If offbeat culinary experiences in paradise appeal to you, it’s time to book a trip to the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John. Soon, you could be drifting in the Caribbean Sea, one hand holding a tortilla bursting with stewed curry chicken and potatoes, while the other clutches a frothy spiked seltzer from local St. John Brewers, to balance the spice of your taco’s jalapeño-cilantro-pineapple chutney. This floating restaurant, far from being a mere illusion, is Lime Out, a boat-up-only venue celebrating three years of serving meals and drinks afloat.
Situated in Coral Harbor on the island’s east side, this bright green taco shack built on pontoon boats was established by childhood friends Richard Baranowski, Dane Tarr, and Dylan Buchalter. Baranowski, who also owns the local restaurant Lime Inn, enlisted longtime chef Amaro Rivera to craft a lunch menu blending Caribbean flavors with the perfect handheld food: the taco.
Accessible only by boat, visitors must rent a speedboat, kayak, or paddleboard to reach Lime Out. Swimming the 100 feet offshore to the bar and restaurant is prohibited for safety reasons. The restaurant is also in a no-wake zone, meaning you’ll have to swim a few feet from your vessel to your floating booth or spot at the swim-up bar before you can indulge.
Lime Out is a lively lunch spot, and you’ll likely need a designated boat driver. Infused tamarind shots can kick off the afternoon while you dry off in your floating booth, followed by icy craft cocktails like The Danger, with Thai chili-infused tequila, fresh watermelon juice, lime juice, and pineapple simple syrup, or a Harbor Cooler mixed with gin, house-made cucumber lime soda, and lime juice.
Tacos range from $8 to $12 and include a vegan option with paprika-smoked black beans, quinoa, pickled onions, guacamole, jalapeños, sliced radishes, and local organic microgreens, as well as numerous fresh fish specialties, like the popular Mahi ceviche taco, with pink grapefruit and orange segments, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, chili-garlic-passion-fruit dressing, radishes, and chipotle coleslaw. Once you order, your meal will be delivered from the barge to your floating booth and, impressively, will stay dry. As you eat, let the ocean be your napkin, and bask in the sun before paddling, souvenir t-shirt and reusable cocktail cup in hand, back to your ride home.
Lime Out is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
