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7.1.15

Best of the Vineyard 2015 Food and Drink

Amy Clapp draws a tall one at Offshore Ale Company.
Elizabeth Cecil

Best Bar/Pub: Offshore Ale Company

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

Runner-up: Lookout Tavern

8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com

Solo at the bar or with a large group of friends, you’re always at home at Offshore Ale. The changing variety of brews and extensive list of excellent pub food make this gathering spot a place to return to again and again. For Bruins and Sox fans, head over to the Lookout Tavern for great beers and wings or margaritas and fish tacos.

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

5 Post Office Square, Oak Bluffs, 508-627-3688, mvbakery.com

Runner-up: Scottish Bakehouse

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

Two words: apple fritter. The long line for fresh-out-of-the-fryer donuts at Back Door Donuts is an annual harbinger of summer. And don’t miss the gorgeous cakes sold during the day through the front door of the Oak Bluffs bakery. For a variety of seasonal baked goods, standbys, and great gluten-free options, head over to the Scottish Bakehouse in Vineyard Haven.

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

With all of the delicious choices at ArtCliff Diner, it’s hard to know where to start. How about the Farmer’s Market Frittata with fresh herbs, spinach, tomato, mushrooms, and chevre? Or Katama Almond and Honey Crepes? No, wait, the Bull’s Eye – codfish cake, two eggs, arugula, spicy hollandaise, and mustard oil. See what we mean? In Oak Bluffs, Linda Jean’s serves up classic breakfast favorites year after year with its family-friendly hometown feel.

Elizabeth Cecil

Best Breakfast Sandwich: Scottish Bakehouse

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

Runner-up: 7a Foods

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

Wrapped up in a bundle of warm tinfoil goodness is Scottish Bakehouse’s breakfast sandwich: two eggs, cheese, spinach, red onion, tomato, and bacon (fakin’ or the real deal) on a soft English muffin. Bring it to the beach or sit out on the picnic benches and get the day started. 7a’s egg sandwich on a cheddar-jalapeño biscuit is a life changer.

Best Burger: Atria

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

Runner-up: Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar

7 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 774-563-9311

Sunday night at Atria is where locals go in the off-season to take advantage of Burger Night. Cozy up with the classy Frenchy, the breakfast-meets-dinner Fast Eddie, or the vegetarian PETA in the restaurant’s downstairs Brick Cellar Bar. Relative newcomer Fat Ronnie’s serves up no-nonsense classic burgers on Circuit Avenue. Don’t forget the onion rings.

Best Caterer: V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons

508-693-6313, vhamlincatering.com

Runner-up: Kitchen Porch Catering

508-645-5000, kitchenporch.com

From presidential birthday parties to rehearsal dinners and intimate anniversary dinners, V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons caters to it all. Hamlin has been cooking and planning parties since 1978, so it’s no wonder she comes in at number one. Jan Buhrman of Kitchen Porch Catering is another Island favorite, with unique brunch, luncheon, and holiday menus that’ll have you brainstorming reasons to have a party just to get her through your front door.

Best Chowder: Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company

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

The name says it all, and the bragging rights are deserved. The Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company wins again for its deliciously light, flavorful chowder in which the quahaug is the star. Find yourself in Vineyard Haven? Try runner-up the Net Result’s creamy clam chowder. You’ll be as happy as a . . . clam. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)

Best Clambake: The Net Result

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

Runner-up (tie): Bill Smith’s Martha’s Vineyard Clambake Co.

508-627-8809, mvclambake.com

Runner-up (tie): Larsen’s Fish Market

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

Steamers, lobsters, corn on the cob, and butter (lots of butter) are best served up clambake-style alongside family and friends. Thankfully, the Net Result has everything you need for a DIY clambake. Up-Island, Larsen’s has you covered for that perfect Menemsha experience. Or you can call Bill Smith’s and they’ll take care of everything and bring it to your chosen location, from linens and bibs to enough food for a wedding or small dinner party.

Best Cocktails: Alchemy

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

Runner-up: Nancy’s Snack Bar/Donovan’s Reef

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

Order a Ginger Gimlet or French Quarter martini and sit under sparkling white lights on the upstairs porch at Alchemy, the ideal place to relax and watch the action on Edgartown’s Main Street. On the Oak Bluffs harbor, nothing says summer like a Dirty Banana or two. Reggae jams flow from the frozen drink shack while bartender Donovan whips up delicious summer libations.

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: Espresso Love

17 Church Street, Edgartown, 508-627-9211, espressolove.com

Buying local has its perks. Head to one of the two Mocha Mott’s locations and you’ll find a bakery case brimming with bagels and muffins, all surrounded by the sweet smell of freshly roasted coffee. Don’t let the long line fool you – it moves quickly. In Edgartown head to Espresso Love, order a cappuccino, and sit out on the patio to take in the charming ambience this daily grind has to offer.

Wil Sideman, at your service, at State Road Restaurant in West Tisbury.
Elizabeth Cecil

Best Fine Dining: State Road Restaurant

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

Runner-up: Atria

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

State Road Restaurant continues to please with daily menu changes and a variety of local ingredients, plus one of the most inviting atmospheres on the Island. (How to recreate that dining room glow at home?) Atria’s attention to service and detail makes this longstanding Edgartown restaurant a standout.

Best Family Dining: Giordano’s Restaurant

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

Runner-up: Offshore Ale Company

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

We’re giving Giordano’s two forks up! Since 1930, the family-run establishment has been dishing out favorites like manicotti, cacciatore, lobster ravioli, and, of course, hand-spun pizza pies. Kids have it made there too, as all children’s meals are topped off with a Hoodsie Cup. Just up the road, Offshore Ale caters to patrons of all ages, serving hoppy Island-brewed beer for mom and dad, and sugary sweet root beer for junior and his friends.

Best Fish and Chips: The Newes from America

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

Runner-up: The Net Result

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

This just in! The fish ’n’ chips served at the Newes has people flocking to the subterranean pub at all hours of the day. And no wonder – it is good: fresh haddock, crispy fries, creamy slaw, and the Newes’ own special tartar sauce. Not in the mood to sit down and savor? Get takeout from the Net Result, an “upper-scale” fish market where the portions are massive and the fish is most definitely always fresh.

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

If there’s one thing the Larsen family knows, it’s fish. Louis Larsen and his crew at the Net Result offer a variety of beautiful seafood and takeout in Vineyard Haven, and also supply many of the Island restaurants with the daily catch. Betsy Larsen runs a tight ship on the docks of Menemsha; be sure to ask her what’s fresh off the boat.

Best French Fries: Atria

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

Runner-up: Offshore Ale Company

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

Truffle-Parmesan fries, anyone? These restaurants will have you diving into a side of hot, salty, crunchy fries before you can pour ketchup on your sandwich. Upscale Atria (and its downstairs Brick Cellar Bar) serves shoestring potatoes fried with local baby arugula. At Offshore Ale in Oak Bluffs, the hand-cut fries are a two-day labor of love.

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

Fried clams may be the ultimate taste of summer, and these iconic restaurants know how to make sure their flavor shines. Enjoy lightly breaded full bellies and crispy strips at Giordano’s, now in its eighty-fifth season, or head up-Island to the Bite, where you can dive into a takeout box under the setting sun.

Alison Shaw

Best Farm, Market,or Stand: Morning Glory Farm

120 Meshacket Road, Edgartown, 508-627-9003, morninggloryfarm.com

Runner-up: West Tisbury Farmers’ Market

The Grange Hall, 1067 State Road, thewesttisburyfarmersmarket.com

Customers go crazy for Morning Glory Farm’s fresh pies, zucchini bread, and corn, as well as daily kitchen offerings that change with the season and feature fresh produce from more than 120 acres of land. There’s no arguing that this farm stand specializes in the best of what the Island has to offer. If you have a taste for all things local, the West Tisbury Farmers’ Market is your jam. Choose from Island-raised chickens and ducks to Flat Point Farm soaps and the most delightful flowers you’ll see and smell all season. Don’t forget the glorious, fresh-picked vegetables, either!

Best Grocery Store: Cronig’s Markets

357 State Road, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-4457

469 State Road, West Tisbury, 508-693-2234, cronigsmarket.com

Runner-up: Reliable Market

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

High-quality ingredients, great customer service, up- and down-Island locations, and a commitment to selling locally grown products make Cronig’s Markets the consistent first-place choice. Be sure to try the daily salad bar and excellent ice cream selection. Family-owned and operated Reliable Market has a top-rate meat department and great prices, making this Circuit Avenue shop a Vineyard institution.

Best Ice Cream Shop: Ben and 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

10 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-9151

7 North Water Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8761

Here’s the scoop: it can be a rocky road to get the perfect cone, but Ben and Bill’s has got you covered. Cherry chip, peanut butter, mint Oreo, butter pecan ... this Oak Bluffs ice creamery has got it all. Looking to mix up your ice cream fix? Mad Martha’s, with locations all over the Island, serves up must-try flavors of the week like Chocolate Safari (chocolate ice cream with crushed frosted animal crackers) and Coffee Crunch (coffee ice cream with Nestlé Crunch pieces).

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

79 Main Street, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-7344, murdicks.com

Has anyone met a Chilmark Chocolate he or she didn’t like? Beetlebung Bar, Menemsha Mint, Cranberry Cluster – take your pick, either in a strictly no-sharing personal bag or a generous gift box. For a slice of the Island, head to Murdick’s Fudge, where the aroma of fudge being made on premises is bound to make you weak in the knees.

Best Lobster Roll: Grace Episcopal Church

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

Runner-up: Larsen’s Fish Market

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

For more than twenty-five years, Grace Church volunteers have been serving top-notch
lobster rolls with mayonnaise and white pepper to long lines of adoring fans. Even better, devotees are doing good by eating well: the weekly event raises money for local organizations and nonprofits. Larsen’s rolls are best enjoyed on Menemsha Beach with a good friend and a great sunset.

Elizabeth Cecil

Best Lunch: Little House Cafe

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

Runner-up: Slice of Life

50 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-3838, sliceoflifemv.com

Lunch, glorious lunch! Hot falafel and shawarma! While you’re in the mood, Little House also has a great muffuletta. In fact, most of the lunch items will leave you asking for more. And oh, what we wouldn’t give for a portabella sandwich or personal pizza at Slice of Life.

Best Outdoor Dining: The Seafood Shanty

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

Runner-up: Nancy’s Restaurant and Snack Bar

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

What’s better than slurping fresh clams on the half shell while taking in the Edgartown lighthouse? Chasing them down with a Stumbling Islander, a signature Seafood Shanty cocktail made with fresh juices and a hint of coconut. Nancy’s in Oak Bluffs has two styles of dining, plus fresh seafood and creative cocktails. No wonder it’s on our top list of places to watch a Vineyard sunset.

Best Package Store: Our Market

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

Runner-up: MV Wine and Spirits

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

Sure, both Our Market and MV Wine and Spirits stock microbrews and small winery offerings, along with popular name brands. But did you know that the knowledgeable staff members will help you plan your next event, or just help you find the right white to accompany your freshly caught flounder? Plus, both host wine tastings. Our Market also keeps customers satisfied with ongoing half-gallon liquor specials.

Best Picnic Food: Humphreys Bakery

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

Runner-up: Soigné

190 Upper Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-8489, soignemv.com

There’s something for everyone at laid-back Humphreys, including the classic Thanksgiving Gobbler and Tree Hugger sandwiches and much-loved sugar cookies. At Soigné you can prepare a gourmet picnic without any of the work. The only hard part is choosing from the wide selection, which includes pâtés, crusty baguettes, crispy crudités, chicken curry, and, of course, the signature ganache-covered brownies.

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

Giordano’s is still using its famous family recipe to create award-winning pies. This is a family that really gets into the crust of the matter, too: sauce made from scratch, fresh toppings, and a crispy, perfectly cooked base. Want a superb gluten-free pizza? Runner-up Rocco’s in Vineyard Haven has a pizza that will please even those not needing to eliminate gluten from their diets.

Best Sandwich: Humphreys Bakery

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

Runner-up: 7a Foods

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

At Humphreys it all starts with the homemade bread, which is sliced thick and then piled
high with favorite fillings. Choose from old favorites, like the Gobbler, Cuban, or Tree Hugger, or compose your own. You don’t want to mess with these sandwiches, but they might make a mess of you. At 7a, Dan Sauer’s meatball sub and Liz Lemon sandwiches will make your day.

Best Seafood Restaurant: The Net Result

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

Runner-up: Home Port Restaurant

512 North Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2679, homeportmv.com

Buttery lobster, fried scallops, stuffed clams – when classic New England fresh catch is what you’ve been craving, head to the Net Result. It’s very Vineyard: simple takeout and a couple of picnic tables in the parking lot. At the Home Port, in Menemsha, diners enjoy the spectacular sunsets and table service.

Best Sushi: Lookout Tavern

8 Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-9844, lookoutmv.com

Runner-up: The Net Result

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

Rainbow rolls, unagi rolls, hamachi rolls, spider rolls . . . you name it, the Lookout Tavern makes it. Try the more adventurous one-bite wonders, such as Shawn’s Special Roll (salmon, cucumber, mango, yellowtail, avocado, and scallions) or the Fantasy Roll (spicy blue crab, cucumber, BBQ eel, and avocado). Sometimes you just want to eat a California roll out of a plastic container. In that case, head to the Net Result, which specializes in takeout sushi right by the Vineyard Haven harbor.

Best Takeout: Giordano’s Restaurant

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

Runner-up: The Net Result

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

You haven’t experienced an Oak Bluffs summer until you’ve stood in line for a slice from Gio’s. Besides pies, you can grab a plate of pasta or fried clams and dine picnic-style in Ocean Park or on State Beach. If you’re looking for a great fish sandwich, fresh sushi, or just a cup of chowdah, the Net Result will hook you up.

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

French lentil salad with raisins, red pepper, carrots, walnuts, and feta cheese croutons? You had Little House fans at lentils, but the feta cheese croutons sealed the deal for this top vegetarian meal. (Not to mention the pressed sandwiches and daily selection of soups.) At the Scottish Bakehouse, vegetarian options like coconut tofu, sweet potato mash, and a quinoa burger rule the day.

Best Wings: Coop de Ville

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

Runner-up: Sharky’s Cantina

31 Circuit Avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-693-7501

266 Upper Main Street, Edgartown, 508-627-6565, sharkyscantina.com

Wings and soccer on Oak Bluffs harbor – what more can you ask for on a summer afternoon? Petey and his team serve up ten different varieties. Still hungry? Sharky’s wild flavors will become your guilty pleasure.

Best Year-Round Restaurant: Offshore Ale Company

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

Runner-up: State Road Restaurant

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

Open seven days a week all year long, this family-run pub is known for adding TLC – totally local creations – to both its beer and food menus. From the special pizzas, to the Lazy Frog IPA, it’s win-win all around. Head up-Island to State Road Restaurant, where the wait staff knows you by name and, in the off-season, you can enjoy house-made ricotta and a juicy sirloin without booking a reservation weeks in advance.