LIVELY UP ROCK ON WOOD

Woody's Seafood Saloon, St. John

Deep Background Drinkers think they're seeing double when identical-twin brothers Chad and Todd Beaty greet them at this bar/restaurant that they've owned since 2000 (and describe as their "hole in the wall"). Named for original owner Woody Mann, Woody's is only a half-block from the ferry dock on St. John's Cruz Bay — disembark and follow the sound of beer bottles opening.  

TRY THIS AT HOME Bushwacker 1/2 oz. Bailey's 1/2 oz. Kahlua 1/2 oz. Cruzan Rum 1/2 oz. Amaretto 1/2 oz. Vodka Blend with ice

Cast of Characters You'll shoot the breeze and share the bar with wayward sailors, local taxi drivers and fishermen, day-trippers from St. Thomas, limin' expats and tourists looking for a good time.  

Diversions Any night at Woody's can get a little out of hand, especially when partiers mount the bar for body shots. Barkeeps are happy to pour alcohol in navels, spray whipped cream wherever desired and cheer on the drinking and debauchery. The Saloon's online photo gallery is testament to booze-fueled ragers that break out late at night.

Sustenance Settle a rumbling tummy with shark bites or conch fritters, or fill that hollow leg with a Big Daddy Burger, "the biggest, baddest cheeseburger on the island." Woody's also dishes out a mean seafood platter and sandwiches like fresh mahi mahi for about $7. Midnight munchers take note: It's St. John's only eatery open past 10 p.m.

Local Knowledge Woody's Seafood Saloon (340-779-4625; www.woodys seafood.com) is best known for its happy hour (3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily), with dollar beers and a dollar off everything else. Woody's rocks from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Posted online 06/20/05.