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DUGGAN'S REEF ATMOSPHERE
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Recommended Reviews - Duggan's Reef
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Planning our dinners while visiting St Croix, Duggan's was featured on every list of recommended restaurants, and several of the local residents echoed that recommendation. Needless to say, we were pleased to reserve a table the very day we called. The restaurant lies at ocean front, sitting midst verdant trees and shrubs. The structure is of typical oceanfront design, constructed several years ago. The interior reveals a dining area of several tables, with a small bar overlooking tables. We expected upscale decor when reading reviews, but the entirety is more of a casual look and feel throughout. Guests were definitely in casual attire. Interesting decor are college pennants lining the restaurant at the junction of wall and ceiling. There are open doors around the restaurant, and ceiling fans are placed to provide some ventilation. The restaurant is not air conditioned, and mosquito spray is strategically placed at the receptionist podium. We were immediately taken to our table at the reserved time, and May, our waitress filled our aperitif wishes, Pouilly Fuisse for my lady, dirty vodka martini (very competent) for me. We shared the lobster egg roll appetizer, a roll of very generous diameter, somewhat assuming the proportion of a burrito, more than a roll. The roll was primarily cabbage, with meager strips of lobster within. While disappointed with the stingy bits of lobster, the taste was somewhat pleasing. Marjan ordered the tuna entree, sided with mango rice and broccolini. The finned creature was prepared exactly to my lady's desire: rare. She considered the protein and the sides excellent. Unhappily, the celebrated Irish Whiskey Lobster was not offered, apparently that entree is only on menu if the fishmongers can provide large size crustaceans. I was offered instead, a medium sized lobster, prepared with their special spices. I asked if I might have a medium sized lobster, Irish Whiskey prepared, but was told that the chef required large size lobster for that menu item. We thought this a bit curious. My lobster was presented sliced down the middle, with the flesh of the lobster not freed from the shell. Think of a sagittal plane incision cutting shell and flesh into left and right halves, as compared to cutting just the shell and lifting the body of the lobster atop the shell. None the less, the lobster was very overcooked, the unfortunate creature rubbery and chewy. We considered the entree not adequately seasoned. So, our impression of Duggan's? Given the vaunted reviews we had read, we were disappointed. Marjan's dish was delicious, but the limited options for the lobster, and the poor execution of their signature dish somewhat of a failure. In fairness, we visited on the July Fourth holiday, so could that have affected kitchen staffing? Perhaps other menu items would prove more promising, and other days would demonstrate a bit more consistent culinary performance. We offer a rating of "4" given that proviso.
So so good! A fantastic place to dine while in st croix! We came with a large group and started with a round of cocktails. Our waitress was amazing and even made us blue cheese olives! Martinis, old fashions, Prosecco. Then switched to wine which they chilled for us since it was SO SO hot out. We did sit by the door which had a strong breeze. Lots of appetizers, calamari was the best! Lightly fried with two dipping sauces. Our chopped salad was delicious! I had the mahi fish and chips and let me tell you they were the best I've ever had. SO FRESH! My colleagues enjoyed their whiskey lobsters and surf and turf meals. For dessert we got the peanut butter cake, chocolate flourless cake and key lime pie. All were excellent. You cannot beat this view AND FOOD. Will definitely be back!
Three days ago, my family and I stopped to pick sea grapes on the beach area by Duggan's Reef. After about 30 to 40 minutes of picking sea grapes, we got hungry when we smelled the wonderful seafood aroma coming from the restaurant. As we weren't quite dressed for a dine-in experience, I decided to inquire about ordering the food to go. I approached the host standing at the desk at the greeting area and inquired about ordering food to go. He told me that I could order the food to go but became a little reluctant when I mentioned that I planned to order about 5 dishes. I questioned his reluctancy then he said it was OK. I got a copy of the menu so that my family and I could discuss what we wanted to order. I mentioned my discussion with the host which deterred some family members from wanting to order any food. As a result, I just ordered one appetizer (Crispy Calamari) and two entrées (Spinach, Mushroom, and Seafood Alfredo and the Grilled 14 oz Ribeye) instead. I returned to the host and placed my order. I was given a 35-minute wait time but my order was ready closer to the one-hour mark. I waited close to the host desk until my order was ready. When my order was ready, a hostess brought it out to me. I told her that I would like to look at them to confirm my order before finalizing the payment. She looked at me strangely and made a sarcastic remark before placing the bag with the containers on a table for me to take a look at the content. In any event, the content looked fine, so I paid the bill and left with my order. The crispy calamari appetizer had a nice crunch to it. It was hot and cooked well but could have used a little more seasoning and/or herbs. I was not impressed with it. The ribeye and seafood alfredo were big hits. The ribeye was flavorful, cooked exactly as ordered (medium rare), and the sides were tasty. The seafood alfredo was creamy, well seasoned, and had a balanced flavor. The food is pricey but overall, we enjoyed the food. My first visit to Duggan's Reef was for my birthday dinner in 2014. I had a dine-in experience. I enjoyed that visit much better than this one only because of the tension I experienced when trying to order food to go during this visit.
We celebrated our 6th anniversary here this year. Amazing food! The atmosphere and all is a little dated, and the tables and chairs seemed to be lawn chairs and such - kind of uncomfortable but I suppose durable as they restaurant is right on the water. The lobster was to die for and the salads were even amazing! We weren't as impressed by the carrot cake for desert, it was more a spice cake, but it wasn't bad. Overall a great experience and would recommend!
Great location on the water and excellent food. It's quite a drive from Christensted, but the location on the northeast shore is beautiful. There is adequate parking and a pretty walkway leads to the rustic, beachy restaurant. If you go before dark, you can walk on the beach. Service was okay. Fullbar. I tried the Lobster bisque 10/10 and the crabcakes were to die for - perfectly spiced and cooked 10/10. I will be back for more on my next trip. read more
10 months ago
It was pricey but it was the best meal I had on my trip there! Beautiful presentation and excellent service! read more
A couple of friends tools us out here while in St Croix. It was a hot and humid evening so this made for a not so comfortable eating experience. You're pretty much seated on a large patio so there was no breeze. The wait staff was just ok. Service was VERY slow which does not work well if you have a toddler with you. Unfortunately I was not impressed with the food quality nor the prices for what you get. Also not a lot of options for someone who is dairy free, meat free. The owner was there and seemed to just walk around with a look of annoyance at everyone instead of greeting people. Luckily we were in great company! Will I return, not likely! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Very nice setting on the water. Excellent mahi with capers in a wine sauce and a delightful Lime in Da Coconut drink. read more
10 months ago
2 years ago
It was a fantastic meal. We had various lobster dishes and I had a pork tenderloin. It was all very good. My recommendation, use the provided OFF at the entrance. The mosquitoes from the area eat very well too! :-) read more
1 year ago
Planning our dinners while visiting St Croix, Duggan's was featured on every list of recommended restaurants, and several of the local residents echoed that recommendation. Needless to say, we were pleased to reserve a table the very day we called. The restaurant lies at ocean front, sitting midst verdant trees and shrubs. The structure is of typical oceanfront design, constructed several years ago. The interior reveals a dining area of several tables, with a small bar overlooking tables. We expected upscale decor when reading reviews, but the entirety is more of a casual look and feel throughout. Guests were definitely in casual attire. Interesting decor are college pennants lining the restaurant at the junction of wall and ceiling. There are open doors around the restaurant, and ceiling fans are placed to provide some ventilation. The restaurant is not air conditioned, and mosquito spray is strategically placed at the receptionist podium. We were immediately taken to our table at the reserved time, and May, our waitress filled our aperitif wishes, Pouilly Fuisse for my lady, dirty vodka martini (very competent) for me. We shared the lobster egg roll appetizer, a roll of very generous diameter, somewhat assuming the proportion of a burrito, more than a roll. The roll was primarily cabbage, with meager strips of lobster within. While disappointed with the stingy bits of lobster, the taste was somewhat pleasing. Marjan ordered the tuna entree, sided with mango rice and broccolini. The finned creature was prepared exactly to my lady's desire: rare. She considered the protein and the sides excellent. Unhappily, the celebrated Irish Whiskey Lobster was not offered, apparently that entree is only on menu if the fishmongers can provide large size crustaceans. I was offered instead, a medium sized lobster, prepared with their special spices. I asked if I might have a medium sized lobster, Irish Whiskey prepared, but was told that the chef required large size lobster for that menu item. We thought this a bit curious. My lobster was presented sliced down the middle, with the flesh of the lobster not freed from the shell. Think of a sagittal plane incision cutting shell and flesh into left and right halves, as compared to cutting just the shell and lifting the body of the lobster atop the shell. None the less, the lobster was very overcooked, the unfortunate creature rubbery and chewy. We considered the entree not adequately seasoned. So, our impression of Duggan's? Given the vaunted reviews we had read, we were disappointed. Marjan's dish was delicious, but the limited options for the lobster, and the poor execution of their signature dish somewhat of a failure. In fairness, we visited on the July Fourth holiday, so could that have affected kitchen staffing? Perhaps other menu items would prove more promising, and other days would demonstrate a bit more consistent culinary performance. We offer a rating of "4" given that proviso. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
So so good! A fantastic place to dine while in st croix! We came with a large group and started with a round of cocktails. Our waitress was amazing and even made us blue cheese olives! Martinis, old fashions, Prosecco. Then switched to wine which they chilled for us since it was SO SO hot out. We did sit by the door which had a strong breeze. Lots of appetizers, calamari was the best! Lightly fried with two dipping sauces. Our chopped salad was delicious! I had the mahi fish and chips and let me tell you they were the best I've ever had. SO FRESH! My colleagues enjoyed their whiskey lobsters and surf and turf meals. For dessert we got the peanut butter cake, chocolate flourless cake and key lime pie. All were excellent. You cannot beat this view AND FOOD. Will definitely be back! read more
Three days ago, my family and I stopped to pick sea grapes on the beach area by Duggan's Reef. After about 30 to 40 minutes of picking sea grapes, we got hungry when we smelled the wonderful seafood aroma coming from the restaurant. As we weren't quite dressed for a dine-in experience, I decided to inquire about ordering the food to go. I approached the host standing at the desk at the greeting area and inquired about ordering food to go. He told me that I could order the food to go but became a little reluctant when I mentioned that I planned to order about 5 dishes. I questioned his reluctancy then he said it was OK. I got a copy of the menu so that my family and I could discuss what we wanted to order. I mentioned my discussion with the host which deterred some family members from wanting to order any food. As a result, I just ordered one appetizer (Crispy Calamari) and two entrées (Spinach, Mushroom, and Seafood Alfredo and the Grilled 14 oz Ribeye) instead. I returned to the host and placed my order. I was given a 35-minute wait time but my order was ready closer to the one-hour mark. I waited close to the host desk until my order was ready. When my order was ready, a hostess brought it out to me. I told her that I would like to look at them to confirm my order before finalizing the payment. She looked at me strangely and made a sarcastic remark before placing the bag with the containers on a table for me to take a look at the content. In any event, the content looked fine, so I paid the bill and left with my order. The crispy calamari appetizer had a nice crunch to it. It was hot and cooked well but could have used a little more seasoning and/or herbs. I was not impressed with it. The ribeye and seafood alfredo were big hits. The ribeye was flavorful, cooked exactly as ordered (medium rare), and the sides were tasty. The seafood alfredo was creamy, well seasoned, and had a balanced flavor. The food is pricey but overall, we enjoyed the food. My first visit to Duggan's Reef was for my birthday dinner in 2014. I had a dine-in experience. I enjoyed that visit much better than this one only because of the tension I experienced when trying to order food to go during this visit. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
We celebrated our 6th anniversary here this year. Amazing food! The atmosphere and all is a little dated, and the tables and chairs seemed to be lawn chairs and such - kind of uncomfortable but I suppose durable as they restaurant is right on the water. The lobster was to die for and the salads were even amazing! We weren't as impressed by the carrot cake for desert, it was more a spice cake, but it wasn't bad. Overall a great experience and would recommend! read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
We traveled from Memphis, TN and when we arrived at our Hotel. The staff told us about Duggan's (The Reef) is what they referred it to. However they didn't tell us we need a reservation so when we arrived the gentleman at the front desk was like name of the reservation. We said we don't have one. He said thank God you're early because I can get you guys in but I'm booked for the night and it was only 5pm. They were very accommodating and friendly. I give this place a 10/10 so if you're ever here try this place out. read more
4 years ago
The atmosphere was great. Located right on the water. Our waitress was very friendly and she let us know that the lobster was going fast! We got the last two. The food was excellent! Wish we would have eaten here first and not our last night. read more
Fantastic food, great service and the most amazing views! Reservations are recommended. They do run out of lobsters quickly every night so make sure to get there right when they open for dinner. This is our favorite restaurant on St. Croix! read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
4 years ago
4 years ago
Food was fantastic, this is the reason the place is always number one . Lobster is the go to but I had the tuna special - very good! Service was perfect !! read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
Probably the best and definitely our most favorite restaurant on STX so far. Family owned and operated. Kudos to the chef on their soup special tonight. It was spectacular! (Crab, butternut squash, coconut and curry. Perfect blend of sweets and spices. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
The food was excellent, the sound of the breaking waves and the ocean air is worth the visit. read more
6 years ago
5 years ago
Definitely call for reservations a couple days ahead and eat at this restaurant! Waterfront dining on the East End of the island. Dress is casual to island nice. Lobster is their specialty, which I highly recommend the Irish Whiskey Lobster. I had the "medium" size and it was a lot! Comes with 2 sides. I got the lobster bisque appetizer which I would skip next time cause the main entrees are big. The calamari was amazing and different than most places. You will not be disappointed! Husband got the swordfish and mussels special, which had good flavor, over risotto. Server, Emily was phenomenal! read more
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