Trader Jacks Restaurant/Bar Cook Islands Restaurants Cook Islands Restaurants Rarotonga Restaurants Welcome

Welcome

There’s a saying about Trader Jack’s which has settled into local folklore – “With food and drinks this good, it’s easy to overlook the water.”

Seeing as Trader Jacks’ enjoys a stunning view of the seascape by virtue of being situated right on it, that’s no mean feat.

And it is true. Some of the Cook Island’s most sought after cuisine is prepared in the establishment which was first opened in 1986 by local character “The Trader” Jack Cooper.

His inimitable presence ensured the fledgling restaurant (and bar!) was always going to be a success. Not even the advent of Cyclone Sally, which completely flattened more than half of Avarua a year after opening in 1987 was enough to put the island’s favourite watering hole down for too long.

Although it’s fair to say the cyclone did her best – not much was left standing except the roof and the very stout supporting poles, which over the years have been more used to supporting long term patrons!

While originally starting out as “A bar with food” centrally situated in Avarua, Rarotonga’s main township, Trader Jack’s has simply become synonymous with innovative cuisine in Rarotonga, with a special emphasis on the exquisite presentation of seafood. Which is not surprising? It simply does not come fresher anywhere, with the fish of the day travelling less than 20 metres from ship to chef.

You can enjoy either lunch or dinner, or an all day bay menu selection. Totally relax in the sun over the gentle waters of the lagoon, enjoying the many facets of life it provides as locals do what they have always done – spending more than half their life in or on it.

Trader Jacks’ also provides live entertainment seven days a week, with a combination of talented pianists through to top local bands to help you while away the hours, whether eating to your hearts delight, dancing – or simply enjoying the “tall tales” of Jack Cooper himself. Trader Jack’s is open seven days week, from midday till late.

The Trader still maintains his role as chief custodian and drink tester – and both locals and international ‘in the know’ tourists are waiting avidly for his to-be published memoirs, Forty years Behind Bars.