Drifters Bar & Entertainment Venue

Drifters Bar & Entertainment Venue

Drifters Bar & Entertainment Venue
4.5
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
About
Drifters Bar and Entertainment Venue is a cosmopolitan Bar welcoming people from all over the world . Our main theme is our Live Music Jam Sessions that feature Luddy Samms, former member of internationally acclaimed "The Drifters" vocal group. Guests can enjoy him performing a wide range of the "Drifters" catalogue of songs along with other hits of Motown, Atlantic, Stax and Blues and Soul from the 60's. Sessions i.e. November till end April operate on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 3.00pm til 7.00pm in the evening. Anyone is welcome to perform along with the resident House Band "The Superbads", be it entertainer, singer or musician. If you don't have your own instrument then feel free to use ours. We are renowned for every session being different due to the huge variety of both Jamaican and International performers who grace our establishment. In addition we promote monthly Reggae Shows and "Blues on the Beach" Event in January is an annual event.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles148 reviews
Excellent
117
Very good
27
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
2

Rebecca B
37 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
We visited Drifters bar in November during our stay on 7 mile beach.
I was brought up listening to a lot of R&B, soul and Motown music, so was delighted to find Luddy Samm’s bar in Negril.
We popped in on the Sunday afternoon so that we could enjoy the live band and Luddy who performs himself.
We were introduced to his lovely wife Jan who was checking in with guests on her arrival to ensure everyone was having a good time.
We were welcomed with open arms by some of the regular musicians and had a great time interacting with some of the regulars/locals.
Would definitely recommend if you are staying in the area as it’s a fab spot, has great live music and a wonderful food! :)
Written January 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cheshire D
Stockport, UK41 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
I visited on a Sunday afternoon as a group of 6 and had such a great time. There were a variety of different singers, all were fantastic, particularly Crystal 😍 The great man Luddy himself also put on a show singing some covers as well as Drifters classics, he was amazing. A very professional show, drinks were reasonably priced and a good mix of locals and tourists alike. We will be back again when we visit Jamaica, can’t wait!
Written March 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

topwaterjig
Boonville, MO130 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
Great music. Luddy and Jan are excellent hosts. Listened to some excellent Reggae and dance dance dance! Good price on drinks, the restaurant serves up authentic Jamaican food while you listen to the music.
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Didi
Levis, Canada5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020 • Friends
My husband and I visited this charming little outdoor open air bar with our travel companions on a Sunday afternoon November 2020 . There was great live music with Luddy the owner and his musicians. There is even a little dance floor in front of the stage.He still sings Under the boardwalk like way back then! We shared a pail of cold red stripe beer ( about 2.50 us per beer) and had a wonderful afternoon. We didn't eat there as we already had lunch before ( but I noticed that they do serve food as well). I reccomend the Drifters Bar for a Genuine Jamaican experience!
Written November 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GlobeTrotting226001
16 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020
Got to see drifters for the first time. Staff was fantastic, especially Antonio and the cook , tho i cant remember her name. She really makes some fantastic food. I got try both her chicken and Lobster and they were both simply amazing. The rooms there are pretty good for what you get and reasonably priced as well. The patio area is pretty big and i like the bar set up as well. My only complaint and this is a big one, is the guy named Tony out at the beach. Watch out for him and just try to avoid him if possible. The day i checked in he wanted me to look at the stuff he was selling. I told him i was there until sunday and id be back another time. The next day as i was coming up off the beach he approached me all pissed off and yelling, telling me i wasted his time and he waited for 2 f-ing hours for me. Was super aggressive and borderline threatening. I avoided that part of the beach the rest of my stay unless i was with someone else cause i didnt trust him . I dont know what drugs he was hopped up on or what, but he really needs to go. Really seems like a loose cannon and possibly a liability.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vanila-ware
Middletown, DE13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
The place improves every year. There are many places to enjoy reggae on the beach. You’ll get some here, but Drifters is about rhythm and blues. Luddy hasn’t slowed down. The regulars there are pretty much family to us at this point. Luddy lets me get up there with his musicians to commit my yearly public embarrassment. Drifters remains our favorite place. Couple of libations and an afternoon of live music. Can’t beat that with a stick. Food is good too. Come once, and you’ll probably come again.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kim M
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Solo
Came over because my original lodging plan fell through; Judy's House did not answer when I showed up. Or respond to email. Plus their voicemail was full. Checked in and went to the bar. Whopper of a deal; $15 for a private room shared bath. Christina the bartender was amazing! She introduced me to all the folks there. Next I knew we were at Bourbon Beach for live music. This was what I wanted from my Jamaica experience; hang out with local, chill, safe people. Would highly recommend!
Written May 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Be4real1984
Greater London, UK1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2016 • Family
Place has been empty for weeks, word is they were recieved a cease and desist to use name Drifters and the owner never was in band to start?

Please inform if any news
Written August 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for being so concerned that we have been closed for a month or so. Its great to see that people worry when we are not there. You are right to ask as it is the first time that we closed in the slow season for three years and the first time that we both got a holiday together. Let me also address your other worries about us being called "Drifters Bar". Luddy Samms was a member of the internationally acclaimed "Drifters" vocal group for more than twenty years and he toured the World with them. In fact we just met up with some of the other former members of the "Drifters" when we were on holiday and I am sure that you will enjoy the photos that we will be putting up on our facebook page soon. We also announced on our page that we would be closing for refurbishment during the slow season and I am delighted to say that our staff have been wonderful in our absence getting new thatching and painting the place started. We will also, now that we are back, be starting the upgrade of the restaurant, the lobster and seafood area is complete. Finally if you had checked with Companies House you would discover that we do indeed own the Drifters Trademark and will be happily doing business with our name for many years to come. Thank you again for your concern and best regards Lady Jan and Luddy
Written September 8, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gary-Stark
Motherwell, UK2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2016 • Solo
Be sure not to walk past this fantastic entertainment venue, down by the sea (right on one mile) part of the beautiful seven mile beach.

Drifters Bar is a great venue for live music, tasty food and good company. But not just any live music, stop by to hear the marvelous vocal talents of Luddy Samms who is a former member of the legendary Drifters, as well as other up and coming local singers who come along for the jam sessions.

The music is a mix of Drifters classics and other blues and soul songs plus If unlike me, you are fortunate enough to be able to sing, or brave enough to try then you will be made most welcome to go under the spotlight on the venues new stage and sing to a decent size crowd. Most of the days I was at the bar there must have been at least a couple of hundred people enjoying a lazy, relaxing sunny afternoon. The atmosphere was electric, but doubly so during the new annual Blues on the Beach Festival which had class acts from the UK, USA and Canada.

If you decide to have a few drinks to ease your nerves before hitting the stage or simply want to let your hair down or even shake it about a bit, then you will find an impressively stocked bar (with many internationally known brands) Prices are much cheaper than other local bars along the strip but with the same great views of Caribbean Sea and best of all entry is free!

I highly recommend a visit or two or three or more especially in the afternoon into sunset whereby you can relax the hours away, listening to great music waiting for the sun to set over the calm sea whilst sampling the ever flowing choice of drinks, including ice cold red stripe and Guinness.

The bar also offers bucket deals and a good range of cocktails (have a try of the rum punch, if you are brave enough) and of course spirits, liqueurs, soft drinks and water, are readily available to wash down the delicious daily specials from Drifters restaurant.

You won't be disappointed, in fact when I was there the many other international travelers I spoke to all had great comments to make about Drifters Bar, many of them now returning to the place year on year. This didn't surprise me though as this place is simply brilliant - providing great value and great service.

Luddy and Jan who own Drifters will make you feel very welcome and the friendly bar and entertainment staff will look after you very well.

This place made my holiday and I have no hesitation in recommending it to you. If your next holiday is to Negril, then get yourself down to Drifters Bar. I can't wait come back again.

Jan, Luddy and the Drifters team, thank you for a great holiday!
Written April 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there. Thank you so much for this wonderful review. We are so glad that you had a great time here at our Bar. When Luddy was reading this the hairs on the back of his neck stood up as he felt so proud that our customers are so happy with what we are providing. We look forward to welcoming you back again to Negril and our bar in the near future. Best regards and Thanks again Lady Jan and Luddy
Written April 20, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Darrin C
Middletown, DE14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Couples
We like to fly into Montego Bay on Wednesdays.

The first reason is that we had noticed that the airports are much less crowded at Mobay mid-week. But that is only a minor reason that we like to come in on Wednesdays.

When we get to our hotel room at around 2 or 3 pm, we check in. We put our bags in the room, and we don't even bother unpacking. Unless, of course, it would be my guitar. That is the only baggage that needs unpacking when we arrive. We have more important issues to which to tend.

We have to go to Drifters.

I am dead serious. We do not even bother to change clothes. We walk directly to Drifters. We walk directly to Drifters because we know that there will be a bunch of people there listening to some sort of music performed by people who range from the mundane to the accomplished. We know that it will be loud and boisterous. We know that we are going to see people; most of whom we've never met. smiling and rocking to whatever melody is coming out of Luddy Samms' PA system and enjoying their libation of choice. We know that we will be greeted warmly and welcomed back to our adopted second home. We will be reminded that; for the first time in countless months. that life is to be savored and enjoyed. We will be made to feel like we have returned to our family.

Luddy Samms is the perfect combination of bar owner, schmoozer, host, and entertainer. His cred is solid. All one needs to do is to Google him and they will find a rather impressive portfolio. Whether there is a mike in his hand or not, he is a stone gas to be around. From open to close, there is a jovial demeanor and a smile for anyone who wishes to partake of an experience that is more vibrant, soulful, and fun than any other trip to a seaside bar. His lady Jan is the same way. She is a truly wonderful lady who could tell some music stories of her own (she loved the Cavern Club, for example). Together, Luddy and Jan have brought forth a unique experience that is unlike any other on Nine Mile (or anywhere else, for that matter.) His trademark drink specials (mentioned on other reviews) are a value. The food is mostly pub food, but it is pretty good as well. Cherie and Camille at the bar hustle pretty hard, but never seem to fail tending to the customers at the bar. The restrooms are a bit rustic, but this is a beach bar, not the Four Seasons.

The primary reason to be at Drifters is the music.

Reggae rules on Bob Marley's island. Just walking along the beach, one can hear any one of a number of people playing either on the beach or a bandstand. There are reggae performances at Drifters as well. The house band is a bunch of local musicians (most of whom are also dear friends) who back up Luddy and his cavalcade of talent for tips. He has guest performers as well so the afternoon doesn't turn into "The Gong Show."

Reggae is performed, but Drifter's is about the R&B. Luddy starts the ceremonies with a four to six song stretch of songs from the heyday of Atlantic and Motown Records. His stint with the Drifter's ensure you will hear fantastic versions of their songs, and Luddy will also do justice to the likes of Wilson Pickett, Sam Cooke, Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, and scores of other dulcid-toned vocalists of yesteryear. He's still got it, and it is a guaranteed crowd pleaser every time he does it. The only difference is that I don't think these legendary performers I had just mentioned would be as approachable as Luddy is. There are some locals who perform regularly as well. This only adds to the local flavor of this venue and drives home the point that everyone is invited into this wonderful, madcap fray which is the Drifters' Bar Jam Session.

We were last down in Jamaica for ten days. We spent six of those afternoon's at Drifters. Live jams are three times a week (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) and Karaoke is on Tuesday. You will be sitting on benches and chairs under a thatched roof with some room outside. This is not a bougie, high-end snootfest. Jacket and tie is not required (I would imagine it should be discouraged!) Rather, this is a pleasant beachside bar when you can sit down, knock back a few, make some new friends, and forget your burdens while submerging yourself in a most gratifying human endeavor.

Drifter's Bar and Entertainment Venue is a MUST for any traveler to Negril. One would be cheating themselves if they were in Negril and did not spend an afternoon here

Make sure to bring some cash to tip the band. Most people don't have a problem with it when they hear them. Most of these musicians are family men, and they play very well for the guests all day.

Drifter's Bar and Entertainment Venue is (and I do not say this lightly) my most favorite place in the whole world.
Written February 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! we were overwhelmed by your review and absolutely delighted that you gave such a full picture of what we are all about. And we realise how special you think our venue is when you say it is your most favourite bar in the world. That is such a mind blowing compliment. Luddy especially has worked so hard to turn local reggae musicians into a well rounded house band and as you say they work for the tips which are very well deserved. We do not charge admission for the pleasure of enjoying the entertainment we provide along with our guest artistes from around the world so it is especially pleasing when the band are rewarded based on enjoyment of the sessions. We hope to welcome you back again to our place and you say you have your guitar so I assume we will be honoured to hear you play again soon. Thank you and take care Lady Jan and Luddy
Written June 23, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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DRIFTERS BAR & ENTERTAINMENT VENUE - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2025)

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