The Happy Spot opened only a few months ago, in November 2009. In my rambling about the island, I rolled past it, doubled back, and stopped in for an ice-cream. Here’s a photo of the joint.
The Happy Spot is located on the road that leads off the highway from where the old Adventure Golf used to be. Just follow that inland and opposite the Cheng grocery, you’ll this little place on the other side of the road. (For some unkown reason, Aruba refuses to name many of its roads and streets, which makes giving directions difficult, but exploring can be fun. They also do not number buildings sequentially. Perhaps this is what prevents an enemy invasion?)
Nonetheless, much joy was had in the form of a chocolate ice-cream. If you don’t believe me, here’s a photo to prove it.
Notice the pen in pocket, always prepared to jot down some story material. I chatted with the owner for a few minutes. Nice guy. I hope he does well. He explained to me that they also make all sorts of smoothies here. That’s not my thing but by the number of people ordering them, I would say they must be good.
Bon dia.

Parking is a little tight, so be mindful of where you leave your vehicle. This place is worth a stop for lunch or dinner. It’s a meat on the grill type of place with cole slaw, potato salad, french fries, rice and other sides available. You can watch the man cooking your food before your very eyes. Check it out.
That guy stands over that hot grill all day long. He does a great job, too, constantly brushing on the seasonings and sauces. Sometimes there are stacks of takeout orders that he has to prepare and hungry people are standing by. But he doesn’t surrender to the pressure. He keeps his hands moving, rotating ribs, tossing on more chicken, or slicing up the steak. Let’s take a closer look at some ribs.
Those racks just hit the iron. In no time they were roasted to perfection, ready for your gnawing pleasure. Here’s a look at the menu so you can think about your selection prior to arrival.
Those prices are in Aruban Florins. If you divide by 1.75 you’ll have the cost in US dollars. The place is a great value when you consider the volume of food. A mixed grill is plenty for two people, maybe three, all for the equivalent of about $17-18. Not bad, my friends. Flavor is good, too. The ribs are more the “dry” style and all the steak is sliced thin. Sauces are provided on the side for you to customize your meal.
Upon arrival, you go inside and pay, at this time Afl. 14.50 (about $8 US). You’ll get a ticket like this:
Then you’re back outside in line where some nice ladies will ladle in the food like this:
The Sunday BBQ meal includes a small mountain of fried rice, potato salad, several pieces of roast chicken and about half a rack of ribs. Upon arrival at my shack, I launched into that food and forgot to take another photo. If you’ve been out and about all morning and missed breakfast, then the Hot Take-Away Sunday BBQ is a great way to fill up. You can’t beat the price for the volume. Be sure to have the cholesterol limiting pharmaceutical of choice on hand, however. This food is not light.
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