Rum, Secrets, and Spies: Inside Bimini’s Legendary End of the World Bar
Tucked away on the southern tip of North Bimini, the End of the World Saloon doesn’t just claim to be at the edge of the island — it feels like the last stop before you sail off into oblivion. With its sand floor, well-worn furniture, and walls adorned with graffiti, messages, and even the occasional undergarment, this place has become a legend in its own right. It’s the kind of spot that, once discovered, you never forget — probably because you leave your mark somewhere on the wall, forever part of the bar’s wild history.
Legends like Ernest Hemingway and JFK Jr. have sipped rum here, perhaps staring out over the same turquoise waters that beckon fishermen and adventurers alike. Even the eccentric Howard Hughes — when he wasn’t plotting his next invention — found solace in this off-the-beaten-path bar. The history here is palpable, with whispers of past visitors mingling with the breeze.
It’s no surprise that this humble watering hole has also found its way into the pages of my Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster spy thriller series. Corey Pearson and his elite CIA team found themselves on Bimini Island, keeping a close watch on a black hat hacker who had fled the U.S. after stealing a secret database.
This wasn’t just any ordinary data breach — this database held the key to an advanced AI algorithm capable of identifying terrorists with chilling precision. Where better to conduct covert surveillance than on a tropical island, at a bar where even the walls had secrets?
But let’s get back to the bar. The drinks here are as legendary as the tales told within its walls. The Goombay Smash, for example, is a tropical rum cocktail with hints of coconut and pineapple — a perfect way to slip into the island groove. Fun fact: this drink wasn’t actually born here in Bimini but on another tiny Bahamian island called Green Turtle Cay.
I still remember wandering into a little spot called Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar there, trying to escape the blazing sun. I ordered this unfamiliar drink they called the Goombay Smash, and it blew me away. I loved it so much I wrote about it at the time: Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar in the Bahamas- The Birthplace of the Goombay Smash. Her concoction was the original Goombay Smash, and it’s been a Bahamian staple ever since. So, if you’re sipping one in Bimini, just know you’re drinking a piece of Bahamian cocktail history.
If you prefer something lighter? Grab a Kalik, the island’s go-to beer. Goombay, Kalik? Both pair perfectly with a seat at the bar, where you can sink your toes into the sand and let the laid-back island vibe take over.
The food here is as fresh and authentic as it gets. Start with conch fritters, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, served with a spicy dipping sauce. Or maybe try the fried fish sandwich, loaded with the day’s fresh catch — usually grouper or snapper. If the season’s right, treat yourself to grilled lobster, cooked up with butter and Bahamian spices, and don’t forget the Johnny cakes, the slightly sweet bread that’s a staple in these parts.
Whether you’re here for the drinks, the food, or just the wild stories, the End of the World Saloon delivers in spades. Feeling adventurous? Why not leave your mark? Some scribble a note, others leave a signature, and a few bold souls even pin up something a little more… personal. After all, when you’re at the literal “end of the world,” who’s going to stop you? Anything goes!
Speaking of leaving a mark, I left mine in the form of cold, hard cash — or at least a well-loved dollar bill. Yep, I slapped my name on it — “Robert Morton” scrawled across it in bold black magic marker — and pinned it to the wall. So, if you ever wander into this legendary dive, take a moment to scan the walls.
If you spot that dollar bill, that’s me saying hello from the past. It’s all part of the charm of the place — where the drinks are strong, the stories are stronger, and the walls are practically a scrapbook of half-remembered adventures (and possibly some hazy mistakes).
So, if you’re planning a trip to Bimini, add the End of the World Bar to your list. It’s not just a place to grab a drink — it’s an experience, a dive into history, and, if you’re like Corey Pearson, the perfect spot to blend in while keeping an eye on your mark.
Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and the author of the “Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster” spy thriller series. He enjoys writing about the real-world locations featured in his novels, adding authenticity to the scenes. Check out his latest spy thriller, “Mission of Vengeance,” where Corey Pearson takes on his most dangerous mission yet.