Big Bastard's Beach Bar + Patio
Full-service beach day on the Boardwalk — chairs, cocktails, and free inflatables for kids.
Why Go
The Philipsburg Boardwalk has no shortage of beach bars, but Big Bastard's has figured out what cruise visitors actually want: not just drinks and food, but a complete beach day in a box. Chair and umbrella rentals, Caribbean-flavored food delivered to your spot on the sand, frozen cocktails that arrive cold and stay cold, and free inflatables for kids that turn a beach afternoon into a family event. The name is cheeky, the service is genuine, and the setup eliminates every logistical friction of a Boardwalk beach day.
The Experience
Front Street at number 49 puts Big Bastard's on the Boardwalk where Great Bay Beach meets Philipsburg's shopping corridor. The operation is designed for cruise visitors who have limited time on the island: arrive, rent a chair and umbrella, order food and drinks from your spot, and let the staff take care of everything while you focus on the beach. The Caribbean-flavored menu covers lunch standards — think island-seasoned dishes and refreshing drinks built for hot weather. The free inflatables for kids add a family-friendly dimension that most Boardwalk bars lack, turning Big Bastard's into one of the few beach bars where parents can relax while children are genuinely entertained. Daytime-only hours (9 AM – 5 PM) keep the focus on the beach experience rather than the nightlife transition. The location near Front Street's duty-free shopping means you can combine a beach morning with an afternoon of retail therapy — or vice versa.
What to Try
Frozen cocktails delivered to your beach chair are the signature experience. The Caribbean-flavored lunch menu works best as a casual midday refuel. For families, claim chairs near the inflatable zone so kids can play while parents eat and drink.
Insider Tip
Cruise ship days (check the schedule) bring the biggest Boardwalk crowds. For a calmer beach day, visit on a non-ship day or arrive before 10 AM to secure prime chair placement. The Boardwalk extends well beyond Big Bastard's, so you can explore other bars and return throughout the day. Great Bay water is generally calm, making it ideal for families with young swimmers.
The Practical Stuff
Location: 49 Front Street, Boardwalk, Philipsburg, Dutch side. Price range: $$. Hours: daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Payment: US dollars, major cards accepted. Chair and umbrella rentals available. Kid-friendly.
Pair It With
- Grand Jewelers — Duty-free jewelry shopping steps from the beach bar
- Horizon View Beach Front Hotel Guide — Stay on the Boardwalk and walk to Big Bastard's for your daily beach spot