That is interesting that you mention Ti' Corail's so called "lobster roll". I think I may have mentioned that what they call a "lobster roll" is more like a chopped up lobster salad and the lobster part was not big chunks of expected lobster. That being said, at ER, I have to say that my lobster roll was more of what I was expecting. I will admit that dinner at ER was more of a hit or miss when it came to service and I still believe that they utilize too many "hospitality stagiaires" because the service is inconsistent. I guess SBH is a great place to be "posted" and do one's internship but who doesn't love coming back to a place that has consistent employees? The challenges of SBH being a small island is understandable, but there have been a number of places where the staff has been there quite awhile and dining has been a better staff experience in those places.
Sand Bar another miss
- Thread starter CaribbeanSoul
- Start date
As you note, Gina . . . “
One of the biggest “challenges“ today explains why there’s such high turnover in newer restaurant staff: There’s insufficient affordable housing for them. Those servers who have been in a restaurant for quite awhile generally are blessed with adequate “staff housing.” Newcomers aren’t as fortunate, however, as housing has become VERY difficult to find . . . and what’s available typically is at very high rates. Newly arrived restaurant personnel may be fortunate enough to get employer-provided housing, but it’s crowded & not conducive to building loyalty staff. Without housing support, newcomer staff simply cannot afford housing on the island.
le_reve
Senior Insider
We have been going to the SBIPOA fundraising luncheon at SB for a few years now, and I am always impressed with the food and service during this fun event. That being said, I have not gone to SB for lunch or dinner in years due to some of the misses you all have talked about in this thread. The last time we were there was a Valentine's dinner three or four years ago that was almost laughable in the bad food/bad service categories, so it went off the list. It is a wonderful place for a cocktail, especially at sunset time. It is sad, it was one of our favorite places pre-Irma. And, I will continue to enjoy the fundraiser luncheon in the future, they always hit it out of the park for that - not sure why it doesn't carry over to regular table service.
. . . hitting the nail on the head, Tiffany! The annual SBIPOA fund-raising luncheon -- always a "sell-out!" -- is a remarkably affordable, not-to-be-missed, island occasion. For its contribution, BTW, to very worthy island-serving causes.
I'm sorry that I also, otherwise, have had unfortunate ER experience (in this regard, there have been "highs" & "lows" . . . sadly, the latter have left an indelible impression). Nonetheless, as you describe, sunset cocktails at the Remy Bar are breathtakingly memorable.
Jeanette
Senior Insider
To me, dining oceanfront at the Sand Bar is magical and we never miss a visit, for better or worse. Our last few visits have been hit or miss. My 2024 Thanksgiving main course was politely returned to the kitchen because it was tough and I honestly couldn't identify that it was poultry. Lunch in November 2025 was splendid and the local fish in ginger sauce over mashed potatoes was the best meal of my trip. During a family dinner a few days later, the sommelier quickly swept my son-in-law's sole meuniere off the table while deboning because it wasn't cooked sufficiently. Then recently in March, his rack of lamb was delivered so undercooked that it was still chilled inside. We sent it back and requested to have it cooked to medium rare, as ordered. After 20 minutes of waiting, we reminded the waiter who had clearly forgotten about it. He brought back lamb that was so well done that it was inedible. They comped the lamb without asking, but his meal was ruined. We went to the lounge for pre-dinner cocktails and they were so slammed by earlier visitors that we ordered drinks directly from the bar after an extended wait at our table. We are headed back again for a family vacation in November and I will skip dinner at the Sand Bar.
amyb
Senior Insider
It seems that holidays such as Thanksgiving Day and also Valentine’s Day previously mentioned one could consider the day a good time to dine in your villa…the restos are slammed. And February 14th is celebrated by visitors and locals to create the crowds. Maybe get a chef to cook fot a few couples or your family instead of fighting the crowd.
Cwater
Senior Insider
I am distressed when I hear about the negatived reviews of sb. I wish it were not so. However, parking at the lot across from Pearl, walking along the beach at St. Jean without shoes, experiencing all the souls that we have experienced over 40 years…hard to give it up. Still love to wash my feet at the showers and sit down for what I hope is a great gastronomic experience. Sand Bar can you please get it together? You are sitting on a gold mine. I can’t understand why you would create anything other than an incredible experience.
I second this. Sand Bar - Please get it together. We've only ever had sublime meals and ambience. Seven years have passed. Naturally, things change. We will be there for a meal in July. I'll report back.
Leon
Senior Insider
I want to confirm that Sand Bar is very inconsistent but we somehow (knock on the wood) were lucky enough to have at least good food by carefully evaluating what to order. The service is not that bad, unless there is a shift change, then it is all lost. We are still going there often if not for the best food (although some of the specials were exceptional) but for convenience. On another hand we had a very bad service in our last visit to Nikki Beach although our server knew that we are regulars as we talked to his peers we knew well. The food (including sushi) was mediocre.
