Great Harbour

The largest settlement on Jost Van Dyke [1] also has the greatest number of places to eat and drink. A stroll down the sandy main street is all you need to introduce yourself to the choices.

At the eastern end of Great Harbour [2] sits Foxy’s Tamarind Bar (284/495-9258, 8:30 a.m.–late Mon.–Sat., 11:30 a.m.–late Sun., breakfast $10, lunch $15, dinner $18–28), Jost Van Dyke’s first and foremost eatery and watering hole. The food here is secondary to the man himself, legendary Foxy Callwood. Callwood started out with a small shack on the beach, where he sold rum and soft drinks. Today, his Tamarind Bar is a sprawling complex that includes three bars, an upstairs dining area, yard and stage, microbrewery, and gift shop. Foxy performs his signature mix of calypso and comedy most afternoons and early evenings.

Foxy’s is known for its weekend barbecue feast featuring chicken, ribs, and seafood. The lunchtime menu includes salads, pasta, rotis, and burgers; dinner is grilled fish, lobster, chicken, and steak. Dinner reservations are requested by 5 p.m.

Rudy’s (Great Harbour, 284/495-9282, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., $18–28) at the eastern end of Great Harbour is a family-run restaurant specializing in West Indian dishes, including grilled lobster, fish, and barbecued chicken. On special occasions, Rudy roasts a pig. The food here is simple, plentiful, and delicious. Most dinners cost around $25, but expect to pay $35 or more for lobster. On Thursdays Rudy puts on a lobster buffet.

Near the middle of Great Harbour’s main street is Corsairs (Great Harbour, 284/495-9294, 7 a.m.–late daily, breakfast $10, lunch $9–18, dinner $16–27), where pirate kitsch meets an international menu. Corsairs were French privateers who terrorized Dutch and Spanish settlers in the earliest days of European settlement of the British Virgins. Today, the pirate theme is alive and well at Corsairs. The menu includes sandwiches and burgers as well as a wide selection of Mediterranean pasta and pizza.

For another take on West Indian fare, try Ali Baba’s (284/495-9294, 8:30 a.m.–10 p.m. daily, $14–29), just a few steps from the police, immigration, and customs station in Great Harbour. At Ali Baba’s you won’t find any explanation for its name, but you will find finger-licking West Indian conch, ribs, fish, lobster, and chicken. Breakfast is also served. Dinner reservations are requested by 6 p.m.

For a change of pace, Christine’s Bakery (284/495-9281, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, $4–10) is a short walk down the side street next to the police station. This casual café serves omelets, pancakes, and French toast for breakfast. It is also the place to come for fresh homemade bread, lunchtime sandwiches, and local food.

Wendell’s World (284/495-9969, 8 a.m.–11 p.m. daily, $6–12) sells fried chicken, burgers, and snacks near the center of Great Harbour.