The newest restaurant on St. Croix located in the heart of downtown Christiansted is slowly becoming a hidden gem on island! Coco Loco Tapas Bar & Grill is a vibrant Spanish tapas inspired restaurant offering a unique blend of Latin cuisines under one roof. Unlike other restaurants, Coco Loco is focused on highlighting the foods from multiple Latin countries instead of focusing on just one.
Spanish, Mexican, Cuban, Peruvian and Puerto Rican cuisines are peppered with a Caribbean twist thanks to Chef Josh Zona. A self-taught culinary artist, Zona has been working tirelessly in the kitchen for the past 7 years. He started as a bus boy in a South Florida Latin restaurant, working his way through multiple positions in the establishment. It was there he found his calling. “I am passionate about creating unique culinary experiences and LOVE being in the kitchen,” said Zona. It was natural that he took a liking to Spanish cuisine; his family is of Puerto Rican descent. However, Zona said his desire was to have more than just another Latin restaurant. “Universal Spanish cuisine is what I thought about when I envisioned Coco Loco.”
Opened in February 2022, Coco Loco Tapas Bar & Grill prepares specialty dishes such as Spanish paella and a host of “tapas” – also known as small plates – that customers can mix and match to make a one-of-a-kind meal. Try dishes like maduros (sweet plantains) wrapped in bacon, fresh ceviche, fried pork belly and crispy tostones with a citrus- based dipping sauce. Their nightly specials feature locally caught fish like mahi, wahoo and tuna and uses seasonal ingredients to create mouthwatering appetizers and entrees.
One of the unique things to note about Coco Loco are their specialty cocktails. Each one is served in a coconut shell glass and topped off with the universal paper umbrella that signifies you are officially on island time! The popular Cocobana cocktail is described as “St. Croix in a glass and features Cruzan Rum, banana liquor, amaretto and pineapple juice. Their house made sangrias are also made fresh daily and pairs perfectly with several menu items. Coco Loco Tapas Bar & Grill is open for dinner five nights a week starting at 5pm. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, they close at 10pm; Friday through Sunday, they close at 11pm. For more information, visit their website at www.cocolocostx.com and head to their social media pages on Facebook & Instagram (@cocolocostx) for their nightly specials.
Written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com)
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