TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin La Patrona last night--now with pictures

We went to LaPatrona last night and enjoyed it very much. The food was good. The ambiance is very nice, with a view of the harbor there. Last night there was a man singing, at a lovely LOW volume. They had a pretty decent selection of wines by the bottle for $16 or $18, can't remember which. There was a complmentary tostata with beans. I had the chicken Tampico


and Eric had the red enchiladas.


Both were good, although I thought my chicken could have benefitted from a white sauce, although perhaps they run light on sauce in general there. Eric cleaned his plate, so he must have thought his was pretty good.



We had the flaming coffee



and the bananas flambe


The young gentleman who was doing the 'flaming' was very nice

, but seemed kind of inexperienced.

They have some seating out by the side, with some gas firepits, which were nice.



I would go back, although I don't think I would pay for the flaming coffee again.

Afterward Eric went to check out the sports bar and was disappointed. Inside there was a bar with some seating and maybe 4 or 5 tables, outside about the same amount and 4 or 5 TVs. He said it was very small.

Carol, where is LaPatrona located?

It's at Simpson Bay Resort, where Los Gauchos was, years ago, and the Steakhouse before that.

We own at SBR and was hoping for more. We were underwhelmed. We will go back because it is convenient. Lunch was more enjoyable than dinner. I love outside dining and the service was better also.

Thanks for the review Carol--we haven't tried La Patrona yet but always looking for different options and Mexican is a fan favorite in our house. Is there parking nearby? Just wondering where would put the cars. If we go to the Casino there, we usually valet and kind of avoid Buccaneer and Green House because there doesn't seem to be great parking options. If there are, we haven't found them yet <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

We parked at the lot which is on top of the Marina building, directly across from the casino. We told them we were going to La Patrona and they let us in. Actually, to me, Buccaneer and Green House have a decent amount of parking. Again, though, it is traditional pure Mexican, NOT Tex-Mex, so don't expect Tex-Mex.

Thanks Carol--with the parking, it just always seems so congested as we drive through there. A few of the group have some walking issues so I'm always looking for short walks.

Those that have issues walking I would drop off and take the elevator to the Marina

Just put in some pictures. Hope you enjoy.

As far as I know, there's not an elevator that goes all the way to the Marina level? If so, I would love to know where it is. We took the elevator to one floor above the Marina level and then walked up and down that one set of stairs.

I know I did it as our room was on the marina level, and we took the elevator all the way down and walked out. Pretty sure if your looking at the building and the restaurant is on your right, there is elevator access before the sports bar, maybe inside the building, it's not right there, but gets you to the Marina level.

We didn't know you could park in that garage. We thought it was for residents.
We sometimes have trouble finding parking for the Greenhouse or BBB.

OK thanks, good to know!!

Technically, it is for people staying at SBR, but we asked and said where we were going, and they let us in. That lot was NOT full at all. Of course, it's off season.

Having lived in Texas but are from Colorado, we know Mexican food and TexMex. Unfortunately we found La Patrona very expensive and not very good at all. But different tastes for everyone <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

I agree with you because we were there too.

OK, everyone's taste is different.

No elevator that I ever saw in 16 years. If you are in the Villa building you can ride all the way down and walk to the Marina with no stairs.

Carol, a group of us ate dinner there one evening in March following a sunset cruise. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals, but I do have to say, it wasn't anything fantastic. I do remember however asking for some hot sauce (I tend to like things spicy), and they brought me hot "sauce". As in sauce that was warmed up!!! A little communication thing, I think!!!

+1

We ate there a few weeks ago. Fantastic setting and the food for us was Ok..specially when you consider the prices.

I honestly don't think authentic Mexican is very spicy?? It's a beautiful setting, for sure. We went to Mario's last night, and I have to say, for the price, it didn't blow my skirt up. We had better presentation on our burgers for lunch today at LaPlaya than the presentation of the food last night at Marios.. Service at Marios was outstanding though.. Service at LaPatrona, not so much.

Thanks for the report and pictures. Certainly member of the clean plate club!! Looking forward to trying them ut when we next visit.

Eric is definitely a member of that club. Me, not so much!

Never did the flaming coffee there. LOVE chicken tampico. BTW if you like spicy, ask for Pedro -- Mexican waiter -- he can make a super spicy sauce for you.

Jeff, I will remember that next time, if we go back there.