7 Best Restaurants in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Sailors who live aboard boats anchored offshore and an eclectic coterie of residents and visitors gather for lunch and dinner at this funky spot in the middle of a boatyard and shopping complex. It's a great place for burgers (they're served with potato chips, not fries—there's no deep fryer), fish sandwiches, and whatever sports are on the satellite TV.

This is the place to go for Mexican food on St. John. You'll find nacho starters, tacos, burritos, and enchiladas as well as a half dozen margarita variations to wash it all down. The tortillas are made fresh in the St. Thomas location and ferried across daily. For something different, try the tequilas infused with mango, pineapple, or red chili.

This casual spot right at Cruz Bay Beach serves everything from hamburgers and mahimahi sandwiches to surf and turf and Caribbean lobster. At happy hour, order a Painkiller and watch the sunset over the bay. Or, if you're here for breakfast, order the chicken and waffles or eggs Benedict. The kids' menu includes favorites like chicken tenders and grilled-cheese sandwiches.

Sitting seaside at remote Friis Bay, Miss Lucy's dishes up Caribbean food with a contemporary flair, like tender conch fritters, spicy callaloo stew, fried local fish, and a generous paella with seafood, sausage, and chicken. Sunday brunches are legendary, and if you're around at the time, stop by for the monthly full-moon parties. The handful of small tables near the water are nicest, but if they're taken or the mosquitoes are swarming, the indoor tables do nicely.

At this air-conditioned (but no-frills) sandwich shop you place your order at the counter and wait for it to be delivered to your table or for takeout. The classic Reuben is a favorite, but other sandwiches, like the turkey pesto and vegan Greek flatbread pita with hummus and veggies, also get rave reviews. For breakfast, try the brown sugar oatmeal or turkey hash with toast and eggs.

There's an unusual assortment of dishes at this charming alfresco restaurant, which you'll find tucked into a courtyard in the upper reaches of the Mongoose Junction shopping center. The Jamaican jerk chicken salad and the black-bean quesadilla are good choices. Kudos to the white pizza with artichoke hearts, roasted garlic, mozzarella cheese, and capers.

More than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap, including the signature Tropical Mango Pale Ale, make dining at St. John Brewers' tap room special. The rich wood decor is the perfect place for a soft Bavarian-style pretzel, burgers, and build-your-own-pizzas.