TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Dining at Marigot Marina

We're heading back in June. We haven't been to Marigot for dinner for quite a long while and wonder if it is recommended to go there for an evening meal.

Back in 2004-2006 we'd go to La Main a la Pate located at the marina at least twice, sometimes three times during the week when we were there. A friendly, sweet French gal named Maude enticed us in as we walked by the first time we were at the marina, just walking around, taking in the place. As we walked by, she greeted us, menu in hand, and in her lovely French accent explained how well we'd be treated and how splendid the food was in her restaurant. I politely said, "We're going to walk ahead a bit to see the rest of the marina." She smiled and said, "I will miss you." LOL We were smitten by her and after walking all the way to the end, we turned back and had an amazing experience and meal at La Main a la Pate. We went back, as I said, at least three times that week. The following year we returned to again find Maude at the front of the restaurant greeting passersby. We indicated we wanted a seat right there by the front and as she sat us at a table said, "I remember you." We loved this restaurant and Maude was a big part of why it was so much fun. That year we came back several times and brought friends.

I wonder if La Main a la Pate is still there. I did notice that the location was called something else for a few years, but I see now, when googled, it looks like it is back. No doubt different owners and Maude probably moved on a long time ago.

Some questions: Is it safe to go to Marigot at night for dinner in the marina area. Has anyone been to La Main a la Pate recently, and how was it? Also, what is recommended for nearby parking.

I'll attach a photo of Maude.

Lancer

Michael and I have fond memories of La Main ala Pate for similar reasons. But it was Pascal who greeted us at the entrance and enticed us in.
He was incredibly friendly and fun. We went back several times for lunch when we were there that trip.

I can't say that I would venture to Marigot at night though.

We spent so much time there years ago, but had plans to do lunch this time, rather than
dinner. It is sad that we don't feel comfortable there at night.

I echo the others. I personally don't feel comfortable there at night. You could go for a big lunch though, and have a simple dinner. We have done that several times.

Well, I was there at night last trip and did not feel unsafe. Especially if there are two of you, I say go for it.

We'll probably go to Tropicana this trip. I don't feel endangered.

Just our natural instinct to feel unsafe in a dark area with not much foot traffic.

We always kept aware of our surroundings when walking the street through the alleys when heading to one of our old favorite restaurants Le Chanteclair which I believe is Be Kool now.
There was more restaurants open back then which seemed to help.

Never felt unsafe going to Club Mini Claude, what I wouldn't give for that lobster buffet, all you could drink and pleasant entertainment.

Probably feel better going to Tropicana since you can park at that end near entrance.

Also not sure if the homeless gentleman is on the other side of the marina where there is a small parking lot.
He was harmless and said he would "watch" your car for you

Hopefully the marina can build it self back up with business and foot traffic

Well Lancer, we were there the month of January. I don't even know how many times we went there during the month.Ricardo pretty much runs things here. We love the food, ambiance, people & you're never rushed. It's been la main a la pate since at least 1998 when we started going. We haven't seen marigot that busy in many years. It was quite exciting really. It was busy enough that we couldn't get our regular parking spot! 😂 we felt safe every time we were there. Parking near the cemetery roundabout. Very well lit. Enjoy!

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Sounds like we'll do a mid afternoon dining experience (I'll have to see what is open those hours) and scope things out for a possible evening dinner. Maybe we could find another couple to go with us. Welcome any other input. I remember the homeless guy offering to "watch" the car.

Tropicana we would visit several times during the day and night and never once had any issues at all. Found Be Kool opp and that place is real competition to them. Lunches are great and if you are indeed concerned, during the Summer with later hours before darkness, again go early. Also remember on a few occasions the owner or helper (if not too busy) offered to go with us to the car, just in case, but we always declined, albeit that was very nice of them.

Over the years found that if you worry what might happen, just not worth the stress and more stuff happens on your doorstep. Example and will try to be brief. Never played Pickleball and thought I was 40 years younger and it's just like tennis with a small court, so I brought all the gear, new shoes, two rackets etc, etc, cool yellow sweatband(what a nerd) well you get the picture......9.30 am introduced to our partners said hi to my playing partner neighbor and at 9.32am was picked up off the floor. Blood all over the place....I had gone for the ball(thinking it was just like a tennis ball) and misjudged, slipped and crashed onto my face..looked like Mike Tyson for a week, have a scar on my nose now and possibly fractured the bone or cartilage as can feel a bump.

What's this got to do with anything...........well, I suppose. Don't worry, be happy, and La Main a la Pate been there forever and sometimes do great set meals at very decent prices.

The hotel at the edge id Marigot should
Be reopening soon. Cant find the notice but I did read it. That about
Bring a lot of people to that end of Marigot.

I remember Pascal trying to convince passers-by to enter. He was such a dear.

We love Be Kool restaurant in the Marina but haven't been there at night, just for a great French lunch.

If you want to venture out of the marina you could try O Plongeoir just past the mall on the harbor. Great French vibe. We have always done lunch there.

Sorry for the typos etc., I was trying to say the hotel on the right as you leave Marigot should be opening very soon. Maybe its name was Beach Plaza - I can’t remember. But once that reopens and is full of tourists, that area should be busier and maybe safer at night with more people!

Deffinately agree. O'Plongoir is great. Extensive menu and specials like Bifstek and Frites, which, in my opinion are the best fries. Also Red Snapper.

Their wine list is printed on a large Magnum wine bottle, very unique.