

An
island offering 483km of beckoning coastline, world-class rum
and plenty of tropical fruits, Puerto Rico has all the components needed for
that most crowd-pleasing of places: the beach bar. And, like the
island itself, these laid-back drinking destinations cater for all
kinds of visitors. Whether you’re seeking some coconut-infused
R&R, searching for a late-night reggaeton beat or just wanting
decent surf and a few beers, you’ll find somewhere on this tropical
island at which to kick back and watch the sunset, drink in hand.
Here’s a pick of our favourites.

Happy hour: the best beach bars in Puerto Rico

Ocean views at Tamboo, left, and beach bar, Numero Uno Beach
House. | Photo credit: Jacob Elwood

Numero Uno Beach House

Best for: the adventure curious

The watering hole of Numero Uno beach apartments, this
whitewashed bar and kitchen in Ocean Park is an enticing spot. Cool
off on the shaded terrace or grab a prime seat under one of the big
blue umbrellas right on the sand and order up some Ocean Lab
Brewing Co beers or chilled cocktails. It’s an ideal vantage point
for watching kiteboarders as they zip across the ocean – but if
you’re not content just being an observer, Numero Uno offers
kiteboarding lessons, too.

Tamboo

Best for: the ultimate sundowner

A long-loved favourite in Puerto Rico, Tamboo has been here
since the early 80s, and shows no sign of going anywhere. Perched
right on Rincón’s Sandy Beach, the buzzy bar (with eight cosy guest
rooms) is spread across a sprawling terrace. Whether you’re dining
at the downstairs grill restaurant or having sundowners on the
upper level, these oceanside views are hard to beat. When the sun
goes down, that laid-back pace turns lively, with music and dancing
well into the night.

Kai Beach Bar & Restaurant

Best for: taking it easy

Isabela is a sleepy, salty surf town blessed with beautiful
beaches and offering easy access to the Guajataca State Forest.
Thirsty visitors should make a beeline for Kai Beach Bar, on Playa
Jobos, which, much like its locale, is a place where people come to
kick back and unwind. Order some chilled house sangria, a plate of
mofongo (a popular Puerto Rican dish made with fried green
plantains, crispy pork skin and garlic) and pull up a seat on the
seafront veranda to soak up palm-framed ocean views.

Much-loved Vieques bar Duffy’s, left, and spectacular shore
views. | Photo credit: Jacob Elwood

Duffy’s Esperanza

Best for: a room with a view

This much-loved Vieques bar and restaurant is all about fresh
cocktails and even fresher seafood. Brightly coloured and situated
right on the bustling Esperanza seafront, the bar is attached to
the upstairs Flamboyan Guest House, where four attractively
decorated guest rooms await. Whether you’re staying the night or
just for happy hour, Duffy’s Caribbean sunset views are not to be
missed.

Cocoloba

Best for: elevated beach chic

For an oceanside sundowner with a subtle splash of elegance,
make tracks to Blue Sand Resort’s Cocoloba. The turquoise walls and
pink neon signage let you know you’re in for some good vibes, while
the tried-and-tested bar menu delivers refined Puerto Rican bites.
Drinks are top-notch yet unfussy: the house cocktail is an island
medley of coconut milk, rum, vodka, passion fruit and mango
juice.

Mojito Beach Bar

Best for: cocktails that come to you

This famously casual open-air bar and eatery is located in
Guánica, in the island’s southwestern corner. As the name suggests,
the bartenders will sort you out with a mean mojito, but they also
play around with some wild variations, including (purists look
away) a fresh strawberry-coconut option. Best of all, their mobile
mixologists will happily serve you while you remain relaxed in your
beach chair.

A sunset over Sandy Beach, Puerto Rico. | Photo credit:
Jacob Elwood

Boardriders

Best for: post-surf refreshments

If riding the waves is your thing, Boardriders – right on the
beach at favourite surf spot La Pared – is for you, allowing you to
go from breaks to bar in about a minute. Grab a craft beer or
frozen cocktail to sip while you peruse the food menu, which
includes nourishing poke bowls and quesadillas. At weekends, the
vibe lifts from chilled to party time, with live reggae and rumba
music.

Caddy’s Calypso

Best for: live music

This place on Maria’s Beach has been a popular surfer hangout in
one conception or another since the 70s, and is famous for its live
music. In 2020, it was lovingly adopted and refurbed to keep it a
thriving social hub, while retaining its valuable character. The
kitchen cooks up great Caribbean classics, while the spacious bar
offers a range of thirst quenchers – all of which are best enjoyed
out on the patio.