Elodia's Beach Bar ΓÇö Shoal Bay East's Laid-Back Rum Punch Institution
Sea-grape shade, sand under the picnic tables, and the island's most talked-about rum punch.
Why Go
Walk past the busier western end of Shoal Bay East, keep going toward the Point, and you'll find a wooden, open-air shack tucked into palm trees where locals and repeat visitors have been ducking in for lunch and rum punch for decades. It's the anti-resort ΓÇö no white tablecloths, no reservations, just sand, breeze and the Atlantic doing its thing about twenty feet away.
The Experience
Elodia's has a rustic, vintage-Anguilla feel that's getting harder to find on the island. Wooden floors, picnic-table seating, ceiling fans pushing warm salt air around, and a soundtrack of waves and easy conversation. The bar sits inside the small Elodia's Beach Resort on the quieter eastern stretch of Shoal Bay, so the crowd tends to be a mix of Shoal Bay Villas guests, snorkelers coming off the reef, and Anguillians in the know. Service is unhurried in the best Caribbean sense ΓÇö order at the bar, grab a chair, let the afternoon happen.
What to Try
The Mahi Mahi Sandwich (around $15 USD) is the anchor of the menu ΓÇö a generous portion of fresh-caught fish with coleslaw, tartar and your choice of sweet potato or regular fries. The BBQ plates (grilled chicken, ribs, shrimp, or catch of the day) are the other move if you're hungry after a swim. And you don't leave without a Famous Rum Punch ΓÇö three rums, fresh fruit juice, and a splash of Amaretto. One is a vacation; two is a commitment.
Insider Tip
Beach chairs and umbrellas rent for around $10 for a pair, but in high season they're gone by 11am ΓÇö walk down before you order lunch and stake your claim. Also: buy a meal and parking is free (otherwise it's $5), and ask about snorkel gear rental. The reef directly offshore is one of the best on Shoal Bay East for turtles, stingrays and coral, and it's steps from your table.
The Practical Stuff
Location: eastern end of Shoal Bay East, just before the Point, inside Elodia's Beach Resort. Hours: daily, roughly 10amΓÇô5pm (lunch-focused; call ahead late afternoon). Phone: +1 264-584-3363 or +1 264-497-1257. Price: budget-friendly, most plates under $20 USD. Payment: cash preferred, bring USD or EC. No reservations ΓÇö walk-in only. Casual beach dress; you can eat in a swimsuit.
Pair It With
- Shoal Bay East Reef — The reef sits directly offshore ΓÇö rent snorkel gear at Elodia's, spot turtles and stingrays, then walk straight back to the bar for a rum punch and mahi sandwich.
- The Point at Shoal Bay East — A short beach walk east of Elodia's to the rocky headland where Shoal Bay ends ΓÇö great sunset light and a quieter stretch of sand than the western end.
- Zemi Beach House Spa — If you want to trade rustic for polished, Zemi's Thai House Spa is a few minutes down the beach ΓÇö book a treatment after lunch and let the rum punch do half the work.
- Uncle Ernie's Guide — Anguilla's other legendary Shoal Bay beach bar sits at the western end ΓÇö hit both in one day to compare rum punches and pick your favorite side of the bay.