Barbados: Nightlife

Bajan Roots & Rhythms On Wednesdays and Fridays, the Plantation Restaurant and Garden Theater presents this West Indian cultural extravaganza. In addition to a Bajan buffet dinner with unlimited drinks, guests enjoy colorful costumes, live steel pan and reggae music, and fire-eaters. Dover, St. Lawrence Main Rd.; 246-428-5048; www.theplantation.bb
family | culture | smart splurge | live entertainment | expensive | dancing | live music

Club Xtreme Sizzling DJs like Hyperactive Baby Bubba spin dance beats – techno, trance, alt, hip-hop – at this enormous venue. Hit the "Xtreme Zone" for cutting-edge sound and lighting, the "Chill Zone" to hang, and the "Game Zone" for arcade games and pool. Worthing, Main Rd.; 246-228-2582; www.clubxtreme.net
moderate | trendy | lounge | cover charge | open late | entertainment | live music | reggae | billiards | arcade | techno | trance | hip-hop

Harbour Lights Live calypso, reggae, and soca, combined with potent libations, keep customers swaying like the palms at this beachfront party-zone. Beach Extravaganza Dinners feature Day-Glo cocktails, barbecue flame-eaters, limbo dancers, and stilt walkers (call ahead for times). Bridgetown, Upper Bay St.; 246-436-7225; www.harbourlightsbarbados.com
moderate | trendy | cover charge | open late | dining | entertainment | view | live music | reggae | happy hour | techno | calypso

Oistins Fish Fry On weekends this tiny fishing village is transformed into one big street fair, with savory barbecue chicken and fresh-caught fried fish served from street grills, live reggae and soca bands, and general jollity. It’s cheap, crowded, and quintessentially Bajan. 246-432-2112
budget | dancing | live music | local favorite

The Boatyard This indoor-outdoor beach club, bar, and restaurant offers aquatic activities by day and a frenzied party scene by night (it starts with happy hour and extends into the wee hours). The electric atmosphere attracts locals and yachties alike. Bridgetown, Bay St.; 246-436-2622; www.theboatyard.com
dancing | open late | dining | view | live music | patio | local favorite | happy hour

Upstairs at Olives The second floor of this eponymous bistro is a hip hangout for politicos, power-brokers, and pretty people of all persuasions. Fab pizzas and pastas are served alongside cocktails; occasional live jazz enhances the loungey vibe. Holetown, 2nd St.
romantic | moderate | lounge | live music | local favorite | bar menu | hidden find