Rum Runners

Rum Runners is a popular waterfront hangout on St. Croix. It’s named for the drink, Rum Runner. Rum Runners does a great job of serving up fresh food made with quality ingredients. I know from talking to our server that they source local foods as much as possible in order to support local farmers, which I really admire. This is the kind of place that you just drop into, no reservations needed.

It’s a classic island bar, and it’s usually filled with locals as well as tourists, which is always a good sign. This was my first of many stops in Christiansted, and it made such a good impression that I came back several more times, for the comfort food, delicious & strong cocktails, and to enjoy the amazing view of the water while I dine.

Our Experience At Rum Runners

Rum Runners in right off the boardwalk in Christiansted. There's patio dining right above the water, and you can literally see the tarpon swimming down below you. There are dozens, if not hundreds surrounding the boardwalk at any given time. Note that you can also feed tarpon if you like;  they’ll eat just about anything, except vegetables.

The atmosphere is awesome. There’s a very happy feeling in the air, and I don’t think it’s just because people are drinking Rum Runners. I think it’s a combination of the pleasant waitstaff, who seem happy to see you, and the fact that it’s right on the boardwalk, with wide open spaces and beautiful views all around, plus the fact that it’s so affordable. You don’t feel like anything’s at stake. This is a great place to come to relax, kick back and just enjoy being on vacation.

In fact, this is the first place that me and my friends came after arriving in Christiansted. So I recommend it as a “jumping off” point, to get your island legs and plan the rest of your holiday. It’s all open air, with casual seating and lots of open space. It’s not air conditioned, but it doesn’t need to be, what with the sea breeze coming in off the water. But just in case, there are tons of ceiling fans overhead to keep the air moving.

Another touch to show just how fun-loving this restaurant is - by the restrooms, there are large canvases hanging depicting their staff as pirates!

Service At Rum Runners

I always think you can tell a lot about a restaurant by how they treat their staff. Our server was Damon, from Venice Beach, California. He moved to the island for relaxation and ended up working at Rum Runners for seven years. Based on our incredible service, I can tell you that the management of Rum Runners really cares about their employees and about their customers.

Within a couple of minutes of sitting down, we were greeted and asked if we wanted something to drink. After ordering, our food arrived quickly and beautifully presented.  Damon even found time to chat with us a little bit and tell us some information about the best places to snorkel, where to go for dancing and the best coffee shop on the island. We made our way back to Rum Runners before our vacation ended and he even remembered our names, even though there were four in our group. I was very impressed.

What's Good on the Menu

Rum Runners always has daily specials to choose from in addition to their everyday menu. The regular menu is a little limited, but they have all the favorites you’d be looking for on the island, including my favorite, conch fritters. Conch fritters are deep-fried conch, which is a local fish. These were crispy without being overdone, and came with a spicy chipotle remoulade dipping sauce. If that doesn’t appeal to you, then my second favorite is the calamari, deep-fried to perfection, with a creole sauce for dipping.

When the day is hot and you just want something light, I recommend the Tandori chicken salad, with Tandori chicken on top of mixed greens and tossed with spicy peanuts, mango, tomatoes and cucumbers. It comes with a mango yogurt dressing on the side. If you’re there for dinner, then you should try the Seafood Pasta, which is spaghetti noodles tossed with a Fra Diavolo sauce, clams, shrimp, fish and mussels. It tastes light but is very filling. Also, it’s worth noting that the portions are extremely generous. Don’t worry, you can walk off the calories later!

The drinks at Run Runners have an "island pour" so they are very strong. Just be careful because you probably aren’t used to this level of cocktail. The “devious” thing is that a lot of the cocktails taste like fruit juice, but they pack a punch, trust me. Plus, they come in those tall, sweaty island glasses that make the contents disappear so fast! Before you know it, the room will be spinning if you aren’t careful. Try the Rum Runner or the Coconut Rum drink. You won’t be disappointed.