A Guide to St. Thomas Nightlife

Getting Around St. Thomas at Night

It’s easy to get around, visiting any of these great destinations either by car or by taxi. As you might imagine, life on the island is very relaxed and that applies to driving as well. There are no open container laws, which means drinking and driving is legal; however, that doesn’t mean that it’s okay to drive drunk or impaired.

Night Time View of Downtown Charlotte Amalie from Paradise Point

Here you’ll find many steep, narrow roads that can be difficult to navigate sober; driving buzzed and driving just a little too fast around the hairpin turns could easily mean losing control of the vehicle.

Taxis here are abundant and reliable, taking you wherever you want to go – perfect for partying your heart out even until the wee hours of the morning (some bars stay open until the sun comes up). All you need to do is decide which destinations are ideal for you – this guide to St. Thomas’ nightlife organized by location and resort, can help you make the best decision in order to make the most of your days and nights on the island.

Downtown Charlotte Amalie Nightlife

Other than shops, what will you find downtown?

Most of downtown Charlotte Amalie closes down when the cruise ships leave, but there are a couple of bright spots when the sun goes down.

Greenhouse: Known mostly as a great seafood restaurant, the Greenhouse also boasts some rowdy nightlife. When dinner is done, there is a dance floor where local DJs spin all manner of lively music. There are also video lottery machines to try your luck.

Big Kahuna: A full bar menu and a excellent drink menu makes Big Kahuna a great spot to start your night (they don’t stay open late). Big Kahuna also has a great view of the harbor and is an excellent spot to people watch on the waterfront.

Greengos: Judged by most as having the best Mexican food on island. Ordinarily a lunchtime spot, Greengos does have evening hours but make sure to call first. If they have evening hours when you come, there will likely be live music and amazing margaritas.

Bars & Restaurants in Frenchtown

Frenchtown is located just a half-mile southwest of Charlotte Amalie and a popular charming enclave for tourists and locals alike for its restaurants and bars. Its residential district is found by walking west to the town’s winding streets filled with wooden houses that have been passed down through generations.

Frenchtown may be tiny, but it makes up for its size in history, culture and gastronomy. Several decades ago when tourists and locals sought out an alternative to downtown Charlotte Amalie, it became a hub for nightlife and dining. Today, it’s known as one of the best places on the island to spend a night out.

To get there from the capital city, take Veterans Drive just west of town along the waterfront. Turn left about 500 feet after you pass the Windward Passage Hotel on your right.

What will you find in Frenchtown?

There are options to suit most everyone’s tastes, including:

• Oceana: A premiere, high-end restaurant with elegant outdoor dining. This is an ideal place to celebrate a special occasion or spend a romantic evening while feasting on fresh, local seafood dishes. The lounge is a fabulous place to hang out and sip a cocktail or two with gorgeous views of the harbor and Hassel Island.
• Betsy’s: A local favorite, Betsy’s is known as “The Best Little Bar in Frenchtown.” You’ll find more than just bar food here with a full menu that includes steak, seafood, BBQ and more. Play a game of pool or test your luck on the slot machines.
• Club Nuvo: This nightclub is the place to go for a wild party. It offers DJs and dancing on the weekends with a mix of soca music, reggaeton and hip hop music. The fun starts late and goes into the wee hours of the morning.
• Pie Hole: This is the best place for pizza on the island. Not only is the pizza fantastic but they offer an extensive selection of Belgium beers and amazing appetizers like the spinach and artichoke dip. Make reservations as the dining room is very limited on space.

• Bella Blue: This is more of an upscale bar and restaurant that can be a bit pretentious, known for entertaining and impressing business clients or for a special occasion. They feature Austrian cuisine with a Caribbean flavor such as Wiener Schnitzel, Jaeger Schnitzel and a variety of pastas, wild-caught Sockeye salmon and grilled shrimp.

• Twisted Cork: This is a good restaurant offering dining in a relaxing yet elegant atmosphere with outstanding service and exceptional cuisine. Dishes include fresh local fish and produce.
• Epernay Wine and Champagne Bar: Here’s you’ll find a great atmosphere in a cozy, but tiny dining room ideal for an intimate, romantic setting. Dine on appetizers like sushi and caviar and top it off with fabulous desserts such as chocolate-dipped strawberries. There is also limited outdoor seating available.

Yacht Haven/Havensight Nightlife

Havensight is a picturesque outdoor mall located at the Havensight Cruise Ship Dock with over 100 stores, restaurants and bars while Yacht Haven is a premier facility for megayachts. Here you’ll find a shopping Galleria with nearly an endless number of dining and entertainment options and the only upscale shopping destination offering top brands along with eclectic and charming local shops.

Havensight and Yacht Haven are both located along the harbor and a walkway connects the two it’s a 2-3 minute walk.

From downtown Charlotte Amalie, it’s an easy walk along the main road or just $4 per person for a quick taxi ride.

What will you find in Yacht Haven/Havensight?

• Fat Turtle: Right next to the megayacht docks, this outdoor restaurant offers a festive atmosphere for hanging out as well as DJs and dancing on Friday nights. Sip tropical frozen drinks and exotic cocktails, play games or contests and dine on fresh, locally caught seafood or gourmet pizzas.

• MoJo’s Rum and Surf Shack: This is a great BBQ joint featuring amazing tropical drinks and their island famous smoked barbecued chicken in an outdoor tiki bar setting along with live music. MoJo’s is a great meet up place for locals and visitors alike.
• Hooters: If you’re looking for something familiar, you’ll find Hooters just like the one back in the states – including the hot girls, hot wings and great drinks.
• Starz Nightclub: Starz is where to go if you’re looking to meet singles, do some partying or just get out onto the dance floor. They offer frequent live events including concerts and stand-up comedians as well as great DJs for dancing.
• The Rock: The Rock features great cover and original bands from the states along with a video blackjack table, roulette table and slot machines. Happy Hour is from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. to closing daily with frequent specials like Wine & Cheese Nite, Ladies Nite and Buzztime Trivia Nite.
• Shipwreck: The Shipwreck Tavern is a restaurant and bar with great burgers in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy nightly specials like Thursday night’s Caribbean meat loaf or Prime Rib Sundays along with a game of pool or spend time playing the slots. On some nights you can listening to great live music or get out on the dancing floor with DJs featured as well.
• Dog House Pub: An outdoor restaurant and bar with pool tables, live music and a party atmosphere.
• Paradise Point: High on a hill overlooking Havensight, is Paradise Point. To get there you have to either take the skyride or drive (or take a taxi) up the hill. It is so worth it. At the top of the hill you will find a bar, restaurant and shops and the best views on island. Several nights a week there is live local music. So dancing is encouraged. Paradise Point is also family friendly.

Night Time Fun in Red Hook

Red Hook sits on the southeast end of the island, known best as the destination from which you’ll embark on a trip to St. John via ferry. It’s becoming increasing popular in recent years for its dining and nightlife scene as well, with most located just steps from the ferry terminal.

Red Hook is about a half hour’s drive from Charlotte Amalie, with the taxi rates around $10 per person.

What will you find in Redhook?

• Fishtails: This restaurant features fresh seafood and waterfront dining right at dockside overlooking the sport fishing boats on the open-air deck. While the atmosphere is casual, the service is fantastic.

• Big Bamboo Seafood Shack: This is a fun outdoor eatery with delicious fish and chips and amazing fish tacos. Their outdoor bar is one of the best spots for people watching.
• Caribbean Saloon: This is an indoor sports bar and restaurant with the opportunity for gambling and occasional live music. It’s a great place to catch a game (with dozens of big screens) or enjoy a wide variety of entrees from seafood and steaks to pasta, ribs, chicken and more.
• Molly Molones: An Irish Yacht Pub with outdoor dining, here you’ll find the only Irish entertainment on the island along with good fish and chips as well as typical Irish cuisine like cornbeef and cabbage.
• Amigos: This is a dockside cantina featuring Mexican fare and generously sized portions.
• East End Café: This is an upscale joint catering to foodies looking for good drinks – try a raspberry mojito –and delicious entrees like Osso Bucco and Chicken Parmesan.
• XO: Here you’ll find eclectic cuisine to go with your drinking, dancing and partying. Dine on entrees that include pizza and salads as well as Crab Encrusted Mahi and Stuffed Bone in Pork Chop. It gets packed and rowdy so get ready for a wild night.
• Duffy’s: Known as a one of the hottest spots for drinking, partying as well as outdoor dancing, Duffy’s also offers great music and good, reasonably priced food. Enjoy specials almost every night of the week like “Free Shot Fridays,” “Dollar Days,” and “Ladies Night.” Who knew partying and dancing in a parking lot could be so fun?!
• Fat Boys: This is a bar and grill known for some of the best burgers on the island and a great place to play pool and do a little partying. It has an indoor/outdoor atmosphere, frequent live music and a good happy hour with $2 drink specials.
• Tootsies: A Gentleman’s Club featuring exotic dancers and sensual entertainment with private VIP rooms and an intimate stage; ideal for bachelor parties.
• Latitude 18: An eatery and bar with live entertainment right on the water, here you’ll find the last remaining true island open air restaurant in St. Thomas serving traditional Caribbean food like roti and fresh shark along with American fare like burgers and steak. Live music and dancing is possible every night of the week.

Resorts with Nightlife

The island’s resorts offer several nightlife options. Just because you aren’t staying at the hotel, does not mean you aren’t welcome. Some of the best entertainment on island is found at the resorts.

Marriot Beach Resort 2.7 miles south of downtown Charlotte Amalie:

• Sand Bar: Here you’ll find an “ultra-chic” beach bar just below the resort’s HAVANA BLUE restaurant offering a tapas menu along with a variety of creative frozen cocktails as well as a wide array of mojitos and specialty libations served against the backdrop of the dazzling turquoise waters.
• Hotel Bar: The Rum Bar is newly renovated and offers views of Charlotte Amalie Harbor. Absolutely stunning.

Ritz Carlton in Red Hook:

• Great Bay Lounge: The indoor bar at the Ritz Carlton offers an extensive selection of wines as well as hand-crafted cocktails and even late-night tasting options like truffle fries and crispy rock shrimp. For those who prefer an outdoor setting and the ocean breeze, there is a large wood deck and terrace with spectacular views of St. John.
• Coconut Grove: Here you’ll find relaxed beach-front dining outdoors both day and night. Enjoy a full range of tropical libations and wines and a menu with local specialties like fresh caught fish and lobster.

Sugar Bay in Red Hook:

• Pool Bar: The poolside bar at the Sugar Bay offers a swim-up bar just steps from the beach. Enjoy Caribbean favorites while keeping cool and having fun in the water. On select nights there are live shows-local dancers and music; they’ve even been known to have especially exciting entertainment like glass-walkers, fire breathers and other fascinating shows.
• OceanClub Lounge: This indoor bar is a great place to let your hair down with excellent drinks and friendly bartenders. Enjoy signature cocktails from noon until midnight every day along with video gaming and nightly entertainment.

Secret Harbor in Red Hook

• Sunset Bar and Grill: This is an upscale restaurant and bar featuring beachfront tables in an intimate setting with the sounds of the waves crashing in the background. Featured fare includes local favorites and creative culinary classics using locally sourced foods.
• Cruzan Beach Club: This is an outdoor tiki style bar with a more casual “barefoot” feel and plenty of rum drinks and creative tropical cocktails. You’ll find VIP seating and bottle service in the cabana area.

Elysian Beach Resort in Red Hook

• Caribbean Fish Market: Located right on the beach, this is a great bar and restaurant with outstanding local seafood.

Iggie’s in Bolongo Bay

• Iggie’s Beach Bar: This bar at the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort offers one of the best Caribbean beach bars on the island – a hot spot day and night. Enjoy a variety of fun, famed theme-nights such as All-You-Can-Eat BBQ on Sundays, live steel pan Calypso music and Mocko Jumbie (death-defying stilt walkers) dancers on Wednesdays, karaoke and more.

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