THE LONGBOARD IS A UNICORN - Excellence and Comfort (Yes, at the same place!) Quick summary - The Longboard is ideal for (craft) cocktails, dinner and/or lunch. The food and craft beverages rival some of the food and beverages we’ve had in upscale restaurants in New Orleans. The service is excellent and personable - worthy of multiple visits.
Details - When on vacation at a new destination we typically do not repeat restaurants, no matter how good the experience. Among the reasons is because when on vacation trying to duplicate an excellent experience is like chasing a unicorn. THE LONGBOARD IS A UNICORN. On our first visit (well after dinner time), we had cocktails only. The GM, Kristin, greeted us with a smile and a comfortable demeanor. She seated us at the bar. Kristin not only checked on us several times that evening, but also had engaging conversation with us. In our bones, we felt welcome. A scan of the menu let us know the cocktails would go far beyond typical island fare. Our bartender, Ana, did not disappoint. In fact, we now refer to her as Mixology Queen. My husband asked for her for recommendations. She asked him thoughtful questions about his likes, dislikes and the vibe he was looking for. She asked if he trusted her to make something custom for him. He did. Ana is worthy of that trust. Based on the first delicious custom drink she made him, he never ordered from the drink menu that night or on our subsequent TWO visits.
Two nights after our first visit, we went back to The Longboard for dinner. GM Christian remembered us and greeted us by name (remember the Cheers theme song?). Mixology Queen Ana remembered our preferences from our previous visit and continued her mixology reign of our taste buds. Our server Noah was fun and engaging and we found out he is also a mixologist who loves what he does. We had the crispy brussels, shrimp tostones, and tempura pescado - all excellent. Another stellar evening.
Our third trip to The Longboard was on our final evening in St John. This time for late appetizers and cocktails. We had the kahlua pork egg rolls- another tasty dish. Kristin nor Ana were working that night. But we did see and chat with Ana. She came by to wish the bartender on duty (Joe) a happy birthday. The Longboard (and St John) is genuinely fun, comfortable, and caring environment. Thank you Longboard for being exemplary - environment,...
Read moreAh, the symphony of taste and ambiance that is The Longboard in Cruz Bay, USVI—a culinary jewel gleaming amidst the sun-drenched Caribbean! My sojourn to this establishment was nothing short of transcendent, thanks in no small part to the impeccable stewardship of one Joe P., a man whose service can only be described as artistry in motion.
From the moment I entered, Joe P. was a maestro orchestrating an evening of pure delight. His recommendations? Immaculate. The Tuna Poke Bowl? A dish so divinely prepared it could inspire poetry from the most stoic soul. The craft cocktails? Each one a liquid masterpiece, curated with a deft hand and a keen sense of balance that left me marveling at his intuitive understanding of flavor.
Joe P. didn’t just serve; he anticipated. Like a seasoned explorer charting unknown waters, he navigated our every need before we even realized them ourselves. When my gaze wandered, searching for a napkin, Joe appeared, as if by magic, with one in hand. When my companion’s glass dared to reach half-empty, it was promptly refilled with a smile that could rival the Caribbean sun.
But beyond the service, there was something ineffable about Joe—a charisma, a joie de vivre, if you will, that elevated the evening from mere dining to an experience bordering on the sublime.
I left The Longboard not just sated, but inspired, my faith in the art of hospitality wholly restored. To Joe P., I tip my proverbial hat. To The Longboard, I offer my unrestrained applause. Five stars, and may the winds of fortune always carry me back to this oasis of...
Read moreI am a vegan & I went there because it came up on my search that they had vegan options so when I went to the restaurant that Friday I spoke to a gentleman, he explained to me that they can veganize some dishes but I didn't feel that confident about eating there so I walked away. I decided to go back again on Sunday with my family 7/24 to give them a try this time I spoke with a waitress she showed me on the menu the items that are vegan if they remove this & that so I said fine I will give them a chance big mistake. I ordered the caribbean hash without the Aoili sauce then she said I can pick a poke bowl & instead of fish I can choose between mushrooms or curried cauliflower so I chose the poke bowl with the mushroom so they bought me the food looked good an all mushroom & greens mango on top started to eat some ok when I took the second bite taste a lil fishy so I started to look into the bowl sure enough raw fish in my bowl. Very upsetting to me because I am asking all these questions so they can get it right & they got it wrong. No they did not charge for my food & they apologized but it wasn't enough they didn't take the time to make sure it didn't happen it wasn't busy that day just a little extra effort would have made such a difference. I will never go back there because I don't trust them. Not even sure if the carribean hash I had or drink was even vegan because I don't think they know or care how to cater to vegans. Vegans inspect before...
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