StX Restaurant Ratings

Gave Good Spirits a second chance after such a bad experience the first time for me. I decided to take the advice of a friend and go for the chili. I also went with some chicken bites and a side of cheesey tator tots. With a drink I paid under $25 with tip and I left stuffed. It was more than enough food. I felt I got my money's worth this time and the other members of my group (who all loved it the first go round), each were very happy with their meal as well. The chili had nice chunks (not ground or shreaded) of beef and was very good. Although I would have liked to have an option to spice it up a bit. The chicken bites were good, nice sauce and a good serviing size for the price. The jalepeno cheddar cornbread that came with the chili was very good as well. The tots were tots. I am still annoyed that they have a dedicated lunch menu on the same sheet as the dinner. (why can't I order a sandwich for dinner, this place isn't fine dining so why isn't that an option?) But I can get over that gripe. I now can cross Good Spirits off my list of badly reviewed restaurants of STX leaving only Eat, Zeebos, and every buffet I have been to on the island.

I thought that Taste of St. Croix was very good. Many restaurants brought their A game and didn't seem to run out of food until 7:30 (at which point you should have been there by then). Wine flowed freely and overall it was a great experience. I thought the usual heavy hitters were awesome (Bachus, Salud, Galangol, etc.) but the one that really stood out from me was some Cruzan lady who was dancing to the music and serving some sort of Mango puree type dessert. Mama Ptah? (could be completely wrong on the name). It was awesome. Anyone have any info on it?

Has anyone had Sweetface chocolate? I can only find it at Luca's Art Farm and it's great! It's organic chocolate and they are AMAZING. . .

While I've thought that Zebos kitchen was in decline for sometime now, I have to say it may officially be there, and if it's not... I'm scared to see how much further it goes.

We tried their new tapas menu and traded lighter portions for a lighter wallet without much satisfaction in between. It really seems like they don't care anymore. At one point they had it, and they lost it, and I'm not sure they know where or how to get it back. So far we've had their egg rolls (maybe a bad choice initially on our part) and their coconut shrimp (2 TEEENY! shrimp?!) We had some other items on their menu and tapas too which were also sub par, but really it feels like we're dining at a washed up Red Lobster in South Jersey. Long gone are the days of the truffle mac n' cheese and Senepol local beef.

bummmmmmmmmmmmer.....

PS. I first had it at Taste of St. Croix and they combined it a leafy green grown at the Art Farm. Skeptical at first. Delicious at Second.

Just returned. Dinner at Tutto Bene was awesome! Dinner at Salud was awesome! Four of us and each and every one loved their meals, apps and drinks. Prices were reasonable, considering.

While I've thought that Zebos kitchen was in decline for sometime now, I have to say it may officially be there, and if it's not... I'm scared to see how much further it goes.

We tried their new tapas menu and traded lighter portions for a lighter wallet without much satisfaction in between. It really seems like they don't care anymore. At one point they had it, and they lost it, and I'm not sure they know where or how to get it back. So far we've had their egg rolls (maybe a bad choice initially on our part) and their coconut shrimp (2 TEEENY! shrimp?!) We had some other items on their menu and tapas too which were also sub par, but really it feels like we're dining at a washed up Red Lobster in South Jersey. Long gone are the days of the truffle mac n' cheese and Senepol local beef.

bummmmmmmmmmmmer.....

Couldn't agree more. We've officially written Zebo's off our list after our latest fiasco last month.

Bernie

I'd like to tip my hat to Phil at the Deck Bar.

I rarely make it downtown anymore, with the rare exception of a late shift postprandial Guiness at the "new-old bongos" location, I just don't find much ado about the food on the boardwalk. I walked on to the Deck Bar yesterday and was pleased to see that while Rumrunners still wasn't open for food service, I could still get a sandwich at the bar with Phil.

He is such a pleasure behind the bar, constantly moving, surveying and keeping banter through a myriad of topics of different conversations throughout the small area with several separated groups of people. Phils got that "It" The man is full of jovial wit and a dash of self deprecating humor that is so easy to fall for.

So, as a good 16 hungry and thirsty people crowded his little bar yesterday, I watched him bang out a half dozen panini sandwiches of varying order, dispense beers and drinks like they were flowing through his fingers, all the while holding court and keeping things lively like a good bartender should. Great job Phil, you are an exception to the typical myopic recalcitrant beer-tenders that sometimes infest the local barscene.

For all the smoldering flames left from the departed "ownership" of Parrots Cove and Mahi's that still burn in the disgruntled former employees and unpaid bills left scattered across the island, I reckon we should thank them at least for introducing Phil to STX and letting him kick ass the way he has.

Bravo, buddy...

Oh, and by the way, I had the Hawaiian Hottie Panini and it was damn tasty. Prosciutto, pineapple and sriracha on a pressed baguette.

Where is the Deck Bar? Is it on the boardwalk on the corner immediately to the east of Rum Runners?

You walk through the deck bar to get to Rum Runners.
Arrived last Friday. Headed straight to Coconuts for beer and chili. The beer was cold and the chili was hot. I'm glad I tasted it before adding hot sauce. We ate on the street during Jump up and stopped at Angry Nate's to top off the evening. The calamari was very good. We went back on Monday for more. We also tried the seafood chowder at Nate's. It was a little spicy and not as much "goodies" in it as the chowder we had in Barbados.
Saturday night we went to Salud. The crab risotto was excellent as was the mahi catch of the day. What really impress us was that the bartender had been our waiter last year and he remembered us by name. Maybe because I knew Noah through this board and sent my card to the kitchen. Salud is still our top pick on Island.
Sunday was back to Coconuts more for the Blues band than the food. The food was ok but the band was excellent.

Went to South Shore Cafe for our second time tonight. The Owner/chef has fired all her help and is now running the place on her own. I Don't think it was as good tonight as I did last time - but it was fine.
It's also hard when every time we call she asks if we can make the reservation earlier.... last time we called we couldn't make it as early as she wanted so we canceled.
I can't imagine trying to run a whole place like that alone. even if it is only open wed-sun.

The only time we were there, her brother was waiting tables in shorts and flip flops (fine, no problem, that's probably how we were dressed), but when we suggested 45 minutes was too long to wait for appetizers, he informed us it was "fine dining"! How about just say we're a little behind, so sorry, can I buy you a drink? And....this was after we had come earlier than we wanted because they asked us to. Do they ever actually just take a reservation at the requested time? Never been back. It's too far out of town to make an effort for that kind of service.

Went out East to Good Spirit's the other day for lunch.
We had the pulled pork sandwich, it was very good. $8.50 for the sandwich and a side. The people that work there are so friendly.
We will go back.

Also, went to Off The Wall last night, they had a pulled pork sandwich as a special. I have to say for me it is the best pulled pork that I ever had. Awesome food and great entertainment.

This question may be going out on a limb a little bit. I know it is an island and we can not always find everything we would like. What is the situation with fresh ears of corn with the husk still on it, on St Croix ? Does anyone grow it there ?Is it available seasonably ?

Thanks, Chris.

Chris, I have never had any good corn here. When you do get it at a restaurant it is soggy. I'm orginally from MD where we had awesome silver queen corn. I'm definetly a corn snob. LOL!

I found out who brings it in. If it has any quality to it I was thinking there will be a soaking tub around the grills,grill it fresh with the husk on. Just another idea. It can be somewhat addictive when it is fresh,instead of butter and salt try butter and lemon pepper. You'll be surprised,don't skrimp on the seasoning.

i have hesitated to respond to these postings but the "older local guy" waiter you are refering to at duggans[and i know you had no way of knowing] was 1 of the best waiters ever at duggans and has probably been there since day1 and is always requested by locals and people who frequent the resturant as their waiter of choice..is battling cancer and is most likelynot to win the race..point being when you visit a small island in the carribbean you are entering a community where thru the years every one bonds and knows each other{exclusive of your usual group of jerks } point being come here love stx love the people but never pass judement cause you never know...love and peace ...lily

Had some meals out this weekend and thought I'd share while my new computer gets Windows installed:

IHOP for Dinner Saturday...very good and cheap. I had The Chicken Florentine Crepe's and my wife had the bit French Toast Breakfast (she's pregnant and wanted breakfast for dinner). For drinks it was Iced Tea for me and Chocolate Milk for her. Service was great, food was very good and our bill came to $22.50! Can't beat IHOP for a good cheap meal. Baby was pretty cooperative as well so it was a nice meal.

Eat on Sunday was also very good. I think they are my favorite burgers on the island. I had bacon/cheese and the wife pepper jack w/ guacomole. Service was great, they were very busy for Mother's day but we had eaten before the baby got too fussy and were on the beach within an hour.

Sean

Had Mother's Day Brunch at Cultured Pelican and it was really good. I'm a fan of the "Bloody Mary and the Boys". The Hash browns were the only disappointment - and our Waiter's lack of ability to keep up with the big crowds. He's a good guy who we've seen as a busser (so I'm guessing he's working his way up) But he definitely got into the weeds and couldn't deal.

ate out as well this weekend. Cultured Pelican food and atmosphere -excellent. also had to remind waiter a few times but they were busy and I did not mind the wait.

good spirits- always very satisfied. i agree that the folks there are very friendly and accommodating. personal favorite-pulled pork, smoked turkey, and 3 blind mice. so glad they are here. very convenient parking and fast service. i do usually call ahead and do a pick up to bring home.

i am looking forward to giving ihop another chance based on the review.

All I can say about South Shore is that Diane (owner) is way over the top in her managment style; eccentric is putting it lightly. We used to go when she was at the "old place, but never have been since she moved.

As for good corn on the cob here -- lots of luck. I come from Northeast Ohio and I know a good roasting ear (corn on cob) when I eat one -- never have had one here though.

Had a very delicious meal tonight at Eat @ Cane Bay. Three of us ordered the super fresh mahi-mahi in a coconut curry sauce and the other ordereed the ribeye (mr). I ordered the fish on the rare side and it was cooked perfectly as was every one else's meal. Everything was super delicious. Kudo's to Kathyrn, Frank and the wait staff for their prompt service and wonderful meal.

Jumbie - STX

That. Poor. Chef.

As you all may know, I write a lot of reviews here and with the exception of a few places, they are mostly positive. This review is more of a outreach then a review. I need to talk to the owner of this restaurant, if anyone knows who it is, PM me so I can email or call him or whatever. The name of the the review is That. Poor. Chef. and you'll understand why.

Last night me and a few friends went to Mahogany in Fredericksted. They tout themselves as a high end sports bar; basically think of the polar opposite of Lost Dog. Ok, everyone in my party except for me arrived and I strolled up a few minutes later. I walked up to what should be the hostess and she looked at me blankly for a second, then looked back down. I saw my friends and didn't think anything of it and sat down. The restaurant is right on the water above Turtles Deli. Great sunset views and decor, good vibes and 4 big TVs lining the wall.

As we sat down, our waitress took our drinks and handed us menus, except everything was in slow motion. Whenever she approached the table, it felt like we were entering the Twilight Zone. There is no other way to describe it. She either wasn't there or not paying attention or it was another excuse. She misprounced the specials, didn't know what one of the items on the menu was, and seemed generally confused. When we said we needed more time to order, she came back I kid you not, 8 seconds later to see if we were ready.

Now this place even says on there shirts Mahogany Sports Bar and Restaurant, so you'd think they would have sports on TV. We went there to watch a game on Versus. The problem was that even though they have 4 TVs, they only have 2 boxes, and 3 TVs are hooked up to 1 box. They went with the cheapest package which means only ESPN and whatever is on networks. If you are a touting yourself as a sports bar, you need to splurge for a sports package to actually show sports, and be able to show multiple games on different TVs.

So we got the food, between 3 of us, we had 2 appetizers and 2 entrees. Everything was cooked as asked and delicious. The appetizers, which would be considered more bar food type, were pretty cheap (all were under $10) and had great portions. Another group of 6 came in just after us and the received there food right after us. The kitchen performed exceptionally well. Food orders came out on time, the chef gave a taster app of bread with some fresh tomatoes and other items on it.

4 drinks were ordered and both people who ordered the drinks concluded that something was off. They were not hard drinks to make (Rum and Coke, Gin and Tonic). The waitress handed us our bill and the credit card was put down, she ran it and gave it back. Again, 8 seconds later, she comes up and askes if we need anything else while we are writing in the tip. Absurd. Final tally for 2 entrees, 2 apps and 4 drinks was $81. Great Prices, and the food was delicious. On our way out the hostess looked at us and then put her head back down.

In Conclusion:
Pros: Decor, Chef, Prices
Cons: Everyone else on staff

I would love to make this a place to watch games at, the owner has all the tools to make this restaurant great and break the curse of the location. However he is shooting himself in the foot with his staff (outside the chef). I have talked to other people who have gone here and they all have had similar experiences. If anyone knows who is running this, PM me.

Did anyone go to the Slow-down dinner tonight?

Did anyone go to the Slow-down dinner tonight?

Darn! I really wanted to go, but didn't know about it, or if I did, I forgot. I've always wanted to go to one of those, but they seem to be over before I know it.

Did anyone go to the Slow-down dinner tonight?

A "Slow Down" dinner on St Croix?

Where can't you go to get that? 🙂

After having not gone back for many months, I gave Eats at Cane Bay another try yesterday.

Had to send the burger back for being raw inside and the handcut fries were rather undercooked.

The service was great.

Wow Neil, you've had bad luck at Eat. I've been 3 times so far and had great meals. 2 burgers that were perfectly cook and a Lobster's Benedict that was wonderful for brunch one morning. Did they fix the burger for you at least?

Sean