TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Questions and statements

Last night we went to Ernest & Fidels in Porto Cupecoy. The host was personable, the menu was brief but varying and the food delicious and well prepared.
On the way back to Maho, we noticed that the drive through the golf course was well lit as all of the lights were on. This was not the case on the way to the restaurant which was pitch black.
Now for the questions. We were told at the restaurant that Mario (not Mario's as it's often called), does not take credit cards. Was this the case when they were located in Sandy Ground?
Does anyone have any opinion on Pat's Roadhouse (formerly the Boathouse)?

Mario wasn't accepting credit cards. I'm not sure if that has changed. At sandy ground he did but I've heard now that he's operating in a different country (Dutch side not French) the credit card system needed to change over. The longer he prolongs that the more he saves in fees.

They did accept in Sandy Ground, as far as I have heard not in Cupecoy, but if Peter Luger doesn't see the need to accept credit cards, I don't see it an issue at Marios, as long as you are aware!!

In my opinion, not taking credit cards will hurt Mario's business. I for one, on vacation, usually use a credit card for most dinners.....this way the cash we had can be used for casino, etc. By not being allowed to use my credit card could easily be a ''deal breaker'' for us to visit the establishment. There are so many choices for great food on the island that all accept credit cards, why go and be ''inconvenienced"?? Guess time will tell.

They were not accepting CCs in early December but lead us to believe it was a banking problem. Hope this changes but if not, the food is still worth the trade off.

So what happens to the patrons that don't know and after dinner find that out? Not everybody carries a lot of cash at night and figure high end resaurants accept cards.

Someone had said they tell you when you make your reservation.

Could be embarrassing when they present you with the bill, and you only have a few dollars . We usually pay all of our major meals (dinner) with CC.

I live on SXM and whenever I go to a new restaurant, I carry enough cash to be able to pay if they don't accept CCs.

BTW, some of the best places on the Island don't accept CCs, I am not talking about the most expensive, but the ones where you really get quality for your money.

We do as well, however we always make sure to bring enough cash with us to cover the bill, just in case the credit card system is down. Since it's internet based, this does happen on occasion.

Pat's Roadhouse offers a variety of good and reasonably priced tapas and should be offering more full meals now if not soon. The bar area is ample plus they have several tables and chairs. Patrick is very personable, great bartender and will make you feel very comfortable. They have a good chef serving a variety of tapas, breakfast menu items and a few dinners while we were there in November.

He will also be offering music shortly, if that hasn't already started. They share the bathroom facilities with the Boathouse. If you need anymore info feel free to ask.

So the Boathouse is still in operation with Pat's sharing space with it?

From what I read from another poster about the acoustics in Mario's it will be that, and not the fact they take only cash, that will bother their business.

My take on Pat's roadhouse!!!! After knowing Patrick for more years/drinks than I can count. He got this RIGHT!! It is so well thought out! The $3.00-5.00 tapas is great! Drink specials!!!! Soon to have live music. Flat screens TV in and around the bar area! No worries, you want to see your sport, he'll make that happen! This is a Great hit!!!