USVI-On-Line

Ok, I see a lot of reviews and feel that what many of you feel is a great place to eat will be horrible for us because . . . many of you just have more sophisticated taste than we do.

we like our food plain . . .

a steak and baked potato is good food to us. We don't like gourmet food or anything too saucy. We just like "normal" food. I think skinny legs will be a good place for us to have lunch a few times but I am not sure where else we should try.

So, where would you take a fussy family like mine out for dinner (besides staying at the villa and grilling).

Ok, I know that is a huge opening so . . . be nice I am a soft hearted crybaby. (:

Gina

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There aren't THAT many places on island with fussy food. Although you can get it.

LIke anywhere you can get just about anything you want:

Woodys
Beach BAr
Skinny Legs
UNcle Joes BBQ
Vies
Island BLues
Shipwreck LAnding
Deli Grotto
Sun Dog Cafe

The list goes on.

If you don't do fussy then avoid the fancy places with a long wine menu.

In Cruz Bay check out The Inn At Tamarind Court.

There is no view but the food is excellent.

Ask for the heart attack home fries if they are not listed on the menu.

As for dinner I had Gastro Grub & Thai.

Lots of friendly locals!

http://innattamarindcourt.com/restaurant.html

Gina, don't worry, the casual places vastly outnumber the fancy ones! You'll be able to find burgers, chicken, fries, etc. at almost every place on the island.

Your post said "east side" so I am wondering if that means you are looking for casual places on the Coral Bay side? Here are some suggestions:

Shipwreck Landing is known for having good big steaks. I don't eat red meat so can't comment on the taste, but the fried fish I ate there was very good and not "foo-foo."

Aqua Bistro has burgers, fried fish, etc. on their menu.

Island Blues just started serving food again and the menu is very casual--burgers, nachos, hot dogs...stuff like that.

Donkey Diner has HUGE, very traditional breakfasts. Omelets, home fries, bacon, etc.

Big Belly Deli has grinders/hoagies-- in all the traditional flavors. You can take out from here for the beach.

Don't worry, you won't go hungry!!

On the east side, I also recommend Shipwreck Landing. Their blackened chicken sandwich can't be beat! I've never hed a steak there, but all the grilled fish I've had has been fabulous!

When you head to Vie's make sure you get the Johnny Cake...simple and heavenly!

I feel much better!

I have to tell you when I see the forum pictures of "food porn" and everyone ooohhs and aaaaahhs--I think a few things:

1) I would never eat that---what is it?

2) there is something very wrong with me!!

Anyway, I am very glad to hear it!! My sister-in-law is super wealthy and has taken my husband and myself to this swanky places and I always feel like a dork!! We don't know how to pronounce anything--we ask for it plain--we are such rednecks!

Gina

Gina ya sound like us in the eating out department give me a good burger and I'm happy as a clam. Woodys and Skinnys work well for this. Speaking of rednecks my honey took me to see Larry The Cable Guy a couple weeks ago. Talk about hilarious my sides and face hurt I laughed so much. Nothin wrong with being a redneck

Gina - my husband is the same way, just likes a plain steak and baked tater (plain), salads with no dressing - thank you! But he really enjoyed Shipwreck - they made a good steak and have great fish too. Loved the Aqua Bistro - good burgers. We also went to the Donkey Diner and had great breakfasts and also the pizza was delicious. And of course Skinny Legs - he liked their burgers and the grilled mahi was terrific too. Don't worry you'll find plenty of places to enjoy a meal.

Lots of good places to eat simply on St. John. Look for reviews from your fellow travelers of the places recommended above at http://diningstjohn.blogspot.com/

May I add something? Don't limit yourself to simple food, you're missing out on so much that way. It's perfectly okay to point at something on the menu and say, this sounds good, how do you pronounce it? Your tongue may get twisted trying to order, but the taste buds thereupon will thank you for the effort...

Robin

Although it's not on the East End, Banana Deck in Cruz Bay is a good choice. I usually get the rib eye steak. I comes with a side of baked potato and a veggie.

Here's a link to their menu: http://thebananadeck.com/id1.html

I feel so much better. I didn't want to do all of the cooking in the villa. It is great to know that we have a lot of options. I have made a list--I know for sure we are going to Skinny Legs (right by our villa) and Shipwreck Landing.

cptnkirk: my family likes Larry the Cable guy too. I bet that was a good time. Giterdone!

Deb: people who like salads without dressing are rare--or atleast it seems that way when we order our salads dry!! I am trying to jog my memory to see if we have any relatives in Ohio. (:


Thank you for your suggestions.



Gina

It is strange, everytime he orders a salad as a side dish, the waiter or waitress tries to sell him on vinegar & Oil (maybe they think he's dieting? LOL), but he likes it dry. Me - lots of dressing please!

One place that I highly recommend on the East end of the island is the Tourist Trap. It is as simple as they come, the prices are great, and the food is to die for.
We stopped there on the way back from Salt Pond, it is just up the road from there. You will see what looks like a trailer on the right side of the road, and some plastic tables and chairs. It looks like the guy put this right in his yard. He catches his own lobster to make Lobster rolls (He is from New England, and he knows his Lobster rolls!), he makes his own meatballs and sauce from scratch (I had the meatball sub and strongly recommend it.) He keeps all his beer in a cooler full of ice, so it is truly icy cold. The food is simple, excellent, and worth every bit of the trip from the Cruz Bay side, so if you are already going to be on the Coral Bay side you are in for a treat. We topped off our meals with a frozen Snickers bar, and I had forgotten how good those are.
Each table has a game on it, like a travel-sized Scrabble, Travel-sized Parcheesi, etc. The owner/operator of this delightful little "restaurant" sits down with his guests to chat while you are there. Locals drop in and join the fun. You must try it to know how much fun this place is.