My family is going to Bonaire in January. It's our first time and after reading all the posts I can't wait! It will be my sisters 18th birthday while we're there. Does anyone have any recommendations for a fun place to have dinner and celebrate at? Any help would be awesome! Thanks!

I would vote for Richards or cactus Blue.
Richards has a special table on a private dock that is real nice. The food is always good and Richard is a charming host and his staff is great too. Cactus Blue has a great eclectic menu and fun atmosphere.Nice owners and staff as well. I would reccommend you not miss either one while on Bonaire! Also, Annette at Last Bite Bakery makes super delicious cakes, you could order one up for the special day!

I would also add that if you are looking at a place to stay and party you can try Mona Lisa's as well or Lion's Den.

Heather, how many are in your party, and what type of "ambiance" are you looking for. I'm just thinking of how I celebrated my 18th birthday That's also the "legal" drinking age on Bonaire

(Message edited by cyndelee on September 26, 2006)

i agree with mara...i think lions den is fun...right on the water with everything from burgers to lobster. now if it was my birthday i'd pick pasa bon....of course i could eat there every night they're open.

HW, i don't remember my 18th birthday....it was a long, long time ago....and i think i had a lot of fun...at least that's what i've heard

Heather, although I love Richards and Cactus Blue I do not think these are the establishments and 18 year old would want for a "fun" party. I suggest either City Cafe or Pasa Bon Pizza. You can let your hair down at both places and enjoy a few Brights with friends and family.

Pat, I don't remember my 18th birthday either, but I wasn't going to admit it...lol! I do remember my 21st...legal drinking age in California...I could "legally" order a drink...lol!

I was thinking City Cafe or Pasa Bon as well. Karel's is fun to have a night cap. Eden beach can be a blast too, very relaxed atmosphere.

How about Captain Don's? They have great atmosphere, and fabulous pizza! And a great sunset spot.

I second the vote for Cactus Blue for best food and people, though... Corinna just can't be beat!
(try the cactus lemonade)

I vote for Casablanca, they are fun folks, have great food, and you can eat inside if you are concerned about heat or noise.

Ok everyone..think 18..whilst some of these are amazing choices for dining think 18..music and fun (although they could head to Havana or Karels or City (music venues) after an amazing dinner......(no, I cannot remember my 18th b day..)..haa..

I just realized I typed "head to Karel's for a night cap"...SNORT...for your 18th birthday...yeaaaaaaa.....NOT...lol! I AM getting old...SNORT....

Heather - You may want to stop by and check out the places listed above. My wife and I loved Richards but as is mentioned above it probably doesn't suit an 18th BDay.

As for Lions Den, it was not my favorite place we ate at but it was the favorite restaurant of some friends that we met while on Bonaire. The setting is definitely cool.

Rum Runners at Capn Don's does excellent food and has the best setting on Bonaire.

I would check what night the birthday is on and choose a location that has the hotel managers party that evening so you have music etc.

Heather,
My daughter is 17, has been to Bonaire for the past 5 years and her choice would be Rum Runners at Capt. Don's ....pizza for sure and preferably the night of the Rum Punch Party with all her favorite Dive Masters present, along with Moogie and Capt. Don !

I think that some ladies who were having their 18th birthday might like to go somewhere sophisticated and 'grown up' and put on a dress and makeup. It depends on the lady, my mum and dad took me to a very grown up place for my 18th and I loved it.