Best Brunches on the Islands

ST. CROIX

It’s said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day — a concept not lost on Frederiksted’s Polly’s at the Pier. This casual neighborhood cafe offers the morning meal all day long. Start your day at this waterfront spot with Belgian waffles, build-your-own scrambles, and hearty breakfast sandwiches like the Polly’s Sunrise Burger on a brioche bun. Smoothies come in eight varieties, along with a selection of coffee drinks.

True to its name, Twin City Coffee House and Gallery takes its coffee very seriously, sourcing its beans from thoughtful producers around the world. Get your caffeine fix beginning at 7 a.m. at this cute Christiansted restaurant. Tasty brunch and lunch fare includes daily changing specials like banana nut oatmeal, veggie omelets, and yogurt and granola bowls. Local fruit is often spotlighted, too. Indulge in some people watching from its covered sidewalk patio. 

Nestled along Christiansted’s charming boardwalk, Caroline’s combines its all-day breakfast and brunch menu with a chic setting. Here, soothing ocean views are paired with pink tufted banquettes, bamboo-style chairs, marble-topped tables and wallpaper imprinted with leafy green foliage. That same attention to detail can be found in the food as well, which includes flaky buttermilk biscuits, choose-your-own omelets, eggs benedict and a trio of quiches. Located in the King Christian Hotel, Caroline’s ups the ante with its cocktail and coffee programs, too.

Located in the heart of Frederiksted, Six Nine Restaurant & Bar has earned plenty of praise for its refined yet friendly approach to fine dining, with a focus on locally grown produce. This charming courtyard restaurant brings that same sensibility to its weekend brunch, where impeccably made mimosas add to its charm. Lean into the breakfast side of brunch with the lobster benedict and a corned beef hash bowl, or wander into lunch territory with a hearty burger. Think of their frosted flake French toast as the morning appetizer you didn’t know you needed until now.

ST. JOHN

At family-owned Cruz Bay Landing, you have two options to jump-start your day. For those who like a hearty breakfast, there are four kinds of eggs benedict, tasty omelets, egg-filled tacos and fruit-topped pancakes. If you’re looking for a quick stop, the neighboring Coffee Shop and Creamery at this waterfront restaurant near the ferry dock offers a variety of lattes — hot or iced, with or without booze — as well as smoothies and sweets.

Offering brunch every day (as well as lunch and dinner), Sun Dog Cafe features open-air casual dining in the courtyard of Mongoose Junction, surrounded by plant-filled terraces, shops and galleries. Its brunch menu offerings are as unique as its setting, with five kinds of eggs benedict, stuffed French toast and guacamole flatbread. Up the festive factor and add in bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys or Tito screwdrivers. On Sundays, live jazz adds to the party atmosphere.

If your dream morning routine includes eating outside to the sound of waves crashing on a nearby beach, High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill is just the place. Located steps away from the Cruz Bay ferry dock, this Wharfside Landing spot offers a delicious mix of traditional and creative brunch items, ranging from huevos rancheros and the classic BLT to a shrimp-and-bacon-stuffed omelet. Specialty breakfast cocktails are offered too, with happy hour prices from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for mimosas and Bloody Marys. Got a ferry to catch? Just let your server know!

With stunning views of Cruz Bay all around at this elevated open-air restaurant, The Banana Deck doesn’t skimp on the eye candy. On the weekend, those amazing views are accompanied by a build-your-own mimosa and Bloody Mary bar, featuring 10 specialty hot sauces and a house-infused spicy vodka. Pair your beverage with food offerings such as chicken fried steak with eggs and hash browns. The Banana Deck is conveniently located just a short stroll from the ferry dock.

ST. THOMAS

Looking for a Sunday brunch that comes with a side of hip vibes? At Charlotte Amalie’s St. Thomas Social, the party is built into a unique concept that melds Mediterranean and Caribbean cuisine with a combination modern restaurant and chic social lounge. And that includes Sunday brunch, when a live DJ ensures plenty of fun is served up. Start with shared plates such as merguez flatbread and grilled octopus before moving on to smoked salmon avocado toast and brioche French toast. Bottomless mimosas are on tap, along with free shots every hour.

Creating community and an emphasis on a healthy lifestyle come together beautifully at Barefoot Buddha. Located in Havensight, The Barefoot Community includes a coffee shop, health deli and fashion boutique in the same building. On its all-day breakfast menu you’ll find a build-your-own sandwich that includes veggie sausage and vegan cheese, along with egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos and a daily quiche.

Located in quaint Creque’s Alley in Charlotte Amalie, family-owned Street Side Pub offers a relaxing way to start the day, especially if it includes shopping at the nearby duty-free boutiques. Friendly service is a given, as are hearty breakfast burritos, egg wraps and sandwiches. Pair your meal with specialty coffee drinks or frozen tropical cocktails.

Adults-only The Pink Palm Hotel is a 28-room hanging garden of terraces, hideaways and hangouts. At El Barsito, its equally lovely restaurant overlooking the port of Charlotte Amalie from a hillside perch, diners can enjoy tropical cocktails and award-winning cuisine. At brunch that means creamy seafood grits, a build-your-own breakfast platter, and steak and eggs. Pair the amazing sea views with a signature cocktail or bottomless mimosas.

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