On a recent jaunt to Curacao, I scurried off the plane, quickly checked into Kura Hulanda Resort and immediately jetted over to one of the most popular restaurants in Curacao for dinner — Equus. The reason for my hurry? We were visiting the island just for the weekend and Equus is only open on Friday nights. So I had a narrow window of opportunity and one chance to have a taste of this popular local hangout.
Our taxi drove us up the mountain into a residential neighborhood toward our dinner destination. Signage is minimal, but the line of cars parked along the street told me we had arrived. When it comes to great food, always trust a full parking lot … or in this case, a packed street.
Located on a small horse farm, Equus exudes a rustic simplicity that’s perfect for kicking off the weekend in a relaxed style. There’s a maybe a dozen candlelit outdoor picnic tables situated around a brick fire pit where the owner is grilling cubes of chicken and beef on skewers. In the corner you’ll find a bar offering buckets of local beer and a tasty wine selection. As for the food, there is only one choice to make: chicken or beef. There’s no menu. 
No plates. No forks and knives. In fact, you eat with your hands, pulling grilled meat off a hot skewer and sucking the juices right off your fingertips. It’s messy and unrefined, yet visceral. I remember staking claim of my wine glass with a greasy thumbprint thinking, “this is awesome!” I’m salivating just thinking about it now!
Equus has a fun history that any local will tell you. The story is, the owner was pretty darn good at barbequing. He used to invite his friends over on Friday nights to grill out and his method was so delicious, that his friends started inviting their friends. And then they invited a few more friends … to the point where he just built out an area above his horse stables and opened a restaurant. Keeping with tradition, it’s only open Friday nights.
IF YOU GO
Their business model is just as minimalist as their food, so they don’t have a website. BUT, you can find them here on their Facebook Page: Equus Restaurant
Call ahead for directions or more information at: +5999 767-5554
What happens if you’re a veggie?
Well, all they have is meat, bread, wine and beer. So if you’re okay with bread and wine for dinner … LOL! Actually there are plenty of places to eat on the island that offer more veggie options. 🙂
How was the food? You would think with a name like Equus located on a horse farm, they would offer horse meat! Just kidding!
Definitely a unique place! I would try it out. And to answer Andi’s question, I think you just have to find a different place to eat! 🙂
Messy eating is the best!
Wow, that sounds like a cool foodie experience! Can’t believe they’re only open one night a week.
I know! I guess that’s what keeps them full on Fridays … supply and demand!
We went tonight. It was very good and a good environment to relax and feel like you were on vacation. We had the mixed skewer, chicken and beef. There are 10 total pieces of meat, 5 of each, approximately 1in x 1in x 2in each. Cost is $35 ANG = $20 USD. A little pricey for what you get but only $3.50 ANG = $2 for a 8oz Polar beer to beat the heat. I will go again next time I am on the island.
Glad you liked it! Considering they’re only open once a week, I think it’s a special treat. 🙂
they do have a wonderful Veggie skewer.
Does anyone know how late they serve dinner?
I think it’s 10:00, but I’d call ahead to be sure.