Rum Reef Cocktail Bar & Grill is the elevated adults-only bar with the famous infinity pool overlooking Baby Beach — perched above San Nicolas’s most-visited beach with the best aerial view of those calm shallow turquoise waters. Owner Dennis Fang and son JP have built a legend out of an abandoned 1920s Esso Club building. Bartender Maureen makes everything from scratch (no packaged mixes), the recently-opened kitchen turns out solid bar-and-grill fare, and 96% of 268 Facebook reviewers recommend it. Open daily 10 AM to 8 PM.
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About Rum Reef
Rum Reef has serious history. The building was originally part of the Esso Club, a community center for expats working at the Lago Oil & Transport Company refinery, originally constructed in the 1920s. Much of it burned in 1939, was rebuilt in the 1950s, and abandoned in the 1980s when the refinery closed. JADS Dive Center and Rum Reef have been slowly bringing the building back to life since the 2010s.
The vibe was originally a small cozy shack where divers refueled after a day under the water — a true local hangout. In late 2018, Rum Reef moved upstairs, gaining the elevated views and the famous infinity pool. Owner Dennis Fang and son JP run the show along with veteran bartender Maureen — who’s still mixing every cocktail from scratch. Adults-only philosophy — the place is designed for grown-ups to escape the everyday and enjoy peace by the water.
Pool access requires a $15 minimum food/drink spend per person. Open daily 10 AM to 8 PM.
Signature dishes & menu highlights
Signature cocktails (all made from scratch):
- Blue Wave — traditional margarita with Blue Curaçao liqueur. The signature.
- Caipirinha — Brazilian cachaça with a splash of coecoei (Aruban liquor) for extra flavor.
- Spicy Passion — passion fruit with a kick.
- Rum-based island specialties — extensive selection.
- Local & craft beers — Balashi, Chill, and rotating craft selection.
- Wines — international selection.
Grill & food (recently opened kitchen):
- Grilled Jumbo Shrimps Skewer — with spicy mango sauce.
- Avocado Parmesan Fish Sandwich — guest favorite.
- Chicken Quesadilla — solid sharing plate.
- Caesar Salad.
- Taco Salad — lettuce, red onion, tomato, avocado, chili con carne, corn, black beans, crispy tortilla, sour cream, pico de gallo.
- Ribs — repeatedly called “excellent” in reviews.
- Burgers.
- Local seafood — fresh and grilled.
Practical info
- Address: Baby Beach, San Nicolas, Aruba
- Phone: +297 584 6070
- Website: rumreefaruba.com
- Google rating: 4.3★ across 925+ reviews.
- Price level: moderate.
What guests are saying
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive (96% recommend). The most-mentioned highlights: the infinity pool view of Baby Beach (truly unique on the island), Maureen the bartender (named in countless reviews), the laid-back adults-only vibe, and the warm staff (Shannon the host gets repeated mentions). Multiple guests describe Rum Reef as their favorite hidden gem in Aruba.
Honest caveats: $15 minimum spend per person to use the pool — confirm at arrival; food prices feel slightly steep for casual bar fare ($70 for 2 sandwiches, quesadilla, salad); can get loud when groups in the infinity pool get rowdy — sit further from the pool for a quieter meal; limited shade in some seating areas. Tip: come for sunset for the most magical light over the bay.
While you’re planning your Aruba trip
For more dining options, see our best restaurants in Aruba guide, our best beach restaurants guide, our sunset restaurants guide, or our San Nicolas / Savaneta restaurants guide. Browse our best hotels in Aruba.
A different kind of night out
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Open: Mon-Sun 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
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