Watering Holes & Beach Bars on St. John with Amazing Views

• The Beach Bar
• High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill
• The Windmill Bar
• Skinny Legs
• Lime Out
• Drink St. John
• Lovango Rum Bar
• Paddle-In Tiki Bar at Maho Crossroads

The Beach Bar

For one of the most dramatic sunset views on the island, take a quick stroll from the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock over to The Beach Bar in St. John. Snag a picnic table on the sand overlooking Cruz Bay and order a tropical cocktail, like the signature Beach Bar Painkiller (Cruzan dark rum, pineapple and coconut) that’s also available as a gallon to-go. Beachy bites include fresh smoked fish dip and grilled mahi tacos. Catch live music on weekends and select Thursdays.

High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill

Also just steps away from the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock is the bustling High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill. Spectacular ocean views pair well with cocktails that are served all day, from breakfast through dinner. A canopy and leafy trees keep diners cool in the shade of this open-air bar and grill situated right on the beach. Cocktailing starts early here, with mimosas and Bloody Marys offered in the morning. Or stop by for the late afternoon happy hour from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. and sip on frozen, fruity piña coladas and daiquiris.

The Windmill Bar

Set on a hilltop among the ruins of a late-1700s sugar plantation, The Windmill Bar is named for the old stone windmill that still stands on-site. Take a seat on the breezy deck to soak in the sweeping views of Hawksnest Bay below, with sunset being the most magical time to visit. Catch live local music nightly, ranging from steel pan to reggae. Sip a specialty drink like the Blue Chair Bay Cooler (coconut rum, pineapple juice, club soda) as you snack on appetizers that include the crab-and-shrimp seafood dip, served warm with tortilla chips.

Skinny Legs

Skinny Legs is a longtime St. John favorite (opened in 1991), beloved for its laid-back vibe and views of the surrounding Coral Bay tropical landscape. Kick back with a hand-shaken cocktail (no blenders at the bar here!) like the Melee, a combination of flavored Cruzan rums mixed with fruit juice. Be sure to order a juicy, half-pound grilled cheeseburger, touted as one of the best on the island. Get into the groove and dance to live music most weekends on the outdoor patio.

Lime Out

Become immersed in the view, literally, at Lime Out. This floating taco shack and bar is located in Coral Bay Harbor, and is only accessible by boat (pro tip: book a ride to Lime Out on the Salt + Lime Express shuttle). Grab a lime green, lily pad-style booth in the water and order a craft cocktail like the Hunter’s Passion (mango rum, pineapple juice, passion fruit puree and cream of coconut). Don’t miss trying one of the tasty tacos, such as the ceviche version stuffed with grouper, pink grapefruit and orange segments, jalapeño peppers and chipotle slaw.

Drink St. John

Bars don’t get much beachier than Drink St. John in downtown Cruz Bay. Post up on the outdoor deck overlooking the beach for a breathtaking view of the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. Hand-squeezed fruit juices and house-made mixers give the cocktails a fresh punch. Order the infused Lavender Lemonade mixed with Tito’s Handmade Vodka or go for the popular gourmet version of a Bushwacker, blended with everything from peanut butter and Nutella to seasonal favorites like candy cane.  Live music is showcased weekly. Or visit on a movie night.

Lovango Rum Bar

Head over to the waterfront patio at Lovango Rum Bar as sunset streaks the sky with pink pastels while live music begins to play. As its name suggests, craft cocktails mixed with house-made rum are the way to go here. Try the complex Black Beards Killa, made with Lovango spiced rum, toasted banana, coconut cream, grilled pineapple syrup, fresh orange juice and nutmeg, served in a glass with a toasted coconut rim. Bites include wood-fired pizzas like the Jolly Roger, a white pie with a garlic oil base topped with mascarpone, mozzarella and prosciutto.

Paddle-In Tiki Bar at Maho Crossroads

Enjoy views of the stunning turquoise waters of Maho Beach, just across the road from the eco-friendly Paddle-In Tiki Bar at Maho Crossroads, recognized as one of the top beach bars in St. John and the entire Caribbean. Buy a mahi sandwich or burger from the on-site food truck, paired with a tropical cocktail like the popular Painkiller (dark rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut and orange juice). Rent snorkel gear, kayaks and paddleboards during the day to explore the crystal-clear waters of Maho Bay. Then, get ready to dance in the sand to live music by local bands at night.

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