Charlotte Amalie

The Green House (Waterfront, 340/774-7998, cover varies) is the first choice for many island residents looking for a night out. Its two-for-one happy hour is the first attraction, followed by live music on weekends. The dance floor here is hot and crowded, moving to the rhythm of reggae, calypso, and soca. If midweek has you down, stop by the Green House on Tuesday night for one of the liveliest school-night parties around. Ladies, beware the sharks.

Frenchtown

Frenchtown is the home of the most sophisticated nightlife on St. Thomas. Many people gather at Oceana (340/774-4262, no cover) for lively after-work conversation at the stylish bar with nice views of the sea. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays all the beautiful people head to Epernay (Rue de St. Barthelomy, 340/774-5348, cover varies on weekends) for dancing and mingling into the wee hours. People look chic and stylish here—blue jeans and sandals would be out of place. The crowd is multicultural and mature.

Havensight

You can easily ping-pong between the Offshore Bar (Port of Sale Mall, 340/779-6400, cover only when there is live music) and Shipwreck Tavern (Al Cohen’s Mall, 340/777-1293, no cover) two popular nightspots near Havensight, to find the best party. The Offshore brings in live rock and blues bands regularly and attracts a lively, young, mostly expat crowd. This place feels like a live music bar in College Town, U.S.A. The Shipwreck is darker, danker, and a bit more laid-back, with a pool hall and video games.

Red Hook and the East End

In the parking lot of Red Hook Plaza on the east end, Duffy’s Love Shack (Red Hook, 340/779-2495, no cover) is a landmark. This is your genuine froufrou drinks and limbo party place, and people looking for fun come here like moths to the flame. The open-air bar is a popular hunting ground for those searching for companionship, whether for the night or a little longer.

Across the street is Caribbean Saloon (American Yacht Harbor, 340/775-7060, no cover), a bar and nightclub open seven nights a week that caters to the marine-oriented boat crowd of the east end.

© Susanna Henighan Potter from Moon Virgin Islands, 4th edition