Our story

Est. 1979

A pirate's saga: from Massachusetts to Guam's most beloved beachfront destination.

A red and orange east-coast sunrise over the Pacific, seen from the Cove

“Every morning, I am greeted by the breathtaking spectacular east coast sunrise over the vast Pacific Ocean, painting the sky with brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow. This daily miracle serves as a reminder of the beauty that life has to offer.”

Jeff PleadwellFounder, Jeff's Pirates Cove

More than a restaurant

Jeff's Pirates Cove is a destination where adventure meets hospitality, history meets the present, and every visit creates lasting memories.

The Cove’s history

Set along the quiet shore of Togcha Beach, Jeff's Pirates Cove sits on land rich in CHamoru heritage and World War II history. Its sands have yielded Latte Period artifacts dating back some 1,000 years, including ancient pottery, sling stones, and traces of a fishing village. A WWII bunker still stands against the Cove's sweeping ocean view, an enduring reminder of a poignant past.

Visit Jeff's Seaside Museum to learn more.

Island flavors

From fish kelaguen and Tinala' Kåtne to Jeff's famous homemade cheeseburger, our menu pairs CHamoru favorites with seaside classics, cold drinks, and oceanfront dining.

Outdoor theater

Our beachside venue hosts live concerts, community events, and unforgettable gatherings under the tropical stars. From local musicians to international acts, the Cove has hosted outdoor entertainment on Guam for decades.

A bass player performing on the Cove's outdoor stage, blue sky and trees behind

Jeff’s timeline

From a teenager arriving on a tropical island to the founder of Guam's most beloved beachfront destination.

Jeff Pleadwell, white beard and skull bandana, with two of his crew behind the Ship's Bar
Jeff PleadwellWith the crew behind the Ship's Bar
  1. 1940s-50s Rich in WWII history

    After the war, these shores became home to Camp Ethridge, a Navy rehabilitation camp for aircraft carrier crews and pilots. In November 1949, Typhoon Allyn destroyed most of the camp. The buildings that survived went on to house The Seaside Restaurant, then The Steak House, and finally Pirates Cove, after Jimmy and Margie Cruz acquired the property in 1953.

  2. 1962 Jeff moves to Guam

    At 14 years old, Jeff Pleadwell arrived on Guam from Massachusetts, immediately experiencing the raw power of Typhoon Karen. This transformative moment began his lifelong connection to the island.

  3. 1960s-70s Island adventures

    Jeff spent years exploring Guam's beaches, collecting Japanese glass balls, WWII artifacts, ancient pottery, and sling stones from the shallow reef waters. He became a true beachcomber and treasure hunter.

  4. 1979 Jeff’s Pirates Cove established

    Jeff Pleadwell purchases Pirates Cove from Margie Cruz and sets about transforming the humble roadside tavern into one of the Western Pacific's best-loved open-air family restaurants and bars.

    Pirate Captain Jeff with Shoichi Yokoi, a color archival photo
    Pirate Captain Jeff with Shoichi YokoiA historic moment on Guam
  5. 1980s-present Building a legacy

    Through decades of dedication, Jeff created a recreational sanctuary for locals, military residents, and travelers alike. With Togcha Bay as a one-of-a-kind backdrop, Jeff's Pirates Cove has hosted packed concerts featuring Jimmy Cliff, Maxi Priest, Mike Love of the Beach Boys, and many more.

    Though now known around the world, the Cove has always been an independent, family-run business built on warm island hospitality. Jeff's children grew up working in the kitchen, restaurant, and gift shop. And today, his grandchildren's names mark favorite spots around the property, from Charlie's Soft Serve Ice Cream Shop to Emma's Beach.

The land of Togcha

Jeff Pleadwell beside the giant JEFF'S letters on the lawn above the Pacific

The Togcha valley bears witness to Guam's rich history spanning over 3,500 years. Archaeologists have discovered Latte Period remains, ancient CHamoru villages, and artifacts dating back to A.D. 1000.

Jeff explored every inch of the property, uncovering treasures from Japanese glass balls to WWII bayonets, ancient pottery, and sling stones that the waves would occasionally reveal from the sand.

The Seaside Museum at Jeff's Pirates Cove houses this collection of artifacts, from ancient CHamoru tools to natural ocean specimens, antique photos, and wartime souvenirs donated by friends and patrons over the decades.

Visit the Seaside Museum

Jeff's vision

“Jeff’s Pirates Cove stands as a symbol of enduring dedication, a haven where the adventurous spirit flourishes and genuine hospitality embraces all who enter. Far beyond a mere commercial enterprise, it embodies a lasting heritage, its narrative etched into the sands of time.”

From “A Pirate's Saga”

Come write your own story

Whether you're here for the food, the music, the history, or just the view, every visit to Jeff's Pirates Cove is an adventure waiting to happen.

  • Monday to Friday11am to 6pm
  • Saturday and Sunday9am to 7pm

#111 Route 4, Ipan, Talo'fo'fo, Guam 96915

Get directions(opens Google Maps in a new tab)