St. Barts: Nightlife

Bar B. Q. This is the spot for genuine Spanish and southwestern tapas such as coriander-garlic shrimp and Serrano ham, not to mention gigantic wooden platters piled high with American-style ribs. The bar is popular for its terrific mojitos and large-screen plasma TV broadcasting sporting events. Rue du Roi Oscar II; 011-590-590-51-00-05
tapas | sports bar

Bar'Tô This lounge hotspot’s DJ invariably hits the right notes for the attractive 30-something crowd. Light supper and dessert menus are available from the superb Bartolomeo restaurant next door. The elegant décor mixes colors, textures, and lighting to flattering seductive effect. Guanahani, Grand Cul de Sac; 011-590-590-27-66-60
music | lounge

Bête à Z'ailes This hotspot (aka BAZ) features live entertainment, tapas, sushi, and inventive cocktails; the action’s right on the deck – so close to the adjacent yachts that it almost feels like you can eavesdrop. Gustavia; 011-590-590-29-74-09; www.st-barths.com/baz/baz_fun
live entertainment | bar

Carl Gustaf Sunset at the “Goose” is as close to sacrosanct tradition as St. Barths gets: the terrace restaurant provides superb panoramas of Gustavia’s adorable Creole houses and yachts in harbor and vividly hued specialty cocktails match the sun’s pyrotechnics while jazz/classical stylings on the piano provide the soundtrack. Rue des Normands; 011-590-590-29-79-00; www.hotelcarlgustaf.com
jazz | restaurant | views

L'Oubli This drink spot is also a favorite of French visitors for its delicious, runny croque monsieurs – the perfect late-night snack-cum-breakfast. Rue du Bord-de-Mer; 011-590-590-27-70-06
bar | french

La Case à Nikki Come here for a party that lasts until dawn; the intimate room is always sizzling, especially on “Studio 54” and “Magic Soul” nights. Gustavia; 011-590-590-27-99-88
dancing | bar | nightclub

La Plage Beautiful lacquered, carved tables and billowing gauzy curtains in vivid reds, blues, and yellows provide shade and flair in this très chic locale. Every day from 2pm on DJs spin Euro-pop, disco, funk, and soca for an effortlessly cool, relatively laid-back crowd. Tom Beach Hotel; 011-590-590-27-53-13; www.st-barths.com/tom-beach-hotel
dancing | nightclub | disco

Le Repaire A dive in the best sense, this popular brasserie (with fine daily fish specials) overlooks the harbor and plays reggae/soca beats. Pool tables and live music on weekends keep it going later than most St. Barts eateries, which means that its usually open until midnight. Quai de la République; 011-590-590-27-72-48
music | restaurant | bar

Le Ti St-Barth This spot is so festive that noise ordinance violations mandated earlier closings (they now close around 4am), although the ambiance (think Paris Hilton-esque frat party) remains. Theme nights are huge (the Moroccan-themed Marrakech Party was a recent hit) and mid-dinner fashion shows are regular. The food is mediocre, but the live music is energetic, the décor sultry, and the crowd racy. Pointe Milou; 011-590-590-27-97-71
culinary | music | bar

Nikki Beach The A-list makes a beeline to St. Barts version of the super-hot club chain, which is arguably the island’s most hedonistic, exclusive, decadent, and outrageous. The space comes complete with split-level decks, tiki huts, and four-poster beds to encourage intimacy. Staffers are quite possibly more gorgeous than the model crowd. Plage-de-Saint-Jean; 011-590-590-27-64-64; www.nikkibeach.com
trendy | nightclub

Taïno Lounge This locale features a slinky duo – chanteuse Nilce and pianist Philippe Nardone, performing selections “from the Copacabana to Montmartre,” Aznavour to Astrud Gilberto to zouk. See them from 7pm until close from Tuesday to Saturday. Sofitel Christopher, Pointe Milou; 011-590-590-27-63-63; www.sbhonline.com/Christopher
lounge | live music

Yacht Club Each night is themed in this old building with its billowing white drapes and sensational harbor views. Here, DJs spin funk to retro, drinks are available by the bottle only, and competitive dressing is in (it’s one of the few places where long pants are de rigueur). 6 Rue Jeanne d’Arc; 011-590-590-49-23-33
music | views | bar