Child friendly finer dining on St. John?

[Jessicasmom]

15 days and counting until we leave for St. John. Very excited!Traveling with 4 1/2 year old daughter. Please advise regarding finer dining restaurants that are child friendly?

[liamsaunt]

Some places I think are child friendly are Morgan's Mango, Lime Inn, Pastory Gardens, Cafe Roma, the Beach Terrace at Caneel Bay, Miss Lucys, The Balcony, Fish Trap, La Tapa if you can find something on the menu for her...

If you are thinking of a fancier type of place, I will say that I have seen (very well behaved) kids your daughter's age at the Equator at Caneel Bay. I think it would depend on your daughter's temperment. You know that best!

[jmq]

At the risk of preaching to the choir, our experience when our daughter was that age was that any place was “child friendly” as long as WE followed a few simple rules: since finer or upscale dining places were more likely to NOT have a "childrens menu" and if we weren’t familiar with the place, we called ahead to confirm they could whip up simpler pasta or chicken tender like dishes (be prepared for sticker shock there – they often make up a price on stuff like that and it would vary wildly). Also went before 6 to avoid crowded prime time just in case there were any problems, giving small healthy snack before we went to the restaurant so she was not starving (especially if wait might be involved), and bring the travel “toy” bag with the coloring books (break out a new one for the occasion), Polly Pockets, etc.

I assume these techniques would work in STJ also at any of the upscale places and you and others around you can enjoy a great meal. Others might chime in with location specific experiences.

[mia]

We had dinner at La Tapa last week; the table right next to us was occupied by a mom & dad with their twin sons....probably between 3 to 4 years old. I noticed that they served the little guys bowls of pasta with butter, followed by vanilla ice cream. It was a joy to watch, as memories of past trips with our own children flooded my mind. We complimented them when they got up to leave; they replied that they were thrilled they had gotten to enjoy a two hour dinner with their two tykes ....mia

[PA Girl]

We will be on-island at the same time!

Our son was just a few months old last year and we took him to several restaurants. The staff at the Lime Inn, Morgan’s, and the Banana Deck were particularly welcoming to families.

I may be setting off a hot topic but I would think a 4.5 year old who is used to dining out will be just fine at La Tapa and the Equator, especially prior to the diner rush. We had an odd, snotty waiter at Zozo's (our son was not with us that evening) so I can't say that in our limited experience that Zozo's would be a good choice.

I can’t offer any information on kid menus.

[Jessicasmom]

Thanks for your responces. This will be our 8th time staying on St. John and the 4th time for our daughter.We went on our honeymoon to St. Thomas and feel in love with St. John during a day trip.We have also done 2 term (1 week) sail boat charters. The Lime Inn has always been great with her (usually eat there a couple of times), other than that we stick with JJ'Texas coast, Skinny Legs and of coarse Joe's BBQ. We would like to try Rhumblines and return to Aslore. Our daughter is used to eating out, but I just didn't want to get any dirty looks from others.
She isn't a picky eater, she will usually eat whatever we are eating. I

[flip-flop]

I'd add shipwreck landing to the list of kid friendly eats. Not exactly upscale but very good food and a nice open atmosphere. At my last meal there my then 3 year old slept through the entire meal, but I imagine if she were awake she'd have done fine.

[liamsaunt]

Jessicasmom, if your daughter is a well behaved child used to eating out, I can't anyone except a big old grinch would be giving you dirty looks. Enjoy your meals and your trip!

[PA Girl]

I forgot about Rhumb Lines - that would be a good choice. We had a good time there last year.

[Berkfamily]

I would second Rhumblines...It's all outside and they have the swings at the bar. There were some small children there when we were there and they seemed right at home.

[RickG]

I've been taking my daughters to La Tapa since they were babies. They are restaurant savvy and do not mind sitting down for a couple of hours. They have small plates as well as full sized entrees and also cook a very cook pasta with olive oil and garlic (not on menu) that I think is good. My 9 year old daughter gets a couple of small plates and is happy. In November she had grilled shrimp to start and beef tenderloin skewers.



When she was 5 years old (nearly 6) we had dinner there and she fell asleep half way through her pasta. We were at a table on the right side that had benches against the wall. She put her head in my lap and slept for half an hour. Not a single nasty look or comment. More like, "isn't she cute!" She woke up in time to get a daquiri at Woody's. One thing my girls always like to do is get their photo taken at Woodys for the website. The delight in showing folks their innocent photo among all of the adult misbehaving



I know I do go on about La Tapa, but it is the only fine dining place where we've never been disappointed!

Cheers, RickG

[PA Girl]

It is great to hear stories like this. Our 16 month old eats whatever we do and I look forward to the day when he is a more active participant in the family adventures.

[Jessicasmom]

Thanks RickG for the info. Enjoyed your story and pictures. If there is shrimp or beef on the menu our daughter is happy. Think we will have to add LaTapa to our list.
Can anyone advise about how far in advance should we make reservations at any of the restaurants during the 1st week of March?

[waterguy]

I'll make them the day before but have had luck making them the same day if the they are open for lunch
Tom

[RickG]

I'll make them the day before but have had luck making them the same day if the they are open for lunch
Tom

We used to make them before we left home. But, it's never been necessary unless it was Christmas week. Day before, day of works. Especially, if like me, you like to dine earlier when you have a small one. Check to see if there is a time change and remember the little one's get their schedules turned around on travel. But, you've been there and know the routine.

Cheers, RickG