Bahamian bests: An insider’s guide to Nassau’s most secret spots

With crystalline water, endless beaches and a port that attracts cruise ships from all over the world, Nassau tops the list of popular Caribbean getaways. Positioned just 50 miles off the Florida coast, the Bahamian capital is easily accessible and filled with easygoing vacation options, including snorkeling, historic site tours and duty-free shopping. But if your interests lean more toward the authentic, consider visiting these local faves:

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Boiled fish at Nassau Stadium | Photo by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Best Boiled Fish: Nassau Stadium (Charlie’s Place)
You haven’t truly experienced the Bahamas until you’ve slurped a bowl of flavorful grouper in broth, spices and lime. Don’t let the name fool you, the fish is actually simmered into a hearty dish that’s popular for breakfast or as a hangover remedy.  Bahamians flock to Nassau Stadium  to enjoy the best boiled fish in Nassau. Located in an unassuming residential area, the restaurant used to be a boxing stadium that once hosted Muhammed Ali and owner Charlie catches his fish around 4AM and is selling it by 6AM.  Served with a side of grits or fluffy johnny cakes, the dish sells out quickly so arrive early.

Twin Brothers | Photo by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Best Conch Salad: Dino’s Gourmet Conch Salad
A stop by Arawak Cay, also known as the Fish Fry, is another Nassau must. This cluster of shacks serves up  enough fried fish, chicken and conch fritters to satisfy locals and tourists alike. And while  Twin Brothers offers the best conch fritters, for the essential Bahamian treat of conch salad, you’ll have to head away from the tourist hub to West Bay Street and Dino’s Gourmet Conch Salad. The vivid pink shack prepares a special take on traditional conch salad—essentially a ceviche of conch, peppers and onions, by adding mangoes and pineapples to the mix for a fresh, zesty flavor you won’t find anywhere else. This off the beaten path gem is always packed so pay inside and take a seat on an outside bench for the long wait.

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Jaws Beach | Photo courtesy of Bahamas Tourism

Best Beach: Jaws Beach
Sure, Cable Beach is a gorgeous stretch of white sand and turquoise waters, but it’s also lined with resorts and throngs of tourists. For a more remote but no less spectacular beach experience, travel to the extreme west end of the island to Jaws Beach.  Don’t worry, the name comes from the fact that the beach was the location for the filming of the “Jaws 4” movie; there are no actual sharks around and barely any people. Locals love it for the uncrowded beauty, shallow water and towering Sea Grape trees for shade.

Best Nightclub: Bambu
There are lots of local pubs and taverns dotting Nassau’s residential neighborhoods but for pure, high energy nightlife, locals hang out at Bambu, an open air club in the heart of downtown Nassau. Overlooking the harbor and showcasing a steady range of house, R&B and dancehall, the party starts late here so arrive after midnight.

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Tagged: Bahamas, Caribbean