After returning from Exuma, I wanted to write a special post on the review for Chat N Chill Bar & Grill. It is a wonderful place to visit when you’re in the George Town area. Chat N Chill was established in 1998 as a day camp for people who lived on their boats in Elizabeth Harbour. Somewhere they could go for great food, volleyball, a chilled-out atmosphere and even Sunday church without needing a car or a taxi.
A lot has changed since then. As Instagrammers and tourists alike started flocking to the famous Exuma Bahamas to swim with pigs, this location’s popularity skyrocketed. Visitors have helped catapult them to ‘world famous’ status! Salt-encrusted travelers from all over the world chill with the locals here over beers and conch salad. You can shop for gifts at their Chat N Chill Beach Boutique. Couples from all over the world fall in love all over again renewing their vows.
Chat N Chill was – and still is – the quintessential laid-back, bare-feet beach bar for real beach bums. Let’s discuss the key components when visiting Chat N Chill in Exuma. We’ll start with transportation to the private island.
Transportation
In order to make it to the island, you have to catch a round-trip ferry for $15 per person. You pay for the return ferry in advance and it’s sort of based on the honor system that they will come pick you up by 7:00p that day. You can just arrange a time you’d like to come back. It is very laid back here. I’ve provided a pic of the ferry below. The waters to get to the island are beyond beautiful and my camera did not do it justice. Guests to the mini private island are welcomed with a sign that reads “The Chat is FREE, Pay for the CHILL.”
Food
If you want to be spontaneous, try the fresh conch salad made right on site at Chat N Chill. The nice locals may even let you make the conch salad yourself! Maybe you are feeling a little less adventurous? Check out the other traditional foods made fresh daily from the grill – Burgers, Island grilled fish, ribs, pig roast, rotisserie chicken, KB’s Garlic ‘Cabbage’ Slaw, native peas ‘n’ rice, and Bahamian style macaroni and cheese. It’s all very delicious. Wash it all down with Kalik (Bahamian brewed beer).
You can take a look at their full menu here. You’ll see island delights like Island Grilled Fish, BBQ ribs, and stocking island salad. For picky eaters, you’ll also find hot dog, burgers, sandwiches, and fries. Recipe for conch salad can be found here.
Every Sunday, you’ll have the option to enjoy their famous pig roast. While you can’t swim with the pigs at Chat ‘N’ Chill, but you can eat them! Come enjoy music, island drinks and the BEST roast pork you’ve probably tasted in your whole life every Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
Things to Do
R&R
There’s so much more to do than eat and hang out at Chat N Chill! They’ve got something fun going on if relaxing and watching the waves is a little too laid back for you. If relaxing is your cup of tea, feel free to use their hammocks or just lounge right on the beach. I know the combination of a full belly and plenty of sunlight made for a restful day. There are peaceful little kitties here that you can hang with as well. So definitely feel free to relax here and take advantage of the ‘Chill‘ in Chat N Chill.
As featured in the Washington Times many years ago, “Sundays, boaters and tourists alike line up for the pig roast at Stocking Island’s Chat N Chill just across from Exuma’s main harbor. With its open-air bar, outdoor grill, volleyball beach and waterside conch-salad shack, the place feels destined to become a Jimmy Buffett song.”
Come connect with stingrays, such lovable sea creatures! You can swim with them, feed them (conch scraps and when they run out, food is available for purchase), pet them, take pictures with them and more. The stingrays are in the wild and not held captive. They just stick around because they know they are guaranteed some free bites of conch. Check out their Instagram and YouTube channels for videos of the stingrays playing with their guests. And post your photos with #chatnchill and you could be featured on their Gram.
Activities
There are swings you can use as well as feed stingrays fresh conch. There is also hanging rope to swing on, tons of picnic tables to eat off of and ‘Chat’, not to mention a beautiful beach with warm waters to swim in. With the smell of great Caribbean food, beautiful weather, warm hospitality of the Bahamian locals, it’s a nice play to spend an afternoon for a minimal cost.
For those looking for a more active experience, enjoy the volleyball court and cornhole. They have cornhole sets for rent at the gift shop. Everyone’s favorite backyard game just got an upgrade to the beach!
Events
Chat N Chill is a part of various local events. From late December to April, join them every Wednesday night for Rotisserie, Ribs, Rum and Rock & Roll Parties! Fill your belly with great food and your spirit with great vibes as you get your groove on with DJ Code Red and dance the night away. To find out when the next party is, visit their Facebook page for details.
Keep an eye out for specific events in the George Town area. For example, the multi-day event called the George Town Cruising Regatta taking place every year in late February/early March. Initially beginning as a sequence of boat races, the event has evolved to a succession of fun parties, games, contests and boat races.
Shopping
Take home a piece of Chillatude® – the attitude of a tropical latitude – with island wares from the Chat N Chill shop. Their little boutique offers something for every taste, age, and style. Get some “chill” on your body (with our clothing line), in your home (décor and housewares), in your belly (with local foodstuffs), and in your life (with adventure gear)!
Whether you’re into surfing, diving, kayaking, or chillaxing on the beach (or your own back porch at home), our Chat N Chill gear is built for an adventurous lifestyle with the essential elements of “chill” factored in.
Thinking of spending the day at Chat N Chill? Shoot me an email with any questions you may have or if you’d like my help planning your whole vacation package to the Bahamas: cassandra@accent-on-travel.net.
Planning your trip to Exuma?
