Nat's Palm Grove...
The Quintessential Anguilla Beach Bar

 
 

Oh, Palm Grove... where to even begin? Our love affair with this sandy beach shack runs deep.

Palm Grove on Junk's Hole

Our First Lunch at Palm Grove

It all began on our first visit to Anguilla in March 2002. Thirsty and starving after a long day of exploration, my Dad and I stumbled upon a colorful little beach bar on Savannah Bay/Junk's Hole.

To this day, that quiet meal with my Dad, with the gentle waves of Savannah Bay in the background, remains one of my favorite experiences at any of Anguilla's restaurants.

Nat of Nat's Palm Grove

We split the lobster and crayfish combo, along with a rum punch for my dad (two actually), and a Coke for me.

We licked our lips as the owner, Nat approached with the oversized tray.

No doubt about it, this was the best meal we had during that trip!

And that includes some meals at super-expensive, 5 Star Anguilla restaurants like Blanchards and Mango's.

Returning to Palm Grove

My sister and Mom had been sick that day. So naturally, they were eager to try this "best of all Anguilla restaurants" once my Dad and I returned to the villa later.

The whole family was back at Palm Grove within the week!

Nat actually remembered us, welcoming us back.

How Was Our Second-Ever Visit to Nat's?

Nat's Wife Manning The Bar

My Dad went with a rum punch (of course) while the rest of us had Cokes.

Nat's wife prepared it.

And we placed our order for the succulent delicacies from the sea.

My sister, Yuki was worried

She doesn't like lobster and crayfish.

(I, on the other hand, am quite the fan!)

My Dad caved in and ordered the chicken for Yuki, while the rest of us split six fresh crayfish and a five pound lobster.

Straight from the sea, we saw the fisherman deliver our dinner, live. Once in Nat's hand, Nat boils his lobsters to seal in the juices. Then he BBQ's and spices them to perfection.

The View at Nat's

Despite the anticipation, waiting for lunch at this best of all Anguilla restaurants, is easy.

A brisk sea breeze continuously refreshes and the view encourages relaxed daydreaming.

After indulging in an Anguilla daydream, Nat approaches.

... and we all lick our lips!

On our first trip to Nat's with the whole family, everyone became fans! Mouthwatering food yet again. Nat makes his own special hot sauce which adds even more zest to the experience.

Palm Grove, Forever A Favorite

Since then, each visit back has been better than the last.

Savannah Bay View

Nat's building takes full advantage of the natural beauty that surrounds it. The cooling sea breeze unapologetically enters through open windows.

Spacious Dining Area

These windows display the beach picture-perfectly, as though it’s an actual painting of a tropical paradise. A mixture of cushioned seats eagerly rest under tabletops, awaiting visitors to enjoy a peaceful seaside lunch.

The kitchen is easily visible from the bar area. The aroma of the dishes being prepared floats through the open-air restaurant.

Palm Grove Hot Sauce, A Must-Try!

Speaking of food...

The yellow hind fish is a favorite. Bathed in a flavorful sauce, the fish slides off the bones so effortlessly.

Yellow Hind

Then there is Nat's juicy BBQ ribs...

Finger-Licking Good!

Best of all, though? Their crayfish simply can't be beat!

As Nat's Wife, Ethne Approaches, Our Mouths Always Water!

Succulent and juicy, bathed in a light curry sauce, Nat's gets the flavoring just right.

The meal goes beyond crayfish, of course. Palm Grove serves their BBQ with all of the trimmings. It's a meal fit for a king!

Crayfish Meal

The meals come with crisp, lightly sweet coleslaw and hand-cut fries...

Thick, hand-cut steak fries...

Palm Grove is also known for its famous Johnny cakes. One of the best Johnny cakes on island, it's hard to not smile when you're about to bite into a Palm Grove Johnny cake!

Piping Hot Johnny Cakes

Wash it all down with a classic rum punch, and you have a recipe for beach bar perfection...

Love Nat's Rum Punch!

Over the years (and over several rum punches!) Nat has become a good family friend. After a meal fit for a king, my Dad and Nat talk politics for hours. (My Mom, Yuki and I meanwhile retreat into a food coma on the beach!) We have been introduced to the family, too, as his son Theon now lends a hand.

Through all of the evolutions, Nat and Theon's Palm Grove has always remained the sweet, sand-swept shack we love inside and out.

Lunch Perfection at Nat's Palm Grove

At the end of a long, dusty road, Palm Grove's location is dreamy. On the ever quiet and tranquil Junk's Hole (with no other buildings on the beach and no electricity!), Palm Grove restaurant is something out of an old travel novel. A little ramshackle of a bar serving terrific locally caught seafood and mean rum punches, and owned by the most inviting Anguillian family, it wins on all levels.

For more on Palm Grove, see below for our video with Nat's wife Ethne as she shows us how to make Nat's famous Johnny cakes!

Directions, Hours & Contact

Directions: If you're coming from the west, drive to the round-about in Sandy Hill (past Proctors grocery store, Best Buy supermarket and AARF). When you come to that round about, you will see two roads, take the right road. Follow that stretch. If you see the National Heritage Museum, you know you're on the right path. Continue past the museum. In a few minutes you will see a sign to Palm Grove. Follow the signs.

Hours: Daily for lunch.

Tel: 264-235-6528

Menu: Click here