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Most Overrated / Most Underrated
Most Overrated / Most Underrated
We first did this interesting and informative topic in March 07 and that thread received over 22,000 views, then we did it again in Feb 2009, and that thread got over 10,000 views.
Time to update and for newbies and STJ vets alike to chime in about their recent experiences.
The original post went like this:
“It is always interesting when folks almost sheepishly admit that THEIR experience with any of the iconic institutions or experiences of St. John did not live up to the hype for them, or, maybe ain't what it used to be.
Makes me wonder how many don't speak up because they don't want to go against popular opinion. The qualification of course is that a mediocre anything in STJ is usually preferred over a similar experience back in the real world, and, that there are always different strokes for different folks.
Well, here is your chance to sound off. (No flaming allowed!)
For example, when we finally made it to the Miss Lucy Sunday brunch, we were totally underwhelmed by the whole thing i.e. the "specials" that were anything but; the musical talent of the "jazz combo"; etc.
Conversely, there are other things that maybe DON'T get the props they deserve, like when we first discovered Sun Dog Cafe in Mongoose Junction several years ago, and it hadn’t received hardly any props on the forum at the time, but we found that they served up consistently wonderful casual food and was great to combine with some shopping when we need a break from the midday sun. So good we always try to hit it twice for lunch when on island.
So what's your two cents ???”
In the previous threads, sacred cows like Skinnys, Uncle Joes, and Woodys took some hits as “over-hyped” or overrated for some, and other places like Tamarind Court were mentioned as underrated. Others spoke up about how much they actually like “crowded” Trunk Bay.
That was then. What about now?
Time to update and for newbies and STJ vets alike to chime in about their recent experiences.
The original post went like this:
“It is always interesting when folks almost sheepishly admit that THEIR experience with any of the iconic institutions or experiences of St. John did not live up to the hype for them, or, maybe ain't what it used to be.
Makes me wonder how many don't speak up because they don't want to go against popular opinion. The qualification of course is that a mediocre anything in STJ is usually preferred over a similar experience back in the real world, and, that there are always different strokes for different folks.
Well, here is your chance to sound off. (No flaming allowed!)
For example, when we finally made it to the Miss Lucy Sunday brunch, we were totally underwhelmed by the whole thing i.e. the "specials" that were anything but; the musical talent of the "jazz combo"; etc.
Conversely, there are other things that maybe DON'T get the props they deserve, like when we first discovered Sun Dog Cafe in Mongoose Junction several years ago, and it hadn’t received hardly any props on the forum at the time, but we found that they served up consistently wonderful casual food and was great to combine with some shopping when we need a break from the midday sun. So good we always try to hit it twice for lunch when on island.
So what's your two cents ???”
In the previous threads, sacred cows like Skinnys, Uncle Joes, and Woodys took some hits as “over-hyped” or overrated for some, and other places like Tamarind Court were mentioned as underrated. Others spoke up about how much they actually like “crowded” Trunk Bay.
That was then. What about now?
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
It is always interesting when folks almost sheepishly admit that THEIR experience with any of the iconic institutions or experiences of St. John did not live up to the hype for them.....
A pair of newbies joined us for our Feb 2010 trip. I don't know that they loved STJ. I am certain it was not what they expected.
Their typical beach vacations are all-inclusives or on-the-beach mega house rentals in the Outer Banks, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, highly developed places where the beach was right out their front door and they had countless entertainment/shopping options a short drive away.
Some of their comments during the trip were "why didn't we rent a house on the beach?, we didn't realize we would need to spend SO MUCH time in the Jeep/driving around, the food is weird, why are some many houses dirty/dumpy? why is there trash along the road? I can't understand what they are saying, why are there chickens?"
A pair of newbies joined us for our Feb 2010 trip. I don't know that they loved STJ. I am certain it was not what they expected.
Their typical beach vacations are all-inclusives or on-the-beach mega house rentals in the Outer Banks, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, highly developed places where the beach was right out their front door and they had countless entertainment/shopping options a short drive away.
Some of their comments during the trip were "why didn't we rent a house on the beach?, we didn't realize we would need to spend SO MUCH time in the Jeep/driving around, the food is weird, why are some many houses dirty/dumpy? why is there trash along the road? I can't understand what they are saying, why are there chickens?"
Opps, I hit send by accident...
My overrated:
Jost. After 5+ trips there, I think it has gotten too popular and crowded. It sounds funny to describe it as crowded but the swarms of people on White Bay were too much for me. Great for the business owners but I don't want to stand 4 deep at the bar to get a drink. I rather sit on the beach on STJ with my cooler than fight for personal space on White Bay.
We ventured over to the other harbor last trip and that didn't live up to my expectations. I think I need a break from Jost. It is beautiful but so is STJ without the time commitment and cost.
Uncle Joe's. We have had ok take-out once or twice but other times, the ribs were of very poor quality and the wait times (even when we called ahead) was ridculous. Crossed off our list for good.
My underrated:
Inn at Tamarind Court for breakfast.
Ocean Grill for lunch.
My overrated:
Jost. After 5+ trips there, I think it has gotten too popular and crowded. It sounds funny to describe it as crowded but the swarms of people on White Bay were too much for me. Great for the business owners but I don't want to stand 4 deep at the bar to get a drink. I rather sit on the beach on STJ with my cooler than fight for personal space on White Bay.
We ventured over to the other harbor last trip and that didn't live up to my expectations. I think I need a break from Jost. It is beautiful but so is STJ without the time commitment and cost.
Uncle Joe's. We have had ok take-out once or twice but other times, the ribs were of very poor quality and the wait times (even when we called ahead) was ridculous. Crossed off our list for good.
My underrated:
Inn at Tamarind Court for breakfast.
Ocean Grill for lunch.
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silverheels
- Posts: 890
- Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:18 am
- Location: The Nutmeg State
I have to agree with Xisland girl. The BB is just okay! Last summer it got so crowded that we left and went to the Banana Deck. We could hear the music and we ate a great meal with great service.
Skinny's is never over rated for me. After years of having our boat there and eating a lot of meals there, I still go back for my hot dog and I never eat them at home.
I do think Miss Lucy's is over rated.
If you've never had a lobster roll at the Tourist Trap you are really missing something.
Skinny's is never over rated for me. After years of having our boat there and eating a lot of meals there, I still go back for my hot dog and I never eat them at home.
I do think Miss Lucy's is over rated.
If you've never had a lobster roll at the Tourist Trap you are really missing something.
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To paraphrase a great Yogi, nobody will go there anymore because it's too crowded.PA Girl wrote: My overrated:
Jost. After 5+ trips there, I think it has gotten too popular and crowded. It sounds funny to describe it as crowded but the swarms of people on White Bay were too much for me. Great for the business owners but I don't want to stand 4 deep at the bar to get a drink. I rather sit on the beach on STJ with my cooler than fight for personal space on White Bay.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Most overrated? Without question for me would be the snorkel trail at Trunk Bay. The best thing about it is that it keeps the masses from the cruise ships mostly in one place.
I, like PA Girl, was pretty underwelmed by our White Bay experience. When Windsome and Mic asked me what I thought of the bar I answered honestly that I liked the people on their side of the bar more then the ones on my side. As a very respected member of this forum said to me, " There is very much a sense of entitlement by many of the people that come there." The arrogant vibe by many of the folks that were there was a major turnoff to me. Now, that said, I think that Jerry has a true jewel of the Caribbean in the highly regarded Mic as his bartender.
Most underrated? Locals, both ex-pats and West Indians. I love most of the people of STJ.
I, like PA Girl, was pretty underwelmed by our White Bay experience. When Windsome and Mic asked me what I thought of the bar I answered honestly that I liked the people on their side of the bar more then the ones on my side. As a very respected member of this forum said to me, " There is very much a sense of entitlement by many of the people that come there." The arrogant vibe by many of the folks that were there was a major turnoff to me. Now, that said, I think that Jerry has a true jewel of the Caribbean in the highly regarded Mic as his bartender.
Most underrated? Locals, both ex-pats and West Indians. I love most of the people of STJ.
When you find yourself in a hole.... quit digging.
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GraysonDave
- Posts: 479
- Joined: Thu Feb 11, 2010 7:41 am
- Location: Georgia
Overrated: Woody's. LOL, it's just a hot and stuffy little hole in the wall. That being said, I will likely end up there for a couple of beers next visit. It's not their fault they are overrated - they don't try to be or claim to be anything more than they are.
Underrated: I'm gonna agree with Banana Deck, although if everyone keeps agreeing, its rating will begin to reflect how good it is.
Underrated: I'm gonna agree with Banana Deck, although if everyone keeps agreeing, its rating will begin to reflect how good it is.
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greyhoundmom
- Posts: 978
- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:06 pm
- Location: Columbia South Carolina
I'll bite. I usually don't post the underated because I want to support the hard working businesses on island. I guess if there is a venue, I'll put it out there. I can only think that our not so great experiences are random and I know they don't happen all the time. With that said...
This summer, we had great experiences everywhere. But, last year....
In 2009, very disappointing dinner at TTrap. We have had so many good meals there. This time, the conch fritters were aweful, all meal, no conch. The young waitress was very condescending and sarcastic to our party of six. We threw down a considerable amount of change for our meal. I was on the verge of standing up and confronting her. I asked her some specifics about a menu item and she said, "What are you trying to order, that's not what it says on the menu." Even tried to joke our way out of an awkward situation (that's what I do), she wasn't buying it. S/O said, dont' do it, only makes a bad situation worse. I behaved, albeit so mad. So bad when you bring new people to a place you have always loved.
Uncle Joes, which we love, has had some shitty counter people working the past two years. They are putting some bad karma out there if you are not local. The food is always good but the ordering process pretty and the attitude pretty much sucks big ones, can I say that?
.
And then last year at the Beach Bar, we ordered Lime and Coconuts for lunch. Mine was fabulous, anoher person't all ice no lime or rum, like a slushy. The waitress was really nice when we sent it back. The bartender had a meltdown and was yelling at us across the bar as he poured a crapload of rum into her drink and said, "I hope you like this one." Very angry. I apologized to the waitress, she smiled and said don't pay any attention to him. What an ass and it was lunch... Really?
Now for the good stuff. We love the Tourist Trap, Larry was prepping for lunch but took the time to talk to us and made us Drive Left Drink Rights. He wasn't even open but came out to serve us. Very nice guy! I didn't realize he had worked at Aqua Bistro for a while as their bartender.
S/O took the grads to Sloop Jones one day and there was a very nice British lady who took them down to watch Sloop do his stuff. They asked lots of questions and Sloop was very gracious. The little things to two young HS grads that make great memories of their trip.
Finally, Rachel. I love my Rachel (although I know she is also your Rachel!). She knew I was looking for a VI Flag to fly in front of my house. On the way to the airport, she dropped us off for about 2 hours and she went to 3 diffent places (I had no idea) until she found a warehouse that had a flag. Then she wouldn't let me pay her for it. She is a beautiful soul and we love her so much.
This summer, we had great experiences everywhere. But, last year....
In 2009, very disappointing dinner at TTrap. We have had so many good meals there. This time, the conch fritters were aweful, all meal, no conch. The young waitress was very condescending and sarcastic to our party of six. We threw down a considerable amount of change for our meal. I was on the verge of standing up and confronting her. I asked her some specifics about a menu item and she said, "What are you trying to order, that's not what it says on the menu." Even tried to joke our way out of an awkward situation (that's what I do), she wasn't buying it. S/O said, dont' do it, only makes a bad situation worse. I behaved, albeit so mad. So bad when you bring new people to a place you have always loved.
Uncle Joes, which we love, has had some shitty counter people working the past two years. They are putting some bad karma out there if you are not local. The food is always good but the ordering process pretty and the attitude pretty much sucks big ones, can I say that?
.And then last year at the Beach Bar, we ordered Lime and Coconuts for lunch. Mine was fabulous, anoher person't all ice no lime or rum, like a slushy. The waitress was really nice when we sent it back. The bartender had a meltdown and was yelling at us across the bar as he poured a crapload of rum into her drink and said, "I hope you like this one." Very angry. I apologized to the waitress, she smiled and said don't pay any attention to him. What an ass and it was lunch... Really?
Now for the good stuff. We love the Tourist Trap, Larry was prepping for lunch but took the time to talk to us and made us Drive Left Drink Rights. He wasn't even open but came out to serve us. Very nice guy! I didn't realize he had worked at Aqua Bistro for a while as their bartender.
S/O took the grads to Sloop Jones one day and there was a very nice British lady who took them down to watch Sloop do his stuff. They asked lots of questions and Sloop was very gracious. The little things to two young HS grads that make great memories of their trip.
Finally, Rachel. I love my Rachel (although I know she is also your Rachel!). She knew I was looking for a VI Flag to fly in front of my house. On the way to the airport, she dropped us off for about 2 hours and she went to 3 diffent places (I had no idea) until she found a warehouse that had a flag. Then she wouldn't let me pay her for it. She is a beautiful soul and we love her so much.
Overrated: Miss Lucy's-after all the rave reviews, we went there for dinner one night and it was the worst experience we had on island (actually it was the only bad experience). First, they substituted the side dish that was listed on the menu with something totally different without even mentioning it till it arrived on my husbands plate. Waitress said they were out of whatever it was supposed to come with but it was something my husband would never have gotten. The waitress's attitude was a big turn off. She was very put out that we actually asked for the 5 scallops that were supposed to come with his entree (according to the menu) instead of the 4 on his plate. She made it painfully obvious that we were a bother. Seem to remember maybe the chef was her boyfriend. Not sure.
We had hoped to enjoy the beachside sounds of the bay, but instead had to suffer through the agony of a woman on an electric keyboard trying her best at Carole King songs.
We will never return.
Underrated-Donkey Diner, the heart attack fries at tamarind court for breakfast, and the Tourist Trap. Do yourself a favor and try his grouper tacos.
We had hoped to enjoy the beachside sounds of the bay, but instead had to suffer through the agony of a woman on an electric keyboard trying her best at Carole King songs.
We will never return.
Underrated-Donkey Diner, the heart attack fries at tamarind court for breakfast, and the Tourist Trap. Do yourself a favor and try his grouper tacos.
My only friends are pirates..that's just who I am...
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greyhoundmom
- Posts: 978
- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 3:06 pm
- Location: Columbia South Carolina
There is an "edit" option that can be used after you post - when logged in, the "edit" box is in the upper right corner next to the "quote" box of your original post, so, you can hit that, and change it if you were so inclined.greyhoundmom wrote:I should edit before I send. The disappointing dinner was at Shipwreck, not TouristT!
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
You nailed it. Last time we were there, the crowd monopolizing the bar was so obnoxious. They were shouting at the bartender and no sooner was she finished with a dozen drinks, another one in their group would shout out an order for X many more. One a-hole would not shut up about his Lowe’s stock.JT wrote:I, like PA Girl, was pretty underwelmed by our White Bay experience. When Windsome and Mic asked me what I thought of the bar I answered honestly that I liked the people on their side of the bar more then the ones on my side. As a very respected member of this forum said to me, " There is very much a sense of entitlement by many of the people that come there." The arrogant vibe by many of the folks that were there was a major turnoff to me. Now, that said, I think that Jerry has a true jewel of the Caribbean in the highly regarded Mic as his bartender.