Hello,<BR><BR>We will be going to FR in January, and I am hoping to get some restaurant recommendations near the hotel (we usually like to get out for dinners and such). We'd rather not venture into Charlotte Amalie at night, and would prefer not have to drive to Frenchtown or Red Hook more than 2 times. Anything decent within a 5-10 minute cab ride? Thanks for your help!

Lisa--<BR>There a nice restaurants right at Frenchmans Reef.The closest ones to the Reef are in town. If you take a taxi, there should be no problem. Just ask the taxi driver to return to the restaurant at a designated time and they will be there to pick you up.<BR>Otherwise,a lot of the good restaurants are on the east end near Red Hook. <BR>My personal favorite is the Blue moon Cafe at Secret Harbor.

Lisa:<BR><BR>I'm not sure about restaurants near Frenchmans Reef as this is one thing I wish I would have explored further prior to my trip 2 weeks ago.<BR><BR>There are several restaurants at FR but service was horrible at all of them during our stay. Food was expensive and was nothing special. However, I've heard Tavern on the Beach is really good. That was closed when we were there so I can't give an opinion. Tavern on the Beach is on the beach right next to the Morningstar buildings.<BR><BR>I'm watching this post too cause I'm curious if we missed something good close by.<BR><BR>Have a great time on your trip!

It's unfortunate that you won't travel into Charlotte Amalie at night since there are many good restaurants there. Inn at BlackBeards, Room with a View at BlueBeard's, (both are &quot;above town&quot; and have parking lots), Herve right on Gov't Hill (parking can be difficult but taxi is not a problem) just to name a few. Any of the restaurants will call for a taxi to return to your hotel if you don't want to plan a time to be picked up. Cuzzins for local cuisine is on Back Street of Charlotte Amalie and a definite do not miss and the taxi will drop you and pick you up at the door. Not in town and a definite must try would be Old Stone Farm House out by Mahogany Run. Randy's at Raphune Hill is another that is not all the way to Red Hook (you pick your wine from his good retail selection and pay corkage) and he makes a great martini. Romano's is in Smith Bay if you prefer excellent Italian but Virgilio's is worth a try in Charlotte Amalie. Mim's Biestro at the Watergate is another midisland casual restaurant. Might want to check out Raffles at Compass Point but it is closer to Red Hook than Charlotte Amalie. Blue Moon Cafe would definitely be worth a trip but it is east of Red Hook on the road to the Ritz. Beyond FrenchTown is Victor's New HideOut but you have several choices in FrenchTown including Alexanders. I have enjoyed past dinners at Tavern on the Beach and most others are a short cab ride away of 10 - 15 minutes. There are also good choices in Red Hook at Off the Hook and the other good places, Caribbean Saloon, the Frigate. For breakfasts, lunches or take out sandwiches if you are taking the REd Hook ferry to St. John, try Grateful Deli behind Duffy's in the strip mall. I am sure the consierge at the Reef has copies of menus and can make other suggestions.

Fyi has give you a range of very good suggestions. My favourite for dinner is definetly Room with a View at Bluebeard Hotel. It affords a fantastic view of Charlotte Amalie, it is small and intimate, great service, excellent food. Reservations is suggested as it is popular and with good reason. It is also not more than a 10 minute cab ride from FR. For lunch, I would suggest my all time favourite, Glady's Cafe which is in the heart of Charlotte Amalie (in Drake passage I beleive) and has food that is so delicious, excellent local drinks and very friendly service. But do consider venturing out even at night because you surely will miss out on some good dining experiences if you confine yourselves to the hotel. (I stayed at FR once and frankly was not impressed with the food). I have been and out of St Thomas too many times to recall and have never really had concerns for my safety at night. As always, common sense and good judgement is the name of the game - please do not let a little paranoia restrict you from getting out there and enjoying.

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I work in NYC, so I wasn't too scared for my safety I just didn't realize how convenient it was to get to Charlotte Amalie for dinners.

Lisa, the poster 'FYI' gave you great ideas, and it's like a 10 mins. drive TOPS from FR to Charlotte Amalie. Frenchtown is not too far either. Gladys Cafe' IS great in town tho, Gov'tl people during lunch all go there for sit-in or take out, and it is that good; every day is a different Carib dish (altho they offer burgers too). Non smoking inside, with a courtyard w/tables outside for the smokers.<BR><BR>If you go out to Red Hook, PLEASE consider Blue Moon Cafe' - what great food, and the ambiance (right on the water) is wonderful.<BR><BR>Have a GREAT time!

You might be interested in checking out usvi-on-line.com where you can read customer reviews on St. Thomas restaurants. We always find this forum very helpful.

I recommend Craig and Sally's. It was outstanding! I think it's located in FrenchTown.