Several Famous Bars & Restaurants Completely Destroyed; Owners Vow To Rebuild
Immortalized in songs, featured on travel TV shows such as E! Online’s “Wild On” and known throughout the Caribbean for its potent “Mushroom Tea” drink, Bomba’s Surfside Shack was an institution in the British Virgin Islands.
Now, after Hurricane Irma ripped through the BVIs leaving unprecedented destruction, there’s nothing left of Bomba’s Shack. Not even a shack.
Bomba’s is just one of many famous and legendary bars and businesses in the BVIs that were wiped out by Irma. Even if pieces of a place do exist, they just a tin roof, perhaps a wall if the place was lucky. Mostly, it’s just piles of wood where it once stood serving drinks like the Bushwacker and Pain Killer.
Here’s a rundown of the top bars and their current condition. PubClub will constantly be updating this article with updates and we welcome you to post your comments, thoughts and and updates in the comments section.
PubClub.com is also looking ahead to the future and are working on new posts about the recovery and the charter boat fleets. We’re also keeping an eye on Hurricane Marina.
• Bitter End Yacht Club. Completely destroyed.
• Barefoot Cowboy (St. John, USVI). Half the building is torn off, tho it’s still standing.
• Bomba’s Surf Shack. Gone. In fact the road in front of Bomba’s Shack is completely gone, too. A PubClub.com connection talked with Bomba two days after the hurricane and he – like all others – vows to rebuild and reopen as soon as possible.
• Corsairs Beach Bar & Restaurant, Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke. Building standing but it’s just a shell now. Click here to read a Q&A with Corsairs owner Vinny.
• Foxy’s. Heavily damaged but part of it remans intact. “We are officially letting you all know that as we are ready to receive visitors, we’d like to proudly announce that we will be open for business,” Foxy’s posted on its Facebook page three days after Irma hit the islands.
• Gertrude’s. Gone. Gertrude – who made the best Bushwackers in the BVIs – was injured in the storm. She was helicoptered off the islands and is reportedly okay. UPDATE: Gertrude had surgery to get screws put in her leg. A PubClub.com friend talked to her on Friday the week after the hurricane and reports she is “doing good.”
• Ivan’s Stress Free Bar & Camp Ground. Located next to Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay, has two standing buildings but toppled palm trees and several collapsed buildings.
• Myett’s, Cane Garden Bay. Flattened. It’s a pile of wood. This bar was made famous by the Jimmy Buffett song “Manana” when he sang about seeing “the lights of St. Thomas.” Click here to read a Q&A with Myett’s owner Val.
• Paradise Lounge, Cane Garden Bay. A pile of wood. In the photo, see Quitos in the background.
• Rhymers Beach Bar, Cane Garden Bay. The photo tells the story.
• Soggy Dollar Bar. Some good news here (relatively speaking). While mostly destroyed, a couple of walls are standing and there’s a roof. The rest of it is a pile of wood. Three weeks after the hurricane, the owners of the Soggy Dollar issued a statement; here it is in is entirety.
• One Love. Next to Gertrude’s and just down from Soggy Dollar, where One Love once stood there is now only sand.
• Willie T’s. Thanks to Randeen for providing this information: It’s beached, stripped of the top floor and everything on the main deck is gone.
All photos unless otherwise noted courtesy of Eric Stone, a singer-songwriter who has performed at all these places in the BVIs.
RELATED POSTS:
• A List Of Legitimate BVIs Relief Funds
• Hurricane Irma Hits Virgin Islands Hard (Lot Of Comments)
I was in Tortola last December on a cruise from the UK (Southampton) i have seen the island start to develop over the years and start to become a lovely tourist destination. It has all been destroyed To see the devastation is heart breaking. The British government must help the islander’s with urgent aid,, ie portable fabricated homes, for temporary accommodation, and help get the infrastructure back as soon as possible. Any aid given must be assured that it goes to the right people and projects and money is not waised
This is a British island lets help our own people
We were due to visit the island again this December, on a cruise this will not now happen.
Our thoughts are with you all at this terrible time. ,
Buffett’s Manana was written and sung long before Myett’s was even a thought. The real truth is…..Buffett wrote that song while in Stanley’s Beach Bar on CGB. Some even think Cheeseburger In Paradise was written there but I do not think so. Myetts was constructed in late 1980’s.
Thanks for the Buffett history lesson. Always good to know the stories behind his songs. Fins Up!
Jimmy Buffet’s Cheeseburger in Paradise is about Le Select in Gustavia on St. Barts.
Good to know; thanks!
I wonder if Le Select is still there
He has a home there> Wonder how it is. I know him from here on Nantucket and Anegada, BVI.
Not true… Cheeseburger in Paradise was in Tortola… Check Buffet’s web site
Exactly right. I had heard ( incorrectly) that it was about Stanley,s. the song predates Myett’s by a decade or more
Message to bomba I am so glad your safe and the bomba shack is one of my fondest memories I actually planned a cruise to Tortola just so I could go to the bomba shack we spent the day with bomba had many laughs and I will forever cherish my day there I hope the bomba shack is rebuilt so I can come back and leave another pair of undies behind love you bomba thanks for the wonderful memories gijanemarine
My husband and I were planning our first trip to Tortola next June. My heart goes out to all of the people and pets that have been and will be affected by hurricanes. You feel hopeless. GOD bless.
Please stick with your plans! Working on a story about the charter boats getting back in business and the bars in this article will all welcome you with open arms. Holding rum drinks out for you!
Hi Kevin, thank you for this report. We were scheduled to come and charter a boat in December but thankfully the charter company has been able to move it to July. I hope that things will be OK by then. It is painful to see all of these reports and pictures. I am just happy that most people are safe. Can’t wait to be back in the beautiful BVI’s!
You are very welcome Heather. I would like to get in touch with your charter company as I want to do a post about when they will be charting boats (Moorings tells me Nov. 1). It would be great to get visitors back there as soon as possible. When I first posted this story, I did it so people could see what’s up with these legendary places (and people) and am overwhelmed at the number of comments and the passion of people. I’m so glad PubClub.com could provide this link to the BVIs.
Hugh Jost fans. Have stayed in the ocean front cottages many times. The last time was June 2017 with my granddaughter. She has spent most of the last week crying. I hope everyone is safe. The few photos we have seen are heart breaking. Our next trip was to be this November. Our love to all.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, it’s heartbreaking. Be sure and see our other posts; we’re getting in touch with some of the bar owners and doing Q&As. Here’s a couple of links.
https://www.pubclub.com/destinations/caribbean/bvis-bar-owner-says-british-virgin-islands-never-eperienced-storm-this-bad/
https://www.pubclub.com/destinations/caribbean/myetts-owner-says-british-virgin-islands-may-never-be-back-to-normal/
How about Marina Csy and the Willie T. Does anyone know if bob carson and family are ok?
Lived in the usvi for many years. We took the kids on a cruise this past Christmas to our beloved islands. Breaks my heart. Not so much the buildings being gone but my Virgin Islanders in such strife. One love brothers and sisters. 💪🏼🌺💔
This is all so heartbreaking. I love JVD and have made great friends there. In the big picture it’s a small thing, but could you please make the correction, One Love is Seddys bar. Sydneys Peace and Love is another. It may seem trivial but it matters, thank you
How about abe’s lobster in Jost. We always had a great time there. My 15 year old granddaughter thought it was great she could bartend there.
Seddy’s One Love, not Sydney’s. He’s a son of Foxy. And a friend. Devastated…
Do you have any news regarding Marina Cay, Cooper Isalnd Beach Club?
No we don’t, not at this time.
From Cooper Island Facebook page: A really brief update just in – Cooper staff on island are all safe, quite a lot of damage but buildings still standing. Still no regular communication but a huge sigh of relief. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and will let you know more when we can #thankful #cooperfamily #cooperbvi #hurricaneirma
Thanks; glad everyone is safe! Best to all in the BVIs and throughout the Caribbean.
So glad you are still standing! While working on charter yachts always a favorite place to snorkel and eat! God bless you.
From Cooper Island Facebook page: A really brief update just in – Cooper staff on island are all safe, quite a lot of damage but buildings still standing. Still no regular communication but a huge sigh of relief. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and will let you know more when we can #thankful #cooperfamily #cooperbvi #hurricaneirma
News about Willy T’s? Is it gone?
Have an unconfirmed report it got beached. Can see that happening.
It’s beached and the upper deck/floor was completely ripped off…:(
Thanks. Best to everyone again with Maria!
Glad to know you every one is ok in the bvi What about Cocoloc beach bar an restaurant on jvd white bay ?? Glad to know Gertrude is ok how about Olga an the Callwood family???
Olga is fine. I took them both to the hospital.
On good; thank you!
I always stay in Cane Garden Bay and visit JVD. It’s heartbreaking to see the damage. You all are in my heart. I will be back🏝🏝
Any news on the Pussers bars? Good to hear Bomba will rebuild…
Pusser’s in Tortola was badly damaged, if not entirely destroyed, unfortunately.
This is so sad. I’ve started almost every charter I’ve ever done at the Willie T and ended many of them there as well. I’ve visited every single bar that you’ve mentioned, most more than once. After the last charter we spent a night ashore at Myett’s,. I’ve sailed these beautiful islands so many times that I’ve lost count and feel like I know them like the back of my hand. The people throughout the islands are incredibly friendly and welcoming, I’ve never had a bad experience anywhere.or with anyone, so this is heartbreaking.
How about Harris’ in Cane Garden Bay? And even though not a bar what about the rum company at Cane Garden? Status of Soper’s Hole and Marina Cay? The list just goes on. Thanks for these postings!
Any news of Sebastian’s on the Beach? It’s just down the road from the Bomba Shack.
Totally heartbreaking but I love the resolve.If you rebuild,,, we will come and even if you don’t ,,I will be back with my wife..If the sand on white bay is still the softest I ever felt…If the beaches on Anegada are still the most isolated wonder of my world, if the families that are the mainstay of these islands believe in themselves.then yes .all of us will come back ,I wish I could be there to lend a hand. My hearts out to Vinnie,Foxy,Gertrude,Ivans family,to Alex and all the people on Anegada..To Sky and all the wonderful people in Cane Garden bay.Know that you do have a lot of friends.You all made so many great memories for all of us that were fortunate enough to be able to say that you welcomed us onto your islands.thank you and persevere!
This is beautiful. Thank you so much for your thoughts!
Any news of Anegada & Cow Wreck Beach
We are the owners of Barefoot Cowboy on St John. Irma did a number on us for sure. We are waiting for feedback from our Landlord, if possible we will rebuild.
Good to hear from you; thank you for the comment. Good luck and hopefully you will rebuild and be bigger and stronger than ever!
What about Sidney’s Peace and Love?
when you don’t build to code and been avoiding hurricains for the last 20 years, the fault lies with incompetent inspectors taking bribes and the owner. if any injuries, hopefully criminal charges are laid and those people do heavy jail time . This is not a UK Government issue since most people are extremely well off hiding their uk Million $$$
tax dollars.
Anyone know how Scrub Island faired? Also, Nanny Cay Marina, BVI Yacht Sales, Horizon Charter’s.. Peg Leg Restaurant? We bought our boat there in Tortola and sailed her back to NC. Lot’s of fond memories!
PubClub.com will try and find out what the situation is with the charter sales companies, the condition of the boats, the employees and when the charters will again be sailing. Any information we find you will be in a separate article. We do know that some boats are being patched together to sail to Ft. Lauderdale for full repairs.
Not the time.
LOVE LOVE LOVE SOGGY DOLLAR!!!! So sad it is damaged but I hope they rebuild soon! I cannot wait to go back ASAP and buy the bartenders a round on me!!! That is a promise! -Jillian (Visited with the Windstar Cruises last Jan!) Please send updates! Irma came through to Naples where I live grrrrr. Sending love and prayers to you all now and through rest of hurricane season! xoxo
PubClub.com will continue to provide updates so keep coming back to this page (and others on the site as we’re doing several article; go under Destinations and Caribbean to find them). Yes, Soggy Dollar is great!
After losing my 22 year old son in a tragic accident in 2013, my husband and I spent an idyllic and very spiritually healing 10 days in the BVIs. I will never forget the beauty of the islands, the friendliness of the people we met and the simple joy of time spent in such a beautiful place. I am heartbroken over the loss of some of the iconic places, and for the suffering of the people who live and work there, but it is these people who will rise up and rebuild, and it is those of us who love this place that will do all we can to help, and who will count the days until we can return and revel in the beauty that is the BVIs once again.
My heart aches for the B V Islanders! They are the people with big hearts and big smiles!
I have been visiting the islands since 1984, sailing or visiting with family, or on “girls’ trips, sometimes visiting twice or three times per season! It’s ironic that the draw to the BVI’s is the natural beauty and now Mother Nature has shown her wrath! Many bars have been accounted for, but I am wondering about Mad Dog on Virgin Gorda….and Edith….is she OK? And Top of The Baths….it’s a vulnerable spot! And Jinx at Mineshaft! And Morris Mark! Is he OK? How is Tina and family and staff at Guavaberry Spring Bay?
Is Mother Nature providing obstacles in the Path of “Progress?” I have been concerned that the laid back “simple life” of the BVI’s was being replaced with accommodations for the mega-yacht clientele.
We “common folk” have been losing our “value” to the powers that be.
Best wishes for strength and faith to all B V Islanders!
Any update on the staff at Oil Nut Bay and condition of the resort. Sending our thoughts and prayers.
We are so heartbroken to hear and see all the devastation! We have chartered many times there and have been to all the islands. We pray for all to be able to rebuild their homes and then rebuild their lives, we were to come back in March but thinking we may wait until next March.. will keep watching for updates.
Tamarind Club near Josiah’s Bay on Tortola badly damaged, but they are cleaning up and rebuilding. See their Facebook page or this link to donate:
https://www.youcaring.com/cindyclaytonclintmcphersoncatclaytonericclayton-946899
How is Granny that had the place right below Tamarind on the beach..her home cooking.
My heart ❤️ aches for the Island and its beautiful people. Is heart wrenching to see these pictures of this wonderful paradise. Stay strong Tortola you will rebuilt and we will continue to enjoy this beautiful place
Any news of Foxy’s Taboo??? All of this is so devastating. I just hope the BVI can rebuild and the tourism industry is not affected beyond repair.
PubClub.com will be doing a separate story and update specifically Foxy’s, but our contact to make it happen is now in Puerto Rico. Wishing everyone the best!
ALL these pictures and stories of all of the truly great clubs marinas etc brings me to tears again DONT know if you were living there back in the 80s but I sailed to every one of these bars and islands aboard the old tall ship named the SIR FRANCES DRAKE I BECAME CLOSE FRIENDS with many many licals from the entire USVI BVI ST BARTA SR MAARTEEN ALL THE WAY TO THE GRENADINES
Actually rode our hurricane DEAN at the bitter end few weeks ‘later HUGO SCARED LIFE OUT OF ME
SO SAD THE DRAKE WAS LOST TO HURRUCANE LENNY A FREAK STORM FOEMED LATW NOVEMBER IN GULF OF MEXICO AN EASTWARD TO ST MARTEEN WHERE THE SHIP WAS MOORED OFFSHORE BOTH ENGINES HAD BEEN PULLED TO REBUILD THE CAPTAIN WAS STUCK NO POWER TO RUN HER INTO THE WIND IT BROKE FREE FROM THE MOORING AND SANK SOUTH OF THE ISLAND UN 1200 FT OF WATER
“IVe been baCK TO THE ISLANDS` MANY MANY TIMES SINCE BUT NEVER CAN FIND A BETTER WAY TO VISIT ALL THE GREAT BARS AND PEOPLE MY FAV TOSS UP BETWEEN FOXYS OR SOGGY DOLLAR
TRULYNMY HEART GOES OUT TO EVERYONE WHO LOVE THERE VISIT THERE ETC ILL BE BACK COME SPRUNG 2018
BLESS YALL MATES
What is the status of Sebastian’s on Tortola, down the road from Bombas?
Any information on the Island Beachcomber Bar on Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas and he Beachcomber Resort?
So sad about Willie T’s. Definitely my favorite spot in BVI.
Was thinking about this, and decided that Willie T’s should become a shipwreck bar.
It kind of was anyway but now that it’s on land, not a bad idea!
we have been taking our twin girls to the islands since they were 3 months old.. we are devastated and heart broken; our thoughts and prayers to the people of Tortola and especially Sebastians who have known our children for years.. we will return!!
Reading all the comments and fond memories here reinforces just how important it is for all of us to help the BVI to rebuild. There’s no better way than to book a trip. Since there’s no place better to usher in the New Year long before the hurricane I chartered a boat begining December 31. As soon as The Moorings was able to confirm that they would have a boat for us I confirmed and then paid them in full. We are in! Keeping visitors coming is the very least we can do for the hardworking families of the BVI who have so graciously welcomed us to their islands and this first season will be make or break for many of them. The last update I received from The Moorings was that virtually all our favorite spots will be reopen by December. They may not look quite the same or be in perfect condition but they will be open to welcome us. I challenge each of you to join my family and kick-start the New Year in the BVI. Don’t postpone! December in the BVI is a geat time to go. These folks need us now! The charter outfits that have boats will give you a great deal and everyone you meet will know that you personally made an extra effort to help them through a tough time. If that doesn’t help you make new friends nothing will. If that’s not enough, run into me and I promise to buy you buy you a round of drinks or more to celebrate the new and improved BVI.
That’s awesome. Great on our part in helping rebuild by being there and thanks for sharing! – PubClub.com
Did Sebastians survive at all? Does anyone have photos of its condition?
How are the people of Sebastians? I have the fondest memories of my time there and the kind people of the island.
You have brought up a very excellent details, thanks for the post.
Fantastic beat ! How ϲan i subscribe foｒ a
blog site?
You can subscribe to the website by sending an e-mail to: [email protected] Put Subscribe To PubClub in the subject line.
Thanks!