I received a message from one of my readers a few months back regarding an old USVI restaurant guide and recipe book. Noelle, a frequent visitor to St. John, told me that her cousin found the book at a garage sale and asked if I would like it. “Of course I would!” I immediately responded, so Noelle graciously shipped it down to me.
The Virgin Island Restaurant Guide & Recipe Book was printed in 1994. It includes dozens of restaurants located in both the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. Twelve restaurants from St. John were included. Of those, only three remain open today.
Who is ready to take a little trip down memory lane?
The Old Gallery
The Old Gallery was owned by one of St. John’s most treasured residents – Slim. Bernard Wesselhoft, known as Slim or Slimman, now owns two parking lots in Cruz Bay. Slim owned The Old Gallery, which was located in the former Quiet Mon Pub location, with his sister Maria. The building is where Slim was raised along with his 11 brothers and sisters. The restaurants served traditional West Indian cuisine. Lunch averages $4 a plate, and dinner was only about $15. Slim’s mother operated a bakery below in the space that is now occupied by The Refinery.
Pusser’s Wharfside
Pusser’s was located on the second floor of Wharfside Village. This space is now part of the Wharfside Hotel, but it was located in the former Vista Mare location, which was on the second floor above Joe’s Rum Hut. Prior to being Vista Mare, the restaurant was called Spyglass.
The setting at Pusser’s Wharfisde is described in the book as being like a maritime museum, as it was decorated with old ship models, paintings and antiques. There was a casual Crow’s Nest restaurant that served finger foods, and a fancier Terrace restaurant that features steaks and seafood. Lunch was only $6, and dinner averaged $16 a person. We need to bring these prices back!
Mongoose Cafe & Bar
One of the first restaurants I remember visiting in the 90s was Mongoose Cafe & Bar. It was located in the space where 1864 currently is. Prior to 1864, Ocean Grill operated in the space. Mongoose Cafe & Bar was a breezy, open-air restaurant that was open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests had the option of dining in an open air gazebo, tropical garden or around a casual bar. The restaurant was owned by Henry Muus and Roland Czekelius. Mongoose Cafe & Bar featured gourmet meals that were healthier versions of traditional Mediterranean dishes, according to the guide book. Meals ranged in price from $5 to $11.
The three restaurants featured that are still open are Morgan’s Mango, The Lime Inn and Skinny Legs. Check out the pics:
I absolutely love history, and I love reading things like this. I hope you all do too. 🙂
Want to learn more about St. John? Take an island tour with me!
Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour
See the island of St. John with a resident. See the nooks and crannies that many visitors miss. Explore the beaches, historical sites, perhaps a tiki bar or two, and much more. Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.