Explore Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay is the bustling heart of St. John, home to some of the island’s most popular shops and restaurants. Visitors arrive via ferry (there are no airports on the island). stepping off the dock and into a postcard-perfect seaside town. We’ve got tips on some of the best places to shop, dine and drink as you spend a day in downtown Cruz Bay.
Shopping
Wharfside Village
Right next to the Cruz Bay Ferry Landing you’ll find Wharfside Village, a collection of boutiques that range from fun souvenir shops to sparkly jewelry stores. A favorite stop is St. John Spice, known for its award-winning Caribbean spices, rubs and hot sauces. You’re sure to find a gift for someone back home at Pink Papaya, which carries everything from hand-painted ceramics to island-themed artworks. At Bamboo Studio, the artisan jewelry — including pendants, rings and personalized charms — is made from recycled precious metals. At Turquoise Turtle, pick up breezy beachwear, sandals and St. John-branded tumblers. St. John Bracelet Company specializes in USVI’s popular hook bracelet, a symbol of love and unity, made in their on-site workshop.
Mongoose Junction
Distinctive Mongoose Junction is a two-story, courtyard-style mall fancifully constructed of stone and Caribbean coral. Stop in Bajo el Sol Gallery & Art Bar to check out the fine art and books by local writers, followed by a rum tasting flight. Made in St. John carries apparel like T-shirts and summery dresses locally screen printed with island-inspired designs. St. John Sailsack Co. offers a selection of unique tote bags made from retired boat sails that once navigated the local waters. Sip a beer as you browse St. John Brewers Brewtique’s line of glassware, clothing and hats emblazoned with its logo. The women-owned Vibe Jewelry captures the spirit of the islands with statement rings and elegant necklaces that feature local gemstones like Caribbean larimar. Vibe Jewelry has a second location at Cruz Bay’s Wharfside Village.
Dining
Cruz Bay Landing
Whether you’re looking for a quick morning pick-me-up or dinner and cocktails, you’ll want to head over to Cruz Bay Landing, conveniently located just steps from the ferry dock. Open from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily, this family-run spot covers all the dining bases, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dig into hearty steak and eggs in the morning, try blackened Baja fish tacos for lunch, or savor the crispy coconut shrimp-and-crab cakes combo for dinner. Drink in the waterfront view while sipping on a craft cocktail, such as the signature frozen Funky Monkey (banana rum, Baileys Irish Cream, coconut and chocolate). Or grab a to-go coffee — brewed with beans from local Virgin Islands Coffee Roasters — and sweet treat like a slice of peanut butter pie from the restaurant’s next-door Coffee Shop and Creamery.
The Banana Deck
Kick back with a cocktail at The Banana Deck as you watch the boats lazily sail by on beautiful Cruz Bay. Open for dinner six nights a week (closed Monday), The Banana Deck is known for its hand-cut ribeye steaks (try yours topped with mushroom-truffle butter) and seafood au gratin, along with incredible water views from its open-air dining room. Meals come with a side of live music on Thursday nights. Be sure to stop in for The Banana Deck’s Sunday brunch, offering egg dishes like huevos rancheros and its famed build-your-own Bloody Mary and Mimosa Bar that’s stocked with house-infused spicy vodka and more than 10 different hot sauces.
Heading East Bar & Grill
The bright orange Heading East Bar & Grill is the perfect spot for a casual bite, dotted with colorful picnic tables that encourage communal dining with the locals. Authentic Caribbean cuisine is served up at this family-owned gem, with dishes like stew goat, saltfish and conch in butter sauce offered with sides such as seasoned rice, okra and baked mac ‘n’ cheese. Wash down your meal with a refreshing passion fruit juice drink (add a shot of rum if you like) or an ice-cold beer.
High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill
Step off the ferry and right over to High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill. This welcoming beachfront spot serves breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner daily. Breakfast classics include cornflake-battered fried chicken and waffles with sausage gravy (best enjoyed with an Irish coffee during the morning happy hour from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.). Lunch features casual eats ranging from grilled tacos to sandwiches like the brie BLT. And dinner dishes include honey Dijon salmon and seafood diavolo tossed with calamari, mussels, shrimp, mahi and clams in a spicy marinara sauce. Don’t miss the daily happy hour from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., when you can sample beloved island drinks like rum punch or an original cocktail such as the Ahab’s Quest — Gray Whale Gin, sparkling Pink Ting, a splash of Chambord raspberry liqueur and a dash of Angostura Orange Bitters.
Ocean 362
Scenic Ocean 362, located at the seaside Gallows Point Resort, takes the locavore concept to a whole different level. With a mission to use sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, you can find Ocean 362’s chef doing everything from tending the restaurant’s garden to spear fishing in Frank Bay to working in the kitchen where he blends local peppers to make hot sauce. Island-to-table dinners begin with appetizers that include sous-vide duck confit and shrimp ceviche. Entrees feature grilled octopus with pesto-filled breaded burrata and rack of lamb with toasted farro in a coconut curry sauce. Head upstairs to the beautiful third-story bar to catch a stunning Caribbean sunset paired with a handcrafted cocktail like the Parrot Fish (dark spiced rum, passion fruit, grapefruit and ginger beer).
Morgan’s Mango
Make plans for a romantic dinner for two at Morgan’s Mango. Neo-Caribbean cuisine — melding USVI culinary influences that include Creole, Cuban and Puerto Rican — is the focus of the creative menu. Take a seat on the lushly landscaped deck and start with an appetizer like the Cajun shrimp with caper-berry remoulade and a tropical slaw. Main dishes include the grilled catch of the day offered with a choice of sauces such as mango-rum. Or order the puchero/osso buco, a fusion-style veal shank braised in white wine and served with saffron risotto. Every Tuesday and Saturday is Lobster Night, featuring fresh-caught Caribbean lobster.