First visit since 2017, with JA newbies.. Suggestions to eat, drink and chill!!

Hello Boardies!!!

We are heading back to Negril in January 2024, first trip since 2017 and we are bringing JA and Negril Newbies.... We are looking to show them a good time, check out some old favorites for drinks, eats, and chilling on the beach and on the cliffs. Going to be staying at Kuyaba on the beach, and Home sweet home on the cliffs. Planning on taking in Lenberts Pub Crawl, is the Seastar still got a live show and buffet on Saturday or Sunday? Likely a couple nice meals at Kuyaba and Ivans (2 of our favorite nice dinners). What else can everyone suggest. We went to Jamaica for many years, then decided we needed a break and wanted to check out some places in Mexico and did so. Both my wife and I have missed Jamaica dearly and are looking to show our friends a great time. Looking for suggestions, we'll be doing a budget friendly trip with a little bit of fancy mixed in. Would love to hear your suggestions.

Thanks, in advance.
W99

As of last season, Seastar didn't have their Saturday show going but I found their band playing at Charela on Saturday nights.

I recommend you add a dinner at Swordfish. It has an ocean view and good food with a lower price point than Ivans. Also in the West End check out Kool Vybz Jerk. It's probably the best restaurant jerk available in Negril. There is also another restaurant I like in the west end called Pablos that isn't too expensive. Ciao has very good pizza in the west end. For a casual inexpensive lunch with local fare on the beach road I'd go with Sweet Spot. Downtown budget spots with local fare that I recommend would be Winners, Corner Bar, and Rocky's.

I would also add Sweet Spice, Chicken Lavish and Canoe Bar to the list of good places to eat!

Three Dives for grilled lobster on the cliffs

Absolutely second Kool Vybz Jerk. Fantastic food and a great overall experience. We go there almost every day for lunch.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ukran1ans

As of last season, Seastar didn't have their Saturday show going but I found their band playing at Charela on Saturday nights.

---

Looks like we'll have to go for the 2 for 1 wings and rum punch then if they are still running that special. Too bad the Seastar doesn't have the buffet and band anymore, we always enjoyed the evening and assortment of Bordies we bumped into when we went.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Corey K

I recommend you add a dinner at Swordfish. It has an ocean view and good food with a lower price point than Ivans. Also in the West End check out Kool Vybz Jerk. It's probably the best restaurant jerk available in Negril. There is also another restaurant I like in the west end called Pablos that isn't too expensive. Ciao has very good pizza in the west end. For a casual inexpensive lunch with local fare on the beach road I'd go with Sweet Spot. Downtown budget spots with local fare that I recommend would be Winners, Corner Bar, and Rocky's.

---

We have only eaten at Swordfish once and enjoyed it. I always seem to forget about going there. I have to agree, have to add that one to the list.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ratty2141

I would also add Sweet Spice, Chicken Lavish and Canoe Bar to the list of good places to eat!

---

I have been to Canoe, totally plan on having Breakfast there for sure, likely a few drinks and maybe a supper as well. I think we have been to sweet spice, but can't be certain and have not been to Chicken Lavish, but will try and hit that place as well... Depends on how bad the Sand Gravity kicks in....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ol'yardie

Three Dives for grilled lobster on the cliffs

---

Oh yeah, FOR SURE!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TuffGong

Absolutely second Kool Vybz Jerk. Fantastic food and a great overall experience. We go there almost every day for lunch.

---

How long has it been Kool Vybes? I have totally been to this place, but I am sure it was named something else. Pretty sure I had a HUGE burger with ham and an Egg and a massive plate of fries at this place for about 8 bucks back in 2012 or 13....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by walleyed99

How long has it been Kool Vybes? I have totally been to this place, but I am sure it was named something else. Pretty sure I had a HUGE burger with ham and an Egg and a massive plate of fries at this place for about 8 bucks back in 2012 or 13....

---

It's been about 7 years I think, before that it was Ahhh Beees.

There is also a new restaurant there, Negril Top Diner, that I have heard good things about on Dumpling Lane. planning to check it out!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob

It's been about 7 years I think, before that it was Ahhh Beees.

---

YES!! That is what it was.. Thank you.. I knew I recognized it

For your beach list I suggest adding Miss Lily’s at Skylark and on the cliffs Murphy’s provided one of our best meals in February (deep westend just before Whoopi’s hammock park). Also on the westend is the Lodge at Tensing Pen, comparable to Ivan’s. Remember half the clothes and twice the money. You may have a little sticker shock when you see how prices have increased since 2017, just as they have everywhere.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rumlover

For your beach list I suggest adding Miss Lily’s at Skylark and on the cliffs Murphy’s provided one of our best meals in February (deep westend just before Whoopi’s hammock park). Also on the westend is the Lodge at Tensing Pen, comparable to Ivan’s. Remember half the clothes and twice the money. You may have a little sticker shock when you see how prices have increased since 2017, just as they have everywhere.

---

Thank you Rumlover!! I suspected that when booking we might have a bit of surprise at how much things have gone up. We will add your suggestions to the list. We have 12 days to wander and show our Jamaican Newbies around, we're looking forward to it. First stop after checking in will be a trip to the Hi low for some Rum, Redstrip and a few other essentials. Then we can go from there :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by walleyed99

First stop after checking in will be a trip to the Hi low for some Rum, Redstrip and a few other essentials. Then we can go from there :)

---

The Hi Lo has moved into a new location at the Boardwalk Shopping Village...almost across the road from Treehouse.

Bnewb: I've located the Boardwalk Shopping village, on Google Maps but don't see a Hi Lo market in it. Can you provide the name of a store that is next to the Hi Lo?

Thanks,
Mike

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mbec22

Bnewb: I've located the Boardwalk Shopping village, on Google Maps but don't see a Hi Lo market in it. Can you provide the name of a store that is next to the Hi Lo?

Thanks,
Mike

---

Hilo is way in the back, behind all the smaller shops. You won't miss it.

Thanks JohnNYC.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by walleyed99

Looks like we'll have to go for the 2 for 1 wings and rum punch then if they are still running that special. Too bad the Seastar doesn't have the buffet and band anymore, we always enjoyed the evening and assortment of Bordies we bumped into when we went.

---

Begona (across from the NoLimit) has a Wednesday Wing Special

Walleyed99,

Welcome back!

Some changes, some things have not changed.

I have travelled the Caribbean for over 40 years, and Jamaica for over 30 Years.
Things change and some remain the same.

The vibe in Negril is still there if you know where to look.

For me, I'm blessed with several Jamaican friends who show me where to go for the experience I seek in Negril.'

I understand this isn't for everyone...

A night at CC's in the Fisherman's Village off of Seastar Lane and One Love Drive (formerly known as the West End Road).
Buying a few rounds and a few q's of rum for the crew, is the absolute best!

Maximum respect to the Old Boardies from the old black and green who showed me the way!

And other comments:

As Bnewb said (1st time I agreed with BNEWB), the NEW Hi Lo is at the back of Boardwalk Villlage across from Tree House.
Very Very Nice store for shopping. NCB ATM/Bank is out front for convenient $$$.
As JohnNYC said, Hi Lo is in the back of the property, but is "NO PROBLEM" to walk back there for groceries.

Respect,

VVHT aka Happy

I never knew it was called Fisherman's Village but have hung out there several times. Can get a little dicey at night. The path from Sea Star Inn over to it is interesting especially after dark.

Agreed on the at night walk from Seastar. Last time we asked for a ride and they gave us one to Catcha.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TuffGong

Agreed on the at night walk from Seastar. Last time we asked for a ride and they gave us one to Catcha.

---

I hear ya, we've walked it many times. Only once did we have what could have become a bad experience... We had a couple younger guys join us on the walk and the younger one kept trying to get behind us while the other tried to keep our attention. Didn't t feel right at the time, or now thinking back. They got chased away and we hustled the rest of the way to Seastar.

For a much better local experience, be sure to stop at Red Dragon in Red Ground. Coldest beer, best conversation and as local as it gets!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob

For a much better local experience, be sure to stop at Red Dragon in Red Ground. Coldest beer, best conversation and as local as it gets!

---

And the best jerk pork on the island, but it goes quick!
It's a 2 minute walk off the traffic circle.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob

For a much better local experience, be sure to stop at Red Dragon in Red Ground. Coldest beer, best conversation and as local as it gets!

---

Rob, it is definitely on the List for a few visits!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TuffGong

Agreed on the at night walk from Seastar. Last time we asked for a ride and they gave us one to Catcha.

---

I meant the little path into Fisherman's Village that brings you in by a fence. It's a side entrance into it that is accessible by foot only. A lady I knew that does extended stays down there was doing a long term rental there and would often hangout at Sea Star drinking wine until late so I walked her back to her place a few times.

Agreed, “The Gauntlet” into Fisherman’s Village can be dicey under the best of circumstances!
Going back to Seastar after a few can be a real challenge!!

If you are not a Negril "veteran", I would STRONGLY suggest that you do not take that walk. There is so much more to see in Negril, that is not really a "bucket list" kind of adventure....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob

If you are not a Negril "veteran", I would STRONGLY suggest that you do not take that walk. There is so much more to see in Negril, that is not really a "bucket list" kind of adventure....

---

I concur with Rob.

For some nice places to eat…
BEACH
Miss Lily’s @ Skylark
Negril Treehouse
Country Country
CocoLaPalm
Idle Awhile
Charela Inn
Blue Skies
Alfred’s
CLIFFS
Quality’s across from Canoe
Canoe Bar and Grill
The Lodge @ Tensing Pen
LTU cliff
Ivan’s
Just Natural
Kool Vibes
Connie’s Backyard experience
Sharks.

coconut custard pie at Kuyaba for dessert on the beach. It's just like what the pie man used to sell on the beach in the old days.

Thanks Lorax!! Appreciate the list. We'll definitely be hitting most of those :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lorax2

For some nice places to eat…
BEACH
Miss Lily’s @ Skylark
Negril Treehouse
Country Country
CocoLaPalm
Idle Awhile
Charela Inn
Blue Skies
Alfred’s
CLIFFS
Quality’s across from Canoe
Canoe Bar and Grill
The Lodge @ Tensing Pen
LTU cliff
Ivan’s
Just Natural
Kool Vibes
Connie’s Backyard experience
Sharks.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lorax2

For some nice places to eat…
BEACH
Miss Lily’s @ Skylark
Negril Treehouse
Country Country
CocoLaPalm
Idle Awhile
Charela Inn
Blue Skies
Alfred’s
CLIFFS
Quality’s across from Canoe
Canoe Bar and Grill
The Lodge @ Tensing Pen
LTU cliff
Ivan’s
Just Natural
Kool Vibes
Connie’s Backyard experience
Sharks.

---

Great list ! I would add

Flag City for very beach chill ~ go when it isn’t busy ;-)

Sips & Bites if your down that way…

We're down to 20 days!! Not quite the single digit fidgit, but getting close..

I found this thread, which answers my questions from another one. Thanks everyone for the great ideas! My husband and I will be there next week!! :)

Does anyone know if Marcia at the Yellow Bird still sells desserts? She had really good key lime pie.