Best Dock-and-Dine Spots in the Virgin Islands: Unique Waterfront Dining Experiences
Best Dock and Dine in Palm Beach: The Ultimate Waterfront Dining Experience
Looking to dock your yacht and dine in true island style? The Virgin Islands offer some of the most scenic and satisfying waterfront dining experiences in the Caribbean. Whether you're arriving by sailboat or motor yacht, the blend of warm hospitality, flavorful cuisine, and turquoise views makes every stop a highlight.
1. The Rusty Pelican
Location & Convenience:
Just steps from the Cruz Bay ferry dock, The Longboard is easily accessible for visitors arriving from St. Thomas or exploring downtown St. John. It’s a perfect midday or early evening stop after a beach day, hike, or island tour.
Ambiance:
Bright, breezy, and effortlessly tropical, The Longboard offers laid-back island dining with a modern twist. With open-air seating and friendly service, it’s a welcoming space to unwind, sip a cocktail, and share small plates with friends.
What They Offer:
Fresh, Caribbean-Inspired Coastal Cuisine
Local Favorites:
Poke Bowls
House Ceviches
Small Plates & Bar Snacks
Vegetarian & Light Fare Options
Craft Cocktails made with local herbs and tropical fruits
Signature Sips: The Frozen Painkiller is a must-try
Why Visitors Love It:
Offering a light and healthy fares and creative cocktails inspired by coastal regions around the globe.
The main menu features poke bowls, ceviches, bar snacks and shareable small plates, as well as vegetarian options, all prepared with a Caribbean flair using local spices, locally-caught seafood, and locally-grown herbs, greens, and fruits.
Hours:
Bar: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Kitchen: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Happy Hour: Daily | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
2. The Easterly
Location & Convenience:
Ideally located on the Red Hook waterfront, The Easterly is just steps from the ferry terminal and easily reachable by boat, taxi, or foot. Its central location makes it perfect for pre-sail dinners, romantic nights out, or relaxing after a day exploring St. John or the British Virgin Islands..
Ambiance:
The Easterly captures the laid-back Caribbean spirit with its breezy, lantern-lit dining spaces, natural wood and stone décor, and lush garden surroundings. This open-air oasis offers a warm, intimate atmosphere perfect for slow evenings, local cocktails, and memorable meals by the sea.
What They Offer:
Wood-Fired Caribbean Cuisine with local ingredients
Signature Dishes:
Maduro Skillet
Crispy Plantains
Chocolate Lilikoi Dessert
Craft Cocktails with Island Flair
Try the Dark ‘N Stormy Tart or other seasonal creations
Vegetarian-Friendly Options
Why Visitors Love It:
The Easterly is a hidden gem in the heart of Red Hook, a true dining oasis offering innovative craft cocktails and wood-fired cuisine representative of the rustic Caribbean. The lush and breezy waterfront atmosphere of The Easterly embraces the simplistic and laid-back Caribbean lifestyle.
Hours:
Dinner Service – Daily
Kitchen: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Bar: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
3. Sun Dog Cafe
Location & Convenience:
Located in Cruz Bay’s Mongoose Junction, Sun Dog Café is just minutes from the ferry terminal, downtown shops, and island trails. Whether you're strolling through boutiques or heading back from the beach, it's a convenient, central spot for all-day dining and drinks.
Ambiance:
With breezy open-air courtyard seating, lush greenery, and laid-back live music several nights a week, Sun Dog Café offers a cozy and welcoming space where island time truly takes over. Family-friendly by day and relaxed and vibrant by night, it’s where good food meets good vibes.
What They Offer:
Island-Inspired Comfort Food & Drinks
Local Favorites:
Caribbean Conch Fritters
Sun Dog Lobster Roll
Jerk Chicken
Full Bar: Cocktails, beer, and wine from 9 AM – 10 PM
Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Options
Live Music:
Wednesday–Friday Evenings: 5:30 PM – 8-ish
Sunday Brunch Tunes: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Why Visitors Love It:
Sun Dog Cafe is Casual Courtyard Dining in the Center Courtyard of Mongoose Junction, St. John's Premier Dining and Shopping Destination
Hours:
Brunch
Daily: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – Noon
Lunch
Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Dinner
Monday – Saturday: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: Noon – 9:00 PM
Drinks
Daily: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
4. Cruz Bay Landing
Location & Convenience:
Perfectly positioned in Cruz Bay’s busy harbor area, Cruz Bay Landing is the ideal stop for ferry passengers, beachgoers, and shoppers. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a central hub for relaxing, refueling, and meeting up any time of day.
Ambiance:
Warm and welcoming, the café combines laid-back island charm with modern features like a 22-foot shuffleboard table, live music, and a breezy patio bar. Whether you’re starting the day with coffee or closing it with cocktails, Cruz Bay Landing offers a chill, casual vibe for every occasion.
What They Offer:
All-Day Dining & Full Bar
Local Favorites:
Crab Cakes Appetizer
Sweet Plantains
Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Virgin Islands Coffee Roasters Brew Bar
Craft Cocktails, Wine, & Beer
Brunch, Social Hour, and Late-Night Menus
Vegetarian & Family-Friendly Options
Why Visitors Love It:
Formerly JJ's Texas Coast Cafe, Cruz Bay Landing opened on December 6th 2013. The renovation included: an outside bar, a 22' shuffleboard table, an interior coffee bar featuring locally roasted coffee from Virgin Islands Coffee Roasters and a brand new menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hours:
Open Daily | 7:00am to 9:00pm
