A Taste of South America & A Peek into George Washington’s Life

Nestled in the vicinity of The Garrison Savannah in St. Michael, George Washington House & Café is making waves with its vibrant gardens, exhibits, museum tours, and South American cuisine—bringing a splash of South American flavour to the shores of southern Barbados. Celebrated for its authentic dishes and welcoming, kid-friendly atmosphere, this unique eatery and museum have quickly become favourites among both locals and tourists looking for gluten-free options on the island. Owned by an English-South American couple, the café draws in visitors for its versatility—either a glass of wine or a quick latte on the cobblestone terrace makes you feel like you’re in Europe while the flavourful dining transports you to South America. With ample free parking, all-day coffee, breakfast, and lunch—the George Washington House is a great place to spend half a day for locals and tourists alike.

– Café –
WHERE HISTORY & FOOD MEET
The George Washington Café, originally opened 12 years ago, was revived in 2022 by its current tenants and established itself as a go-to spot for those craving genuine South American delights. From arepas to empanadas, the menu boasts a wide array of traditional dishes, each made with fresh ingredients and a touch of Caribbean flair. The arepas, a South American staple corn cake, come highly recommended by diners and are stuffed with a choice of savoury fillings ranging from meats to flavourful cheeses. Not to be missed are the empanadas, perfectly crispy on the

outside with rich and hearty fillings that provide a satisfying taste of South American street food. A go-to lunch usually includes the Patacones sandwich with Oink and Moo chicken or beef, the Simon Bolivar tostones (a playful menu name sourced from another historical figure – a Venezuelan liberator sharing a similar ethos with George Washington himself), and lastly, the specialty handmade Cachapas, based on a traditional sweet corn indigenous recipe, glutenfree and made with love.

COFFEE SHOP WITH GOOD
EATS, INDOOR/OUTDOOR
SEATING & WIFI
One of the café’s standout features is its local coffee and inviting atmosphere. The décor is charming, with rustic wood booth seating that

encourages guests to remote work or simply relax and enjoy their meal. Whether stopping by for a quick lunch or simply a glass of wine, the friendly staff at George Washington Café ensure that you are taken care of at every visit. Sporting a mini bar and top-notch espresso machine—there’s something for everyone. Venezuelan Rum Pampero, a renowned spirit in the top 5 global rankings—is imported by the couple. Perfect for anyone looking to experience the rich flavours of South America while enjoying the tropical charm of Barbados, this café will please your taste buds.

Pro tip – if you can get there early enough to snag a picnic table on the Garrison road, you can watch the beautiful racehorses walk back to the stables from their morning sea bath.

-Museum –

PERFECT FOR EVERY OCCASION

The George Washington House grounds are the perfect place for a daytime rendezvous. Open from 9 AM to 4 PM, George Washington House has garnered acclaim not only for its tours but also for its versatility as an outdoor space to visit. It is an ideal spot for a casual meal, family outing with shaded parking, or even a romantic brunch and stroll around the gardens. The museum even has historical underground tunnels that are open to the public. The restaurant’s ambiance, combined with its view of the Historic Garrison, makes it suitable for any occasion. The proximity to local attractions and beaches makes it an excellent spot for tourists to fuel up before a big day or to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the island. For residents, it’s a great place to grab a quick, flavourful meal in a comfortable setting.

THE MUSEUM HOUSE

The George Washington Museum’s tour takes you through a unique lens of historical perspectives about George Washington’s life and time spent in Barbados. One of our favourite parts of the tour explains more about how George ended up in Barbados in the first place, as doctors in Virginia had sent his half-brother Lawrence to the island for its healing properties and fresh sea air. As an up-and-coming destination for those seeking relief from various ailments due to its tropical climate, in 1751, at the age of 19, George and Lawrence visited Barbados where he learned about pineapples and other tropical food he would later bring back to America.

WASHINGTON’S KITCHEN

The house is stunning, and you can guess our favourite room—which is actually outside—as traditional kitchens of the time would have been to help smells, smoke, and heat stay away from the home—especially in the summer time heat of the tropics. People working in kitchens those days were extra tough, ovens used to be on 24/7 so it was always hot—kitchen work was particularly challenging with open fireplaces that could cause fires and having to heavily salt things to preserve them. With plans from 1804 and knowledge of 18thcentury kitchens in Barbados, the layout of the kitchen was reconstructed to its original state. How it looks today is very similar to how it looked in George Washington’s time—if not nearly identical. The craftsmanship and stonework of the kitchen are of evident quality – even the fireplace still works! For a fun piece of culinary history on the island, pop into George Washington’s kitchen to see how food would have been prepared for the Washington family’s table. If you’re particularly lucky and interested in history, try to go on Dr. Karl Watson’s tour, one of the most notable historians on the island. Enjoy the experience at George Washington Café with family, friends, or just for some peaceful “me time” with nourishing homemade food.