Sunset Bar has gone downhill...

Wow. The service was slow as hell and the attitude of the waitstaff was horrible. Howevere, delightfully surprised by the excellent courteous staff at Cheri's Cafe. And the ribs and steaks are awesome.

With the variety and quality of restaurants on the island I don't even consider Cheri's as an option. Sorry but been there and once was enough.... I honestly don't get it.

It is Odvious they are Ramping up to Welcome cruizers.... Thus. They all come and we accept par service or not <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> charge more than driftwood with same view. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Be well folks and check in with pics

Had lunch there today at 2:00ish, service perfect, had bucket of beer, wings, ribs and a tuna steak sandwich and they were all perfect. No problems at all with service, husband even got up to get more ice in the bucket and someone ran over to do it. Sad no sand which makes it difficult. But while not my favorite place, for lunch or a place to grab pub food it was perfect. Cheris - no thanks, food fine for what it is, but show has something to be desired.

This gives us renewed interest in going there. We would love to try it again since it is an institution.
We love the joy of discovery. Things change and so can places.
Definitely we are going next month.

Kim---Glad things are working good for you so far. Enjoy!!!

I know it has been awhile since I have been to Cheri's. But don't remember steak and ribs on the menue. Sounds like something to try.

SXM??? Wendell

We stopped in here a few times with our gang during our July trip, mostly for the shot of the day. We seldom eat or drink here though as most times it is way too congested for me, especially since there isn't much of a beach. I did try to order a beer here and was told they didn't have the brand I wanted. So ok, what do you have? The girl rudely told me that the choices were all displayed on the OTHER side of the bar. So ok, I walk around to look..... and there is my choice but yet they don't have it and this was supposed to be their "menu". I think my mouth dropped open at how stupid the whole thing was!

On a side note, we have been to Cheri's with newbies which is usually entertaining as they have all been called up on stage. This past trip though none of my kids or husband wanted to return for the show. Some of the others in the group didn't care either so we didn't go. Have had awful bar service here in the past and the food was not as good as it used to be.

Wendell, I actually had a really good steak there (Cheri's) one evening....it was late, we were starved, and hey.....they were open..... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
Of course we sat on the street side of the bar to be farrrrr away from the "Chocolate whatever" show, which I've seen or heard too many times to count. My days of doing shots and partying with a crowd to get through the night are over. Lol.

you know, we've been going to sxm for over 30 years, although we don't go to cheri's as a "to go" place, when we do go, and have a drink, it still puts a smile on our face when we see the audience enjoy the show..just my take on the place...

SBB has been going downhill for 30 years but the kiss of death was when it was discovered by the cruisers, unless of course you own the place

i don't necessarily agree with you. we go to sunset at least once every trip (over 20) for lunch. I always get a burger..my wife the chicken...and it has always been very good, consistent, and reasonably priced. Have not seen any decrease or ''going downhill''. Yes, it has gotten more crowded than the old days.....and when the ship traffic is there it maybe a zoo....but those are the days we purposely don't go.

As for Cheri's...they have had a steak on the menu for many years...cause that's what i used to order when going there. It has been at least 10 yeaars now since we were there last...and honestly, will probably be another 10 years if we ever return to it......same shtick show for years.......and just don't enjoy the noise there. Seeinga bunch of older gentleman now (the orginial group), dressed up in drag, and other crap, just doesn't do it for us anymore.....and occasionally they throw in a couple of newer songs...but in the most part it is the exact same routine they have done for well over twenty years. Time for a change.

It seems to me that some here insinuate that cruisers have a lower level of taste and are accepting of poor service and quality. Cruisers are your neighbors, friends and may be your relatives. There is really no difference between the cruisers and timeshare people. Some have taste and enjoy a high level of service and quality and some are not as picky. It's the same for both groups but to lump all cursers into the lower echelon is really ignorant. People come to St. Martin to have fun and it's not the cruisers fault that so many people are at SSBG at the same time. Wait until the new Royal Caribbean ships start coming this season. 2 are bigger than Oasis and Allure.

I'm not sure in this instance that "poor taste" is the issue. The PROBLEM is that you literally can't DRIVE in the area when there are a few ships in, let alone be able to go to Sunset yourself. People stand IN the road, the taxi drivers stop IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD and pick up passengers. All the time. It is very dangerous to drive through there, as people walk on the concrete barrier, they drink, they fall off the barrier in front of cars. The crowds are dangerous and the cab drivers are ridiculous in stopping and blocking traffic going to and from Beacon Hill.

Bob,

As one of those 'timeshare' people I throw no stones at anyone, but I really don't think the posters were being negative towards the cruisers as such, and I think Carol nailed the issues with regard to the taxis and buses. Our car rental agency is in Beacon Hill and we stayed there in April at BSV. In the afternoons it was terrible trying to get in and out of that area for just the reasons stated. And many times, the van buses will stop in the road blocking it and wait for all the returning passengers to hop on the bus, Gus. We found it very annoying to have to wait for that last straggler and it seemed there always at least one of them.

And on another note, as one who never much cared for this particular bar as a place to grab a snack or a light meal, we did stop for breakfast on our last morning on the island in April and it was very good - reasonably priced, courteously served and no complaints from this visitor at all.

We used to love the location and watching the planes land at night but sadly, that was one of those 'back in the day' pastimes before anyone realized what a gold mine they had and it, too, was allowed to be over-developed. No more quiet little interludes at the end of the beach watching the planes come in and enjoying the tranquility. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

It's not all cruise ship people in taxis and vans. This happens on days when there are no ships in when a plane is approaching or departing. Small white Corollas stop to gawk as well. It is worse on cruise ship days. Plenty of hotel people also walk and block the street , get drunk and get hurt. My point is that there is no difference. It is a zoo for sure! It's quite a show from the water. People will be people and do crazy things for a thrill.

I thank Carol for doing a better job than I in describing the issue. In general, although many of us here have been and are cruisers most of US HERE are vacationers when we go to SXM. In that regard, for many cruisers SXM is just a stop and as such it doesn't really matter to them how their behavior affects us, the vacationers. Thus, the situation at SSBB.

I will also point out that some people here (soualigacapt) that have businesses tied to the cruise business always react violently and irrationally when anybody here exposes the issues of how cruisers have impacted vacationers in SXM.

Based on my past experience, I think I have just closed this thread but I am a strong believer in full disclosure...

Gotcha' and perhaps that's another of the reasons it's not a favorite. We were there last trip around 8:00 in the morning and it was quite delightful. The staff was all rested and laughing and the setting was very nice so I get why so many gather there. But I do feel sorry for the friends and businesses that are off the main road beyond the landmark and epic landing site. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

My business is 50% cruise ship passengers and 50% hotel and timeshare people. People on vacation are people on vacation and who says you have any more right to enjoy the island than anyone else. You're attitude is exactly what I was talking about.

I totally agree, Bob. People like to insult the cruisers. they are no better or worse than any of our tourists.... some misbehave; most don't.

Thank you. Some people think they own the island including the bars and beaches. Like it should be only for them. We are all here together and for good or bad, it is what it is.

Excuse me but the people who are serving you on the French side & the businesses are close friends of ours & we love the French side.
We have been here a lot longer than you have been vacationing & you know nothing....
Have a nice evening....Bisous...Do you understand? French?
Big kiss B..Soualiga Capt & I have a new island baby, we are thrilled to welcome Kaia Genieve. Sound French? 0ui!

I'm trying to find the logic of someone who basically classifies a fellow tourist arriving by boat as less deserving than someone who arrives by air to visit any particular establishment...I've been on five cruises and umpteen trips to the island and my personality doesn't change with my method of transportation nor length of stay.

ps To the previous poster, I'm pretty sure Neil built the original Sunset Beach Bar back in 1996 which would be 19 years, not 30.

Bob--I'm sorry, I stay in Beacon Hill, and I know the situation when there are ships in, versus when there are not. The situation when there are ships in, especially two or more big ships, is atrocious. I blame a large part of it on the taxis, because they stop in the middle of the d*mn road, so they can load 12 people into their van. I have loved cruises for years and I don't blast cruise ship people just because they are cruise ship people, as I have been there, on over 30 occasions myself. The problem is that this location just is way too crowded on big cruise ship days. As I said, I blame a large part of it on the taxi drivers, as their behavior is unacceptable. Been there, seen it. Unacceptable. At the very least, there should be some private security presence to require the taxis to pick up and drop off people somewhere that is not in the middle of the road, totally blocking the road.

Thank you Carol but you are only here a couple of weeks a year, I'm sure it is an inconvenience & troublesome for you, we however have nothing to do with any behavior associated with any parties.
We live here pay our taxes & we are legal residents & how dare someone tell us we care only about cruiseship passengers.
It's quite funny actually. C'est la Vie.

What you say is totally true. it would be a good idea if some kind of order was established. On the water, the coast guard installed buoys so boats are forbidden to come in close to the beach. Maybe something like that should be done on the street. The problem is there is not much space to change the traffic flow etc.

Lyn--I personally never said that you care only about cruise ship passengers, as I know that is not true. The traffic situation at Sunset is really quite an issue, not just for tourists, but for those that live in Beacon Hill.

Bob--now that Sunset will have the expanded presence where Bliss used to be, it seems that hopefully they should be able to do something to require taxis not to block the road..

So...quick question then...since there is no beach at Maho - where else can you go where the "herd is thinner" to watch the planes come in?

You can see the planes land, although not over your head, from the fence next to Karakter. Mary's Boon has an observation deck, but I think that's only for people actually staying there.

Depends. This time of year, just look at the cruise ship schedule. If no ships in, either go to Sunset, or go to the Boat Bar, other side of the runway. Or go to Karakter.

Either way, NOT really walking distance from where you're staying! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Lots of viewing spots but truthfully, IMHO, none are as good or as exciting as being right there in the Maho area and watching them come in over the water and skim the fence before they touch down at PJIA. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I agree, Pat. We try to go there once each trip just to experience it, and it never gets old. We just choose a day when it won't be as crowded.

I checked the cruise sked and there is nothing on Sat - so we will probably head that way then...thanks everyone!

Mexican restaurant Taco Maco, if your lucky to get a table near the runway you have a nice view of the festivities, not to mention cheap Corronas and Margaritas during happy hour.

Saturday is a nice day, as there will be lots of planes then, although it will be somewhat crowded, mostly with people who are watching their plane land, so they can go to the airport!

Hi Carol,
I should have been clearer, I apologize.
Gotloveit or whoever they are really should deal with lighter posts as when will Ocean Baie be opening, I basically know already. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
They don't know the Island except for where they stay & dine & again that is all subjective. They applaud the French side & I also love the French side.
Life is good. All the best. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Lyn--so tell me, when will the restaurants at Orient Bay open?? Inquiring minds want to know!!!

We go to Sunset for breakfast and for sunset, The cruisers are all gone at that time. Neither service or the food has been a problem. It's not as busy, it may be easier for the staff at those times.

Had lunch again at Sunset, takeout as I refused to move from my spot at Royal Islander! Tasty even Togo!! Now at another place that gets a bad rap, 3 Amigos in Maho, had a great conversation with the GM, watching the Mets play, cold beer and DJ playing loud, could get used to not!!

We ate at Sunset Grill at 9am. There were like four customers there, so I know the waitress wasn't overwhelmed or anything, so just odd that the service was that bad. She seemed like she wanted to be anywhere except where she was. And the previous night, again with few patrons, she had the same attitude. Every place else we went to, the service was fine or very good. BEST service was The Green Monkey. It was awesome. Great little bar/restaurant.

We'll take The Perch anyday over SBB. SBB is way too crowded, parking is inexistant, service is poor, Maho beach doesn't cut it for us and finally, once we've seen 1 plane fly over our heads, we've seen them all.
Just our opinion.

David--So, there was the same person who waited on you both times and she had a poor attitude? Gee, one person who has a bad attitude can happen in any restaurant..

Where is the Green Monkey?

Funny, I sometimes take it as a challenge or make it my personal goal to get a server to lighten up and have a better day. No matter what, I am going to get a smile or laugh out of them. And you know what? It works.

Leona,

The Green Monkey is a right turn at the end of the driveway and up the hill past the Cliffs and Rainbow to the Ocean Club on the left. I think as a patron, rather than a guest at OC, you have to park across the road and walk in. There's no parking to speak of for visitors, or at least, not that we could find, but then, we all know I'm directionally challenged. We enjoyed breakfasts there a few times but often as not they don't open early when we're up, dressed and out and about and hungry.

True. The food wasn't particularly great either, though, so it was kind of a disappointment. But most places we've gone to for meals on this trip have been pretty awesome. Best is The Perch and The Green Monkey.

There's also free parking just before the gate where you enter Cupecoy Beach. Past the gate, it is 5 bucks and the gate closes at 5pm. But the free area before the gate is gree and is open to the street so it's easy to go in there and back out. Just a short walk, a few yards, to the retaurant. Just watch the cars !!!

OK, as far as great food at a beach bar, normally it's just good and satisfying, not great, but I get where you're coming from.

Sunset Bar is an institution in itself. They know people are going to go there regardless of food or service. However we like the casual food there and drinks while watching the planes and people. Service is slow but it is usually crowded when we go and I wouldn't want the wait staff's job in a million years working there trying to keep up with everyone coming and going and walking off to take pictures, etc. Sunset Bar is what it is. We always make a stop there every single year We do miss the old days of the old grill and the guy cooking who remembered your order despite a grill full of food

It has always been tough to drive through in that area (been going to BSV since 2007?). Now with no beach to walk on people are using the concrete walls which is tricky or walking in the road. Cars and taxis as long as we have been staying at BSV always stop in the road so people can take a look. But not only that we have been there when planes have barely made the fence. In April taxis were pulling into Alegria to pick up and drop off people. Not sure about July as we didn't use a taxi then. Everyone is enjoying and who can fault that? so we take our time driving through. No need to rush! We are on Island time! AND it isn't our island! It is what it is. Plenty of other areas to stay in with less traffic although we have been over by Pelican etc and didn't like the congestion there. One Happy Island! Can't wait until April!

I look at it more as a safety rather than time issue. I am always waiting for someone to fall in front of a car or bus

We have always enjoyed our time at Sunset whether Neil had it or newer owners but the bathrooms have always been the pits! Hopefully the bathrooms will be upgraded.

Most of the time we go to not only watch the planes but it's also a good spot for people watching. We typically have a cocktail or two so for us food nor whether there is a beach or not is not the reason we go there. When we have eaten at Sunset it was when you could walk up to the cook, place your order and go back to pick up. I can't ever remember using waitress service.

Has it been difficult to get a drink, yes sometimes but it isn't like we haven't had the obstacle thrown at us many, many times over the years in NYC.

We never tire of seeing the planes land and take off.

Well it sort of ends up being both safety and a timing thing. People driving through the area know that it is congested so most will drive slow. They aren't in a hurry and understand the fascination with this location. But some are in a hurry to get from place to place and don't want to have to wait for loading, unloading or folks to get out of the way. The frustration can lead to safety issues. I honestly haven't heard of any mishaps since that girl who was hanging on the fence got blown into the taxi. But THAT is a whole different issue. With a bigger and better bar in the area there is no doubt going to be more traffic although I am hearing that some locals and regulars are starting to avoid the area because of issues with Alegria. I drive in LA and it is just as crazy there. Although I have a green light to turn left, pedestrians also have a walk light to cross. Crazy and dangerous! Cars and people don't mix well! We stay at BSV and the cars and people don't bother us. We just are very careful and patient. Hopefully the beach will be back soon as it is not really possible for most folks to walk the beach on those rocks.

We love going to sunset beach bar. We are on island time once we get to our rented condo on friars bay! We order the blue cheese burger & the burger that has an egg on it. Love people watching. Love watching the jets land! I get teary eyed when you can see the front lights as air France starts across the bay!!! I also get teary eyed as westjet hits the runway but that's for a different reason. ( westjet is there to take us home.)! We don't mind waiting for service it gives us longer to watch the sky. Sunset really nice from there as well. Never had unpleasant service.

As astropilot said "there is magic all around us". Living the dream!!

Camera's packed and binoculars!!!! Looking for that all new screen saver shot!!! We have to pack the Cruise ship daily schedule!!! "Wheels up"!!!!

Our timeshare is week 41, which is the second week of October, and the three times we've gone to SXM, we've NEVER seen a crowd or heavy traffic on the road right in front of the airport leading to Sunset. But on the last day of our trip, this time around, just this past Saturday, we decided we'd eat there before heading to the airport. Well, there was a huge amount of traffic and people, so we ate and drank at Driftwood bar, and had a great last meal on the island. (sidenote: We squeezed in an entire day over at Club O, since we didn't have to be at the airport until 4pm, and check out at LaPlage was at 10am. We checked out at 8:15am and headed right over to Club Orient, for the third time this trip! That place is one of the best places on Earth and we love, love, love the Perch !)

Agree! We always stop in for a drink and to watch planes. Then we wander around visiting Marty, Driftwood and will now continue visiting Tortuga (didn't think it was still open!) I still get a thrill with watching the planes come and go! I also LOVE watching the excitement on people's faces as the planes come in! This beach is usually our last stop after checking in luggage for the flight home! Made this place one of our stops on our Walking Pub Crawl from BSV. Shot of the day! Kids looked forward to it! LOL (My problem wasn't necessarily length of time it takes to get food but rather the callous way the bar tender suggested I check out the menu on the other side of the bar for available beers....and of course what I had asked for originally was in the beer lineup.)

We love SSBB. The planes, taxis and people are very entertaining and fun to watch. We've always had great service. Can not wait to return.

Randy & Lisa

Um, we LOVE SSBG. Can't wait to see the renovations next month. The bartenders are great to us- even when drinking free...

I wish they would hurry up and get the webcam back up and running.

I swore I would never post on this forum again, BUT I CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY?????? Any of you would support and frequent SSBB when RAY SIDHOM and ALEGRIA will profit from it. Do your homework people and find out who is contributing to and will be profiting from the improvements.

Its a small island surround by the ocean. Its an iconic place to visit and have fun.

This is the first time I have ever heard any connection at all between Alegria and Sunset Beach Bar. Can't say I ever even thought of it. The owners of Sunset have owned it for years....and I do not beleive that there is any relationship between them and the owners of Alegria. Personally, I have been frequenting Sunset for as long as we have owned our timeshare at LaPlage....and that is about TWENTY years before Alegria ever came into the picture. I enjoy the food, the drink, and the fun at Sunset for all these years....and have no reason to stop doing this. Oh, and yes....LOVE watching the planes come and go. Should we all stop going to Marty's Dream Bar also...which is right on Alegria property....and we sure know that Alegria doesnt own that bar...just the property it is located at. Should we make Marty lose his livliehood because of it's location.(Marty was there years before Alegria...and Marty is doing everything in his power to stay there with all the court cases against him).

Really? Why don't you help us and back up your claim...TIA

If I'm not mistaken, [email]SSB@G[/email] does not own the land it sits on. Either Alegria or some other entity owns it and leases out to them. The same was true for the Bliss part that Sunset will take over. I would assume that they got a long term ironclad lease in writing before planning their expansion. I know I would given the history of fights over that whole area.

There is a huge connection between the Sunset and Alegria, and January is absolutely correct. Owners of the Sunset Bar, both current and past, have never owned the land the bar sits on. The land is LEASED from Mr. Rafik Sidhom, and the Sunset pays him rent. The government of St. Maarten owns the land which is currently long-leased to Rafik. Apparently he has big plans that do not include the timeshare owners and Marty, and with the blink of an eye and a full pocket of cash, they all disappear in a frantic mad dash. That's what he hopes will happen. Not so! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duel.gif" alt="" />

I'm confused...when you go on vacation to other locations, say the South Shore, do you research who owns what restaurant / bar before patronizing the business? Sorry but I'm on vacation and I like visiting SSBG and could care less who owns the property, who leases the property or what connection they have with other businesses. I'm only on the island 2 weeks a year and obviously haven't developed the connection to business owners that some of you appear to have.

Really?? Based on what?????????? Sunset was there a LONG, LONG time before Alegria bought the right to long lease.

The island is fun and we love it, too, since discovering it back in 1999. I hope all visitors are never confronted with a situation of loss of timeshare weeks such as what happened at the Caravanserai. That's when the fun stopped and it became personal.

Carol, the Sunset had been paying rent to Mr. Manek.

Alegria I guess has the right to long lease to the property now, but that still doesn't mean anything, other than they are now paying rent to Alegria..

We used to hang out at the SSBB every night and it was always exciting. Now we stop over and it is dead by 7:00 PM and closed by 9:00. We asked the manager what happened and he said with all the day activity, they don't need the night activity anymore. It's a shame as I can remember when this was the place to go at night for music and dancing. Now it is just a memory.