Hanging out on Anguilla after the sun sets can be as much of a cultural and entertaining experience as their beaches are relaxing and soothing. The "hot spots" of this small island offer a diversity of moods and music. The astute traveler knows that you go where the locals go, and on Anguilla, visitors are always welcome.
Sandy Ground, located on Road Bay, boasts a festive atmosphere. The lighted beach hosts the ever-popular Johnno's Beach Stop. Local live bands entertain nightly playing a variety of island music such as soca, reggae and jazz. Johnno's is constructed of widely spaced wooden logs that allow for the Caribbean trade winds to blow right through and cool their dancing customers.
The Pumphouse, a sandy block from Johnno's, is an old salt house turned barefoot bar. The wide front entrance, decorated in colored lights, allows customers to breeze in and out of this casual place. The atmosphere lends itself to conversation and good times.
D�j� vu, at the southern end of Sandy Ground, is an intimate pub with entertainment that always draws a crowd. From Tuesday through Sunday, patrons warm up their pipes and sing at the island's only karaoke bar. This is a very popular nighttime attraction for those with a good sense of humor.
Rafes Back Street is an after hours open-air pub overlooking Sandy Ground. The restaurant serves Caribbean favorites like barbecue chicken, ribs and kebabs. From around 7PM until about 2AM on weekdays and 4 or 5AM on weekends, Rafes is open for hungry Sandy Ground stompers and late night diners.
Walking to the very west end of Rendezvous Bay, you will stumble upon what appears to be an Anguillian version of a tree house. You have reached the Dune Preserve, an extremely creative beach bar. Artistically created from driftwood, boats and sails this roost is home to Anguilla's best-known
reggae artist, Bankie Banx, who performs Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Dune can also be reached via the Main Road.
The Red Dragon Disco, located in The Valley, is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Disco music from the days when disco was the rage is played. On the last Friday of every month the "over thirties" party is the place.
Just up the road from the Red Dragon is one of the island's newer clubs, All Nations Discotheque. On the weekends music plays and All Nation's dance floor heats up, during the weekdays the atmosphere is comfortable and mellow.
On the eastern end of the island, Shoal Bay is the place to be. Wednesdays and Sundays are generally the most popular nights, with Sundays beginning in the early afternoon. Uncle Ernie's and Madeariman Reef have live music during the day and Madeariman continues right on into the night. For the very late night Sunday dancers Elodias and Hard Broke offer popular soca and reggae hits for the tireless dancer.
The newest hot spot on the island is LA Caf� in Blowing Point. This is the first club on the island with a dress code and patrons dress to impress. LA Caf� is the perfect place for an after dinner dancing and lounging. Live music on some nights and a DJ on others are the entertainment.
Throughout the year different events inspire spontaneous parties and happenings. If you are looking for the night's hot spot while on Anguilla, just ask an Anguillian.