The Landing Beach Bar at Cane Bay

The Landing Beach Bar at Cane Bay is just what you need after spending a glorious day on Cane Beach on St. Croix. Explore the waters off the beach, swimming, snorkeling, diving or kayaking, and then treat yourself to the quintessential Caribbean island restaurant and bar right on the beach (well, technically it’s across the road from the beach). Surrounded by swaying palm trees, this colorful eatery is just what the doctor ordered after living it up on the shores of Cane Bay all morning and afternoon. My friend and I stumbled into The Landing Beach Bar at Cane Bay after tiring ourselves out, taking turns sunning and snorkeling for hours.

Honestly, it felt like we were just walking into a different “area” of the beach. That’s because it’s completely open to the elements, with few walls. I’m honestly not even sure how they shut it down at night. Anywhere you are inside, it feels like you’re just sitting beneath a giant awning with a few posts holding it up here and there. The building structure just adds to the island feel, all laid-back and relaxed. We were there on a Monday, and they had a live kettle drum band. A few of the people were dancing on the sand outside, but my friend and I were too wiped to join in. Apparently, they have live music every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you find yourself anywhere near Cane Bay and looking for a good place to eat or grab a cocktail, this place is ideal. You’ll sit down and just be so glad you came to St. Croix.

Getting There

The Landing Beach Bar at Cane Bay is on Cane Bay Road on the north side of the island, in Christiansted. To get there from downtown, take King Street to Northside Road. Hang a right onto Salt River Road, and then just follow that around to the west as it turns into North Shore Road and winds its way along the shoreline. Make sure you don’t miss the 90-degree right-hand turn at Belvedere to stay on North Shore Road. Fairly quickly, that’s going to turn into Cane Bay Road, and you’ll want to make another hard right to stay on Cane Bay. The Landing Beach Bar at Cane Bay is going to be on your left-hand side.

If you reach the Aquaman Virgin Islands Dive Shop on your right, double back because you went a tad too far. I don’t think you’ll miss the place, though, because it’s very close to the road, with two palm trees right in front of it. (Incidentally, if you are interested in water sports like scuba, snorkeling, kayaking and what not, that dive shop is just steps away and they can set you up with all the rental gear you need.)

Location & Environment

As I mentioned, The Landing Beach Bar at Cane Bay is practically right on the water. It’s open from 11 AM to 8 PM Wednesday through Saturday, and on Monday. On Sundays they’re open from 10 AM to 6 PM. They’re closed on Tuesdays. The owner is a woman who is a real sweetheart. I don’t recall her name (I want to say “Winnie”), but she’s almost always here, either helping behind the bar, in the kitchen or visiting people out in the dining area. She’s like the epitome of a Crucian mother, always wanting to make sure everyone’s enjoying themselves.

The environment is very easy-going. As it gets later and the sun goes down, the crowd kind of changes from beachgoers to people who got dressed up to come out for a bite to eat. Now, remember, when I say “dressed up,” I’m just talking about Polo shirts and shorts instead of the daytime crowd who might be in tank tops and flip flops. I recommend coming here to watch the sunset, too. It’s absolutely breathtaking and I don’t care what kind of camera you have, it’s impossible to capture it in a picture. Especially because there’s the wide open bay laid out before you, with no walls in between, and the big blue sky changing to orange and purple. Just a magnificent spot.

What's Good on the Menu

I remember that our server was Sarah and she was the nicest. She recommended the Cane Bay Burger, an 8-ounce burger with all the fixings available as extras, like bacon, mushrooms and fried egg, for my friend. For me, she recommended the Health Nut Salad, with fresh mango, feta, seeds, grapes and a dressing that I swear I want the recipe for. We also shared an appetizer of the Blackened Tuna Bites, which were so spicy hot, but amazing! All our food was delicious.

Bar Menu & Other Beverages

They have a full bar, and they have craft beer, including Leatherback, which is brewed on St. Croix. They are famous for having amazing drinks, so this is a good opportunity to be spontaneous and allow your server to bring you a surprise beverage with your choice of liquor.