We’ve all heard of pool bars, especially in hotel pools when you visit someplace sunny like Belize. But there’s one venue in San Pedro, Belize, that takes the concept to another level. A swim-up restaurant and bar, Blue Bayou claims to be the “first and only” dining establishment in Belize that’s located entirely in the ocean, with swim-up picnic tables and in-water service.
Photo: foodwtf/TikTok
Dine and Drink in the Ocean at This Swim-Up Restaurant in Belize
@foodwtf This restaurant in #Belize has tables in the ocean 🌊📍Blue Bayou Restaurant and Bar 🎥 @bluebayoubelize #foodie #foodtravel #foodtiktok #belizetravel ♬ Me Gustas Tu – Manu Chao
Blue Bayou Restaurant and Bar operates out of Secret Beach in San Pedro, a popular coastal town in the southern part of the famous Ambergris Caye. San Pedro is known for its stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and incredible snorkeling and diving spot, as well as a rich culture with Mayan influence and access to offshore Belizean attractions like the Great Blue Hole and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Beach bars and restaurants are a big part of the culture in San Pedro, but none of them is quite like Blue Bayou.
The menu at Blue Bayou is probably what you’d expect, with appetizers like chips and salsa, nachos, ceviche, and empanadas, as well as salbutes, a traditional Mayan dish from the Yucatan Peninsula that’s commonly served in Belize. Salbutes consist of fried or toasted corn tortillas stuffed with proteins like chicken or shrimp and toppings like onions, tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, and salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Mains at Blue Bayou include tacos, burritos, quesadillas, burgers, chicken or fish fingers, curry, and stew chicken. You can also add sides to your meal ranging from rice and beans to coleslaw, grilled veggies, and french fries.
The drink menu at Blue Bayou is as long as the food menu. The bar serves all the classic cocktails you could want at a beach bar (think daiquiris, mojitos, margaritas, and coladas, and rum punch), as well as drinks you may or may not know like shark bites, pink flamingos, and drunken pineapples. Non-alcoholic beverages are also on offer, including virgin cocktails.
If you find yourself at Blue Bayou on a trip to Belize, past patrons have one recommendation: get there early to get a table with an umbrella. To get there, you can simply wade out into the water or take a more creative vessel like a floatie. 