Rowdy Joe’s

There are few places on STX that I can truly walk into without reservations. And I’m not referring to those oh, so necessary reservations like “Hey we’d like a table at 8:30″ kind of reservations, I mean the kind of place that doesn’t instill a small level of fear when I order from the menu.

Let’s face it, Crucians. We live on an small island over 1100 miles from the mainland and getting good product is an expensive and difficult endeavor. So a majority of restaurants, justifiably, take the path of least resistance and use frozen, processed food to fill their menu. It hurts our credibility when we ignore the local abundance available, but the bottom line takes precedence over integrity, and, well…. you know.

Rowdy Joe’s, on the North Shore, is one of those restaurants that takes the “more expensive but worth it” high road. They are able to provide a consistently delicious product, at reasonable prices to tourists and locals alike. Part sports bar, beach reprieve, music venue and Good Mood Food eatery. Rowdy’s provides an eclectic experience for many different types.

My favorite starter is their Fried Edamame in Sriracha Teriyaki sauce. The dish is a bombastic introduction to the explosive simplicity that drives the menu.

You won't want to share

Also a standout is the Caprese Salad. Full of succulent Art Farm heirloom tomatoes and mozzerella, garnished with decadent fried green tomatoes, basil pesto & pinenuts.

Not to be missed are the popular blackened fish tacos. I don’t have a picture of them because I, well, got ahead of myself in the “My god these things are delicious so I’m shoveling them down as quickly as possible” zone. Trust me, they rule. Do not leave without getting an order.

My favorite side they offer is the fried polenta in marinara. A glorious four bite side that is as rich as it is brief. It’s a good brief though, one that leaves you room to knock back your Flank Steak & Brie sandwich special. (Be careful, the Polenta is molten lava hot when it comes out)

Polenta!

No trip to Rowdy Joe’s would be complete without a bowl of their house made ice cream. They won the 1st place dessert award at Taste of St. Croix last year and haven’t slowed down since.

While they have played with fun options like Banana & Red Hots, they also offer distinctly familiar options like Rocky Road and Espresso Chocolate Chip & Macadamia Nut. The drive home from the beach never tasted so good.

My inner Goonie craves the Rocky Road

Dennis the Bar Manager is one of the few bartenders on STX that I trust to make a drink. He’s doing good work in bringing the gospel of innovation to the masses. (Yes, infusions are still an innovation down here) To his credit, his white sangria has been plagiarized by a couple inferior joints on island. Kick ass Margaritas are his forte. Get one.

Ginger rum, Orange Vodka, Spicy Tequila

Check out Rowdy Joe’s Seven days a week from Noon to Midnight, serving food 12-9.

Rowdy Hour is 4-6, featuring drink discounts. Oh, and check out their “Wall of Joes” If you can name every Joe pictured they buy you a drink or something. I cheated and looked up pictures on my phone and was disqualified. (Seriously, what’s the use of offering FREE WIFI if you can’t use it to cheat on “free drink” bar games?)

Boston sports fans are encouraged to crowd Rowdy Joe’s for Celtics, Red Sox & Patriot games. Yankee hating optional.

Rowdy Joe’s 340-718-0055

Rowdy Joe’s is located on North Shore rd. in Lavalle. 3 minutes east of Cane Bay.

*Good Booze *Good Food *Free WiFi *Anti-Yankees *Live Music *Kick Ass Ice Cream