Four of us went to K for the first time since new ownership, have wanted to try it with all the changes and so we did. Not going to compare to what it once was or had been for the last few years, but I would say that all they have done is excellent. I would note that today was not a great weather day, but we got there about 10am and nearly had our choice of any sets of chairs. We were welcomed and picked out spot and enjoyed a couple cocktails on the beach before heading up for lunch about 1245. The items ordered were a Cheeseburger, Fish and Chips by two of the group and the Chicken Satay. Everything was excellent, I had the burger and it ranks in the top burgers I have had on a beach on the island. Only one that compares would be at LTC, which I might rank a slight bit higher but do note that one is about $28 the way I had it. Cooked perfectly, fries were good and plenty, the salad was a nice touch. If I had a complaint it would be I don't like condiments in the small packages, but that would be it. I was able to get some of MJ's Fish, it was lightly breaded and perfectly cooked. The tartar sauce was very good and we ordered extra of it which is something I like on my fries as well. I did not taste the Chicken Satay but it got high marks as well. After we completed our orders I saw the Club Sandwich being served and that looked fantastic and the person who had it was very happy and it was big enough to split. Service was spot on, note that with the weather they were not packed so that I am sure helps. Mary who has worked there from the beginning of the place I swear was not in today but works midweek for those of you that remember her.

This made the lets go back favorites list with four thumbs up, I was hopeful we would enjoy it and it exceeded all our expectations.

Todd,
Glad you enjoyed as seems everyone else has been bashing the change.
Maybe higher prices seem to be all the negatives.

Many readers have already written off K because of the reviews.

To each is own but I learned that unless you try it yourself, you really never know if you like it or not.

Yes I did love the original Karater especially the large plate with varied appetizers

Burger looks great but for $22 it should be. Bottom of menu says SC included tip at your convenience. I always felt SC is the tip whether an add on or included. This tipping thing is getting ridiculous. Not just on SXM but back home too.

Thanks for the report. I will keep an eye on reports till then and may try it in June. So many restaurants, so little time!!

Sounds like a good experience on a not so good weather day.

What in fact was the situation with loungers and is there a minimum per person?

My understanding is that the new owners are French, which explains the distinction between service and tip. As a long time island visitor, you know that.

Prices are higher, everywhere. I would rather pay $22 (sc included) for a burger that is really good than one for $15 that is just another average burger. When you are eating and thinking "damn, that is a great burger" it is worth the extra money. Do keep in mind the chairs were free, not $5 or $15 plus each, easy to factor that in if you need to.

On the SC included, pretty simple, like the French Side it is included. We did tip extra because we were thrilled with food and service.

As for the minimum per person for "free" chairs on the beach. It is $25 which is a pretty low number to hit. Drinks are more expensive than some other places, but not by much and they are good drinks. I don't have any issue with the cost as we all felt that it was all good enough that cost was not a factor.

Doing my best not to tear any other place down to prop up Karakter, we like other places where the food is not as good or might be better or have other differences. I would encourage you to give it a try, it is better than it was. We will go back, as we will to FBBC, Dany's at Cupecoy, Orange Fever and other places on Orient, multiple places on Grand Case, and other places on Simpson Bay. But this has hit our favorites list.

Good report very informative. Will make it a point to stop there this week. Maybe not a beach chair day as I tend to like to be moving around, but probably for lunch.

We did like the new deck patio and improvements. Prices to us are higher than the others on Simpson Bay but I think they are going for a more Club atmosphere than beach bar and don't like the min charge for the beach chairs as I don't think the others on that beach have that. The dreaded Service charge I guess in gone or included but the servers still rightly seem to expect a TIP which we did give so no gain there.

Except for no water access, try the place in Maho just after rotary on right, next to market. Didn’t eat there but talked to someone that said it was great especially for the price &15 burger fries and a beer.

We have back in December when staying close by, pretty sure we paid more than that and it was good but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there. Same response would be to Tap and Still, not bad but again nothing that would inspire me to drive there. Greg at the Palms has probably my favorite burger on island which he grinds his own meat and serves on a homemade bun, really good but only has it as a special at times. I am not looking for bargain food, I am looking for really good food which it seems you two appreciate. I do eat other foods as well! LOL, great lamb shank at FBBC today!

Forever, not sure if you have been to K and stayed the day, they specifically told us that the SC was included as well as the listing on the menu, zero pressure for additional money. The Free beach chairs at Dinghy or Marys Boon are for people that eat and drink there. I got that specific answer from the Marys Boon staff when I stopped by. I do like what they have done along the beach with the bar area and such. Having stayed there I would not be so sure I would love all the visitors each day but I am sure the Boon gives them some reserved chairs and such. I did hear that people we were dining next to at K had a really good dinner there at Marys Boon so that is good to hear.

Whaletail and RonDon, great to meet you all tonight! See you around!

Todd sorry we couldn’t stay longer. Great conversation and insight

Thanks for sharing your review. The fries look A+.

Great report...places to go to! Used to love Karakters Fri night Tapas and jazz...like 10 years ago!