St. Thomas USVI · Dining

Gladys's Café

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Walk up to a place you never thought could be a restaurant - an old house for pumping restored from the colonial days of St. Thomas - and be amazed by the sumptuous - and dare I say bargain - meals that you will surely receive here.

Not only is this place convenient, but it is a quaint and delicious eatery as well. Situated inside of an ancient restored pump house from the 18th century, Gladys's Café offers eager St. Thomas Island visitors what I would describe as probably the most casual yet novel places to eat at on the island. The ornate brickwork, the gentle Caribbean breeze flowing through the palm frond thatch work and the calm vacation island feeling that comes over you after just a few minutes here really make the visit worth it.

And we haven't even mentioned the food yet! Oh, my, where to begin? Well, it should first of all be stated that the hippest place to be for breakfast is - you guessed it - Gladys's Café. With a delicious selection of foods - you'll satisfy your craving for a good North American or English breakfast here - you may not even be able to make your mind up right away. Ham, eggs, bacon, cereal, toast, coffee mimosa - need I mention more?

But, really, you haven't yet experienced Gladys's Café until you've stopped by here with the family for a scrumptious noon to 3 o'clock meal (called lunch everywhere else but here). Indeed, the flavor and portions and, well, just about everything about the midday eating experience here one of the best on the entire island of St. Thomas. Have that Caribbean island lunch that you always dreamed of eating. It's filling, delicious but not overdone, and at less than $20 per plate, an unbelievable great deal.

Wondering about dinner here at Gladys's Café? Wonder no more. It's delicious. That's because Gladys and here down-home cooking chefs have taken their lunch cuisine expertise - so valuable here on this sunny island as it combines the light substance with the hardy flavor in the perfect way to satisfy all types of hot summer weather appetites.

Really, it's all about personality at Gladys's Café. That's because the matron, Mama Gladys, is an institutional figure here at one of St. Thomas's favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner cafés. Really, she has a personal vibrancy which will put a smile on your face, and - rumor has it - can turn a cloudy day into a sunny one. Not that this would be necessary down here on the sunny tropical island of St. Thomas, but it's nice to know just in case.

Come visit this quaint and authentic Gladys's Café place at the Mall of the Royal Dane, located in the bustling city of Charlotte Amalie. This great locale for good vibes and cheap eats will set you up just right for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Don't worry about reservations unless you're bringing the whole pack (more than 3 people). You can reach Gladys's Café by dialing (340) 774-6604).

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See you on the Island, John "Big Hat" Walsh