North End Pub & Grill — Restaurant in Aruba

I woke up this Sunday morning craving a traditional American breakfast something that’s surprisingly hard to find in Aruba unless you’re at a hotel buffet. With Sunday options even more limited, I checked reviews and decided to give North End Pub & Grill a try. I’m glad I did.

Food-wise, everything hit the mark. I had scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sausage, and white toast (which had a grainy texture on the outside not what I expected, but I loved it). I also tried a protein drink, which was excellent.

Service was good and attentive, so I rated it a 4. The only reason it’s not a 5 is because of one thing that wasn’t clearly communicated: when I got my bill, there was an 18% service charge. I like to tip well for good service, but I don’t want to unknowingly leave a total of 40% if the service charge is also a tip. If that 18% goes to the waitstaff, great just let customers know. If it’s simply an add-on, the prices should reflect it upfront. Today, I left an additional 6% assuming that made my tip about 24%, but I was left second-guessing whether that was the case.

On atmosphere, I rated it a 3 overall, but that’s only if you’re comparing it to a beachfront restaurant with sweeping ocean views. For what it is a spot right on the strip it’s a solid 5. Clean, comfortable, and exactly what you’d expect for its location.

Bottom line: if you’re craving a proper American breakfast in Aruba, especially on a Sunday morning, this place delivers. Just a little more clarity on the service charge would make the...

Located on the corner in the palm beach area, we stopped for an early dinner/ late lunch prior to a sunset cruise. We sat at the bar and were served by Baola and Milan. The service was great and since it was early we had time to talk with them and relax. Baola was helpful and gave us some great suggestions.

The pizza was very good, we got the thin which I consider a normal pizzeria crust thickness, not really a thin, but the offer other two other thicker versions so I suppose the description is relative. we liked the pizza so much we came back a second night for more.

We tried the buffalo chicken dip, which was not your normal buffalo dip, we liked it once we got going, but if you are specifically wanting a buffalo chicken dip it is not that hot and has guac and raw onion added so the taste is slightly different.

Note: 1. the menu is American so consider this a break from island or seafood.

*Note 2: I noticed there is 18% gratuity added, there was a small note at the bottom of the menu. This may be common practice at all restaurants, if so I have been way over...

Pros: FANTASTIC pizza... maybe the best on the island. Prices are reasonable. Staff is clearly is hustling.

Cons: Waiting OVER AN HOUR FOR A PIZZA (73 minutes to be precise). After getting really frustrated waiting forever for food...the staff BROUGHT US SOMEONE ELSE'S FOOD. And then we waited 15 more minutes. The Sunday night band was sincere and had a really good playlist, but weren't good enough to play a high school dance. Sorry guys. THE BAND WAS SO LOUD. THE ACOUSTICS INSIDE THE RESTAURANT ARE HIDEOUS. The band was being blasted inside the restaurant, all the surfaces are tile and glass, and bounce sound perfectly. No conversation was possible. At all. Even a little bit.

Conclusion...you guys got the two toughest parts right! The food is great and the staff are trying their best! The rest needs a lot of work. SPEED UP THE KITCHEN OR LIMIT YOUR SEATINGS. Only posting this so you know, because you're really close to a winning formula.

We'll try you again next time. Because... seriously... the pizza...