Iguana Joe’s Caribbean Bar & Grill is the iconic upstairs Caribbean restaurant inside Oranjestad’s Royal Plaza Mall — celebrating over 13 years as one of Aruba’s most popular casual restaurants. With its harbor-view balcony seating, fun island vibe, well-priced menu, and signature Pink Iguana cocktail, this is the casual lunch and dinner stop where cruise port visitors, downtown shoppers, and families consistently end up. Multi-time award winner for Best Caribbean Restaurant on the island, Iguana Joe’s keeps it simple: bold Caribbean-Mexican flavors, generous portions, fair prices.
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About Iguana Joe’s Caribbean Bar & Grill
Located on the upper floor of the Royal Plaza Mall (L.G. Smith Boulevard), Iguana Joe’s offers covered open-air seating with an excellent harbor view that captures the downtown Oranjestad street energy. The seven-page menu spans Caribbean classics (jerk chicken, fresh Caribbean fish, Cuban black bean soup, Trinidadian chicken curry), Mexican favorites (quesadillas, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas), and grill standards (USDA Black Angus burgers, Argentine grass-fed filet mignon, ribs). Surf ‘n Turf is the only menu item priced over $20 — making this one of the best value-to-quality picks downtown. The bar program is the secondary draw, anchored by the legendary Pink Iguana, multiple frozen margaritas, and a generous happy hour. Open daily for lunch through dinner. No reservations needed for typical visits, but the place fills up fast on cruise ship days. Walking distance from the cruise port — a 5-minute stroll.
Signature dishes & menu highlights
Two must-orders frame any visit: the Igua-na-chos (the Aruba take on loaded nachos, the most-mentioned shareable starter) and the Pink Iguana cocktail (Iguana Joe’s legendary signature pour). For mains, the Jamaican Jerk Chicken is the consistent fan-favorite — fire-roasted, properly seasoned. Coconut Battered Shrimp is the seafood star. The Fresh Mahi-Mahi is the catch-of-day play. Try the Keshi Yena (Aruba’s national dish, stuffed Gouda cheese) — Iguana Joe’s does the traditional preparation right. Half-pound USDA Black Angus burgers for those wanting a familiar comfort. Argentine grass-fed filet mignon is the steak option. Don’t skip the Cadillac Margarita — repeat customers order it on rotation. Save room for the Rum Cake dessert. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available — flag dietary restrictions and the kitchen will work with you.
Practical info
Address: Royal Plaza Mall, Oranjestad, Aruba
Phone: 583 9373
Rating: 4.4★ on Google (426 reviews)
Website: Visit official site
What guests are saying
Reviewers consistently call Iguana Joe’s their ‘go-to place in Aruba’ with multiple repeat customers reporting visits 3+ times per trip. The Pink Iguana, Cadillac margaritas, and Igua-na-chos earn the most-mentioned shoutouts. Bartender Alberto and servers Yuli, Sébastien, and Johnnie get specific praise across reviews — repeat visitors ask for them by name. The kitchen is consistently praised for accommodating gluten-free and dietary restrictions with care. Pricing is in the casual-restaurant tier ($15-30 USD per entrée typical) which makes Iguana Joe’s notably better value than most resort-zone restaurants. Best for: cruise port pre-departure lunch, casual family dinners, post-shopping refreshment, anyone seeking authentic Caribbean flavors in a fun, no-pretense setting.
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