At some point during your vacation, you’re likely to stray away from the beach and in the direction of the nearest bar. So, we’ve compiled a list of the best bars to guide you on your journey to inebriation.
Note: Happy Hours times and prices are subject to change
The Beach Bar
The Beach Bar has a fantastic view of the Cruz Bay harbor, as it is only feet away from the shoreline. The environment is casual, the food and drinks are flavorful, and a few times a month there is live music in the evening. (Check their music schedule on their website for upcoming bands!)
Happy Hour is from 4-6pm, featuring $3 beers and $4 painkillers. Aside from deck seating, There are tables and chairs along the beachfront. get there early to secure a spot on the sand!
Caps Place
If you’re looking for Bachata, this is the place to go. Caps has a vibrant, friendly atmosphere with great music and drinks at a good price. If you’re hungry, don’t miss out on their amazing Dominican food! Caps also has slot machines for those who like to play a risky game.
DR!NK St. John
Already had dinner and looking for a nightcap? Head over to DR!NK. The staff are expert cocktail makers. On their menu, you will find eccentric bushwackers, lavender lemonade, and mule punch. They even give you the option to build your own drink if you’re in the mood for something that’s not on the menu. Keep in mind that DR!NK only serves . . . drinks. No food.
The ambience is friendly and relaxed, and you get a beautiful view of the ocean.
For New Year’s Eve, DR!NK throws an awesome block party!
Gecko Gazebo
This small gazebo bar is located in the middle of Mongoose Junction shopping center. Whether you find shopping exhilirating or a bore, the bar can be both a good place to start or end your day. Gecko Gazebo has a nice selection of beers and specialty cocktails with bizarre names such as Prisoner of St. John, Geckolada, and Drunken Monkey. Happy Hour is from 4-6pm.
The Gecko Gazebo is an extension of Sun Dog Café, which has received several awards for its superb food and service.
Joe’s Rum Hut
Joe’s Rum Hut is located inside Wharfside Village, so you can expect a spectacular view of the Cruz Bay waterfront. Ever heard the song “Put the Lime in the Coconut”? Well, you can get the drink at the Rum Hut.
Happy Hour is from 3:30-5:30 with $4 “you call it” special drinks. Make sure to try out their painkillers!
Quiet Mon Pub
Located on the second floor, above La Tapa, this Irish pub can be easy to miss. Just keep your eyes peeled for their green, shamrock-adorned sign and follow the stairs up into the eclectic bar room decorated with flags, banners, and sports paraphernalia.
Quiet Mon has a menu of local and imported beers as well as specialty drinks like the “Quiet Mon Colada.” Their food menu offers cozy, filling meals like sloppy joes, flavorful hot dogs, and homemade chili. Being on the second floor gives you the advantage of having the best view for people watching.
Fun Fact: Kenny Chesney mentions the Quiet Mon Pub in his song “Be As You Are.” The lyrics go: Play my guitar in the Caribbean sun, Hang with the locals at the Quiet Mon, Where you can be a tourist, a beachbum, or a star, and be as you are.
If you’re ever on St. John for St. Patrick’s Day--it goes without saying--this is the place to be.
The Tap Room
From the name you can guess that, yes, they serve beer on tap. The Tap Room is run by St. John Brewers, so you can expect fresh local beer, straight from the source. If you’re getting tired of IPA’s, try out one of St. John Brewers dark beers. They’ve got some really interesting brews like the Toasted Coconut Brown Ale, Chocolate Hole Stout, and Coconut Milk Stout. (Keep in mind that some drinks are seasonal and that the menu varies during the year)
On tap, they also have hard seltzer, tropical fruit-flavored soda, and root beer. If you want one of the draft drinks to-go, ask for a 32oz “crowler” and your bartender will pour and can the drink right in front of you. The more crowlers you buy, the more money you save.
Downstairs, in the Brewtique gift shop, you can purchase 6-packs, ice-cold single beers, and St. John Brewers souvenirs.
The Tap & Still
If you’re into sports, Tap & Still is an excellent place to go to catch your favorite soccer team or Sunday football. Go there with an empty stomach and load up on a juicy burger and beer. For dessert, make sure to try one of their amazing funnel cakes!
Tap & Still has three locations across St. Thomas and St. John. The St. John location is right in the middle of Cruz Bay, and the deck overlooks one of the busiest streets in town.
Woody’s Seafood Saloon
Woody’s is small and lively and has been a favorite for many long-time visitors. Indoors, there are a couple of tables, barstool seating, and enough room to dance, if you’re up for showing off your incredible--or not so incredible--moves. Outside are several umbrella-covered tables along the sidewalk where you’ll have a streetside view of central Cruz Bay.
Woody’s is a great place to stop for Happy Hour. From 3-6pm they offer $2 Coors Lights and $3 well drinks. The staff is quick and very friendly and the menu is bound to intrigue you with it’s unique finger foods like shark bites, fried pickles, and conch fritters. Woody’s is one of those bars that you go to once and keep returning to time after time, even if it’s just to order a quick drink or snack from their to-go window. It’s not anything fancy--it’s a modest bar--but the atmosphere is fun and it’s hard to leave without having made a new friend.
420 to Center
420 is truly a hidden gem. It’s kind of a hole in the wall, but you can find it across from Wharfside Village, right next to Slim Man’s Parking.
420 is a laid-back dive bar with inexpensive drinks and really good bar food. If you’re looking to avoid high-priced touristy restaurants, this is perfect for you. There are no scenic views at 420, but the place has character. There is table seating available as well as barstools and even couches. Chill out with a cold beer, some crab ragoons, and watch the game on TV.
Make sure to stop at an ATM beforehand, as this is a CASH ONLY restaurant.
Remember to Follow Covid Safety Regulations
Everyone wants to have fun on vacation, but just remember to do so in a way that is safe and respectful to local Virgin Islanders. Keep the bar staff safe by wearing a mask when necessary and by following social distancing rules. Working in the service industry in the midst of a pandemic is no joke, so be mindful of staff members and fellow patrons, and remember to tip your servers well.