The Windmill Bar — Restaurant in Saint John

Tucked into the verdant hills above Cruz Bay, perched amid the ruins of a centuries-old Danish windmill, The Windmill Bar on St. John is nothing short of a Caribbean treasure. With panoramic views that sweep dramatically over the shimmering waters of Pillsbury Sound and beyond to St. Thomas, this open-air venue delivers an experience that is both aesthetically breathtaking and deeply soulful.

From the moment one arrives, it becomes clear that The Windmill Bar is more than just a watering hole — it is a destination, a community gathering point, and a celebration of the island’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy. The setting alone is enough to merit a visit: ancient stonework, swaying palms, and sunset vistas that are nothing short of cinematic. But what elevates the experience to something truly exceptional is the thoughtful curation of ambiance, hospitality, and entertainment.

The staff at The Windmill Bar exudes authentic island warmth. Service is consistently welcoming, efficient, and personalized — the kind that makes guests feel like locals, and locals feel like family. Whether one is ordering a classic Painkiller, a crisp local craft beer, or something off their rotating seasonal cocktail menu, every drink is delivered with a genuine smile and an easygoing charm that typifies the spirit of St. John.

Equally compelling is the live music program, which transforms the bar into a vibrant stage for local and regional musicians. The acoustic sets, steel pan rhythms, and reggae-infused sessions perfectly complement the golden hour glow and sea breeze, creating an atmosphere that is immersive and unforgettable.

Though food options are more limited compared to full-service restaurants, the on-site food trucks and rotating vendors offer delicious, casual fare that perfectly complements the relaxed vibe — from fish tacos and Caribbean jerk to inventive vegetarian options, all made with fresh island ingredients.

But perhaps the most magical element of The Windmill Bar is its ability to inspire pause — to make guests stop, take a breath, and absorb the splendor around them. It is rare to find a venue that blends historical significance, natural majesty, and soulful hospitality so seamlessly.

In summary, The Windmill Bar is a must-visit for any traveler to St. John — a place where time slows down, music lifts the spirit, and the horizon stretches endlessly in...

This is a great place to be on St John! The view is absolutely amazing and is a nice place to see the sunset. Get there early to get a good spot for sunset, otherwise there’s a decent amount of seating.

The servers are all very friendly and handle the rush well. Every table has a flag, raise the flag when you’re ready for service- makes it super easy to keep food and drinks flowing when it gets busy! They’ll start your table a tab on your card so you don’t have to wrestle with the check at the end of the night.

We went to visit on a Friday and Saturday night to see a favorite band, so between the cool vibes, sweet love music, great service and food, and the amazing views, The Windmill Bar really helped to make our first time to the USVI an adventure of a lifetime that we will never forget.

We will return to the island and we will absolutely be back to The Windmill!

The staff were super helpful and easy going about my dietary needs to turn the tacos into a gluten free shrimp taco-less bowl! There weren’t a whole lot of gluten options but they were willing and able to accommodate which is always very...

The $5 parking is pretty criminal. Charging for restaurant parking when you have probably the largest parking lot on the island. Maybe fine for tourists, but it keeps locals out. I’ve been here before when the parking was free, and the food was decent enough. $12 for chips and salsa that tastes store bought. The ice cream we bought was freezer burnt, which would have been easier to swallow if I weren’t paying a premium for parking. It was empty at happy hour on Saturday. Maybe I’m crazy but I remember it being busier when I’d visited in the past, before the paid parking. I used to be excited to bring friends visiting the islands to this spot, now I can’t recommend it.

The view is beautiful, but St John is full of beautiful views that don’t cost you to park at. If your food is mid, your drinks are mid, and you are charging a premium then you’re not going to attract a local population. But maybe that was never the goal. The establishment seems happy enough with the status of ‘tourist trap’.

As a local I can’t see myself...