Le Select Saint Barth
Overview: A beloved dive bar in Saint Barthélemy, Le Select is the oldest restaurant/bar in St Barts. Set right in the bustling core of Gustavia, it maintains a casual, welcoming vibe with its plastic chairs, shaded outdoor seating and interesting mix of locals and visitors.
Unfortunately, famous founder Marius Stakelborough is no longer around to preside over proceedings out under the shade of the trees, he passed away in 2022 at the ripe old age of 97. But no question his spirit is still very much imbued in the laidback Le Select St Barts aesthetic.
© Le Select, St Barth
Cuisine: Cheese Burgers—not least the double-patty, bacon-enhanced Marius Special—anchor the pub-grub menu at Le Select. You can also order fried calamari, wings, fries, and the like. Drinks—from Carib, Red Stripe, and other ice-cold beer to their legendary rum punch—are, naturally, the stars of the show.
© Le Select, St Barth
Ambiance: St Barts’ Le Select is essentially a French West Indies dive bar. It’s cheap and no-frills, with plastic chairs and tables under umbrellas and trees spilling into the street.
What We Love: The history and down-home atmosphere. The chance to rub shoulders with local regulars (and longtime St Barts vacationers who come to every visit). Best spot on the island for people-watching as it is strategically located on the busiest street corner in town, with a view of the harbor.
Among Le Select St Barths’ big-name fans is Jimmy Buffet. Mr. Cheeseburger in Paradise himself swings by sometimes. Buffett has performed at Le Select for the occasional anniversary celebration, and has a favorite table under a shade tree that he once called his “office”.
Insider Tip: Try the Ti Punch: rum with fresh lime juice.
Dining Style: Super-casual, super-relaxed
Le Select Bar History
Marius Stakelborough, Owner of Le Select St Barth
© Le Select, St Barth
Marius Stakelborough opened Le Select way back on November 11, 1949, thus earning it top honors as the oldest St Barts bar. Until he died in 2020—shortly after turning the ripe old age of 97, mind you—Marius regularly dropped by his beloved establishment.
He told the story in 2009 about the beginnings:
“There wasn’t any electricity on the island, but I couldn’t resign myself to go to bed at 7 o’clock in the evening! So I suggested that my sailor friends stop by my house. We read books, played dominos by the light of kerosene lamps, then Coleman lamps. That’s how we started Le Select, between friends.”
Once Le Select opened officially, the bar quickly became a hub of activity and a symbol of St. Barts' laid-back lifestyle. It attracted locals and travelers alike, including some celebrities.
© Le Select, St Barth
Speaking of Jimmy Buffet, he name-checked Marius in his One Particular Harbor song. And Jimmy gave his blessings to Le Select’s proprietor to add “Cheeseburger in Paradise” to Le Select’s sign. The condition? That Buffet to enjoy a lifelong open tab at Le Select, which Marius granted.
And if that wasn’t enough Jimmy gave a free concert to celebrate Le Select’s decennial anniversaries on November 11, 1999, 2009 and 2019.
Despite its popularity and fame, Le Select has managed to maintain its casual and unpretentious atmosphere. You can surely drum up a few stories about Le Select’s honored originator from its bartenders and regular patrons alike.
Did You Know?
Thanks to our personalized St Barts concierge services here at WIMCO, we can help secure you a reservation at Le Select. (Reservations aren’t usually required, but not a bad idea if you’re thinking of dropping by with a large group, for instance.)
And you can learn more about Le Select and other island eateries in our comprehensive St Barts restaurant guide right here!
Villas in Gustavia within walking distance of Le Select