I recall visiting Ivan’s Stress Free Bar back in the day when, in addition to no stress, there was often no Ivan… or anyone. The bar was famous for its “honour” policy. Guests would simply take their beers from a cooler or pour drinks from the bottles on the counter and leave the appropriate cash, according to a price list scrawled on a board on the wall.

When Ivan did show up, he acted more like another guest than the host.

It all worked weirdly well and became part of the place’s legend. That, and its ramshackle “local flavour” charm and killer location, at one end of the powdery white sand of White Bay beach.

There has been a lot of water washing up on that beach since Ivan’s opened in the early 90s. It has gone through a number of rebuilds throughout the years, most recently after Hurricane Irma, and Ivan himself has had to retire from the business due to health issues. But his bar is still a landmark – and maybe just my favourite – on the beach bar Nirvana of Jost Van Dyke.

Part of the appeal of Ivan’s is that it’s close to, but not right in the middle of, the busy hub of White Bay, centred around The Soggy Dollar and Hendo’s. That distance adds to the more laid back and generally less crowded feel.

There are a couple of covered and open spaces with tables and a separate – also covered – bar. That’s the place to sit if you want to catch the ocean breeze and enjoy some lively, good-natured chatter. There are also chairs and loungers available for guests on the beach. It’s a roomy place, so you’ll never feel crowded.

The vibe at Ivan’s is genuinely easy going and cheerful. It gets a good mix of people and welcomes kids. I’m happy to report that it is still a family business, with Ivan’s daughters intimately involved, and the passion for the business is apparent.

Like a lot of these types of places, Ivan’s has many long-time admirers who have been visiting for years. And though it doesn’t seem to go out of the way to attract new fans, it manages to do so.

What will you have?

Beer: A good Caribbean selection, including Carib, Red Stripe, Presidente, Corona and Modelo, backed up by Heineken, Coors Light, Michelob Ultra and Miller Lite.

Rum/Cocktails: A solid lineup, ranging from mixers like Cruzan, Bacardi, Myers and Captain Morgan Spiced, to the more premium Diplomatico, Bumbu and Chairman’s Reserve. There are also some local exotics, such as Blue Chair, Callwood’s Cane Rum and the absolutely undrinkable Callwood’s Panty Dropper and Boxer Remover. You will also find a good selection of mixed and frozen tropical cocktails, such as Mai Tais, mojitos, mango margaritas, pina coladas, Painkillers and their own Stress Free Rum Punch.

Food: The menu is pretty comprehensive, from island favourites like rum ribs, roti, coconut shrimp and cracked conch to salads, wraps and sandwiches, many featuring local seafood. There is also a pizza menu.

Asides

As White Bay beach goes, Ivan’s is off the beaten track. Not far in terms of distance, the shoreline pretty much precludes walking to it from the main cluster of bars, though boaters or people with dinghies won’t have a problem.

Reflections… 

In many ways Ivan’s is a quintessential chill island beach bar, embodying the spirit of Jost Van Dyke, at least as many people envision it – a relaxed vibe, not too crowded, simple island fare and, oh yes… no stress.

IC 2025