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Hello- Planning a 2008 trip to USVI (yes, planning ahead)...I'm wondering are there many grocery stores on STT and STJ or just a couple big ones on each island or what? I was guessing that there are likely a couple big ones on each island and then a bunch of litlle corner stores...but not sure.
Could someone reccomend a couple "big" grocery stores on each island...places to spend a couple hundred bucks and "stock up" before settling into a condo for a week? It would be great to have the plan laid out so we can minimize wasting time once we get there..
Many thanks ,,,Mucho Gracias!
There are several in St Thomas and one biggish one in St John. People from St John come to St Thomas to shop. We also have two big box stores similar to a Costco as well.
RL
We just got back and were suprised to find stuff in Starfish Market on St John cheaper (meat) if not the same as groceries in Red Hook on STT. Plus the market was clean and well stocked. Just my 2 cents.
Amy
If I could get the names and locations for your grocery store suggestions that would be great, thanks!
If you are stocking up on water, beer, canned and packaged goods, etc. I recommend Cost-U-Less. You can get meats and produce there also. If you want fish, deli items, stop at Marina Market in Red Hook. The big grocery stores have poorer quality items, for the most part.
Hi, Sherban:
Where to buy would best be determined by where you are staying and where you are renting a vehicle.
Some people who rent a place on St. John rent a vehicle on St. Thomas for the express purpose of stocking up on St. Thomas before heading to St. John on the car barge. I have heard many people mention Cost-U-Less, and the Marina Market in Red Hook (both of these are easy to find as they are on the way from the airport to the Red Hook ferries).
Some people rent their vehicles in St. John, and if that's what you are doing, go ahead and stock up in St. John. Trying to juggle luggage and groceries on the passenger ferry wouldn't be much fun. Starfish Market, in Cruz Bay, is the largest with the most assortment. I like Pine Peace market as well.
There's another option: some people send their grocery list ahead of them to certain on island companies and when they get to their villas after a hard day of travel, their larder is stocked for them. Pricey but definitely convenient!
-Sandy
Marina Market does have good meats but I would also recommend Plaza Xtra (Tutu Park Mall on STT) as a good but less expensive alternative. "George" the butcher has been plying his expertise for years and knows his stuff! Plaza is a full-fledged large supermarket with an excellent selection of pretty much everything along with a good bakery. I prefer CostULess for vegetables. Their relatively new produce department is varied and fresh.
CostULess is in Market Square off Weymouth Rhymer Highway and the Tutu Park Mall (home also to the "big" KMart) is a couple of miles further East. Cheers!
Is Marina Market near the Red Hook Ferry?
Speaking of food, Is Joe's BarbQ in Cruz Bay still on St John ?
Marina market is just about directly across the street from the Ferry Terminal.Easy walk. It is an excellent market and prices, overall, are as good as any other. They have a great meat and fish counter, bakery and deli. Booze is priced at or even below places like K-Mart. We shop there regularly each time we are on Island. There is a larger market about a mile back towards C.A.. but we have found the quality / freshness of items better at the marina Market. Hope this helps,
On St. John, Starfish Market is definately the place to stop. They have everything. Beer, Wine, Liquor, produce, meats, fish, breads, etc. It's your typically market. We stop there every year before heading to the other end of the island and we've never been disappointed. The meats are fantastic. Don't get them out of the case go to the butcher section and get what you want. They have pretty much everything you could possibly want. Once you get off the ferry go to the right of the gas station, stay on the road and you'll see it up on the left. Skip Dolphin Market in St. John. Overpriced and they have minimal items. If you are out in Coral Bay area stop at Love City for basics and unfortunately I can't remember the name of the other one but it's in the same complex as Astro Bistro. They have a fantastic wine section, excellent produce and good deli section, great for last minute items you forgot or ran out of without driving back into Cruz Bay. Hope this helps.
Sherban,
Are you referring to the Super Walmart? Or something like that? Sams, Super Target? God forbid. If that happens, the aliens have arrived! China will have taken over the entire world! My advise, enjoy what is offered by the local markets and restaurants. You are on a vacation island that is "paradise". Buying in "bulk" is not an island thing. Relax, enjoy...things you need at a local market will be there.
EL: "Buying in "bulk" is not an island thing." ?? Maybe not for visitors but absolutely for residents. Cheers!
EL,
Not only do we buy in bluk "we use coupons"!
Be careful what you wish for....Walmart is listening.
EL.
Good!
I am a part tome resident and learned the hard way.
The nicest one is a small store on the East End of STT called Marina Market. Excellent meat and produce. They get the produce shipment on Tuesdays so go after that.. Monday is usually the bad day to go.
STJ has one near the ferry dock, Star Market I believe.
Stay away from Pueblo....
Thank you to all who provided helpful information, I do appreciate the help 😉
Cheers...
Lizard,
Walmart goes for the juggler. You won't get just one. There will be one on every corner. They are ruthless. Be careful what you wish for.
I agree with marina market. I know the new owners personally and I know its a great place to shop for all your needs.
