Hercules Pate Delight
A beloved local spot for authentic, deeply flavorful, and crispy West Indian-style pates and Johnny Cakes, served with warm hospitality.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Hercules Pate Delight
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved local spot for authentic, deeply flavorful, and crispy West Indian-style pates and Johnny Cakes, served with warm hospitality.
"Most delicious breakfast on the island, a must-try for authentic Caribbean flavors!"
Arrive Early
Sell-outs are common; visit in the morning to ensure you get your favorite pates before they're gone.
Plan for Lunch
Buy pates in the morning for later enjoyment, as they travel and reheat well, perfect for day trips.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Caribbean
Price
$
Phone
+1 340-776-6352
Address
86J4+HGM, St John, N Shore Rd, Cruz Bay, St John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crispy, Flavorful Pates
Indulge in delicious, deep-fried hand pies like saltfish, beef, and chicken, a must-try local specialty.
Authentic Local Cuisine
Experience genuine Caribbean flavors at affordable prices, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Savory Johnny Cakes
Savor these delightful treats, likened to savory doughnuts, offering a unique taste of the islands.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early
Sell-outs are common; visit in the morning to ensure you get your favorite pates before they're gone.
Plan for Lunch
Buy pates in the morning for later enjoyment, as they travel and reheat well, perfect for day trips.
Variety of Pates
Explore different fillings like beef, chicken, and saltfish, alongside other affordable local fare.
Pair with Johnny Cakes
Enjoy an authentic Caribbean breakfast by pairing your pates with their delicious Johnny Cakes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early
Sell-outs are common; visit in the morning to ensure you get your favorite pates before they're gone.
Plan for Lunch
Buy pates in the morning for later enjoyment, as they travel and reheat well, perfect for day trips.
Variety of Pates
Explore different fillings like beef, chicken, and saltfish, alongside other affordable local fare.
Pair with Johnny Cakes
Enjoy an authentic Caribbean breakfast by pairing your pates with their delicious Johnny Cakes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hercules Pate Delight is celebrated for its incredibly flavorful and crispy pates, with many visitors hailing it as a delicious local gem. The friendly service and reasonable prices make it a popular choice for an authentic Caribbean breakfast or lunch. However, some diners found the dough to be a bit too thick, preferring a thinner, crispier crust. The restaurant is known to sell out by midday, so arriving early is highly recommended.
"Pate Delights!!
I was told about this place by locals. If you are into fried meat pies, this is the place. Nice Distinguished Lady fixes you up. They have beef, chicken and fish pates (meat pies). She also has Johnny Cakes which is just fried dough. She has whole fried fish, or chicken breasts. I paid $4 per pie. Overall they are a good cheap breakfast item."
Miguel Avila
"In the morning, before we hopped on the VITRAN bus to Saltpond (1/4/24), I popped over to Hercules Pate for some saltfish pate and Johnny cakes. We packed them up for our eventual lunch, which we ate at the top of Ram Head.
Even after the bus ride and hike, the pates were still lightly crisp, and very flavorful—the food packed very well. The Johnnycakes were like delicious savory doughnuts! Pricing was super reasonable. Places like Hercules Pate are great options for families visiting the island on a budget, or anyone else looking for authentic local cuisine.
I’m told Hercules sells out by mid-day. There was plenty available when I arrived in the morning, but even if you’re thinking lunch, it might be best to buy your Hercules pates in the morning."
Steve Kolb
"Been enjoying Hercules’ pates for over 20 years. Our favorite guilty pleasure when visiting the island. Fresh and delicious - and amazing leftover after a snorkel."
Crystal Cernanec
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Pates are deep-fried hand pies with a dough casing. Popular fillings include saltfish, beef, and chicken.
It's highly recommended to arrive early in the morning, as the popular items tend to sell out by midday.
Yes, many visitors find the pates to be flavorful and still crispy even after traveling and for later consumption.
Johnny Cakes are described as delicious, savory doughnuts, and a great accompaniment to pates for breakfast.
Absolutely. Visitors note the authentic local cuisine is available at very reasonable and affordable prices.
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9 Best Restaurants in St John, USVI (Cruz Bay with Map)
There’s a solid reason why the sign at Hercules Paté Delight lists the hours as Open Daily 5 am – until …… This cheerful yellow spot with green trimming across the street from the lumberyard remains open until all is sold out. And these items sell out like hotcakes. The place specializes in all varieties of paté like beef, chicken, and salt fish filled in dough and deep-fried.
Local food-St John – Travel Message Board – U.S
For lunches/breakfasts Hercules has pate and other local fare. There are also small cart/truck operations around the pavilion and the post office (Shela's and Patrick's). Mooie's is a good place to stop in for a drink and the local experience.
Must Try Local Foods
Pate: Pates are made from a flaky white flour dough that encloses a hot pepper-spiked mixture of ground beef, conch, salted codfish or vegetables. The dough is wrapped around the filling turnover fashion, and then deep fat fried.
Favorite Dining Picks on St John
Hercules: Real Caribbean fare, just across from the Lumberyard complex. Try the Pate (pronounced "patty"; pastry filled with meat or vegetables) or the Conch.
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