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The Best Bars in St. John, USVI

The Best Bars in St. John, USVI

Peanut butter and jelly. Peas and carrots. Limes and tequila. Certain things just go together. And when we are on vacation we want rest and relaxation. The “Out of Office” reply is on and the stress of day-to-day life starts to melt away. While staring out into the ocean, watching the palms sway, you order a cocktail and begin to relax. You’re on vacation! If you are new to St. John or a returning visitor, we put together a list of the best bars you should make sure to check out, all perfect for kicking back after a day at the office beach.

Umami Bar

Centrally located in Cruz Bay, Umami Bar is the place for sushi, fresh seafood, and eclectic cocktails. The vibe is casual and the food and drinks fresh. One special is the Guava Mama, this cocktail is almost too beautiful to drink. Vibrant pink and made with Milagro, Campari, St. Germaine, fresh guava juice, lime juice and jalapeno syrup, the rim is spiced with dramatic black smoky jalapeno ash. Stop in for Happy Hour from 3 – 6pm and enjoy 2 for 1 cocktails everyday.

Dog House Pub

With plenty of TVs and a casual, inexpensive menu the Dog House Pub in St. John is the ideal place to watch the game, dance the night away, sing karaoke, and enjoy live music. This place is fun and features American cuisine, plus it has a large selection of craft beers sure to please everyone (over 50 different beers). Stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or happy hour (from 3 – 7pm everyday).

  • Hours: 11:00AM – 2:00AM
  • Address: 6C-71 Cruz Bay, Cruz Bay, St. John
  • Islander’s Tip: they offer a late night menu from 11pm to 2am for the night owls

Drink

If you are looking to enjoy a fantastic cocktail with an ocean view, head to Drink, located on Cruz Bay in St. John. It’s one of the best spots on the island for sunsets, and the specialty of the house, the Bushwhackers, are not to be missed. Try the peanut butter, Nutella, or Thin Mint Bushwhackers. These delicious milkshake-like drinks are a treat after time in the sun. Drink is also known for their fabulous bar staff, mixologists that are ready to whip up whatever cocktail you desire.

  • Hours: 2:00PM – 11:00PM
  • Website: https://www.drinkstj.com/
  • Address: 1 Bay Street, Cruz Bay, St John, USVI
  • Islander Tip: ask the bartender to mix up something creative!

St. John Brewers – The Tap Room

If you are into micro-breweries head to the Tap Room at St. John Brewers. Billed as a great place to grab lunch or a cold beer after a day at the beach, the Tap Room has two large outdoor patios, an indoor air-conditioned bar, and full bar and food menus. Cruz Bay Watersports partners with St. John Brewers and includes their Island Summer Ale on all of our trips. The Island Summer Ale is a half-wheat, half-pale ale with a medium body and smooth, clean finish. It’s the perfect beer to pair with the beach!

Knox & Ollie’s

If you’re in the mood for a delicious cocktail, head to Knox & Ollie’s above the Westin St. John’s hotel lobby. Try the Ultimate Old Fashioned made with bourbon, house-marinated cherries, house-preserved oranges and topped with bitters. Knox & Ollie’s also has stunning views across the Westin gardens out into the ocean. This is the perfect venue for enjoying a leisurely sunset cocktail.

  • Hours: 5:00PM – 10:00PM
  • Address: 300A Chocolate Hole, St John
  • Islander’s Tip: if your are looking for great live music, check this place out on Saturdays and Wednesdays!

High Tide

Looking for a place that has great food, cocktails, friendly staff and the waves are just feet away? High Tide serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in their open air patio just steps from the powder white sand of Cruz Bay. High Tide offers a diverse menu and is even kid-friendly. However, the favorite for tourists and locals is adult-only: the Painkiller cocktail made with rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut, and a fresh nutmeg.

  • Hours: 8:00AM – 9:30PM
  • Website: http://www.hightidevi.com/
  • Address: Cruz Bay, St. John
  • Islander’s Tip: the sunset view is incredible, take the whole family!

The Longboard

Sophisticated but fun, The Longboard is a new spot on St. John. Offering small plates and strong drinks, order the house special Dark & Stormy. Made with Gosling’s Black Rum, house-made ginger beer, lime and Angostura bitters. The Longboard has a sense of humor, with a note on their website stating “Chickens are island friends and part of the Cruz Bay local flavor. You may find them strutting tableside to say hello.” However, the food and drinks aren’t joking around. The Longboard has an extensive menu offering gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options as well as home-made sodas and ginger beer, and fresh squeezed juices sure to please everyone. Happy hour is 3 – 6pm daily.

  • Hours: 3:00PM- 11:00PM
  • Website: https://www.thelongboardstjohn.com/
  • Address: 1C Cruz Bay Quarter, Cruz Bay
  • Islander’s Tip: the bowls are delicious, everything is fresh!

Beach Bar

As stated on their Facebook page “Toes in the sand & a drink in your hand!” The Beach Bar is a staple in St. John with outdoor games, live music, and world famous Bushwhackers and Painkillers. The Beach Bar is a great place for a night out in St. John, or a Sunday funday. The adults can drink beverages and play bag toss while the kids build sandcastles close by. You won’t want to miss out on the fun at the Beach Bar. Happy hour is 3-7pm daily.

  • Hours: 11:00AM- 2:00AM
  • Website: http://beachbarstjohn.com/
  • Address: 5000 Enighed #151, St John
  • Islander’s Tip: looking for fun nightlife, this is the place!

Bowery

Indoor, air-conditioned, the Bowery reminds you of a speakeasy in hidden, underground New York City. Serving the finest wine, beer and spirits in St. John, the Bowery also offers customized cocktails poured by experienced barkeepers. The menu rotates nightly and features a wide-variety of shareable small plates. If you are looking for an intimate evening, head to the Bowery.

  • Hours: 6:00PM – 1:00AM
  • Website: http://bowerystjohn.com/
  • Address: Wharfside Village, Cruz Bay, St. John
  • Islander Tip: perfect for date night!

Joe’s Rum Hut

Why head to Joe’s? Two words. Happy Hour. Joe’s offers a daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m. with $3 You-Call-It drinks including all beers, liquors and frozen cocktails. Recently featured in Men’s Journal as One of the Best Bars in America, Joe’s Rum Hut is just steps from Cruz Bay beach. Another reason to go: lobster pizza. Joe’s makes some of the best pizzas on the island and their lobster pizza is a must try.

  • Website: http://www.joesrumhut.com/
  • Address: Wharfside Village, Cruz Bay, St. John
  • Islander Tip: again, try the lobster pizza!

Our Favorite Watering Holes

Cruz Bay Watersports has partnered with Umami, Dog House Pub and Drink for shared discounts on trips and drinks. Bring a Blue Cup from Umami, Dog House Pub or Drink and get $10 off your trip OR take our Red Cup to any of their establishments for a free drink!

Of course, while on vacation in St. John we always suggest trying out the local specialty cocktails like the Bushwhacker, Painkiller and Rum Punches. And of course, don’t forget to pair some of your cocktails with the local fare and fresh seafood. Have fun exploring the island bar scene, and drink responsibly!