Right next door to Margaritaville on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is the hard-pounding Blue Beat, a decidedly more upscale place, elegant, with moody blue lighting, comfortable couches and lounge chairs to the side and a small, crowded patio out back overlooking the harbor.
Blue Beat opened in December 2004 and is touted as the Hip Strip's first-ever martini and jazz lounge, the first of its kind in MoBay. It is a cozy place despite the pounding music, with a gorgeously lit bar that caters to a jazz-loving crowd. Blue Beat has also attracted its share of music and movie stars.
Weekly fun includes live jazz from resident band Scotch, live DJ music nightly, Friday night's Copacabana Latin Flare, and Saturday's Guest List. Blue Beat also hosts Montego Bay's Corporate Mingle in conjunction with Wealth magazine and Johnny Walker, and an unplugged series featuring international and local artists. They also do comedy nights here. Check out the signature martinis, including the Brown Sugar and Lady Sings the Blues -- you won't be, after a couple of these potent potables.
The outside lounge area is the best place to be on a typically hot, humid Jamaican night, a patio with couches and chairs just a handrail away from the dark ocean below.
Blue Beat
Gloucester Avenue
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Phone: 876-952-4777
Hours: Open daily 11 a.m.; no set closing
Cost: Cover charges vary by night and event, check site for updated information.