Less than a mile from downtown Charlotte Amalie, explore the lively Frenchtown neighborhood that offers its own unique charm. Established in the mid-19th century by French immigrants from St. Barts, the neighborhood today is a colorful melding of restaurants and nightlife thriving within the “Frenchies’” fishing culture. Spend an evening in Frenchtown sampling small-batch beer, dining on local fare and dancing to the rhythms of St. Thomas.

Sample local beer

Begin your excursion with a late-afternoon stop at Frenchtown Brewing Company, a nano-brewery that’s big on craft beer. Duck into a sleepy side street nicknamed Hop Alley and climb the stairs to this tap-only operation. Learn about the unique challenges of brewing beer on St. Thomas during a guided brewery tour, available until 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6:30 p.m. on Fridays.

Sample the Frenchie Farmhouse Saison, a refreshing Belgian-style brew. Or try the fruity Hop Alley IPA, made with five different hop varieties. You may also get the chance to try a seasonal brew, like the Guavabeery Saison. Chat with owners Terri and Kevin while you sip — they treat every visitor like family. Before you go, pick up a stainless-steel growler filled with your favorite brew to take on your next beach outing.

Grab a casual bite

After happy hour at Frenchtown Brewing Company, it’s time for an only-in-Frenchtown dining experience. A combination deli, coffee shop and corner store, Frenchtown Deli & Coffee Shop boasts some of the best sandwiches on the island. The secret lies in the fresh French bread, which is crispy on the outside and perfectly chewy on the inside.

Try the Amsterham (cured ham and smoked gouda) or the Moo Plus Two (roast beef, turkey, ham, cheddar and Swiss). Don’t skip the sides — the potato salad and macaroni salad are two favorites. Dine in the relaxed deli and order a boozy daiquiri with your sandwich. Or make your order to-go and snag a seat with scenic views of Cay Bay right outside. If you need fuel for the rest of your night out, grab a freshly brewed latte before you leave.

Right next door, Pie Whole Pizza brings authentic Italian gusto to St. Thomas. Its pizzas are made with fresh, hand-stretched dough and ingredients imported directly from Italy. Then they’re baked in a brick oven, achieving the perfect crisp crust.

Start your meal with the signature artichoke dip, served on a pizza crust with spicy jalapeños. Then order a specialty pie like the shrimp pesto with fresh tomato and house-made pesto. Or try an Italian dish like the chicken fettuccine alfredo. Pair your pizza or pasta with a craft beer from Pie Whole’s huge selection. Dine in the colorful dining room or on the restaurant’s covered patio.

Enjoy an elegant dinner

For a dinner with a bit more panache, visit The Twisted Cork Café. This welcoming eatery is a local favorite, with a European-inspired menu featuring fresh herbs and produce grown in the on-site garden. Try the salmon filet over aromatic tarragon-parmesan risotto. Or give lionfish a try — this flaky, buttery fish is invasive in the Caribbean, so your meal can help in the effort to keep their population in check. The dining room is elevated yet rustic, reminiscent of a vineyard tasting room. Browse the expansive menu of Old and New World wines, or ask your server for help to find the perfect pairing.

At French Quarter Bistro you’ll find Cajun and Creole dishes prepared with Caribbean flair. The attentive staff and cozy dining room adorned with New Orleans-themed art make this a popular dining spot. You’ll find plenty of authentic Cajun favorites, like chicken-and-andouille gumbo and crawfish-and-shrimp etouffee. Feast on local snapper with lemon-caper sauce and maque choux — a classic Cajun side dish of corn, bell peppers and onion sauteed in bacon grease. Or try the red wine-braised short ribs served with spicy pimento cheese grits. Save room for dessert! The Bananas Foster bread pudding with rum sauce is a must.

Dance the night away

After dinner, it’s time to make some moves on the dance floor. Frenchtown hot spot The Jungle Night Club is a compact, after-dark haunt where you’ll likely mingle with both locals and tourists. Neon lights and local DJs amp up the energy with the rhythms of bachata and soca music. Sidle up to the bar for a cocktail mixed with Cruzan Rum or go for a house margarita. You can also order a hookah offered with a selection of flavors for a different kind of buzz while you take in the small, unfussy space thumping to the beats.

Hit the dance floor elbow-to-elbow with St. Thomians, or head outside to sip your drink in the evening breeze. The Jungle Night Club is open daily until 3 a.m., so you can party well into the morning!

Explore more places to eat and drink after dark.