The Sunset Beach Bar will blow your mind. Located at the beach end of St. Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport, it is one of the most exciting places I've ever been to (yes, even better than P.F.Chang's Maple Grove MN location - although they are among my top 10 favorites ever). Here's the deal - besides being a great out door tavern - its location demands special attention. Wait till I tell you (first off - we could never do this in the U.S.!) - locals (and drunken tourists) cling to the chain link fence - hold on and let the jet wash of the arriving flight blow them back into the ocean (I wish I had a "critter cam" affixed to somebody); literally yards away from the runway! It is without a doubt the most fantastic places to drink good cold beer, eat and watch the show. Saba Island, very close by has, what is reported to be the shortest commercial runway in the world! And, it is said that only U.S. Navy trained fighter pilots who are now airline fliers can land there - it is like an aircraft carrier! Back to Sunset....whew, I am getting pumped just writing about this!! Not only that, the bar has great food: conch fritters, Black Angus everything, great shrimps, and the very best baked wingies, as well as hand-cut tuna, shellfish, and straight on 'till morning.

Ok - the flight arrival/departure schedules are posted daily (in chalk) on a huge surfboard stuck upright into the sand. - So, you get there, have a drink, check out the timeline, maybe grab a nibble, watch the people and sit back and relax (Yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about!).

So, you are worried about sunstroke? Many, many, many Heineken umbrellas on many tables - you can be cool, and also "cool" in the same instant! The place is actually very spacious - it is packed to be sure, but you don't really notice. They even have activities for children! Live music is always on hand: reggae, soul, rock, and some blues - it is party all night! Giant TVs are on also hand for sports fans, and free WIFI for nerds!

This is a review overdue - but better late than never I say - I've been there twice recently and can't wait to go back!

Cheers! Aye!