Café the Plaza – Downtown Hangout for Breakfast to Late-Night Tunes

Atmosphere & Story

For more than 30 years, Café the Plaza has anchored Oranjestad’s Renaissance Marketplace as the go-to spot for meetups, brunch dates, and live music under the stars. The cheery patio wraps around the plaza fountain, while the interior bar streams major sports and keeps the taps flowing. Locals stop by for coffee and croissants, cruise passengers linger over lunch between shops, and families settle in for casual dinners before catching waterfront sunsets. Free parking for the first three hours makes it an easy downtown rendezvous.

Morning Fuel

Open daily from 7:30 a.m., the café serves hearty breakfast plates—think Dutch pancakes, omelets, avocado toast, and fresh fruit bowls. Pair your meal with barista-crafted coffee or smoothies to jump-start your island adventures.

Soups & Salads

• Soup of the Day – Ask your server for the chef’s rotating creation.
• Plaza’s Onion Soup – Sautéed white onions simmered in beef consommé, topped with Gouda.
• Classic Caesar Salad – Romaine, bacon, Parmesan, croutons, option to add chicken.
• Goat Cheese Delight – Goat cheese crème, puffed tomatoes, apple, pecans, honey mustard dressing.
• Asian Beef Salad – Teriyaki beef, bean sprouts, sautéed onions, mushrooms, crispy chili mayo.
• Ocean’s Catch Salad – Tuna tataki, smoked salmon, sautéed shrimp, capers, ranch dressing.
• Crispy Chicken Salad – Mango chutney, atjar, coriander, soy dressing.

Starters & Shareables

• Herb Butter Escargots – Garlicky mushrooms and onions.
• Fried Mussels – Tossed in fish herbs with whisky sauce.
• Smoked Salmon Carpaccio – Dill, cream cheese, cucumber, capers.
• Tuna Tataki – Pickled veggies, mango chutney, black sesame, soy.
• Classic Beef Carpaccio – Truffle mayo, arugula, pine nuts, Parmesan.

Main Courses

• Pork Medallions – Mushroom cream sauce, roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables.
• 8 oz Tenderloin – Mashed potatoes, ratatouille, red wine-thyme sauce.
• Mixed Grill Platter – Beef tenderloin, chicken, pork, grilled veggies, peppercorn sauce, fries.
• Chicken Shoarma – Pita bread, garlic sauce, lettuce, fries.
• Plaza Beef Burger – Cheddar, pickles, Plaza sauce, fries.
• Veggie Burger – Plant-based patty with crispy chili mayo.
• Chicken Satay – Peanut sauce, kroepoek, atjar, fries.
• Sautéed Gambas – Tomato, red pepper, garlic; served with salad and fries.
• Dutch ‘Slibtong’ – Pan-fried sole with garden salad, roasted potatoes, ravigotte.

Desserts & Specialty Coffees

• Classic Cheesecake with red fruit sauce.
• Chocolate Trifle layered with brownie, mousse, caramel.
• Dutch Apple Pie à la mode.
• Plaza Ice Cream Coupe and Dame Blanche.
• Specialty Coffees – Irish Coffee, Spanish Coffee, Aruba Dream with ponche crème, Plaza Café Special with vanilla ice cream.

Entertainment & Sports

Live music and DJs take the stage nightly, spanning rock, pop, jazz, and Latin beats. Sports fans catch Premier League, NFL, NBA, and European tournaments on large screens; the bar keeps the energy high with local beers, cocktails, and frozen drinks.

Good to Know

• Location – Renaissance Marketplace, Oranjestad (walkable from cruise terminal).
• Hours – Daily 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; kitchen 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Dress Code – Casual; beachwear welcome on the patio.
• Reservations – Typically walk-in friendly; call for larger groups or event inquiries.
• Perfect For – Budget-conscious travelers, families, sports fans, live-music lovers, and locals craving a relaxed café vibe.

Why Visit

Café the Plaza blends comfort food, cocktails, and entertainment into one lively marketplace hub. Whether you want a sports bar, live music venue, or easygoing brunch spot, this Oranjestad classic delivers with warm service and local prices.