Peso's Superette
A pocket-sized grocery stop on Mansionweg for beach snacks, cold drinks, and last-minute basics before a Statia adventure.
Why Go
On an island where the nearest big-box store is a boat ride away, Statia's little superettes are the connective tissue of daily life — and Peso's, tucked along Mansionweg on the edge of Oranjestad, is the kind of neighborhood shop where you can grab a cold Presidente, a bag of chips, and a chat with the cashier before disappearing off to a dive site or hike.
The Experience
Peso's Superette is a small, locally run convenience-style grocery on Mansionweg, one of the quiet residential roads snaking out from Oranjestad's Upper Town. Don't expect a supermarket in the mainland sense — think a compact interior lined with shelves of Dutch, Venezuelan, and American pantry staples, a chest cooler humming with sodas, local juices, and Caribbean beers, and a counter where regulars trade island gossip in Papiamento, English, and Dutch. It's the sort of place that solves the little problems of a Statia trip: forgot sunscreen, need water for the Quill hike, want ice for the cooler, craving a late-night snack after the restaurants have closed. Prices reflect the reality of importing everything to a 21-square-kilometer island — noticeably higher than back home, but part of the deal when you visit somewhere this small and self-contained.
What to Try
Grab a cold local beer or a bottle of Awa di Lamunchi (lime drink), a pack of Dutch stroopwafels or speculaas that quietly appear on shelves in Caribbean Netherlands shops, and a bag of plantain chips for the beach. If they've got fresh bread in from the morning delivery, take a loaf — bread on Statia moves fast. Cold water in bulk is essential before any hike up The Quill.
Insider Tip
Small superettes on Statia often keep loose hours and can shut for lunch, on Sundays, or on public holidays with little warning — stock up on Saturday afternoon rather than counting on a Sunday morning run. Cash (US dollars) is the safest bet; card machines exist on the island but connectivity can be spotty, especially at the smaller shops.
The Practical Stuff
Location: Mansionweg, Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius (Caribbean Netherlands), just off the main road through Upper Town. Easy 5-minute drive from most Oranjestad guesthouses, or a short uphill walk from the historic center. Parking is roadside and informal. Currency is USD. Bring a reusable bag — Statia has phased out single-use plastic bags. Hours are not consistently published; aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons.
Pair It With
- Baby Beach Guide — Grab water, snacks, and a cold drink at Peso's, then head south to Statia's sheltered swimming cove for a low-key beach afternoon.
- Aquarium Dive Site — Stock up on post-dive hydration and salty snacks before or after exploring one of Statia's most beloved reef dives.
- Alvin V. Courtar Park — Pick up drinks and light bites for a shaded break at this local Oranjestad park just minutes away.
- The Quill hike — A superette stop for extra water and trail snacks is essential before tackling Statia's iconic dormant volcano climb.
