What’s in A Name? Special names + special dishes in the St Maarten restaurant scene
As creative as their menus can be, restaurateurs of the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean have often also chosen intriguing names for their restaurants and bars. Here is a few – with (an attempt to explain) the reasoning behind their brands, showing how special St Maarten restaurant names can result in surprising and special tastes that go behind them.
1. Big Bastards – For laid back laughs
Philipsburg boardwalk based restaurant Big Bastards needs to top this list. This somewhat provoking title is befitting as it aligns perfectly with the “somewhat direct” sense of humor of the two owners. Next to packages for a full day of fun and food at Great Bay Beach, don’t miss out on their bikini – and swimwear souvenir line dotted with warnings of “big bastards” or “little bastards” depending on size and choice.
2. Mix – A lot in (and next to) the cocktail
Mix is a cocktail bar, clearly. But “Mix” choice of name could also be explained as a mix between drinks and food during sunset, a mix of rooftop views of Philipsburg on the one side and Little Bay Beach on the other, a mix of tranquil refuge and organized Wine tasting events. So for the third shortest restaurant name on island (see below for #1 and #2!) , a vast array of options is represented in its “Mix”.
3. Grumpy’s – Not much chagrin here?
Whereas the name of Mix gives you at least a vague idea of what you will run into, founder Tony put you on the wrong track with Grumpy’s. In this beach club feel bar amongst megayachts, you will not see many grumpy people, nor is the nicely designed setting meant to make you feel so. You can order very decent pizzas here from the Bayside Pizza shack in the back, and other food themes in their outside food and barbecue pergola. Call Grumpy’s first what menu is available that day, or just see what the offer is.
4. Balls & Wine – Too short a name
To the point: “Balls & Wine” excels in specially crafted delicious (meat)balls and selected wines. Given the fact this place has recently moved onto the popular Simpson Bay strip with its fan crowd in its wake, you can imagine they are on the move in a good way. Note however that the name is partially misleading – there is a lot more on the menu than just balls and wine. Try their wide array of Caribbean cocktails for example, or the many dishes to accompany your balls of choice.
5. Veranda – overlooking
The name of this restaurant also tells you pretty directly what to expect. Veranda is a quaint restaurant overlooking Oyster Bay Beach, from the balcony of the resort with the same name. A seaside bar amplifies the Caribbean retreat feel. Contrary to its more centrally located Infinity restaurant, you need to know where the alley is to make the stunning beachviews unfold. Ask when you enter the resort for its location, as it is close by.
6. Ital Shack – Celebrated vegetarian hotspot
As with Balls & Wine, Veranda and Mix, the name Ital Shack tells you what you get. Ital food (created with respect for nature along rastafarian guidelines) in a colorful Caribbean shack. There is however a lot more behind this first-glance simplicity. Firstly, this modest restaurant was selected by Bourdain for a highlight and was voted 4th best restaurant of the Caribbean in 2024. Secondly, the “shack” was host to some of the greatest regional Reggae artists. Chef Bushman runs a Saturday jam session, for which one of his shacks is fully equipped as a studio. So nothing simple about this interesting spot, except for the menu – one choice a day, and always vegetarian.
7. D’s – short for “discovery”?
For ranking #2 on the shortest restaurant names on island, D’s offers a lot. This prominent member in the list of St Maarten beach clubs to spend a day offers food, beach fun and drinks at its bar. It is also an in-the-know spot for those wanting to see St. Maarten Airport airplanes depart from another angle than busy Maho Beach.
8. K – Short name, long beach days
Restaurant names don’t get shorter than this. K Beach Club is the modern name of Karakter, the famous beach bar that was wholly rebuilt to its new food and drinks refuge on Simpson Bay Beach. Frequent activities at night make this place a full day beach retreat.
9. Aziana – a name of / in fusion
Not a Chinese restaurant, nor a Japanese, nor an Indonesian one (even though they sell the most famous Babi Pangang of the Caribbean) but a bit of all above and more. With its unusual name “Aziana” this restaurant on the docks of Philipsburg wants to make clear it masters all oriental cuisines – and it does so to great acclaim. Next to sailors, you will encounter locals and visitors from hotels from other parts of this Caribbean getaway.
10. Hideaway – Try to find it
The “Hideaway” is what the name promises – you need to know how and when to visit this unique spot alongside the pool of LaVista. It is open only a few days a week, but if open you are guaranteed to have an intimate dinner with an amazing view over Pelican and Simpson Bay.
See for our taxi and bus pages how to get to your restaurant of choice!
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