Saint Barthélemy

Le Ti has been the island’s most outrageous nightlife institution since 1995, where cabaret spectacle meets fine dining. As plates of foie gras and Wagyu beef with caviar are cleared, the real show begins: professional performers from Paris’ Visionnaire agency ignite the room, soon inspiring guests to dance on tables in the costume-closet afterparty. The magic lies in the balance — impeccable service and serious cuisine (don’t skip the steak tartare!) somehow coexist with sequinned mayhem. Book for late-night weekends when the energy peaks, and come ready to trade your dinner jacket for feather boas from the dressing-up box.

Bagatelle masterfully juggles two identities: by day, a chic French-Mediterranean bistro serving standout dishes like Focaccia di Recco; by night, Gustavia’s most electrifying dinner-turned-dance party. The magic lies in choosing your adventure — opt for the terrace’s harbor views for a quieter meal, or dive into the thumping main room where DJs, sparklers, and waitstaff dance performances blur dinner into decadence. Truffle-heavy dishes dominate the menu, so balance your order with fresh seafood or their signature rosé-soused cocktails. Come weekends, fashion shows and live musicians amplify the South-of-France-meets-Caribbean energy that’s made this New York export a St Barts staple.

Bar de L’Oubli has been Gustavia’s reliable rendezvous spot since 1981, where locals and visitors mingle over espresso martinis and all-day tapas. Its corner terrace — just the place for people-watching — serves everything from sunrise fresh juices to midnight cocktails, with hearty panini and burgers fueling shoppers between boutiques. Sundays transform the space into St Barts’ unofficial American football hub, while weekdays offer a calmer vibe for business lunches or pre-sailing breakfasts. The family-run ethos shines through in generous pours and that rare Caribbean luxury: consistent, no-fuss service from open to close.

Sayolita brings a slice of Mexican soul to St Jean, its rustic wooden deck busy with locals swapping surf stories over fish tartare and rhum-laced Sayolita Sunsets. Just uphill from the beach (bathing suits welcome), this open-air haunt transitions seamlessly from afternoon charcuterie plates to weekend dance parties fueled by Latin beats. Don’t miss barkeep Willy’s legendary cocktails or the generously stuffed chicken tacos, best enjoyed as the sunset paints the village below. Mosquito spray recommended; the tropical timber decor attracts biters as reliably as the live music draws night owls.

Le Select is Gustavia’s living legend — a no-frills dive bar where plastic chairs and rhum punches have anchored local life since 1949. The late founder Marius Stakelborough’s spirit lingers in every detail, from the Marius Special burger (double patty, bacon, all the fixings) to the weathered tables where Jimmy Buffett once held court under the trees. Order at the counter for pub classics like crispy calamari or fries, then settle in with a Ti’ Punch (rhum, lime, cane syrup) to watch harbour life unfold. By night, impromptu concerts turn the terrace into a buzzing scene. Come for the cheap beers, stay for the authentic Caribbean camaraderie that even hurricanes couldn’t wash away.