Huppel The Pub
Simpson Bay's go-to pub for live music, cold pints, and game-day energy.
Why Go
Every beach town needs a proper pub — somewhere the TVs show the match, the draft beer flows cold, and the music gets louder as the night goes on. Huppel The Pub fills that role in Simpson Bay with an easy confidence that comes from years of being the spot where locals, expats, and visitors converge when they want a no-fuss good time. Plaza Del Largo on Welfare Road might not be the island's flashiest address, but the energy inside Huppel makes the location irrelevant.
The Experience
Walk in any evening and the formula is clear: screens showing international sports, a bar stocked with pub essentials, and a crowd that mixes Dutch expats, American tourists, and island regulars in roughly equal measure. The pub-style food covers the basics — the kind of menu designed to keep you at the bar rather than send you somewhere else for dinner. But where Huppel really earns its reputation is the live music program. Jam sessions and live performances on select nights transform the space from a sports bar into a genuine music venue, drawing local musicians and visiting talent who appreciate a crowd that actually listens. Opening at 3 PM daily means you can start with afternoon pints and stay through the evening without ever needing to relocate. The Simpson Bay location puts you close to the lagoon-side restaurants and the main strip without being in the thick of the Maho madness.
What to Try
Check their social media or ask staff about the live music schedule — the jam sessions are the highlight and worth planning around. On game days, arrive early to claim a seat with a good screen angle. The pub grub pairs perfectly with their beer selection.
Insider Tip
Plaza Del Largo is set back from the main Simpson Bay road, so first-time visitors sometimes drive past it. Look for the plaza entrance on Welfare Road. Thursday and weekend nights tend to have the best live music lineups — call ahead or check their Facebook page for the schedule.
The Practical Stuff
Location: Unit A24, Plaza Del Largo, 68 Welfare Road, Simpson Bay, Dutch side. Price range: $$. Hours: daily 3:00 PM – midnight. Payment: US dollars, cards accepted.
Pair It With
- Simpson Bay Pharmacy — Nearby essential stop in the same Simpson Bay corridor
- Pelican Bistro Guide — Start with bistro dinner on Billy Folly, then drinks at Huppel