Al Fresco Lunch

Grab your Seat for One of the Best Views in Town

By Nick Macksood

June 2016

Just a few short weeks ago, the weather was terribly erratic. It swerved to the left, veered to the right, and took a hard U-turn until it found its equilibrium. The temperature peaked at 60 degrees and the sun blessed us with its warmth once again- driving us all to get outside, socialize and soak up some vitamin D.

There’s nothing better than sitting outside while sipping on the perfect Bloody Mary in the company of close friends and engaging in some witty banter. It’s even better when the sun is shining and there’s nothing but blue skies as far as the eye can see. Outdoor seating on a gorgeous day is not only a must when headed out for lunch, it’s mandatory. Here are a few island mainstays with an alluring view for dining al fresco this summer

The Seafood Shanty, Edgartown

The Seafood Shanty, better known as “The Shanty” offers a bird’s eye view of the Edgartown Harbor, Chappaquiddick Island and some of the town itself. You’ll want to head upstairs and sit close to the railing on their immense outdoor deck for the ultimate outdoor experience. An al fresco lunch is an absolute treat and there are plenty of umbrella covered tables to eat, drink and enjoy the expansive ocean views. Dining at The Shanty is a must when visiting Edgartown!

What to Order: The menu offers a selection of starters: a half dozen local fresh oysters and steamed mussels a la Shanty Style, salads and sandwiches. We recommend the “Island’s Best & Biggest Lobster Roll” filled with tender chunks of delicious hard shell lobster meat mixed with mayo and just a bit of celery. It’s every bit as good as it sounds! Another key choice for lunch is one of their many sushi options. The sushi at The Shanty from my experience is definitely on point!

Among the Flowers Cafe, Edgartown

Among the Flowers Cafe is just a few short steps from the Edgartown Harbor. They offer their diners a covered porch-like patio with a view of the town, perfect for people watching. This quaint eatery surrounded by colorful flowers serves up an extensive menu morning, noon, and night.

What to order: Try one of their salads – they’re amazingly fresh, colorful and delicious. Bonus: they’re one of the few places in town that serves breakfast items all day! Go for the Portuguese omelet (linguiça, potato, onion, and cheese) or the omelet with wild mushrooms, herbs and goat cheese. You can never go wrong with breakfast for lunch

The Sandbar, Oak Bluffs

The Sandbar is the only place on the island where you can dig your feet into the sand and nosh on anything from sushi to sandwiches and seafood. Located on the harbor in Oak Bluffs, you can sit at the outdoor bar, sip on a cold brew and watch sports on the multiple televisions. Then turn around and catch the sun as it sets on the horizon. All of the tables at The Sandbar have umbrellas to shield you from the sun so you can relax, listen to good music and enjoy the summer breeze in style. Menemsha might have a better view at sunset… but then again, they don’t serve frozen drinks, nor is there anything on tap at the beach.

What to order: The sushi is always a guarantee but we recommend you go for the local choice: The Sandbar Margarita cocktail with the Vineyard Select fried oysters. They serve them plain or on a Calabash style Po-Boy. The perfect summer lunch, Vineyard style.

The Lookout Tavern, Oak Bluffs

The Lookout Tavern is one of the first places you’ll see when getting off of the ferry in Oak Bluffs. Grab a seat outside and enjoy the sweeping water views while watching the boats coming and going. The Lookout offers beers on tap and what some say is the best seafood on the island.

What to order: On an island with a scarce happy hour game, the Lookout is king. The sushi here is Amazing! Try one of their Special Sushi Plates or the Chef’s Special Maki – you can’t go wrong. Apps and raw bar are half off M-F from 4-6pm. Go wild.

Nat’s Nook, Vineyard Haven

Nat’s Nook is tucked into the back of Main St. in Vineyard Haven, behind Soft as a Grape. This little creperie and café serves as a psychic recourse from the hustle and bustle of Vineyard Haven. It’s a great place to grab a cup of Joe, organically roasted and sustainably sourced. But the draw of the outdoor seating here is that you’re hidden in the oasis of tranquility.

What to order: The Nutella crepe. The undisputed, undefeated champion in the sweet crepes division. Nat touches it up with banana slices and strawberries. Simple and Delicious!

Restaurants, bars and cafés with an indelible view could serve whatever they would like. It just so happens that all of these choices offer a plethora of some really good, solid plates. But at these places, it’s not only about what’s on the plate in front of you, it’s about what’s happening around it.

Restaurant Information:

Among the Flowers Cafe
Mayhew Lane
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-3233
FB: Among-the-Flowers-Cafe

The Lookout Tavern
8 Seaview Ave
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
(508) 696-9844
www.lookoutmv.com

Nat’s Nook
38 Main St
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
(508) 338-2340
www.natsnookmv.com

The Sandbar
6 Circuit Avenue Ext
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
(508)693-7111
www.mvsandbar.com

The Seafood Shanty
31 Dock Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627 8622
www.seafoodshanty.com