Originally conceived as a kind of refuge/gathering place for people living on their boats in Elizabeth Harbour, Chat ‘N’ Chill Beach Bar and Grill on Stocking Island has gently evolved – if that’s the right word – into one the Bahamas’ most famous beach bars.

It started out offering food, drinks,  a few beach volleyball courts, and even a non-denominational church service on Sundays. Not much has changed over the years except, perhaps, that the food is better and the drink selection more varied.  But the cool boater-beach bum vibe has happily remained intact.  

You can find a spot at the spacious bar or on the beach, or you can just stroll around the island, which is about three and a half miles (5 ½ km)  long but not very wide. Swimming attire is recommended as it’s a great place for a cooling dip between drinks. If strolling or swimming is too active for you, just do what the name suggests – sit back, chat and chill with the staff or fellow guests.

What will you have?

Beer:  A range of Bahamian brews from Kalik and Sands, plus Bud Light, for people who like that sort of thing..

Rum/Cocktails: Mount Gay and Myers on the dark side, with a range of Bacardis, plus local cocktails like the Bahama Mama, Goombay Smash and the tequila-based Bahamamita.

Food: Standard items include BBQ ribs, chicken and fish, with burgers  (including a tasty conch burger), hot dogs, etc. There is also a cool little conch shack that whips up deliciously fresh conch salads. A popular pig roast takes place on Sundays.

 Asides

It’s on an island, so you need a boat (or seaplane, I guess) to get there. You can grab a water taxi from George Town for the five minute ride over if you don’t have your own transportation.

Reflections… 

Chat ‘N’ Chill is salty, rustic and maybe a bit rough around the edges, but in a totally family-friendly way.  For lovers of beach bars, to visit the Exumas and not drop by would be a sin.

NH 2019