Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar

If you're looking for the most unusual place to relax in San Pedro, then Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar is exactly what you need. This popular grill bar and pub, located on Ambergris Caye in Belize, offers more than just food — it's a real adventure for aviation enthusiasts and lovers of vibrant island life.

The main highlight is its unique location: tables are situated literally a few meters from the local airport's runway. Sitting on the open terrace with a cool drink, you can watch small planes take off and land right in front of you. This sight never fails to delight both adults and children, making the bar one of the city's most memorable attractions.

Beyond the breathtaking views, Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar is famous for its laid-back sports bar atmosphere and excellent kitchen. They serve classic Belizean snacks like fresh ceviche and hearty nachos, along with various grilled dishes at very affordable prices. With a 4.6 rating based on hundreds of reviews, this place is rightfully considered a must-visit for every tourist in San Pedro.

To clarify details or book a table for a large group, you can contact the staff directly. Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar is always happy to welcome guests and is ready to answer questions by phone or email.

The main entertainment at Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar is, of course, plane spotting. Guests take seats on the spacious open terrace to eagerly watch the airport operations. The roar of the engines and the proximity of flying planes add a dose of adrenaline to your lunch or dinner.

For sports fans, the bar turns into a real fan club: several large TVs are installed here broadcasting NFL games and world football championships. It's a great place to cheer for your favorite team with like-minded people. And if you came with the whole family, be sure to check out the local ice cream shop — a recent addition to the bar that has already become a favorite among little visitors.

The menu offers a wide selection: from traditional Belikin beer and tropical cocktails like rum punch, to a full grill menu. Try the local ceviche or order a portion of the famous nachos. The friendly staff and the ability to bring your four-legged friend (the bar is dog-friendly) make your time here as comfortable and cozy as home.

Finding Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar is incredibly easy — it's located literally just a few steps from the San Pedro airport on Coconut Dr. If you've just landed, the walk to the bar takes no more than a couple of minutes, making it the perfect 'first stop' on Ambergris Caye.

For those already settled in town, the most popular way to get around is by golf cart — the primary mode of transport in San Pedro. There is convenient parking for these vehicles near the bar. You can also easily reach the place by taxi or even by bicycle, enjoying the sea breeze along the way.

If you're coming from mainland Belize, take a water taxi to the town's central pier. From there, you can reach the bar on foot in 10–15 minutes or by taxi in a couple of minutes. Just look for the airport runway — you definitely won't miss this vibrant spot.

While Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar isn't an ancient architectural monument, it has managed to become a true legend in modern San Pedro. The establishment has earned a reputation as the island's premier 'aviation' bar, turning an ordinary meal into an exciting show thanks to its unique location right at the edge of the airfield.

Interestingly, the bar is constantly evolving while trying to preserve the spirit of classic Belizean hospitality. Recently, the owners underwent a major renovation, expanding the open terraces so even more guests can comfortably watch the planes. Additionally, a small homemade ice cream shop was added to the traditional menu, quickly becoming a hit with families.

Over the years, this place has transformed from a simple pub into a key spot on the city map where tourists from all over the world and locals meet. The establishment's high rating (4.6 stars) is based on hundreds of positive reviews, highlighting its status as one of the most consistent and beloved venues in Belize.

To leisurely enjoy the atmosphere and see a few takeoffs or landings, we recommend planning for a 1–2 hour visit. This is plenty of time to order signature grilled dishes and relax with a cool drink on the terrace.

If you're short on time and just stopped for a bite before your flight, 30–40 minutes is enough for a quick lunch. However, remember that this place invites you to slow down and relax, especially during major sports broadcasts when guests might stay for the entire evening.

The establishment opens its doors daily and happily welcomes guests from morning until late at night. Typically, Carlo & Ernie's Runway Bar operates from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, though on some days it may open slightly earlier, around 10:00 AM.

To be sure of the current schedule, especially on holidays, it's recommended to check the establishment's official social media pages or confirm on-site. Evenings are particularly popular here, as many people come to watch sports broadcasts or enjoy the sunset by the runway.

The location in the heart of tourist activity makes it easy to combine a visit to the bar with other interesting spots in town. A stroll through the neighborhood will reveal a variety of flavors and atmospheric locations that San Pedro is so famous for.

You can head to the famous city sign for souvenir photos or stop by neighboring restaurants to continue your culinary journey through Caribbean cuisine. Below are the closest locations to the bar: