Bob's Bar

Bob's Bar features al fresco dining.

Self-proclaimed as “Provo’s best kept secret,” Bob’s Bar & Eats is a popular local hangout on Providenciales in an unassuming location. Perched on a hilltop just off Venetian Road, the charming bar and restaurant decked in sparkling string lights every evening overlooks the water at South Side Marina, making it an idyllic place to watch the sun go down.

Named for its longtime owner, who is often found chatting with patrons at the bar, the open-air Bob’s Bar has a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes visitors feel at home the moment they walk in.

But who is Bob? One of Provo’s long-time residents, Bob came to the Turks and Caicos in 1978 to run the Third Turtle Inn in Turtle Cove. He bought a boat to call home and moved to the south side of the island, where he docked his boat and purchased his first piece of land. And that piece of land eventually became South Side Marina.

Over time, as the boats docked at the marina multiplied, Bob would host a barbecue potluck for the sailors on Wednesday nights—and that’s how Bob’s Bar came to be, although the actual bar itself was built in 2014.

Although Bob’s operated solely as a bar for many years (aside from those Wednesday potlucks), the establishment expanded to add the restaurant in 2019. And the menu offers more than your usual bar food. Although Bob’s Bar is casual and unpretentious, patrons will find delectable dishes on the menu worthy of a fine dining establishment.

The result has been the perfect union of an informal atmosphere, quaint bar, and world-class cuisine. Case in point: the arugula, fennel, and radicchio salad, served with toasted pecans and goat cheese dressing. And if that doesn’t satisfy your palate, there are plenty of other options that are bound to pique your interest.

The Menu

If you prefer something a little richer, try the crispy filo-wrapped baked brie, served with honey marmalade, arugula salad, and a toasted baguette. Take it a step further and order the smoked conch mac and cheesecakes, served with roasted garlic aioli, arugula salad, and truffle oil.

Craving some meat? The chipotle pork carnitas tacos are sure to satisfy, prepared with grilled corn tortillas and served with lime-and-chipotle crema-cojita cheese and fries. There’s also the barbecue St. Louis-style ribs and the smoky beef meatball sliders, served with pineapple ketchup and sweet potato fries.

When lobster is in season, be sure to try the local lobster and vegetable coconut curry or sweet chili, served with broccoli, sweet potatoes, and crispy poppadom.

And that’s all just a taste of the bar menu. Beyond its eclectic “bar food,” patrons will find a menu of poutine (fries served with cheese curds and gravy) prepared five different ways, as well as a flatbread menu with options ranging from “The Mediterranean”—served with pomodoro sauce, and a cherry tomato and kalamata tapenade—to the “Sea Bounty,” served with white truffle sauce, shrimp, smoked conch, scallions, mozzarella, and parmesan.

While Bob’s Bar may be a retreat for foodies now, it’s still also the quintessential neighborhood bar. If you’re in search of a quiet, welcoming place to enjoy a few drinks at sunset, this is the place to do it. On the drinks menu, patrons will find both local and imported beers, as well as wine by the glass. If it’s a cocktail you crave, Bob’s Bar has all the classics, from the margarita to the mojito, the Aperol spritz to the bourbon old fashioned.

If you prefer a more lively atmosphere, be sure to add Bob’s Bar to your itinerary on Wednesday evening. Every week, the bar hosts live music, which was a part of its original Wednesday potluck tradition. Kids are also welcome and can be entertained on the bocce ball court, which is free to use for all patrons.

For those visiting the Turks and Caicos in search of a casual place to grab a drink, watch a spectacular sunset over the water, and savor an exquisite meal, Bob’s Bar + Eats has all of the above and is the perfect solution to satisfy the whole family.

Located in Venetian Road

Venetian Road is a long and winding route that follows along the Turtle Tail peninsula. In common usage, the term often refers to the community found off the beginning inland sections of the road, which is primarily residential, with two small resorts, and a school. As the road continues out to Turtle Tail and past Flamingo Lake, development transitions to upscale homes and vacation villas.