Charlie checks out Banana Deck
On-StJohn restaurant critic Charlie Joseph rates one of Cruz Bay’s longest-running restaurants, The Banana Deck, in his first restaurant review.
Okay gang…first a warning. This place seems to be a magnet for families with little kids and I don’t like little kids at restaurants. That’s what babysitters are for. If you don’t mind un-tethered little brats running around while bad parents don’t watch, then you’ll be okay even on a bad night here. That said, Banana Deck is really one of Cruz Bay’s most underrated restaurants. Come on! Beautiful, breezy outside dining, nice views from the rail tables, a wait staff that’s having fun and a great menu. Banana Deck grills up a mean ribeye, gives you 3 ways to have the nightly fish, has great, unpretentious specials and a kooky drink menu. If the baked potato soup is on the menu when you’re there, puh-LEEZ order it. This soup is so good I want to put the bowl on the floor and slop it up like a wild dog. The bar is a locals hang out. Banana Deck is also pocketbook friendly. And another bonus: The place isn’t always packed which means you can walk right up the stairs and get a table.
Thanks Charlie. By the way, we like kids. Just not the un-tethered kind. Go late.
VIDEO ALERT: YOU’VE READ ABOUT IT. NOW SEE IT. OUR INTERVIEW WITH THE TAP ROOM GUYS TOMORROW!
January 18th, 2007 08:50
We really like the Banana Deck too, but find that after dark, the lighting is often too low to adequately see your food. Wish they could crank up the lumenss just a bit…
January 18th, 2007 09:45
As a former little kid and a parent of a tethered little kid, I am slightly offended by Charlie’s “warning”. The Banana Deck isn’t actually on the same caliber as Zozo’s or the Equator, where kids would be out of place. It is an open air causal restaurant.
Charlie should not be surprised to find kids, both the adult and small variety, at any restaurant where shorts, tee shirts and flip flops are standard and acceptable attire.
Next he will be warning us that Miss Lucy’s is a magnet for goats.
January 18th, 2007 10:19
Skinny’s is a magnet for chickens….roosters beware!
January 18th, 2007 11:58
The Banana Deck is our #1 go to for a consitantly great, casual evening, island syle. We always have at least 6 and sometimes 10 with us, some kids, never “un-tethered”, and they can always handle the crowd. Good variety, excellent FRIENDLY wait staff. They often have some island vibe live music. I personnally love the low lighting, with the rail and umbrella lights adding a good feel. Best of all are the house cats. Thanks for the chance to weigh in.
January 18th, 2007 13:09
Where exactly is the Banana Deck?
January 18th, 2007 15:04
And if one didn’t like goats, that would be excellent information to have ahead of time! (I think I get what Charlie means by “untethered” kids.)
January 18th, 2007 20:32
To Anon,
The Banana Deck is across the street from the Beach Bar. Or, if you are facing Stone Terrace, it is to the left and slightly above it. The stairs to Stone Terrace and the Banana Deck are next to each other.
January 20th, 2007 22:34
Thanks Charlie, as opposed to one of the previous comments, I appreciate your honesty about kids. we do not have them and appreciate the warning. When I go out to eat, either at home or on vacation, I prefer to spend my time in a place that is quiet.
I have many nephews and nieces that I love and I enjoy their company but I don’t enjoy sharing a meal with children that are allowed run of a restaurant. I sompletely understand the un-tethered comment and I thank you for your honesty.