The low-key island of St John in the US Virgin Islands is now home to a solar-powered, floating cocktail and taco bar where guests can pull up a seat at the swim-in bar.
Lime Out is located at the East End of St John. Image by Dane Tarr
St John is one of the biggest and most-visited of the US Virgin Islands but it’s still relatively low-key compared to neighbouring St Thomas. The island is known for its untouched natural beauty and two-thirds of the island, including its beaches, reefs and forests, are part of a protected national park. Naturally, local businesses are eager to adopt sustainable practices to preserve the local environment. New bar, Lime Out, is one such business that’s focused on sustainability. The solar-powered spot is a cocktail and taco located at the East End of the island, floating out to sea.
The bar caters to swimmers and nearby vessels. Image by Sarah Swan (Zest Studio)
Set up by local childhood friends Richard Baranowski, Dane Tarr and Dylan Buchalter, Lime Out serves an array of tacos and craft cocktails which can be enjoyed from the comfort of their own vessel or at their swim-up bar. Speciality tacos include curry chicken, fresh tuna, short rib and vegan fillings. The team even offer a delivery service to nearby boats. The new venture is part of the widespread recovery that’s taking place on the island following the destruction from Hurricane Irma, the Category 5 storm that swept across St John and St Thomas in 2017.
Customers can relax with a drink in a rubber dinghy. Image by Cynthia Swan (Zest Studio)
Speaking to Lonely Planet Travel News, Baranowski said the friends saw a gap in the market with the lack of opportunities for boat-based excursions in the US Virgin Islands. The friends are fiercely proud and protective of St John’s natural beauty and wanted to explore this “entrepreneurial adventure on our gorgeous home of St John.” They chose tacos and cocktails because they’re an instant and universal crowd-pleaser.
Tacos come with a diverse range of fillings from vegan-friendly to meat-heavy. Image by Cynthia Swan (Zest Studio)
“Also at the forefront of our minds was operating as ‘green’ as possible,” Baranowski added. “Solar panels adorn our roof, reusable cups are the only ones we will use, among less glamorous stuff like proper wastage practices. We see the intrinsic value of our location on East End and want to see that beauty sustained long after we’re gone.”
Guests can pull up a seat at the swim-up bar. Image by Cynthia Swan (Zest Studio)
Lime Out is expected to open in the coming weeks. To stay updated on their progress and to find out more about the venture, see here.
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