Restaurant Review: Uncle Joe's BBQ in Cruz Bay, St. John USVI

There's no shortage of great reasons to travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands: sun, sand, sea turtles, rum, shopping--the list could go on for pages. But when it comes to cuisine for the average traveler, the USVI is, surprisingly, a destination that leaves much to be desired. Despite the myriad tourism guides' insistence otherwise, St. Thomas and St. John aren't very interesting places to eat. There's some good food on the islands, sure, but most of it costs a lot, and almost all of it is stuff you could easily find anywhere else in the world. In general, the dining options geared towards tourists in the Virgin Islands fall into two categories: 1.) pretentious, high-end restaurants with pointless fusion menus (weird, super-sugary $60 lobster tail and a $20 sake mojito anyone?) and 2.) "fun" beach joints (many of them owned and operated by pricey resorts) with "Caribbean-style" bar food that's suspiciously reminiscent of the deep-fried junk you can find at any casual restaurant in middle America.

It's a little disappointing. But you've already guessed what's coming nex, right? It's a diamond in the rough.

The diamond in question is Uncle Joe's BBQ, an ultra-unpretentious roadside joint on the island of St. John. Uncle Joe's has a budget-friendly menu and an inescapable smell that will draw you in from the other side of Cruz Bay.

You won't find Uncle Joe's BBQ coupons in the tourist guides. You won't find full-color ads on the glossy fold-out maps, or enthusiastic reviews on the tourism channel's video loops. But that's just one of the great things about the open-air diner: it doesn't insist upon itself in any way. The amazing smell coming from the grill during business hours is all the advertising Uncle Joe really needs.

Uncle Joe's BBQ is located near the post office in Cruz Bay on North Shore Road. Unlike most stuff in the winding hills of the USVI, it's extremely easy to find. You just get off of the ferry from St. Thomas, wander into town, and follow your nose to the left. You'll see a brightly-colored little restaurant with just a couple of tables and a big, smoking grill. Welcome to the best meal East of San Juan.