Be advised that during your vacation to paradise to a small island in the middle of the Caribbean sea, you may experience loss of electrical service from time to time due to the local electric company (“WAPA”) having issue maintaining these services 100% of the time.
A part of island life on St John
It is a well-known living condition of USVI and many other Caribbean islands, though not typically on a regular basis. Outages may be regional only or highly likely be island-wide to both St. John and St. Thomas. When an outage does occur, it is usually from 1-4 hours in duration, but could be longer.
- It seems that once a power outage first happens, there may be a few other spurts of outages. Sometimes 3 times is the charm before WAPA isolates the problem and gets it completely resolved.
- As great as generator or solar backup power sounds, they are not designed for prolonged outages or continued spurts of outages. It’s also not that affordable to be “off the grid” in the islands. Costs for generator and installation begin at $35k; Solar typically at least $50k and up. Also service of these systems is not always speedy!
We learn to live with these conditions of VI island life and take it as an opportunity to redirect our energy for the day. Some of the ways to pass the time is to go out for some fun with a cocktail or bite to eat, or go to the beach, read a book, take a siesta, take in the sounds of nature or the beautiful view in total peace. It’s island time, no worries mon! Remember that most everyone is experiencing the outage just like you and there are plenty of ways to pass the time. We’re on a tiny speck of an island in the middle of the ocean after all!
We’ve listed restaurants in Coral Bay and Cruz Bay that are likely to have a generator or still be open during their business hours, regardless of WAPA being offline. This list may also be useful if you happen to be on-island during hurricane season when a tropical storm or other inclement weather in the Virgin Islands.
CORAL BAY ST JOHN RESTAURANTS WITH GENERATOR POWER
Johnny Lime
Great outdoor spot on the water for homemade cooking and smoked BBQ. Brisket is excellent, as are many other dishes. They offer a Lobster night and Sunday Brunch (brunch menu currently on hold until later in 2024). Wednesday is Trivia Night
Look for the big food truck in the heart of Coral Bay (before Dolphin Market).
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm (closed Thurs)
Johnny Lime BBQ home page
Johnny Lime Facebook Link
Lime Out St John
Taco bar on the water in Coral Bay harbor.
How to get to Lime Out, a floating taco Bar on your St John vacation. The only way to get here is by boat (no swimming or paddling). Advanced reservation may be required but should not be a problem as this is a popular option with charters.
Hours: Daily 11am – 5pm. Will close periodically during hurricane season.
Lime Out VI Home page
Skinny Legs St John
Burgers, hot dogs, chicken or mahi sandwiches with a side of potato chips are a few examples of what the menu has to offer. Very low key with a bar. There is also a retail clothing and souvenir store.
Hours: 11am – 8pm Closed: Monday
(340) 779-4982 Skinny Legs Food and Drink Menu
Surf Club Cantina
Just opened in 2022. Right on the waters of Coral Bay with a nice outdoor bar and outstanding conch fritters, tacos, dips, french fries, baskets, and entrée platters etc. for the whole family to enjoy.
Mon-Sat: 11:30am – 8pm Sunday: 10-8 (Brunch 10-1)
(340) 473-0521
CRUZ BAY ST JOHN RESTAURANTS WITH GENERATOR POWER
The Banana Deck
Cruz Bay.
Sits close to the beach and The Beach Bar. Go for the steaks.
Cruz Bay Landing
Center of Cruz Bay
Nice selection of dishes from land and sea in a park setting.
Dave & Jerrys Island Steakhouse
Center of Cruz Bay
Chef selection of dishes from land and sea found on their upscale menu.
Dave and Jerrys Steakhouse Home page
High Tide
Cruz Bay Beach
Popular eatery right on the beach right in town. Have a drink and watch the ferry and other boats come in.
Morgans Mango
Cruz Bay. Near Mongoose Junction.
If you want a fancy night out, this restaurant may be one to try. It’s one of the the most upscale restaurants and has a tropical feel with all of its mahogany woods and tropical greenery. Located just down the street from Mongoose Junction. Tuesday and Saturday are lobster night.
Ocean 362 at Gallows Point Resort St John
Cruz Bay
Fine Dining at one of the most popular resorts on St John.
Sam and Jacks Deli
Cruz Bay. M-F 8-4; Sat 8-3
Back by popular demand – Famous sandwiches, gourmet deli items and Grab n’ Go dinners.
Located in same plaza as Starfish Market, top floor.
Sun Dog Cafe
Cruz Bay. Daily 9am-9pm
Outdoor casual eatery in the heart of Mongoose Junction shopping center. Serving Brunch, Lunch, Dinner.
Wednesday and Thursday music at night.
Shambles Bar
Mid-Island on Route 10/Centerline Road (Closer to Cruz Bay) (across from the Windmill Bar)
Convenient place tucked into the roadside for bar food like BBQ, pizza and burgers. Reasonable menu.
The Longboard
Cruz Bay. Daily 2pm-11pm
Asian flare in the heart of town.
The Refinery
Cruz Bay. Daily 5mp-11pm
Newer establishment that is in the hub of nightlife and traffic for Caribbean tapas, cocktails, and people watching.
The Tap Room St John
Cruz Bay. Mongoose Junction. Daily 11am-11pm.
Home of St. John Brewers. Another place for good burgers. Half-price pizza special 4-6 daily.
Upstairs Bar and Grille
Cruz Bay, obviously at an upstairs spot
Bar, Food, live musical guests, local vibe.
If you are looking for vacation rentals on St John, you can search availability and book a St John villa rental direct.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Virgin Islands
We are pleased to offer travel insurance underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. as optional protection for unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your travel. It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance before you embark on your trip. If purchased within 14 days of your reservation, coverage for pre-existing health conditions are included. It provides coverage for all members of your traveling party for one nominal fee.
You must be logged in to post a comment.