The Royal Stocks

Description:

• It defines itself as a reasonably priced steakhouse and English pub that's owned by, but not on the premises of, one of the most posh and best-accessorized resorts in Montego Bay -- Half Moon. Consequently, even if you're staying at that hotel, you'll still have to take one of the hotel's shuttle buses to reach it. Frankly, despite that minor inconvenience, we consider its offbeat location a virtue, since you'll get to mingle with a staff of hip and smart locals, and a clientele of diners that derive mostly from four or five upscale resorts within the immediate neighborhood. The decor successfully combines the best of woodsy Olde England with the Jamaican tropics, although in the competition, Olde England usually prevails. (There's a dart board, a timbered ceiling, and some medieval iconography.) One of the best things about this place is its staff. Start your meal with a platter of Jamaican smoked marlin, move on to dishes that include steak and kidney pie, Milanese-style Parmesan chicken, bangers and mash, Penzance-style fish and chips, fisherman's pie, and "Canterbury" chicken-and-ham cobbler. There's even four different variations of burger, including one that's known as "the Best British."

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010