8 happy hour hotspots on Saipan

Wondering where to go to after a long day at work for happy hour to enjoy the sunset with a beverage or live music? Here are eight hotspots from north to south of Saipan that will not disappoint.

1. VINO BAR
Aqua Resort Club, San Roque
Unwind at the Vino Bar with its “Free Flowing Wine & Tapas,” which wants to bring people together to sit down, relax, and have freewheeling conversation. For only $30 every Friday and Saturday, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, guests can sip on Robert Mondavi wines and three kinds of tapas. The great combination of wine and tapas make for a spectacular way to unwind from work, recharge, and refresh for the next day.

A live band performs and guests can ask for their favorite songs. For reservations call (670) 322-1234 or go to their website at www.aquaresortsaipan.com.

2. MARIANAS CREATIONS
Micro Beach Road, Garapan
Marianas Creations is the newest entry to the Saipan happy hour scene. A cafe, bar, and local products shop, “MC Cafe” has quickly developed a reputation for its crafty cocktails, which all feature local ingredients. Cocktails are a mix of traditional classics and Marianas Creation originals. Local craft beer is served, as well as housemade soda and coffee. Pro tip: There’s a rumor of a secret menu; ask the bartender for a hint.

Happy hour discounts run from 4pm to 6pm Monday to Sunday. Small bites and meals are available for pairing. MC Café is open seven days a week from 6:30am to 9pm and late on Friday and Saturday nights. For more information, call (670) 488-1924.

Visit MC Cafe on Micro Beach Road in Garapan and experience their local brew and cocktails. (Bea Cabrera)

3. NAKED FISH
Micro Beach Road, Garapan
Naked Fish’s vision since it opened 15 years remains up to now—as Saipan’s version of a local pub where people can find solace and cheer after a long and busy day. They are known for having a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere—easy lights and music, tall tables, bar stools, a wide array of cocktails, beer, and a specific selection of beers on tap.

Happy hour promos are available on different nights from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and drinks are encouraged to be paired with some of their dishes like chicken wings, tuna poke and the famous Naked Fish garlic fish. Naked Fish is open Monday to Wednesday from 5:30pm to 10pm and Thursday to Saturday from 5:30pm to 12 midnight. For reservations, call (670) 235-3474.

Let these homegrown chefs amaze you with local appetizers at Naked Fish in Garapan. From left: lead line cook Jayma Pinaula, sous chef Tim Kapielo, lead line cook Ton Agulto, and head chef Inos Hocog. (Contributed Photo)

4. SKIPPER’S BEACH BAR
Hyatt Regency Saipan, Garapan
Before the sun goes down, expect to see residents and tourists saving a seat and ordering their favorite cocktails at Skipper’s Beach Bar. Said to have the best view of the sunset on Saipan, Skipper’s also carry a wide array of alcoholic drinks like Salty Dog, Screwdriver, Long Island iced tea, etc. and non-alcoholic drinks like Strawberry Jubilee, Shirley Temple and lemonade, etc. Drinks can also be paired with food from the bar menu such as Hyatt’s signature burgers American, Chamorro burger, and Skipper’s hotdog, to name a few.

Take off your shoes and relax at the Skipper’s Beach Bar of the Hyatt Regency Saipan in Garapan. (Bea Cabrera)

5. CHAMBRE BAR
Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Garapan
At Chambre Bar, happy hour also means big discounts. Enjoy 50% off on selected drinks from 5pm to 7pm and move on to the big shows on different nights.

On Mondays, find yourself belting out your favorite song at their Karaoke Night from 7pm to 10:45pm; on Tuesdays, sing and dance to the upbeat songs of the Revive Band from 8pm to 10:45pm; on Wednesdays, bring your dancing shoes for a hot Salsa Night and free dance lesson from 7:45pm to 10:30pm with $5 entrance fee inclusive of a drink; on Thursdays, pour your heart out by enjoying the soul music of the Soul Ivory Band from 8pm to 10:45pm; and on Fridays, Big J Band never fails to end the week with a big bang from 9pm to 11:45pm.

For reservations, call (670) 234-6412

6. OLEAI BEACH BAR & GRILL
Susupe
Located along Beach Road, Oleai Beach Bar & Grill is the favorite pit stop of happy hour-goers. Enjoy the laidback atmosphere while nursing your ice cold beer and favorite cocktail paired with their delicious tuna poke or simple chips and salsa. Watch paddlers cross the waters with the beautiful backdrop of the sunset. For reservations, call (670) 234-0228

7. BAREFOOT BEACH BBQ & BAR Kanoa Resort,
Susupe
Island happy hour cannot get better than this, with the Barefoot Beach BBQ & Bar located right at the beachfront of Kanoa Resort. Enjoy their food and drinks specials from 5pm to 7pm daily and, as a bonus, enjoy extended happy hour prices from 5pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Live band music is provided by Baraha Band every Friday from 7:30pm to 10pm and Saturdays, sing and dance to the music of Revive Band from 7:30pm to 10pm.
For more information, call (670)234-66-1 ext. 742/743.

8. SEASIDE GRILL SUNSET
Pacific Island Club, San Antonio
Known for unlimited spiced or plain potato skins during happy hour from 5pm to 7pm, Seaside Grill Sunset is the best place to watch the sunset at the southern tip of Saipan. Whether you are a beer or cocktail drinker, you will find your favorite on the bar menu list. Smoothies are also available for non-drinkers. Enjoy their fresh ceviche, lumpia, tapas, and more. For more information, call (670) 234-7976.