Bottomless Cups: The Rise of the Coffee Bar

All across the island, a tasty phenomenon has taken root, with coffee being the common denominator. The aroma, taste, buzz and, in some cases, addiction draw a constant crowd of coffee worshipers to the island's now-booming coffee shops.

Kangaroo Court, tucked into a tree-covered cozy enclave in Philipsburg, offers a firm and steady supply of coffee for everyone—from the busy lawyer or judge on the run to the roaming visitor looking for a cup of Java.

The coffee bar is strategically placed at the entrance to the restaurant, hooking would-be coffee drinkers into an amazing selection of espresso, topped with the usual selection of specialties such as cappuccinos and coffee any way you want it.

The Caribbean sun can also be dealt with after downing a tall glass of specialty cold coffees. Their attention to coffee detail has earned Kangaroo Court the "best coffee house" label for the last two years.

Kaffe, in Princess Juliana International Airport, keeps travelers wide-eyed as they face the sometimes-daunting task of navigating their travel plans. Kaffe is a full-service coffee bar that usually has a waiting line only because the selection is so vast and delicious. The ambience of the bustling airport is one of the many ways to enjoy coffee with complementing fresh pastries.

La Vie en Rose, located in Marigot overlooking the bay, is the place to hide from the world as you indulge in a coffee break. The antique facade of the upscale restaurant gives the feeling of a townhouse—perfect for zoning out to a different era.

Rituals Coffee House is St. Maarten's most complete coffee bar. The business concept based around coffee allows for the creation of flavored coffees, ranging from hazelnut to vanilla to various fruity flavors. Located on Captain Hodge Wharf, Rituals, a Caribbean-wide brand, is ideally placed between the bustling town and the relaxing beach. Sandwiches and grand desserts like the Chocolate Tower Cake complement the coffees customized to the taste of the coffee drinker.

Zee Best, nestled in the beautiful Simpson Bay Yacht Club, is the place with the best breakfast, which is not complete without a great cup of coffee. Staff can attest to the power coffee has, as they witness sleepy patrons transform into mesmerized coffee drinkers tranquilized by the coffee and ambience.

The Espresso Coffee House in Cupecoy, with its modern deco look, was designed to give patrons a sense of escape as they sip on their favorite coffee. A fresh salad or a sandwich with fresh-baked bread prepared by the chef is the perfect partner to a perfect cup of hot coffee.

Piece of Cake, although located on the main road in Simpson Bay, whisks coffee drinkers into another world, away from the bustle of the town, as they sip on a cup of espresso or a hot cappuccino made from the finest roast. The flavor selection of ice creams can cool you off, while the salads and sandwiches entice you to stay for more coffee.

You'll just have to ditch the diet and enjoy more than three meals a day while in St. Maarten/St. Martin. Check out our Dining Guide to plan ahead and get the full details and contact information for reservations for the islands great restaurants!