Yoyo's Place
A pocket-sized Chinese-run shop on Fort Oranjestraat where Statia locals grab their everyday essentials.
Why Go
On an island of roughly 3,000 people, the corner shops carry the day-to-day rhythm of life more than any glossy storefront. Yoyo's Place sits right on Fort Oranjestraat in Upper Town Oranjestad, a short stroll from the ramparts of Fort Oranje itself, and it functions the way small Chinese-owned shops all across the Dutch Caribbean do: part mini-mart, part pantry, part neighborhood meeting point, and often part takeaway kitchen for a plate of Chinese BBQ when the mood strikes. Come here not for a shopping spree but for a small, honest slice of how Statians actually live.
The Experience
Yoyo's Place is exactly what you'd expect from a family-run island shop: compact, functional, and packed floor to ceiling with the little things you didn't realize you needed. Aisles are narrow, shelves are stacked with imported dry goods, snacks, drinks, toiletries, household basics, and cold sodas from the cooler by the door. Prices are marked in dollars (Statia is one of the few Dutch Caribbean islands that uses the US dollar), and transactions are quick and cash-friendly. The vibe is unpretentious ??? a fluorescent-lit room, a nod hello, a bag rustled open at the counter. Because it sits on Fort Oranjestraat in the historic heart of Oranjestad, you'll often see a mix of locals popping in on errands and the occasional visitor sheltering from a sudden Caribbean shower or grabbing water before hiking The Quill.
What to Try
Stock up on cold bottled water and sports drinks before heading out to Baby Beach, the Quill trail, or a dive at Aquarium. Grab imported Asian snacks and instant noodles you won't find at the larger supermarkets, plus small household items (batteries, phone chargers, sunscreen, insect repellent) that always seem to run out at the worst moment. If a hot-food counter is open during your visit, a boxed plate of Chinese BBQ or fried rice is the classic order ??? a genuine taste of the Caribbean-Chinese fusion food culture that has quietly shaped these islands for generations.
Insider Tip
Small shops in Statia keep flexible hours and often close for a midday break or on Sunday afternoons ??? swing by mid-morning or in the early evening for the best chance of finding the doors open and the coolers freshly restocked. Bring small US bills; card machines on the island can be temperamental, and change from a large note isn't always guaranteed. And don't leave without asking about whatever's warming behind the counter ??? the day's special is rarely on any menu.
The Practical Stuff
Location: Fort Oranjestraat, Oranjestad, Sint Eustatius (Caribbean Netherlands) ??? in Upper Town, walking distance from Fort Oranje, the Statia Tourism office, and the main government buildings. Currency: US dollar. Payment: cash is safest; card acceptance is not guaranteed. Hours: variable, typical small-shop schedule with a possible midday pause; call ahead or check the door for posted hours. Getting there: easily walkable from anywhere in Upper Town; a five-minute drive from FD Roosevelt Airport. Accessibility: single-level entry, but aisles are tight.
Pair It With
- Fort Oranje Guide — The 17th-century fortress that gives the street its name is a two-minute walk away ??? pair your errand run with a wander through Statia's most iconic historic site and its sweeping views over the anchorage where the island once fired the 'First Salute' to the American flag.
- Baby Beach Guide — Grab cold drinks, sunscreen, and snacks at Yoyo's before heading down to this quiet, shallow cove ??? one of the few sandy swimming spots on Statia's rugged coast.
- Aquarium Dive Site — Divers heading out to this famed reef appreciate a nearby shop for last-minute water, electrolytes, and post-dive snacks before or after their boat departs from the harbor below Upper Town.
- Bacchanalia Guide — When you want a proper sit-down meal after a quick shop stop, this nearby restaurant is a natural follow-up for dinner and drinks in the same Upper Town neighborhood.
- A Quiet Getaway - One-Bedroom Apartment Guide — Guests staying at this nearby apartment rental use Yoyo's as their de facto corner store for breakfast supplies, cold drinks, and the odd forgotten toiletry.
