The Tap & Still Report

Last night we decided to try this new place at the Toppers old location. Since I've already seen their limited menu (previously posted) I expected just a bar and burger joint. I was wrong, this place has a really good vibe and didn't expect a live band. At the table they have their menu slips and pencils and a roll of paper towels standing upright on a piece of pipe. You fill out your order, the waitress takes it and your order arrives in a paper bag. I had a cheese burger with fries and my wife had the Spicy Chicken Sandwich which had more chicken than you need. The fries are in another bag, they are thin sliced with the skin on, crunchy and so good (Carol take note). They are still feeling their way out and going through their growing pains but I expect in time it might be hard to get a table. At one point a waitress came around with complementary shooters to all the tables while the female singer came to the tables singing away. Fun times!! There was a 20% service charge added to the bill which I happily paid. I would have tipped that much for the entertainment alone.

I have to say, that food looks good, but I'm not really down with the 'paper bag' thing. Bring me my food on a plate, please.

I like the concept, should work just fine for pub fare. Wish them success.

That's why there is chocolate and vanilla I guess, but it looks like McDonalds to me, food in a paper bag.

Even McDonald's puts it on a tray. 20% SC in a paper bag. Not for me.

The musicians have got to get paid somehow, being a musician myself I totally get why the surcharge is applied, then again I'm presuming that's why there is one.

Richard--something tells me that they probably don't have live entertainment every night and on the nights they don't have it, I'll bet they still have a 20% service charge. Just sayin'

If the establishment wants to provide music then it's up to them to pay. Not as a sc of 20% whether there is music or not. Build it into the menu price.

I don't care if it's in a paper bag.....as long as the food is good. And I must say it looks good.

You got it CaribLee. Good food, Good Vibes makes for a Good time

Whale Taill--I guess that's my point --"paper bag" doesn't equal 'good times' to me.

Sounds promising. Confused by the paper bag service.

I guess if the band sucks you can just take your bag and leave.

I get the feeling that the paper bag service is sort of a trademark? Not my thing, but if the food is excellent and it's a casual evening, it might work. The bigger question to me is how is the beer? I'm not a beer snob, but for the most part, beer on the island leaves a lot to be desired.

Boy Oh Boy people, we are not talking about fine dining here. When Toppers was here it wasn't fine dining either. It's about having a good night out with some good food on vacation with some good music. I'm sure we have all brought dinner home in a paper bag, it's their niche. You don't need to have squigglies on your plate to have a great night out. They have a full bar with all the beers and mixed drinks you would want

Per the owner when we stopped by prior to opening, they brew beer over on St Thomas and it sounds like some of that beer will make its way to SXM. But from the taps I saw, don't get your hopes up yet! We felt when there the staff was very pleasant, but noting at that time they were not serving. I wish them luck, and might stop by in March when we are there.

Whale Tail--going to agree to disagree with you on this one. Didn't say it was fine dining.

Even for casual dining, meal in a bag is not my bag.😉

I love high-end dining, but sometimes you just need a basic pub meal. The bag doesn’t turn me off. Thanks, Whale Tail, for the review. I’ll make it there at some point.

and make that a real plate, not a disposable one...and no basket, thank you very much

I, too, like the overall concept of this place. Love the idea of writing down what I want to order. The chicken and fries both look so delicious. And now, thanks to this GREAT website, I know that 20 percent is added to the bill, so we won’t be surprised when we visit the place on our next trip.

My only minor complaint is the chairs for seating. I like chairs with a back (mainly to hang a handbag from). Marc needs a chair back for his aching back.

Looking at those pictures I see there is no environmental consideration. More foil and plastic table ware off to the dump.

Thank you for the report. Interesting concept but agree with Elaine not environment friendly. Anything within walking distance from SBR gets a try. Maybe only once with stools with no backs, lol.

Hey Whale Tail--I guess I'm sorry that I started the 'piling on' against this restaurant! I kind of doubt we will try it, but I wish them well.

IMHO, it's worth a try!! Sometimes you just have to go to a place and just kick back. Have something hardy and dig the music!!

We stopped by yesterday afternoon after watching the World Cup match at Movida and found ourselves across the street from Tap and Still. It was quite interesting watching the very friendly servers trying to adhere to what seems a bit cumbersome practice of ordering and serving as explained by the OP. There seemed to be quite a long wait for food, but the gentleman sitting next to me was back the second day in a row as he enjoyed it so much. I think they may have to figure out a way to get the food delivered more quickly as quite a few "bags" were left on the pass for some time. The whole thing just seemed awkward.

All in all, we enjoyed a simple patty melt, the meat was quite flavorful and the bread wasn't mushy as I thought it might be after being in foil and bag. The $4 beers and forced 20 % tip left hubby shaking his head. Not sure if we will return.