Used to be a hidden gem, but this was the last time we visited. Staff were very unfriendly and constantly on their phone. The food was horrific, not fresh and tasted old. A lot of dishes were not available. And the once they did have were dry and old. Besides, the chicken sate skewer did not come with peanut sauce, which is a bit strange. The sauce was much needed as the chicken was so dry it could not be swallowed

During a recent vacation to Aruba with family we had the pleasure of dining at Jo-Ann Criollo Bar in Oranjestad. It’s a charming local spot where no one spoke English and we didn’t speak the local language—but that made the experience even more memorable. Through smiles, gestures, and a bit of creativity, we successfully ordered plantains, grilled chicken, a chicken salad, and two sodas. The young waitress was patient, warm, and never once showed frustration. The atmosphere was welcoming and truly embodied Aruba’s “One Happy Island” spirit. When it came time to pay, I was surprised by the $105 charge, which seemed high for our order. In the easygoing vacation spirit, I was ready to pay without question. However, I soon noticed the waitress speaking to another staff member—possibly the chef or owner—and together they realized there had been a mistake. Without hesitation, the owner personally took money from the register to correct the overcharge. This gesture left a profound impression on me. This honest and gracious act was a powerful reminder that there are still truly good and decent people in the world. Too often, we hear only about the negatives. I wanted to share this story as an example of the integrity and hospitality that makes Aruba such a remarkable destination. This business—and the people who run it—are wonderful ambassadors for the island.