Charlies Bar

We stopped here after having been to baby beach and we really loved it here. Maybe it's because we Dutch are more used to what we call 'brown pubs' (bruine kroegjes) but we could have spent hours just sitting there and checking out everything that's hanging there. The toilets were simple but clean enough and also on that tiny spot there was a lot to look at (and laugh about).
The crew was relaxed, pleasant and served us very well, and we also had the famous shrimps-of-the-house which we enjoyed VERY MUCH!!! They served it with some hot kind of sauce which was also great (better if mixed with some mayonaise).
So YES, maybe it's not so new to us, this kind of bar, but we loved it.

Made a second trip after a twenty year hiatus. Unfortunately, it was the worse meal we've had on the island.

We stopped for lunch. Had the shrimp, which was fine ... if a little too much garlic. The kids couldn't get a burger (they don't have them), so they got the steak sandwich. It was really tough and couldn't be eaten as a sandwich.... they had to cut it with a knife to have any chance of eating it.

The bill was over $70 for a four person lunch.

Next trip to Aruba ... we'll pass on Charlie's.

You know, if you are traveling around the island and want a cold beer....I'd recommend stopping @ Charlie's! My wife and I spent several hours there on e afternoon talking to and taking pictures with Charlie (third generation I believe). I also had the shrimp dish and it was excellent, but I thought a bit pricier than it need to be.

Lastly, be sure to bring something to leave behind. The walls @ Charlie's are covered with all kinds of stuff and I mean ALL kinds, bras, hats, business cards, pictures, boots, etc, etc, etc.......you name it!...and you'll see it there!!.....HAVE FUN!!

Love Charlie's Bar!!

We had the steak special for lunch - tender, big, and inexpensive!!

Great place to experience - even if you just stop on your way back from Baby Beach for a few beers!!

WE usually drop into Charlies on our way to Baby Beach every time we visit Aruba.

Last visit was on Mar 29/04 -- both had the signature shrimp dish - one shelled, the other sauteed - 2 Balashi drafts and 2 glasses wine. Bill came to $71 -- a little steep I think for a charming lack of service sophistication and ambiance.

We stop at Charlie's Bar every year on our way to Rodger's Beach for a few cold Balashi's on tap and a chat with the friendly bartenders.

This year we grabbed a bite to eat and split the steak sandwich which comes with fries and "honeymoon sauce" (a great HOT sauce!)

The bartenders were as friendly as ever. This year we remembered to bring one of our old license plates for the bar so that we could leave our "mark" (even got our picture taken behind the bar this time.)

Everyone says you NEED to visit this place if you're in San Nicholas. We decided to stop in on our way back from Baby Beach and try it. Glad we tried it, but wouldn't recommend it.

This place is a tourist trap - the shrimp (specialty of the house) is good but way overpriced for lunch. With 2 beers, 2 sodas and 2 shrimp specials the bill was over $50 (service not included, or so they told us). They did not and would not provide an itemized bill (strange no?). The atmosphere is neat, if you like to look at a bunch of junk. The waiter even took our picture behind the bar (wow).

The smell of the refinery doing its refining was not a pleasant smell during our lunch either.

I left my business card on the wall (with all the other junk) and you should too if you spend this much money for a mediocre lunch.

Skip Baby Beach (the refinery backdrop isn't scenic) and the snorkeling is not even close to the best on Aruba. More importantly, skip Charlie's Bar.

Note, the beaches at Malmok or Arashi are much more scenic and better for snorkeling.