1864 The Restaurant — Restaurant in Saint John

1864 really excelled in some areas and was a little lacking in others, but overall it was a great experience and the small imperfections aren't enough to warrant less than 5 stars.

The good:

The bar is well stocked with a lot of options that aren't overly sweet. I enjoy the tropical, beachy cocktails as much as the next guy, but it's nice to get something other than a painkiller, bushwhacker, etc. In particular, the Whiskey Dream was great. The bourbon is paired with a tamarind reduction of some sort that was fantastic. It immediately became my drink for the night. I had something else beforehand, and it was good, but the Whiskey Dream really hit the spot.

The food was also extremely well done. The flavor balances were prefect and my wife and I were constantly trading bites from our dishes as the tastes had to be shared and discussed. The desserts were especially great and we have found that to be a weak-spot on the island in general. I don't know if it's because the heat makes a lot of desserts sit too heavily or we get full too quickly, but we are often underwhelmed with the desserts. That was not the case here. It was the perfect end to a great meal and the dessert drink menu had a great selection of Scotch, port, etc.

The not as good:

We had dinner reservations and enjoyed the raw bar prior. There were only a few people there during that time, but they take dinner reservations for bar seating so after a certain point, they were restricting walk-ins coming to the bar. That's no big deal, except they didn't have anyone working the podium at that cut-off time. So we saw multiple couples walk in assuming that they could sit at the bar only to be stopped by a waiter or bartender so they could check reservations to see if there was a spot. It was awkward and could have easily been avoided by having someone to greet walk-ins. It's generally considered a good thing when someone is passing by and decides to stop in at the otherwise empty bar, but here it felt unnecessarily cumbersome and confrontational.

The staff was also a mixed bag. Some of the waiters looked like seasoned veterans, but others, including ours seemed very new. This is not a big problem and to some degree unavoidable, but as an example, our finished appetizer plates weren't removed until right before dessert was served. While the waitress might be new and miss things (which happens, especially with new staff) the table was visited by runners, servers refilling water, etc. At a restaurant of this caliber, someone should have noticed the small things.

All in all, we wouldn't hesitate to return. The atmosphere of Mongoose Junction is an attraction all on its own and the kitchen really seems to know what they're doing here. The front of house could use some attention, but nothing is truly problematic, rather it's just not living up to its potential. This could be due to new staff or just an off night. In any case, the real star is the food and drink. And on that metric, 1864 is...

My dining experience at 1864 Restaurant in the US Virgin Islands was nothing short of extraordinary, and I'm delighted to share my five-star review for this culinary gem.

From the moment I entered the charming and historic ambiance of 1864 Restaurant, I knew I was in for a special treat. The attention to detail in the decor, coupled with the warm and inviting atmosphere, set the stage for an unforgettable evening. The restaurant's commitment to preserving the historical charm of its surroundings while offering a modern dining experience is truly commendable.

The menu at 1864 Restaurant is a culinary masterpiece that showcases a perfect fusion of creativity and exquisite taste. Each dish is a work of art, expertly crafted with precision and using the finest local ingredients. The menu's diversity caters to various palates, offering a delightful journey through flavors that reflect the rich culinary heritage of the US Virgin Islands.

The service at 1864 is impeccable. The staff is not only knowledgeable about the menu but also attentive and passionate about creating a memorable dining experience. From the moment we were seated to the final bite, the service was flawless, and the staff's genuine enthusiasm for the cuisine added an extra layer of enjoyment to our evening.

The wine selection at 1864 is extensive, providing the perfect complement to the culinary delights. The sommelier's expertise in recommending pairings enhanced our dining experience, showcasing a level of sophistication that aligns perfectly with the restaurant's ambiance.

The historical significance of 1864 Restaurant adds an extra layer of charm to the overall experience. The ambiance seamlessly blends the past with the present, creating a unique and memorable setting for a dining adventure. The attention to preserving the historical aspects of the venue while delivering a contemporary culinary experience adds a distinctive touch that sets 1864 apart.

In conclusion, 1864 Restaurant in the US Virgin Islands is a culinary gem that deserves every one of its five stars. From the artfully crafted menu and impeccable service to the historical charm and exquisite ambiance, 1864 is a destination that elevates dining to an unforgettable experience. I look forward to returning to indulge in the culinary delights of 1864...

We had dinner at 1864 on Monday, November 20, 2023 It was a great experience. Hostess was inviting our waitress was great and the food was wonderful. We had a member of our group who is gluten free. The waitress was great in answering questions and giving advice. We went back on Saturday, November 25, 2023. It was a different experience. Hostess was not very friendly and our waitress was not friendly or helpful and quite rude with us. The second visit, we had a member of our group who is allergic to seafood.We asked the waitress for help in what they could order since the menu stated anything fried could be tainted and many things on the menu are fried. I asked if perhaps the chicken could be grilled. She said no. Choices were the steak with sweet potato mash, broccoli or green beans, either of the 2 salads, chicken bone broth soup (which truly needs a new name) and the Ricotta cheese appetizer. Her comment to us was “doesn’t seem like a great idea to vacation on an island if you are allergic to seafood”. I was shocked by this comment. Our family has been coming to St. John for over 20 years bringing lots of family and friends with them for the experience of all that St. John offers. If you could please consider having other things on your menu for those who enjoy traveling and have...