Sunlight softens over the shallow turquoise water, the breeze carries the scent of the North Sound, and somewhere near the bar a blender whirs. At Rum Point Club on Grand Cayman’s North Side, the Original Mudslide was invented here in the 1980s, and the dining scene has only grown from that sweet, boozy start. Whether you arrive by paddleboard, boat, or rental car, the island’s most relaxed waterfront dining offers two very different ways to eat well: the casual, sand-on-your-toes Rum Deck and the more refined Solis restaurant. This article covers what to expect at each, what to order, and how to make the sunset part of your meal — whether you’re traveling with kids, on a date, or just hungry after a day on the water.
The Original Mudslide cocktail was invented at Rum Point in the 1980s and remains the signature drink of Grand Cayman’s North Side.
Rum Point dining is absolutely worth the drive across the island — but only if you plan around the sunset shift. The Rum Deck is perfect for a low-key lunch with kids (first-come, first-served), while Solis gives you a proper evening out with table service and smart-casual vibes. Just book ahead for dinner; walk-ins for Solis are rarely an option.
| Spot | Known For | Price Range | Best Time | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Rum Deck | Casual beachside dining & sunset drinks | Moderate | Lunch or sunset drinks (4–6 p.m.) | First-come, first-served all day; arrive early for shade sails |
| Solis | Refined dinner with indoor & patio seating | Higher end | Sunset dinner (reservations required) | Book at least a week ahead during high season |
| Original Mudslide | Iconic cocktail invented at Rum Point | Drink price (around $15–18) | Anytime, especially at sunset | Try the Rum Slide for a lighter twist |
The Rum Deck
The Rum Deck is the heartbeat of Rum Point Club’s daytime scene. With a 50-foot-long open-air bar and 15,000 square feet of decking raised just inches above the sand, it feels like you’re eating on the beach without actually getting gritty. Shade sails keep the midday sun bearable, and the dress code is swimwear plus a cover-up — Lily and Ethan loved that they could come straight from the water without changing.
The lunch menu pulls from popular Caribbean and international cuisines — think conch fritters, grilled fish sandwiches, and fresh pizzas from the oven. A beach menu is available for guests staying on the sand, so you can order without leaving your chair. The full lunch menu is the same at both The Rum Deck and Solis during the day, so don’t stress about which venue to choose. The Rum Point Club website lists the current offerings if you want to preview before you go.
Head to The Rum Deck around 3:30 p.m. if you want a shaded table with a clear view of the sunset. The 50-foot bar is great for solo diners or couples, but families will want a low table near the water’s edge.
As the afternoon light shifts, the energy moves from The Rum Deck to Solis — where dinner takes on a more structured, but still relaxed, tone.
Solis
Solis is Rum Point’s sit-down restaurant, offering both an air-conditioned indoor lounge and a spacious outdoor patio. Dinner here requires a reservation, and the dress code shifts to smart casual — no sand on the floor. The dinner menu leans into refined Caymanian flavours: fresh catch, lobster when available, conch, and steaks, all plated with a little more care than the lunch options.
We started with conch fritters — crunchy on the outside, tender inside — and moved to grilled catch of the day with a light citrus butter sauce. The service was unhurried but attentive, which felt right for a sunset meal. If you’re after a proper Caymanian dinner without the formality of Seven Mile Beach restaurants, Solis hits that sweet spot. For cocktail lovers, the Cayman cocktail scene shines here: the Rumspresso Martini and Solis Sangria are both worth ordering.
Reservations for Solis fill up quickly, especially between December and April. If you can’t get a dinner slot, opt for a late-afternoon drink at The Rum Deck and watch the sunset from there — the view is the same, and you save the formality.
The Original Mudslide
No visit to Rum Point is complete without tasting the drink that started it all. The Original Mudslide — a rich blend of Kahlúa, Baileys Irish Cream, vodka, and cream over ice — was created at Rum Point in the 1980s and has since become a Caribbean classic. It’s served frozen or on the rocks, heavy enough to be dessert in a glass.
The Rum Deck offers a variant called the Rum Slide, which uses rum instead of vodka for a slightly lighter, more tropical profile. Both are excellent, but if you want the original, ask for the Mudslide by name. If your group isn’t into creamy cocktails, the bar also carries a strong wine list and local beers. For a complete guide to island-inspired drinks beyond Rum Point, our post on the Cayman cocktail scene covers the best bars across the island.
Practical Tips for Rum Point Dining
Getting the most out of Rum Point dining means planning around sunset, knowing the reservation system, and understanding the logistics of getting there. The North Side is quieter than Seven Mile Beach, but that also means fewer last-minute options.
Rum Point Club is located on the North Side of Grand Cayman, about a 45-minute drive from George Town. Parking is free but limited — the lot fills up by mid-afternoon on weekends. If you’re staying on the North Side, consider a taxi or a water taxi from Kaibo or Camana Bay.
Reservations & Timing
Daytime dining at The Rum Deck is always first-come, first-served — no need to book unless you’re a large group. Dinner at Solis requires a reservation; you can book through the Rum Point Club website. For sunset seats at The Rum Deck, arrive by 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, earlier on weekends. The mudslide is available all day, but sipping it while the sky turns pink is the whole point.
Dress Code & Atmosphere
The Rum Deck: swimwear with a cover-up, sandals, and sunglasses. Solis dinner: smart casual — collared shirts, sundresses, closed-toe shoes. The transition from day to evening is smooth; you can stay at The Rum Deck for drinks after dinner, but the vibe shifts noticeably after sunset. Families with young kids will find The Rum Deck more forgiving, while couples and small groups will appreciate Solis’s quieter patio.
Getting There & Parking
Driving is the most common way to reach Rum Point. The parking lot at the club is unpaved and can get dusty. If you’re staying at a resort near Seven Mile Beach, many offer excursion packages that include Rum Point with lunch and drinks. For those looking to stay in the area, if you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of Grand Cayman’s hotels and rentals makes it easy to compare properties near Rum Point versus Seven Mile Beach.
- The Rum Deck is your go-to for casual, kid-friendly lunch and sunset drinks — no reservation needed.
- Solis requires a dinner reservation and a smart-casual dress code; book ahead during peak season.
- The Original Mudslide is a must-try, but the Rum Slide is a worthy alternative.
- Sunset dining at Rum Point is about the experience as much as the food — give yourself time to settle in.
Before You Go: Rum Point Dining Questions Answered
Do I need a reservation for The Rum Deck?
No. Daytime seating at The Rum Deck is first-come, first-served. The only exception is for large groups (8+), who should call ahead to reserve a table. Dinner service does not operate at The Rum Deck — evening dining moves to Solis, which does require a reservation.
Is there a kids’ menu?
Yes. Both The Rum Deck and Solis offer a kids’ menu during lunch hours. Options include buttered pasta, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and fruit. The portions are sizeable for children, and the relaxed atmosphere means spills aren’t a crisis. For picky eaters like my Ethan, the ability to order familiar food was a game-changer.
Can I arrive by boat?
Absolutely. Rum Point Club has a dock on the North Sound that accommodates private boats and water taxis. Many excursion operators offer Rum Point stops with lunch included. If you’re coming by boat, you can tie up and walk straight to The Rum Deck — no need to change out of your swimsuit. The only note is that the dock can get busy on weekends, so arrive before 11 a.m. to secure a spot.
What’s the best time for sunset photos?
Sunset on Grand Cayman varies by season but generally begins around 5:30 p.m. in winter and 6:30 p.m. in summer. The golden hour at Rum Point lasts about 30 minutes. The best photo spot is from the deck just in front of the bar, where the low railing keeps the view clear. If you’re dining at Solis, ask for a patio table on the west side of the section.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, but limited. The lunch menu includes salads, vegetable pizzas, and a few side dishes. The dinner menu at Solis typically has one or two vegetarian starters and a pasta or grain-based main. Vegan options are not explicitly marked, but the staff is knowledgeable and willing to adapt dishes. If plant-based dining is a priority, call ahead to confirm current offerings.
Sunset at Rum Point
Dining at Rum Point isn’t just about what’s on the plate — it’s about the arc of an afternoon: the kids splashing in the shallows, the first Mudslide appearing as the sun dips, the quiet shift from deck to patio as lanterns flicker on. The food is good, but the setting is what you’ll remember. For more island-inspired meals and drinks, take a look at our guide to Cayman’s best-kept dining secrets where the locals eat — it’s full of spots that trade tourist crowds for genuine flavour.
References
Rum Point Club. “What to Expect When Dining at Rum Point Club: From Beach to Table.” Rum Point Club Blog, 2024. ↗
The Wharf Restaurant. “Best Waterfront Restaurants in Grand Cayman for Sunset Dining.” The Wharf Blog, 2024. ↗
If you’re still planning your Cayman dining itinerary, don’t miss our round-up of the Cayman food truck scene for a completely different vibe — mobile kitchens serving conch fritters, jerk chicken, and fresh smoothies. And for dessert beyond Rum Point’s famous mudslide, our guide to Cayman’s sweet treats beyond rum cake will point you to the best bakeries and ice cream shacks around the island.
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