Showed up at 755pm on a Monday night and was rudely told "kitchens closed" even while a few people were still mid meal in the courtyard and all the menus posted say it closes at 9pm (as does Yelp) . Totally get we're on island time and but was looking forward to visiting on our last night in town. Maybe next time we'll come for lunch. Maybe call before you come so you don't make the same mistake we did! *Updating my review after the manager, Michael explained the issue in the comment below. We didn't get to try Sun Dog but it's clear the owner cares and that's worth 5 stars in my book. read more

I have mixed feelings about Sun Dog Cafe. On the one hand, the food was pretty reliable for St John. In fact, it was the only restaurant that we went to twice during our week stay. However, I was not surprised to find that my credit card had been charged a higher tip than we wrote in. I was suspicious of the bill because the charge slip was different from the first time we visited, and I made a note to check later. So, watch out for that. Otherwise the food was pretty decent. The curry chicken and the crab stuffed mahi were particularly good. The key lime pie and crab mac and cheese were just meh. read more

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We had an extremely disappointing customer service experience. Our group consisted of 20 people and was seated across four separate tables. Orders were taken per table, yet the staff appeared confused and incorrectly accused us of moving around. The situation was simple--orders should have been delivered per table as taken--but instead, their confusion led to unfair blame placed on our group. One person in our group never received their order, and another order was mistakenly mixed in with a to-go order. On top of that, a staff member complained that they didn't have any menus to give to other customers, implying that we were taking them all. This was completely untrue--we only had three menus shared among 20 guests, while about a dozen menus were sitting in a bin right next to us (see photo). We also asked if we could add a sausage for my daughter. While we would have understood if the kitchen was already closed for lunch, the staff member responded rudely instead of communicating this politely. To make matters worse, a 20% gratuity was automatically charged per table, even though the staff clearly could not handle a group of our size. Instead of being appreciative of a full house, the staff made us feel like an annoyance the entire time. The level of service we received did not come close to justifying that gratuity. If you're a large group, don't even bother--this place clearly does not welcome or know how to handle your business. Overall, the lack of organization and the staff's accusatory and dismissive attitude made the entire experience very unpleasant. Update on the owners comments: I feel it's important to clarify several points, as our experience differed significantly from how it was described by the Owner. When the first half of our group arrived, the hostess was immediately informed that our full party would total 21 guests. This information was communicated upfront. The remaining guests arrived approximately 30 minutes later, which we believed was a reasonable amount of time for any restaurant to prepare, particularly if walk-in business is accepted. If your establishment strictly requires reservations for large parties, that policy should be clearly posted or communicated at the time of arrival. There was no indication given to us that accommodating our group would be an issue until the staff expressed that our large party wasn't accepted by giving us attitude and voicing that they are confused out loud. Regarding your statement that our group was dismissive or disrespectful, I must respectfully disagree. Our group remained calm, polite, and cooperative throughout, despite what we perceived as dismissive attitudes and visible frustration from the serving staff. Guests moving seats or arriving at staggered times is not uncommon for larger parties and does not inherently equate to disrespect. At no point did our group raise voices, behave aggressively, or act in a manner intended to make service difficult. Rather than acknowledging the challenges on both sides, your response places sole blame on the guests, which is disappointing, especially given your extensive experience in the restaurant industry. Shame on you pointing fingers and blaming your patrons; I hope everyone who reads this comments understands what level of experience and customer service you really have. You definitely showed everyone reading this your true colors. As for the gratuity, while we understand that an automatic service charge for large parties is common, the lack of clarity and service expectations, the confusion and frustration of the experience we feel is very much not deserving. We respect your right to share your perspective, just as we expect our experience as patrons to be acknowledged without assumptions about our intent or character. Our feedback was never meant to be hurtful, but rather an honest reflection of what occurred. read more

Sun Dog Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands

Best dinner we had so far on the island. Good seafood dishes, good drinks, friendly waitstaff and it has probably the nicest ambience of all places we've visited so far. We will visit it again. read more

We went to the Sun Dog Cafe on a Tuesday afternoon, after a hike. I have been looking forward to returning there after having fish tacos 16 years ago! My family was worried that I had built it up too much in my head and the tacos would not be as good as I remembered - they were wrong! They were just a good as I remembered! I paired the tacos with a virgin painkiller and my lunch was perfect! He service was quick and friendly and dining outdoors is he only way to eat on St. John. Perfect experience. Also, the morning we were leaving we popped in to see if they had breakfast, which they do. We shared a breakfast quesadilla that was out of this world! Nothing could have been better, but that's St. John! read more

This place is great at Mongoose Junction in St John. Has a great bar and cafe! We did the cafe for brunch/breakfast! All the food was great! The Benedict's were on point! The classic breakfast was enjoyed by my daughter! Has a nice outdoor sitting setup. Staff were attentive and nice! They do a lot for a small space! See you all again next December! read more

Sun Dog Cafe - Crab cake Benedict - Caribbean Near Me - Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands

Healthier than most delicious spot a short walk from the ferry dock. What we loved: * cool seating amidst a shopping complex * commitment to fresh ingredients and healthy eating (well, at least it's an option ) * chickens that visited the table while we ate * friendly service I had the Caesar salad with jerk chicken - ample and delicious! My wife had the seafood tacos. read more

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Our first stop when we arrived to St. John. It was a 5 to 7 minute walk from the dock. Good food, decent prices. read more

Sun Dog Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands

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This was such a cute but clutch little find. We came here while waiting for our car ferry on a Sunday after leaving the national park. There's an indoor part of the restaurant and an outdoor bar area; we sat at the bar. There one was girl working and she was working suuuuper hard - shout out to her! She was making all drinks and serving food, it was also happy hour (discounts on some drinks) so it was rather busy. Nonetheless she was working with a smile and got our orders/drinks made pretty quick. And I loved my drink, it was a vanilla painkiller (they use vanilla vodka) and it was only like $5 for the happy hour. It was sooo good! I would love to have that drink any time - wish I could find it easier here in Texas! I didn't try the food, but the folks next to me got some kind of fancy quesadilla, it looked delicious actually. Would def rec coming here esp if you're on your way out of or into the national park. It's inside the mongoose junction shopping center which is right at the entrance/exit to the national park so it's fantastic to stop at! Would absolutely recommend! read more

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Good food, but the service was extremely slow. They obviously didn't have enough staff. Took forever to get our food, no refills. Never saw our server again and had to hunt an employee down to even pay our bill. read more

Perfectly located in the center of a little shopping area. This outdoor cafe had what we needed good food shade a nice waiter and break from the day . read more

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Overall a good breakfast here. We had breakfast drinks and 2 meals and everything was good. The poached eggs on the Benedict weren't runny which was disappointing. The quesadilla was a standout item and huge, we could have shared this. read more

Sun Dog Cafe - Double bacon Benedict - Caribbean Near Me - Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands

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Pretty yummy with their simmered chicken roti and collection of hot sauces. Was glad to see all their different array of hot sauces. There was one that the bartender that works there made and it was my 2nd top choice - Down South. My top choice out of the 5 was the Blind Betty - it was thicker and had a little bit more flavor that complimented my dish nicely. With only a few tables and a small kitchen, they sure do know how to make food well and give attentive service read more

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Overall not a bad experience and food was good. I would give it a 3.5 but can only give rounded numbers on here. Our waiter was working hard until he got one of the orders messed up and we never saw him again. Food was good but it came to the table staggered. Our waiter also told us several things were not available because the fryer was out. They only have outside seating but it was a good vibe and the bar section was hopping!! They have a happy hour and drinks were good. read more

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We spent most of the day at gorgeous Trunk Bay, and stopped at Sun Dog Café for a bite to eat before hitting the ferry back to St. Thomas. Seating is outside in a little sidewalk area between shops. The service was quick and friendly. We opted for the Ahi tuna tacos - delicious! and coconut shrimp tacos - meh. read more

Sun Dog Cafe - Ahi tuna tacos - Caribbean Near Me - Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands

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Food was the best we've had on the island so far! We both had Shrimp Vera Cruz and it had amazing flavors and presentation! My friend had a virgin piña colada and loved it too! Ambiance is wonderful - it's outside tables under umbrellas so plenty of shade and they had live music! Service wasn't great at the start, but I'm gonna give them the pass of "island time", but they also weren't overly friendly. Will definitely go back if we are in St. John again. read more

The food is great, the wait staff is awesome. This is outdoor seating at it's best,so with the Caribbean breeze it was perfect.pppp0 read more

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Everything was delicious! Our waiter KJ was great! So friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is very inviting!

Super attractive, friendly service Perfect Sunday brunch ambiance, live music was 5 stars. Loved the food and drinks. Modelo especial was imported from Puerto Rico. Thank you for an awesome experience read more

Sun Dog Cafe - Blue claw eggs Benedict - Caribbean Near Me - Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands

Ordered the Jambalaya, it was really good and a huge portion. Decent amount of heat to it but not overpowering. I'd order it again. This restaurant is on St John's, is a 0.2 mile walk from ferry, has about 6 outside tables and is somewhat unique and off the main path. The drinks are good and well balanced, there is a bar you could sit at as well. Genuinely friendly service vs the rudeness you will get from most locals in St Johns if you don't follow their strict greeting protocols when interacting. I like this restaurant, we waited about 20 minutes for a free table and it was well worth it. The ferry from st Thomas to St. John's is 12 minutes. read more

Food was good. Ambiance was great but the service sucked. Staff seemed overwhelmed and undertrained. Not worth the stop

Had drinks at the bar today and it was the highlight of our cruise. The bartender, Kim, was so sweet and helpful! She's worked at the bar for over 30 years and you can tell she knows her stuff! She also makes some fantastic drinks. Try the Bushwhacker. Tastes like a chocolate milkshake, but you will definitely feel it. Great place to spend the afternoon and although we didn't eat there, I hear the food is the best on the island. read more

Sun Dog Cafe - Bushwhacker cocktail - Caribbean Near Me - Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands

Kim awesome she has a great playlist and drinks were decadent. Food we had was delicious and location perfect. Local hot sauce Trinidad Charlie's killer. read more

Ciera was great and attentive! Great smoothie and quesadilla. Tacos were delicious as well. Music playing on the open air porch.

unassuming and unique setup. we ordered the jerk chicken and blue crab mac n cheese and was pleased! It all looked and tasted amazing. the staff was polite and just enough funny. super fast service. read more

Sun Dog Cafe - blue crab mac n cheese - Caribbean Near Me - Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands

We stumbled onto this little cafe on the way to another restaurant and it was amazing. Steak and Mahi tacos were the best we've ever had. Delightful staff too. read more

September 8, 2024 and we stopped by for dinner. Plenty of close by parking. The beverages come from the bar a few yards away (service was quick). The crispy fish tacos were delicious. The shrimp n grits were very good too. The dinner special was a flat bread with grilled chicken, sautéed onions, bbq sauce (my description is not doing the tasty dish any justice). We look forward to returning. read more

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The service here was great. We sat ourselves and we were served right away. The food portions were great. Not too much or not too little. read more

Sun Dog Cafe - Mango Bellini on the left and drunken monkey on the right - Caribbean Near Me - Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands

The Best Bar on St John!!! The Music is old school and the Bartender Thom is Fantastic!! If you don't stop by for a drink or food you have missed out !! Shop, Eat and Drink!!! read more

We were looking for a place to grab lunch and came across this place at Mongoose Junction. The staff was very nice. Our server recommended that we sit near the entrance of a nearby store to get cool air from the AC. It was perfect because we were so hot after walking from the Star Fish Market. The tables had a cover which was perfect. I ordered the coconut shrimp tacos. They were DELICIOUS! My husband enjoyed his chicken quesadilla. read more

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I had the Steak Philly . It was delicious. My wife had the mahi tacos, which were also amazing. Lisa was super friendly. read more

Sun Dog Cafe - Outside Patio - Caribbean Near Me - Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands

Sun Dog Cafe has been a favorite of ours over the years that we've been blessed to visit St. John. The food is consistently delicious. We had lunch on a busy Sunday, but Leza did a great job taking care of us. Great outside dining inside Mongoose Junction. I wish I had taken pictures, but our crew enjoyed the jerk chicken quesadillas and ribeye steak tacos. read more

Had lunch there and loved it! KJ was our server she was nice and caring. Descriptive on the food and helped me choose what to get. Food came out fast tasting amazing the coconut shrimp tacos and burrito was good. Definitely recommend! read more

We were shopping at the Mongoose Junction at Cruz Bay St. John Island and came across Sun Dog Cafe. The name of the restaurant intrigued me. So we decided to give it a try. The restaurant has two different patio dining. We got a table at the patio and people watch and chatted with other patrons near us. Our server was very friendly and efficient. We ordered a Chicken Quesadella and Shrimp Vera Cruz. The Quesadella was stuffed with cheese and chicken, it was good and filling. The Shrimp Vera Cruz was amazing. It came out looking like a burrito topped with Guacamole and sour cream and drizzle with BBQ sauce. It was very tasty. This is a great place for lunch in Cruz Bay. Definitely recommend it. read more

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This was nice surprise the food and service was great. The fish tacos, quesadillas and ahi tunas were on point.

We had the best food here. The 'burrito that took out Cruz Bay is MASSIVE and hits the spot after a day in the sun. The drinks had crazy generous pours of liquor and made happy hour super happy! But the best part was our waitress Jenny. She's a special human for sure. She made sure the drinks kept flowing. She was so friendly, so sweet and we enjoyed her so much. She even fluffed my frizzy Curley hair for the perfect couple pic. read more

Sun Dog Cafe - Caribbean Near Me - Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands

We tried here one last time before we needed to leave. Unfortunately, the same waitress was working. I'm just glad we had 3 hours before we needed to get on the ferry. She just can't handle the 6 tables by herself. The eggs Benedict English muffin was tough to cut through. Not sure if it was just too dry, toasted too much,? The potatoes were cool, a problem last time. The breakfast quesadillas were ok, but they are missing something. Maybe meat, avocado,? I'll stick to the breakfast burrito next time. read more

Food was great!! Awesome experience. Ciera was a great sever. Ask for her. Great seating.

A wonderful place. When I was there, mother, and adult son were both charming and helpful they are wonderful, exactly what you expect for service at a restaurant. More surprising how good the food was, is how fair the price is. It has been around since 1994 so obviously a lot of people think it's great also. You will be very happy not only the food but what you will save. I don't believe there's anything to order you won't love, but I specifically ordered a Shrimp Vera Cruz Dinner and my wife bought a Ribeye Philly. I loved my shrimp, but I loved my wife Philly even better. We start with two apps, 12 shrimp, big and beautiful, we then shared a Josephine salad. Best dried cherrys I have ever had. This is a winner ! read more

Sun Dog Cafe - The Philly Now, MY PHILLYj w/homemade potato salad (great!) - Caribbean Near Me - Cruz Bay, Virgin Islands

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Ciara was amazing! The atmosphere and the food was excellent! My friends and I had brunch on Sunday with live music that was equally amazing as well. Highly recommend if you're on Saint John. read more