Antigua’s gastronomic specialty is lobster, with red snapper and occasionally other fish running a close second when available.
Things to know: Larger hotels offer a wide selection of imported meats, vegetables, fruits and cheeses. Casual wear is accepted in all bars and restaurants. There is an 8.5% government tax on most restaurant bills.
National specialties:
•
Pepperpot (hearty vegetable stew with salted meat, served with
Fungee (cornmeal and okra dumplings)), the national dish.
•
Roti (patties filled with curried potatoes,
chicken or beef).
•
Ducana (grated sweet potato mixed with coconut, sugar and spices and steamed in a banana leaf. Often served with
chop up (mashed aubergine, okra and seasoning) and saltfish).
•
Tamarind balls (local sweets).
•
Black pineapples from Antigua & Barbuda are famous throughout the East Caribbean for their unique, extra-sweet flavor.
National drinks:
•
Ting (homegrown, sparkling grapefruit drink).
•
Wadadli (locally-brewed, light and refreshing beer).
• Popular ingredients include pineapple, coconut, guavas and mangoes.
• For an alcoholic kick, rum is plentiful; try both dark and light rums (
Cavalier), and rum punches.
• Imported wines and spirits are available, as well as imported sodas and fruit drinks.
Legal drinking age: 18. There are no licensing restrictions, but excessive consumption of alcohol is frowned upon and further service will be refused.
Tipping: 10 to 15% is included on hotel bills for staff gratuities, plus an 8.5% government tax.
NightlifeMost of the nightlife is centered in St John’s, although hotels and casinos around the islands usually provide in-house entertainment for both hotel guests and non-residents. Casinos generally offer more than just gambling; live music, restaurants and bars are standard in most, and there are even gyms and Internet access in an elite few. A wide choice of restaurants and bars around the main tourist areas offer international and authentic Caribbean food. Some of the best steel bands in the Caribbean can be found traveling around the hotels along with combos, limbo dancers and calypso singers. They perform nightly during the high season (November to April). For those who like to dance the night away, there are also a few nightclubs/discos. One of the best parties on the island for locals and tourists alike is at
Shirley Heights Lookout. Crowds gather on the patio every Sunday afternoon to enjoy unparalleled views over English Harbour with a BBQ, live music, drinks and incredible sunsets.
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