The Longboard Cruz Bay
St John is a tough place to own a restaurant. So we’re never surprised when even the most beloved spots sometimes make way for something new! Such is the case for what-was Joe’s Diner. One street up from the Cruz Bay ferry dock.
After extensive renovations The Longboard Cantina opened to rave reviews! Boasting an island-hipster-surfer vibe; and a menu that’s sophisticated, fresh and packed with flavors! We sat down to give it a try.
The dishes are wonderful combinations of fresh and zesty ingredients – available in small plates that are great for sharing.
On any given night this is one of the top destinations to grab a drink and a bite in Cruz Bay. And deservedly so. Our waitress was all smiles and brought a round of drinks including a Salt & Sea Margarita, an ice cold Corona and a Caipirinha ( Brazilian rum, sugar, lime and coconut water!).
Because the restaurant is open-air, you’ll find it’s not as noisy as some other spots. Certainly not loud enough to keep your table from some spirited conversation!
The dishes are wonderful combinations of fresh and zesty ingredients – available in small plates that are great for sharing. We started off with an appetizer special of cracked conch. It was lightly battered, crispy and tender. Hats off to the chef – as these simple ingredients rely on proper preparation.
For dinner we had a Caribbean Spice Bowl. Spicy jerk seasoned pork, avocado grilled corn and shredded red cabbage over quinoa and fresh greens. A Seared Ahi Tuna Bowl, with roasted tomato-caper chutney and pickled red onion. And a Crudo Plate of Ahi Poke, tuna, avocado, mango tossed in a spicy sesame soy and scallion sauce. The portions are perfect. And the fresh ingredients compliment the creative combinations of The Longboard’s chef. While this type of food and seasoning may not be for everybody – it certainly was a hot at our table.
The only con I can offer is … towards the end of our meal it started to rain. The Longboard is mostly open on 2 sides. Sitting at a table along the railing left us a bit wet. It would have been great to have the sort of ruling bamboo blinds common at other open air spots. Perhaps that’s something that will be added in the future.
Check out their online menu of food and drink …
Happy Hour
Daily: 3pm >< 6pm. $1 OFF beers, $8 Frozen Painkiller & Dark + Stormy, $8 Island Cocktails, $12 Frosé.
