By Alexander Britell
If there’s one place that defines the Caribbean beach bar, one place that draws rum-loving pilgrims from around the world, it’s the Soggy Dollar Bar.
But after closing due to damage from Hurricane Irma, the legendary spot on Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay has officially relaunched to serve up painkillers.
“While Maria and Irma brought total devastation to Jost Van Dyke and the BVIs and USVI, somehow the little Soggy Dollar Bar stayed intact while the rest of our entire resort was destroyed,” Soggy Dollar owner Jerry O’Connell told Caribbean Journal. “Over the last 120 days, with generator power only and with remarkable determination and resilience, six of our dedicated employees have rebuilt the Soggy Dollar Bar and we opened for business just prior to the new year.”
The bar, restaurant and signature Soggy Dollar boutique are already open, while the bar’s popular live webcam is up and running, according to O’Connell.
The Soggy Dollar has also already launched plans for rebuilding the adjacent Sandcastle Hotel.
“We look forward to seeing all our friends return and sharing a few painkillers together,” O’Connell said.
It’s the latest strong step in what has been a fast-paced recovery for the British Virgin Islands.
What’s your favorite memory of the Soggy Dollar Bar? Let us know in the comments below.
(And while it’s still the perfect stop for charter boats, the Jost Van Dyke ferry is up and running again out of Tortola.)