Le Select, nestled in the heart of Gustavia, St. Barthélemy, is more than just a bar and restaurant; it’s a legendary cornerstone of the island’s cultural and social fabric. Founded in 1949 by Marius Stakelborough and his wife Helen, Le Select holds the distinction of being the oldest bar on the island.
Marius, a native of St. Barthélemy, founded Le Select as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Over the decades, it has remained under the stewardship of the Stakelborough family, preserving its authentic charm and community-centric ethos. Marius was a beloved figure on the island until his passing in 2020, at the age of 97. The bar still attracts all manner of locals, visitors, and yachties.
The legendary and now late musician Jimmy Buffett found a unique connection with Le Select. In the 1970s, he frequented the bar, often referring to it as his “office” under his favorite tree. His experiences at Le Select are said to have inspired the iconic song “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” which brought international fame to the establishment. As an aside, while Le Select may have been the inspiration, it is lesser known that Jimmy was also quoted saying that Cheeseburger in Paradise was written in Roadtown, BVI, at the Village Cay Marina. Further to the story, according to Yacht Warriors, it’s also said that immediate inspiration came one day when Jimmy was eating a cheeseburger in Stanley’s Welcome Bar, in Cane Garden Bay, also on Tortola.
Buffett performed free concerts at Le Select to celebrate its 50th, 60th, and 70th anniversaries, with the 70th-anniversary performance in November 2019.
Le Select’s enduring appeal lies in its unpretentious, laid-back, somewhat ironic simplicity. Unlike many upscale venues on St. Barts, it offers a casual setting where patrons can enjoy simple yet delicious fare like cheeseburgers and cold beers. The open-air seating, adorned with colorful decor, stickered shutters, and shaded by trees, invites guests to relax, socialize, and immerse themselves. Beyond its standard fare of burgers and beers, Le Select is known to host frequent live music and community events.
Le Select’s ability to “resist change since since 1949,” as they put it, and maintain its core identity has allowed it to stand the test of time as an icon in downtown Gustavia for over seven decades.
Jimmy Buffett, playing at Le Select in 2019
