The Ultimate Caribbean Beach Bar, and Birthplace of the Famous Painkiller
If you happen to be cruising around the British Virgin Islands, whether in a dingy or a mega yacht, stopping at the Soggy Dollar Bar is a must for any BarWarrior. This fine Caribbean establishment is nestled in White Bay on the island of Jost Van Dyke in the B.V.I. This quintessential Caribbean beach bar, with its surf-shack vibes and white sandy beaches, is the birthplace of the famous Painkiller and worth the effort it takes to visit.
Origin and Naming
The Soggy Dollar Bar was established in the 1970s by George and Marie Myrick. It was initially a modest beach bar set in a picturesque location nestled in White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. The bar got its name from the way customers would arrive. With no dock in the bay, patrons often had to swim to the shore from their anchored boats, resulting in their money getting wet – hence the name “Soggy Dollar.”
Note: If you’re planning to anchor at Soggy, the shore is protected by a reef and the bay will inevitably be crowded with sailboats. Maneuverability is limited. To make your life easy, it’s probably best to back your boat in—keep it between the buoys!—then set anchor. That way you can cruise straight out when it’s time to leave.
The Painkiller Cocktail
The bar is renowned for the creation of the Painkiller cocktail, a creamy and tropical rum drink. Daphne Henderson, who ran the Soggy Dollar Bar at the time, is credited with inventing this iconic cocktail. The Painkiller would eventually gain widespread popularity, becoming a signature drink of the Caribbean and a favorite among sailors and tourists alike. Its popularity also sparked a legal battle with Pusser’s rum in the 1980s. Here’s a little background on the legal skirmish.
The Bar’s Evolution
The Soggy Dollar Bar has grown from a small, somewhat hidden gem to a must-visit destination for sailors and tourists. While the vibe is more surf-shack than Ritz, it’s not uncommon for a large cruise ship to anchor offshore. While it’s a popular tourist attraction with a global appeal, it still attracts a lot of the local pirate clientele with its picturesque location, the allure of its signature cocktails, and its reputation as a quintessential Caribbean beach bar.
Cultural Impact
The Soggy Dollar Bar is a Caribbean staple and has become synonymous with Caribbean beach culture, known for its beautiful setting, relaxed atmosphere, and, of course, the Painkiller cocktail. Despite changes and developments over the years (and surviving a bad run-in with Hurricane Irma), the Soggy Dollar Bar has retained its essential character and iconic status. It has influenced tropical and tiki cocktail trends, showcasing the appeal of Caribbean flavors and rum-based drinks, and inspired numerous beach bars and establishments around the world, emphasizing simplicity and natural beauty. From its humble beginnings, the Soggy Dollar Bar evolved into a globally recognized symbol of Caribbean leisure and the art of cocktail making. It remains a testament to the timeless appeal of a good drink at a beautiful location and continues to be a bucket-list destination for those seeking a taste of island life, paired with a glass of the legendary Painkiller.
Pro tips
- Timing is key. Ask a local when’s the best time to arrive to avoid the cruise ships and long line of sailboats fighting for a parking space.
- When you’re there, crush some painkillers during the day, munch on some conch fritters and mahi wraps, then head on over to Ivan’s Stress Free Bar for an amazing BBQ dinner on Wednesday night.
- Backing your boat into the bay will make your life easier when it’s time to leave.
