TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Mark's

Sometimes I have to wonder, am I or are we (MJ & I) the only ones that are not Mark's fans? I put it at average at best, tried three times and even tried the mussels the last time based on suggestions, and again average. Probably won't go back for another try but I read the reviews and just wonder what are we missing?

Good friendly service and quality food at reasonable prices.

It is by no means gourmet food but I have enjoyed every meal I have ever had there over the years. I think it is just personal taste. I know some like Gutside, I do not. I know you are a fan of The Palms; I enjoyed what I have had there but others in my group will not go back. Different tastes are what keep things interesting.

Well said. Different strokes for different folks.

We tried it once. Food was ok. Service was meh - not bad but also not good. I haven’t crossed it off our list but also not rushing to go back.

Todd--hey, I like it, but it's not your kettle of fish. No problem.

Very good food in good portions at a good price. Only issue, if it is an issue, is the lack of exciting or convenient location. I’d like to drive to Marks right now if they ever complete a bridge between Miami and SXM

Agree with most.
Have made it a regular for many years. Always good food, service and prices.

We are not big fans, but i think it’s because we remember the old Marks in Cul de sac, which was fantastic! In our opinion.

How did we ever find that original Marks Place? No phones to speak of, no maps and not so many paved and easily passable roads to get there? What a treat it was!

We usually go to the current rendition once or twice a trip and love it for what it is - not a destination dining spot but good and plentiful servings for reasonably priced meals in a location with plentiful parking and we always enjoy the staff there. It’s not Spiga or Jax or any Of the many higher end dining spots but it always works for us.

Yes that's was for us and only went a couple of times.

We tried Marks Place a few years ago since we heard so much raving about it. The ribs and chicken were nothing to get excited about. They were very dry and tasteless. Now I understand that it could have been an off day for them. Those things happen. We said we’d give them another chance, but we’ve found many other places with better ribs and chicken.

Marks has so much more to offer but if it's just ribs and chicken your looking for then yes there are many other places to go to. Some of those places will have off days too.

I personally have only had the ribs twice, and the mussels once. I am not saying it was bad but it just wasn't a meal that would draw me back to go again. I 100% get that everybody has their own preferences and taste, and I fully get that not everybody likes all the places I like. A OK with that. I am guessing having a history with the place has a lot to do with it, I don't have that although tried. Who knows, might be right there and give it another try some day. I certainly have a lot of friends that seem to like the place.

We don't get to that side of the hill that much any longer either, so that reduces the chances of going there. I do remember going to the grocery store that is there, different name now, and they had their yearly celebration and they had a live singer that would sing the ads. That was hilarious, guessing they don't do that any longer.

172 days until on island.

I'm a foodie and don't mind paying for it as well, so after listening to you all, last went in 2019 as mostly eat on the French side and from what I remember, the food was fine and if I was to rate it. Value for money for SXM 9/10. Portions. 9/10. Food itself 7.5/10. Service 9/10, So overall it rates well, and when on the way to Philly would pop in again if starving. We are all different. I will never forget the Foie Gras soup at La Cigale, which is at the other end of the scale if not totally off the charts and I had two lots with several glasses of Sauternes to go with it as I am such a pig and basically sat on the throne for the next day, but it was worth it(at the time).The soup and wine possibly cost more than a meal for two at Marks, but I enjoyed both in different ways.

OH YES! In the shopping center is not as good ambiance. Miss the Cul de Sac location

Todd...i think it must be you. My wife and I have NEVER had anything less than a delicously prepared meal at Mark's. I LOVE the lasagna that they serve, and also the Veal Parm. Comes with salad, etc, and we both look forward to at least one trip there annually during our stay. Also, the price cannot be beat, and the service is pretty good too. The place hasn't changed much over the last fifteen or so years, but neither has the prices. Still a fantastic (as good as some of the higher price italian places) for around fifteen bucks or under. Also, even though i am not a big drinker, they make a pretty good drink too.

Nope. Not just Todd. - I’ve gone many times mostly to meet friends. Food just fine - nothing was OMG I have to go every trip! I just felt it was way too hot to enjoy my meal and it had a “smell”. Not a place I seek out for dinner. But will go to meet friends. Just pray it’s not super hot!

We are pretty aware of smell, I don’t remember one. Will keep our nose peeled for next time.

Only smell i ever detected there was the inviting aroma of fresh food being prepared.

I'm with Todd, but my husband loves the mussels.

Kim, i noticed the smell and was not thrilled about the table cloths not being changed.
I didn't want to say anything negative, since most love it.

The smell I thought was a stagnant air and maybe gas smell (cooking gas). Not awful. Just not great. But my last time it was so darn hot. We had a great time, about 8 of us. I drank a lot of water!!!!

We enjoy Mark’s on occasion for sure. Don’t do it every trip, but still enjoy it. Agree that the location could be better, but the food, prices, and service make up for it. Oh, and the scalloped potatoes. Yum!

Scalloped potatoes and garlic bread!! And what they call, I think, garlic chicken, something like that? Fettucine alfredo with chicken. Yum! And such large portions.

I would describe Mark's Place as a truly local island restaurant offering good food, good prices and good service. They have the best seafood pasta on the island and the portions are huge! Not everyone likes the same eateries and that is just fine. Otherwise, there would be lineups to get a table! They also do a very big take out business for lunch and dinner. When a restaurant is in business for many years, it is usually a very good sign they are doing something right.

Again noting I have only ordered the ribs and the mussels based on what people rave about, scalloped potatoes and garlic bread are in my wheelhouse so if I go back I will try something with those options. Not sure I can imagine that is my pick if in that area but again, who knows.

It is great to have so many options, and I am not trying to bring Marks down, I genuinely wonder what am I missing about the place that others rave about.

Todd--don't worry about it. Other people like the place, you don't. We're not curing cancer here. Do what makes you happy.

Marks makes me feel like a great restaurant at home where I’m not busting the bank for a very good meal. And if a group, everybody walks away full.

👍👍👍

I love Mark’s curry chicken. But I feel the same way you do about Captain’s Rib Shack. Many people rave about it, but I was far from impressed and have no desire to return to Captain's. Different strokes for different folks. 🤷🏾‍♀️

I liked Captain's Rib Shack, when they first opened. Lately I am unimpressed.

Same here.

Amazing!

What did you do for dinner last night??

Went to Mandarin at Princess Casino. Excellent food and service.

OK, glad you enjoyed it.