Fay Bar & Restaurant
Chinese comfort food and cold Heinekens with a harbor-view terrace in Oranjestad
Why Go
Statia's answer to the classic Caribbean-Chinese eatery, Fay Bar is where locals slide in for oversized plates of stir-fry, expats meet for a Friday beer, and travelers finally figure out that the island's best-value dinner comes with a side of sea breeze.
The Experience
Tucked along Andrea Heiliger Road on the outskirts of Oranjestad, Fay looks unassuming from the road, but step inside and you'll find a warmly lit dining room that opens onto a breezy terrace overlooking the water toward Lower Town and the harbor. The vibe is unfussy and refreshingly local: TV in the corner, Statian regulars trading gossip at the bar, kitchen sending out steaming plates fast. It's the kind of neighborhood spot that quietly anchors island life, doubling as a lunch canteen for oil-terminal workers, an after-dive dinner for divers coming up from the Aquarium, and a late-night bar where a Chinese-Caribbean menu meets bitterballen and cold Amstel Bright.
What to Try
Go straight for the Cantonese-style fried rice or lo mein loaded with shrimp and chicken - portions are enormous and easy to share. The sweet-and-sour chicken and pepper steak are house staples that regulars swear by, and the crispy chicken wings pair perfectly with a bucket of local beer. Save room for a plate of Dutch-Caribbean snacks like bitterballen or kroketten from the bar menu - a reminder that you're technically in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Insider Tip
Call ahead and order takeaway if the terrace is full - Fay's kitchen turns orders around fast, and dinner on your guesthouse balcony with a Statia sunset is arguably better than dining in. Cash (USD) is king here; card payments can be temperamental, and ATMs in Oranjestad are limited, so stop by the Windward Islands Bank before you head over.
The Practical Stuff
Located on Andrea Heiliger Road in Oranjestad, a short drive or 10-minute walk from most Upper Town guesthouses. Casual dress, no reservations needed for small groups. Cash preferred (USD); expect mains in the $12-20 range. Hours skew island-flexible - typically lunch and dinner service with the bar staying open later on weekends, but call ahead to confirm as posted hours can vary. Kid-friendly, and easy to pick up takeaway on the way back from a dive or hike.
Pair It With
- Aquarium Dive Site — One of Statia's signature shore dives sits just down the coast - surface after a late-afternoon dive and Fay is the closest spot to refuel with hot food and a cold beer.
- Alvin V. Courtar Park — Grab takeaway from Fay and picnic in the shaded park nearby - a low-key way to see how locals actually spend an evening in Oranjestad.
- A Quiet Getaway Apartment — If you're staying at this nearby one-bedroom, Fay is your walkable neighborhood kitchen - perfect for a no-fuss first-night dinner without renting a car.
