Big Mama Grill

We stopped in last week while enjoying the beautiful Baby Beach. Friendly locals serving delicious fish sandwiches (as well as many other options) and a wide selection of both adult island drinks and nonalcoholic smoothies. We didn’t end up using the bathroom facilities but were grateful they had them. The beautiful wooden furniture is so unique and made for a pleasant experience, even after coming in soaked from the passing storm. Very fun and laid back atmosphere!

Every time we come to Aruba, Big Mama’s is a non-negotiable stop — it’s that good! The curry chicken is absolutely a must — flavorful, tender, and seasoned to perfection. The drinks are always strong and refreshing, perfect for sipping by the beach. We nearly missed our flight once because we doubled back for another plate — that’s how hooked we are! Unfortunately, they had closed early that day, but it just speaks to how much we crave this spot before heading home. A special shout-out to Lorenzo, who always welcomes us like family. He makes each visit feel like a homecoming. If you’re heading to Baby Beach, do yourself a favor and stop at Big Mama’s. You’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your return.

Unfortunately, our visit to Big Mama was a huge letdown. From the moment we arrived, the service was anything but welcoming — most of the staff seemed passive and uninterested in making any effort to provide a good experience. The only exception was a kind and helpful shift manager, but sadly, one person can’t make up for the rest of the team. The food was bland and completely lacked flavor. For a beachfront restaurant, you’d expect at least fresh and decent-tasting dishes, but everything we ordered was forgettable at best. Not to mention, the prices weren’t justified at all. To make matters worse, we were overcharged on our bill. When we brought it up to the waitress, she casually said this “happens often” and that the lady who closes the bills “does it many times.” That alone was shocking. When we went to get a refund, they made us wait and didn’t even apologize. Apparently, this is a regular thing here — which is completely unacceptable. They’re lucky there aren’t many other options on this beach, because this place survives on convenience, not quality. If you can, walk a bit further — anywhere else is likely to give you a better meal and a more respectful experience.

Food was mediocre, service was a hit or miss (one server was great, the other one spilt my drink and shrugged), and the environment (where we sat) was very dark at noon, with little lighting. Fried calamari was good. Tried both their spicy and bbq chicken wings. Both were bland and lukewarm. Their Mango smoothie was ok but both quality and quantity were lacking especially compared with Latin America or Thailand. Their local curry chicken was good though. Seafood fied rice was so-so. Oxtail rice was a bit on the salty side, which made it hard to taste other flavors. Presentation overall was decent, but prefer food on the cruise ship next time.

If you’re in Aruba and looking for a spot that hits all the right notes, Big Mama Grill is the place to be! I can’t rave enough about their chicken wings – perfectly cooked. Cocktails – absolutely amazing! refreshing and bursting with tropical vibes. They pair perfectly with the laid-back island atmosphere and the delicious food. The ambiance is casual and welcoming, with friendly staff who make the experience even better. Highly recommend!

The food was very tasty and plentiful. The curried chicken and stewed oxtails were yummy! 😋 The vibes were great! Our host was pleasant and funny.

Place opens at 10:30 AM Food is just okay, you get a restroom ticket if you buy something to eat or drink. Ice cream cart (vendor) is good. You can pay $2 USD in cash (2025) to use the restrooms.

Right by the beach with great food. I went there with my siblings as we told our drivers that we wanted to be with the locals. Great food, service is even better. One downside is that you need tickets for the bathroom. When you ear you get just one. I am not sure how it works after that. There are chairs that can be rented at $15 and towels are $25 to buy if you didn’t bring yours. Will definitely recommend specially for tourists as it is a friendly and nice place. Just get there early so you can enjoy your time.