Dopsie’s is the newest addition to the nightlife scene in Simpson Bay. Having just launched at the start of this year, this joint is “on fire” and it’s already creating a lot of “sound” waves! It has talented musicians, vast liqueur choices, delicious food and superb service. It is a music room for grown folks to enjoy live musical entertainment featuring Blues, Jazz, R&B, Soul and Funk vibes, from Kool and the Gang, to Barry White to Earth Wind and Fire. It is a sure bet for a wonderful night out, with its sophisticated ambiance and decor, premium liquors, intriguing cocktails and an eclectic menu selection with a strong Italian influence.
Setting the Stage
If you’ve ever been to a high-end European-style hotel lounge, well then you will have a good idea of the setting. It’s an elegant and sophisticated setting and everyone is welcome to this new music room in the heart of Simpson Bay with its own dedicated parking area directly in front, with an easily accessible ramp for a smooth and welcoming entrance. You can even “zingy” your dingy right up to their dinghy dock to “tie-up” before you “tie one on!” There is always a professional host(ess) to immediately greet you on arrival, to escort you to the perfect seating arrangement without delay. You are welcome to come after your dinner elsewhere, but we do recommend you not to miss out on the high-quality cuisine.
Dopsie’s has been designed to be a “live music room for adults” – but specifically one in which you can also converse with others. So, basically, the music is loud enough to keep you bopping, but not so loud as to prevent you from meeting someone at the bar, or from enjoying the company of your colleagues, friends, spouse or date. It is located on the lagoon side overlooking the mega yachts. You will always be calm and cool with the fresh, Caribbean breeze, with its “al fresco style” dining room with a wrap-around terrace, and its massive ceiling fans. Dopsie’s is also great for birthdays, special occasions and even “full book-out” private events.
Legacy of Dopsie’s
Dopsie’s name pulls in a bit of musical history into St. Maarten. The name comes from Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and his entire family, including Dopsie Senior. Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. was born in 1954 as David “Rockin’ Dopsie” Rubin, is a Louisiana-born zydeco musician. He is best known for his energetic performances and his mastery of the accordion, a signature instrument in zydeco music. He became a key figure in the zydeco scene, blending traditional Creole music with elements of blues, R&B, and rock. His infectious rhythm and lively shows earned him a loyal fan base recognition in the U.S.A. and internationally. He has recorded several albums and continues to be a driving force in bringing zydeco music to a wider audience.
Fun Fact: Dopsie’s is actually pronounced “Doopsy’s,” not like “D-opt-sy’s.” Basically, there is the sound of two long O’s, like the word “scoop.”
Groove and Flavour
Dopsie’s fully professional mixologists are ready to serve you! They use high end spirits, many of which have been specially brought to the island just for Dopsie’s. Like a great funk music track, a stellar cocktail should have unexpected flavours and ingredients, or a perfect balance of contrasting tastes. You can opt for a cocktail with blended quality liqueurs or a zero proof mocktail – either way, your taste buds will be surprised! The cocktail menu features fun and flashy names like “Nina Simone Special,” “Little Freddy King,” “Billionaire” and “Prohibition Glow.” The “Russian Woman”, for example, has Stoli Raspberry, St. Germain, a dash of Chambord, hand pressed lemon juice, and it’s topped with fresh blueberries! If you want to get a bit riskier, try the “Ready Aim Fire” with jalapeno infused 400 Conejos Mezcal, fresh lime, splashed with house made honey-pineapple syrup.
Can’t Fake the Funk
Another feature that sets Dopsie’s apart is the way they serve wine, so take a look down the bar and see this high-tech wine bottle dispensary system. This system allows them to place high quality wines and serve them by the glass. So, any glass of wine you select is not a “house” or “table” wine, it is actually coming from those “pricier bottles” that you normally can only purchase “by the bottle”. If you prefer to “keep it real” and stick to beer, there is also a nice selection of ales ranging from USA, Mexico, Belgium, and Japan.
Hot Tip: Happy Hour is daily from 5:00 to 7:00pm with two-for-one drinks, and be sure to ask if they are featuring any “Free Tapas” to taste.
Fun Fact: In Italy, appetizers are called “stuzzichini” and are often free at the happy hour time.
Jive then Dive into a Dish
Come for the music, stay for a flavour. This is the perfect place if you want to recall a time when live music was so fantastic you just had to move your body, or you want to get your mentality reactivated, soul rejuvenated, or your creative mojo re-inspired. Maybe you want to get reacquainted with friends, or colleagues and have real conversations. Whatever the reason, you must check out this funky vibe at Dopsie’s with its high-quality cocktails, soulful dishes that fuse bold flavours and textures, paired with soulful music that makes you feel alive and ready to groove!
Expert Chef Michele Iuliano (who has four successful restaurants in NYC of his own) has carefully curated this flavourful menu, like a multi-layered, hit “album” to match the vibes by combining classic Italian comforts, infusing international twists, by using the boldness of fresh and high-quality ingredients. It’s an eclectic mix of options including appetizers, pizzas, pastas, main plate options and some desserts. There are pizza classics like Margarita and the Diavola, then an intriguing option “Pig and Fig.” It’s a four-cheese pizza, with Duck prosciutto, black mission fig, topped with a balsamic glaze. There are appetizers such as the Burrata “Campana,” Mussels in a garlic, white wine sauce, a vibrant hummus platter, and favourites such as Bruschetta and Eggplant Parmesan.
The Lobster Ravioli is loaded with flavour and is a “must try”, but it’s hard to choose since there is also the amazing “Polpette” which is ribeye ground beef meatballs that are slow cooked in an amazing authentic fresh marinara sauce. If you are looking for a snack, tapas, a full dinner, or just a dessert finale… or if you are looking for spicy, tangy, sweet or savoury; you will find that Dopsie’s hits all the notes!
It’s a Smoke Show!
While we all love those classic “Casablanca” old-time movies with the dark, cloudy, smoky bar-music room-nightclub-speakeasy scenes; Dopsie’s is embracing the modern era, when other factors come into play. Dopsie’s has arranged for a grassy terrace area for a modern and “open-air” twist instead of enclosed that “cigar bar” style setting. Friends can gather in a circle, relax and have a smooth cigar. This smoking area doesn’t conflict with the other guests in the dining room, front stage, bar or terrace seating areas.
All that Jazz! (and Funk)
Dopsie’s premises are all set to open the doors in St. Maarten to welcome in cool, New Orleans artistes and musicians from around the world. This is just the beginning! The talented musicians you will see now, are all locals from our beloved island. You may have seen them before, but never in these configurations and combinations, with these songs in this performance style. The musical arrangements are under the Directorship of the one and only Fred York. He has arranged five different band combinations, each with unique performance formats resulting in various shows each night! Typically, the band starts off around 8:00-8:30pm. Reservations are recommended, you can request a certain table and they will try to best accommodate such requests. Dopsie’s will be quick to gain popularity with this unique format, so seating may become limited in the future, it is best to check out this “music magic” sooner than later!
The Dopsie’s weekly music line-up currently is as follows:
- Tuesday and Wednesday have New Orleans vibes.
- Thursday has an incredible female vocalist who touches into R&B and Blues.
- Friday is Bebop and Traditional Jazz night.
- Saturday is “Down-home Funk” night.
Play on!
There are exciting, upcoming things on the horizon at Dopsie’s, so be sure to stay tuned in! First sink your teeth into this: Their new “Premium” Steak menu selections will be released very soon! Look out for fully graded USDA Prime Steaks, including Porterhouse, NY Strip Steak, Cowboy and several others on their menu.
Dopsie’s will be participating in the upcoming Soul Beach Music Festival on May 21-26 and we wouldn’t be surprised to see later in the year some New Orleans musicians come for a visit and a live jam! Just remember, at Dopsie’s, the “Funk never dies” ~Rick James.
Located on 68 Welfare Road in Simpson Bay, Dopsie’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:00 to 11:00pm. Closed Sunday and Mondays. Call 1 (721) 520-3600 for reservations.
