Off the Beaten Path - Bob’s Bar and Eats

Bob’s Bar And Eats Original Bar Area Bob’s Bar And Eats Interior Bar Area Filo Wrapped Brie and Arugula Salad

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

‘BOB’S BAR AND EATS’ OF TURKS AND CAICOS

By David Newlands Photographs Courtesy Of David Newlands

Boasting the stunning scenery of Cooperjack Bay, with an excellent view of the setting sun, Bob’s Bar and Eats is often called the best kept secret in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. The restaurant is located at the tail end of Venetian Road, at the South Side Marina, miles away from Gracebay. This now-iconic destination comes from humble roots as it started as a friendly gathering place for local legend Bob Pratt’s Pot Lucks. Over time, the potluck and barbecue grew in popularity, which eventually inspired Bob to turn it into a permanent establishment.

Bob, who originally came to Providenciales to manage Third Turtle Inn (one of the original hotels on the island) in 1978, decided to purchase land on the island’s South Shore, which would eventually become South Side Marina, as a place where he could dock his boat. This land became the place where Bob would host his potlucks and barbecues and eventually build the bar. In 2014, what we now know as Bob’s Bar was built and opened as a part of the development of South Side Marina. While the establishment came from humble beginnings, things entered full swing when Bob leased the bar space out to a restaurateur that owned one of Providenciales’ luxury dining destinations, The Opus, allowing it to grow into the now-legendary Bob’s Bar and Eats.

Built atop a hill in the Juba Sound settlement, the restaurant is in proximity to Cooperjack Bay and shares its views. The venue is entirely outdoors, except for the kitchen and restrooms, and allows guests to experience the cool sea breeze and beautiful vistas which remain unparalleled by any dining institution on the island. Given its high vantage point, diners are treated with a full scope of the island’s southside views, ranging from the edge of Long Bay to Five Cays and South Dock, as well as the romantic opportunity of dining under the stars at night. Meatball Sliders and Sweet Potato Fries

The unique menu offers a selection of pub favourites with the chef’s special touch, which helps it stand out in the highly competitive dining scene of the islands. While the menu is not particularly extensive, all the meals it offers can easily be praised for their quality, originality and presentation. Among the most popular items on the menu, guests can indulge in the traditional Québec staple of Poutine, though at Bob’s, it is far from the conventional version consisting of French fries, gravy and cheese curds—thanks to the chef’s touch. Here is where diners get to experience first-hand what ‘made with love’ truly means.

The dining experience is accompanied by entertainment on certain nights from these friends. Wednesday, their busiest day, has become a must-go event, as the ‘Bar Band’ plays songs throughout the night—and makes it worth a visit even if you are not hungry.

Given the restaurant’s impressive story, intrinsic roots within the island’s local communities, and its excellent dining and entertainment options, Bob’s Bar and Eats should definitely go on your bucket list of things to do while visiting Providenciales, whether you want to enjoy the unique cuisine, experience the entertainment scene, or simply want to have a great view of the sunset while enjoying a drink. If you want to know more about the bar, or see the full menu, be sure to visit their website at www.bobsbarandeats.com. UA

Tonkatsu Poutine

Offering a unique blend of traditional dishes elevated with ingredients inspired by famous global dishes, guests get to experience eclectic riffs on dishes such as the ‘Chicken Tonkatsu Poutine’ which blends the traditional Japanese crispy chicken, along with its signature sauce, into the dish. Other ‘must-have’ dishes are the various flat breads, offering unique blends such as the ‘El Ranchero’ (my personal favourite), covering the dough with Pomodoro sauce, smoked meatballs, chipotle carnitas and cotija cheese, offering a unique Mexican flare to the traditionally Mediterranean and Arabic dish.

While the menu offers these, and many more amazing dishes, Bob’s Bar offers more than food – it also offers a special community. Though Bob leased out the space, he can often be found at the restaurant in the evening, along with many of his friends who are welcoming to newcomers and regulars alike.