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7.1.17

Best of the Vineyard 2017 Food and Drink

The results are in, so without further ado, we give you...Everything you need to know about Martha's Vineyard according to you.

Best Bakery: Back Door Donuts/Martha’s Vineyard Gourmet Cafe & Bakery

5 Post Office Square, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3688, mvbakery.com

Runner-up: Scottish Bakehouse

977 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6633, scottishbakehousemv.com

The sweet smell wafting down Kennebec Avenue on summer nights comes from the doughnut speakeasy, Back Door Donuts. By day, go through the front door of Martha’s Vineyard Gourmet Cafe & Bakery. By night, the back door is open and the password is “please.” Looking for paleo, gluten-free, or vegan baked goods? The Scottish Bakehouse has it all.

Best Bar/Pub: Offshore Ale Co.

30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com

Runner-up: Lookout Tavern

8 Seaview Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, facebook.com/lookouttavern

Fill a bowl of peanuts, pick a barstool, and enjoy a pint of Offshore Ale’s finest, brewed on premises. Whatever your preference, be it an ale, porter, stout, or IPA, there is something to slake your thirst. At the Lookout Tavern, enjoy views of the Sound and ferries while you sip a cold one.

Best Breakfast: ArtCliff Diner

39 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-1224

Runner-up: Linda Jean’s Restaurant

25 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-4093, lindajeansrestaurant.com

Delving into the ArtCliff Diner menu is an adventure. You could go for the Bayou Bundle with a chorizo, pepper jack, and herb scramble on a flour tortilla with avocado salsa, or just close your eyes and point at the menu. You can’t go wrong. Linda Jean’s is the sort of classic diner your grandmother might frequent – if your grandmother has really good taste.

Best Breakfast Sandwich: 7a Foods

1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com

Runner-up: Scottish Bakehouse

977 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6633,  scottishbakehousemv.com

There are plenty of ways to customize your 7a breakfast sandwich, but for the full experience many swear by the cheddar-jalapeño biscuit, house-made sausage, a local egg, and all the veggies. At the Scottish Bakehouse, “the works” includes spinach, tomato, onion, and cheese on an English muffin or freshly made bread.

Best Burger: Atria

137 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-5850, atriamv.com

Runner-up: Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar

7 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-6600

At Atria’s subterranean sister restaurant the Brick Cellar Bar, the vibe is decidedly cool and the burgers unquestionably delicious. Are you in the mood for ground beef topped with an egg? How about the lamb, shrimp, turkey, and portobello mushroom varieties? Fat Ronnie’s dishes out fresh, never frozen burgers and dozens of à la carte toppings.

Best Chowder: Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Co.

9 Oak Bluffs Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-3000, mvchowder.com

Runner-up: The Net Result

Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6071, mvseafood.com

If you want to call yourself the Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company, you better have the best chowder, and ChoCo, as it’s known to insiders, does. A cut above the usual cup or bowl loaded with thickener, the clam count draws regular praise. The Net Result supplies a more traditional cup, well worth a try.

Best Clambake: Bill Smith’s Martha’s Vineyard Clambake Co.

508-627-8809, mvclambake.com

Runner-up: Kitchen Porch

14 A Street, Edgartown, 508-645-5000, kitchenporch.com

The name says it all: Bill Smith’s once again takes the crown as the king of clambakes. From beach to backyard to wedding receptions, those looking for a classic New England plate of steamers, corn, lobster, and linguiça are not disappointed. There’s even a do-it-yourself option for six. Kitchen Porch catering provides an elegant variation with mussels, bourbon chicken, and Chilmark Chocolates added to the menu.

Best Coffee: Mocha Mott’s

10 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-1922
15 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-3155, mochamotts.com

Runner-up: Chilmark Coffee Company

508-560-1061, chilmarkcoffeeco.com

Mocha Mott’s has done it again, earning the top spot for its delicious brewed and baked goods and laid-back atmosphere. Chilmark Coffee Company is a staple at the West Tisbury Farmers’ Market. Grab a nitro cold brew and stroll the stands, or sample a cup at any of the many restaurants and businesses where it’s served.

Best Family Dining: Giordano’s Restaurant

18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com

Runner-up: Offshore Ale Co.

30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com

Giordano’s Restaurant is the premier option for family dining: quick, easy, and right in the heart of downtown Oak Bluffs. A couple of slices from the pizza window can make a meal, or you can head inside and grab fried seafood to go or sit down and feast on plenty of Italian specialties. Offshore Ale has a huge menu of comfort-food favorites, plus house-brewed root beer for the kids.

Best Caterer: Kitchen Porch

14 A Street, Edgartown, 508-645-5000, kitchenporch.com

From the Kitchen Porch to the Back Porch Larder, Jan Buhrman is serving award-winning food left and right.
Elizabeth Cecil
Runner-up: V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons Catering & Party Design

508-560-4364, vhamlincatering.com

Fresh and local are the watchwords at Kitchen Porch, where chef Jan Buhrman’s beach picnics, clambakes, culinary classes, and full-on wedding events win raves from customers year after year. Jaime Hamlin specializes in concierge-style custom party planning with sophisticated, creative menus. Both companies have even catered presidential summer events.

Best Farm Market or Stand: Morning Glory Farm

290 Edgartown-West Tisbury Road, Edgartown, 508-627-9003, morninggloryfarm.com

Molly Flam greets Morning Glory Farm customers with bright bouquets.
Timothy Johnson
Runner-up: The West Tisbury Farmers’ Market

The Grange Hall, 1065 State Road, West Tisbury, thewesttisburyfarmersmarket.com

Eight months out of the year, Morning Glory Farm provides fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods for fresh-food-loving locals and visitors alike. The farm marks each season with festivals, too, putting everything from strawberries to pumpkins at center stage. Start weekends off right at the West Tisbury Farmers’ Market, where you can say hello to new and old friends and stock up on flowers, cheese, and veggies.

Best Fine Dining: State Road Restaurant

688 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-8582, stateroadrestaurant.com

Runner-up: l’étoile

22 North Water Street, Edgartown, 508-627-5187, letoile.net

Time for date night? Check out State Road’s seasonal menu, which celebrates local fare and libations. Attentive servers take care of everything, while you savor roasted oysters and lively conversation in this upscale tavern. L’étoile, now in its thirty-second year on the Vineyard, has a Menemsha lobster étuvée that’s not to be missed.

Best Fish and Chips: The Net Result

Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6071, mvseafood.com

Runner-up: The Newes from America Pub

23 Kelley Street, Edgartown, 508-627-4397, kelley-house.com/dining

Who makes the best fish and chips? A fish market, of course! The Net Result dishes up the freshest catch alongside crispy fries and slaw. The Newes specializes in British pub fare, so you know the fried haddock and fries are good.

Best Fish Market: The Net Result

Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6071, mvseafood.com

Runner-up: Larsen’s Fish Market

56 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2680, larsensfishmarket.com

The Net Result is a staple of summer on the Vineyard. There are always locally caught fish in the case, and you get the feeling that most of them were swimming yesterday, or maybe this morning. Lobsters of every size are in plentiful supply and the market is open from early morning to late evening for last-minute plans. Larsen’s Fish Market in Menemsha is a can’t-go-wrong up-Island option.

Best French Fries: Atria

137 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-5850, atriamv.com

Runner-up (tie): Giordano’s Restaurant

18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com

Offshore Ale Co.

30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com

Atria’s thin, crispy fries are a must to accompany the restaurant’s celebrated burgers and steaks. Want to kick it up a notch? Spring for the truffle variety. Offshore Ale and Giordano’s deliver them hot, fresh, and fast, the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Best Fried Clams: Giordano’s Restaurant

18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com

Runner-up: The Bite

29 Basin Road, Chilmark, 508-645-9239

Bellies or strips? You can get the finest example of both at Giordano’s, but if you don’t want to be exposed as a rank tourist, get the bellies. Islanders wait all winter for Gio’s first day of the summer season in order to snag a pint box of fried clams. It doesn’t get more Island than that. The Bite turns out an amazing volume of crispy fried clams from its tiny shack in Menemsha.

Best Grocery Store: Cronig’s Market

357 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-4457
469 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-2234, cronigsmarket.com

Norma Blidgen is a friendly familiar sight at Cronig’s Market.
Elizabeth Cecil
Runner-up: Reliable Market

36 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-1102, thereliablemarket.com

Cronig’s has been keeping Islanders fed for 100 years and shows no signs of slowing down. Patrons particularly love the fresh fruit and veggie selection, including products from local farms. Reliable Market has been reliably serving customers on Circuit Avenue since 1947.

Best Ice Cream Shop: Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium

20A Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-0008, benandbills.com

Runner-up: Mad Martha’s

48 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-5883
12 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-9151
7 North Water Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8761

Frequent winner Ben & Bill’s has more than fifty different homemade flavors to choose from, but why choose just one? Pile that waffle cone high with a scoop of cake batter, mud pie, fudge swirl, maybe even the lobster flavor, if that’s your thing. Mad Martha’s unique flavors will keep you coming back for more.

Best Island-Made Candy/Chocolate: Chilmark Chocolates

19 State Road, Chilmark, 508-645-3013

Runner-up: Murdick’s Fudge

21 North Water Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8047
5 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2335
Corner of Union and Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-7344, murdicks.com

How sweet it is at Chilmark Chocolates, where the Island-made assortment would make even Willy Wonka proud. Signature white boxes of Chappy chews and Menemsha mints make great gifts – and don’t forget extras for munching on the way home. Murdick’s time-honored fudge recipe is a tried-and-true favorite.

Best Cocktails: Alchemy

71 Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-9999, alchemyedgartown.com

Another round? Why not. Alchemy has a long list of specialty cocktails, served here by Kelsie Dahlen.
Elizabeth Cecil
Runner-up: 20byNine

16 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-338-2065, 20bynine.com

Find your bliss with the 7th Heaven, one of the many cleverly named and artfully crafted drinks for which Alchemy receives acclaim year after year. The bartenders at 20byNine are expert in all things whiskey, and turn out both classic cocktails and modern twists using artisanal methods.

Best Lobster Roll: Grace Episcopal Church

Woodlawn Avenue and William Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-0332 (Fridays, 4 to 7:30 p.m. through September)

Runner-up: The Back Porch Larder

14 A Street, Edgartown, 508-645-5000 (Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

You don’t need to be an expert to make an expert lobster roll. The volunteers at Grace Church combine lobster meat with mayonnaise and white pepper for the perfect summer treat. Add chips and a cold drink and have a seat at one of the tables, or take it to the beach. After only one season in business, the Back Porch Larder has made a name for itself, besting some tough competition!

Best Lunch: The Back Porch Larder

14 A Street, Edgartown, 508-645-5000 (Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Runner-up: Little House Cafe

339 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9794, littlehousemv.com

An offshoot of Kitchen Porch catering, the Back Porch Larder made a big impression in its debut season. Hearty homemade soups, sandwiches, and baked goods are made fresh for folks on the go. Little House Cafe’s unique lunch menu is available for takeout, or to be enjoyed in the sunny dining room. Try the Italian chicken sausage sandwich with sautéed broccoli rabe and provolone on a baguette.

Best Outdoor Dining: The Seafood Shanty

31 Dock Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8622, theseafoodshanty.com

Runner-up: Nancy’s Snack Bar

29 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0006, nancysrestaurant.com

What’s better than a great meal? A great meal with a great view.  At the Seafood Shanty, patrons can enjoy a front-row seat to the happenings of Edgartown harbor, all from the waterfront deck. Nancy’s Snack Bar, on bustling Oak Bluffs harbor, is the perfect spot for a lobster roll and people watching.

Best Wings: Coop deVille

Dockside Marketplace, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3420, coopdevillemv.com

Head to Coop deVille’s, on the Oak Bluffs harbor, grab a barstool, and enjoy a basket of their winning wings.
Elizabeth Cecil
Runner-up: Offshore Ale Co.

30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com

Coop deVille prepares traditional Buffalo wings in six degrees of spice: mild, medium, hot, dragon fire, suicide, and Three Mile Island. If one of those doesn’t light your fire, nothing will. Also available are Cajun, Jamaican, Maryland, and New Orleans–style wings. Offshore Ale has Buffalo, teriyaki, and awesome salt caramel wings to die for. But why die for them when cash or credit will do just fine?

Best Package Store: Our Market

1 East Chop Drive, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3000, ourmarketmv.com

Runner-up: MV Wine & Spirits

17A Airport Road, Edgartown, 508-627-7557, mvwinestore.com

Fine wines, check. Spirits, check. Craft beers, check. Whether you’re looking for your tried-and-true brew or a more adventurous vino, the staff at Our Market has you covered. Heading up-Island? MV Wine & Spirits has a large, well-curated beer and wine selection and hosts occasional tastings.

Best Picnic Food: 7a Foods

1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com

Runner-up: Black Sheep

18 North Summer Street, Edgartown, 774-549-9118, blacksheeponmv.com

If Yogi and BooBoo know what’s good for them, they’ll head down to 7a, where the picnic basket options include quality, inventive sandwiches, specialty drinks, and freshly made baked goods. Black Sheep specializes in high-end fare, from cheese spreads and artisanal crackers to charcuterie, plus sandwiches.

Best Pizza: Giordano’s Restaurant

18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com

Runner-up: Rocco’s Pizzeria

Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven,  508-693-1125, marthasvineyardpizza.com

By the slice or by the pie, Giordano’s consistently turns out great thin-crust pizza from overworked ovens at the foot of Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs. An absolute godsend for late-evening munchies, the slices are always quick, hot, and good, while the whole pies fly out the door or onto the tables inside. Rocco’s specialty pizzas are prized by thicker-crust aficionados.

Best Sandwich: 7a Foods

1045 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-4636, 7afoods.com

Runner-up: Humphreys Bakery

Woodland Center, 455 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6518, humphreysmv.com

Step aside, ham and cheese on white; there’s a new sandwich in town. 7a’s sandwich menu includes pulled pork, the Liz Lemon (sort of like a fun twist on the Reuben), a meatball sub, plenty of options for vegetarians, and even a tasty hot dog. Humphreys sandwiches are served on freshly made bread and can be topped with whatever your stomach desires.

Best Seafood Restaurant: The Net Result

Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6071, mvseafood.com

Runner-up: The Seafood Shanty

31 Dock Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8622, theseafoodshanty.com

The Net Result may be strictly take-out, but its expansive menu still highlights the best from the sea. No wonder it keeps winning Best Seafood Restaurant. The Seafood Shanty is the place to enjoy a fisherman’s platter and a beer while taking in the sights of Edgartown harbor.

Best Sushi: Lookout Tavern

8 Seaview Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, facebook.com/lookouttavern

Runner-up: The Net Result

Tisbury Marketplace, 79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6071, mvseafood.com

Chef Tony Ni knows sushi. For the past seven years he has been behind many a sushi roll at both Best Sushi spots, the Lookout Tavern and the Net Result. Head to the Lookout to enjoy a special maki roll with a waterfront view. On the go? The Net Result has you covered.

Best Takeout: The Back Porch Larder

14 A Street, Edgartown, 508-645-5000 (Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Runner-up: Giordano’s Restaurant

18 Lake Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0184, giosmv.com

Whether headed to the beach or on a break from work, stop by the Back Porch Larder, where Jan Buhrman and company turn out daily specials, including baked goods, lunch plates, sandwiches, soups, and dairy-free Wampanoag chowder. Gio’s has perfected hot seaside classics like fried scallops and French fries served in a box with cole slaw and a lemon wedge.

Best Vegetarian Meal: Little House Cafe

339 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9794, littlehousemv.com

Runner-up: Scottish Bakehouse

977 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-6633, scottishbakehousemv.com

Little House Cafe has so many unique vegetarian options that it’s hard to choose. The French lentil salad tops fresh greens, raisins, red peppers, carrots, walnuts, and feta cheese croutons with a maple-balsamic vinaigrette. Want comfort food? Go for the grilled cheese and slaw sandwich. Grab a fakin’ bacon BLT or a quinoa burger from the Scottish Bakehouse.

Best Year-Round Restaurant: Offshore Ale Co.

30 Kennebec Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-2626, offshoreale.com

Runner-up: Little House Cafe

339 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-687-9794, littlehousemv.com

When temperatures drop and crowds depart, it’s nice to know where you can find a full house and fine meal. Offshore’s tasty burgers and pizzas, live music, and roaring fireplace make it everyone’s second living room. Little House’s eclectic menu is full of standouts, including fish tacos, French lentil salad, falafel, and lamb burgers.

Comments (2)

Valerie overton
Chilmark
Yay for 7a--but please bring back the meatball sub!!
June 17, 2017 - 5:39pm
John Doe
Chappy
Seafood scanty*
July 3, 2017 - 10:31am