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Written by CJ

pizzaA Martha’s Vineyard vacation doesn’t have to be the posh, high end, “take out a loan, we’re going on vacation” kind of vacation that you so frequently read about in connection with The Vineyard.  A lot of down to earth (and really nice) people live and vacation here and have to make the fun work on a limited budget.  In this post I am focusing on affordable dining-out options in Vineyard Haven; but if you missed the posts on Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, please check these out as well.

Vineyard Haven has the obligatory coffee shops along it’s Main St. that offer a quick and inexpensive “breakfast to go”. I like the variety at the M.V.Bagel Authority on Upper Main St, and Mocha Motts on lower Main. The Waterside Market (also on Upper Main) is a little more upscale and offers more seating to enjoy your coffee and breakfast sandwich if you choose to not take it “to go”.  If you are hankering to treat yourself to a full breakfast, The Art Cliff diner is a Vineyard Haven tradition that should not be missed.  They are located on Beach Rd., and have fabulous food.  The diner is understandably popular with the local community as well as return visitors, so get there early or plan to wait!

Just down from the Art Cliff on Beach Rd. is the Net Result Seafood Market.  The Net Result offers a great take-out menu that makes seafood an affordable option.  I also understand that their tuna and smoked bluefish pates are delicious!  Another great alternative for lunch (or dinner) is Bob’s Pizza and Subs right on Main St.  They have indoor seating, or you can sit outside and watch the crowds wandering by.  One of the things that my kid’s like best about Bob’s Pizza is that it’s right next door to a large Candy and Ice Cream Emporium (which is very convenient!).

Dinner in Vineyard Haven offers some unique opportunities. When considering dining out in Vineyard Haven, remember that it is a dry town. This is not a bad thing if you plan ahead, and can actually save you a considerable amount of money on your beverages of choice. Just keep in mind that a lot of restaurants do charge a corkage fee for the privilege of bringing your alcohol in.

If you like Lobster Rolls, you HAVE to stop by Grace Church (on Woodlawn Ave.) on Friday evenings between 4:30 and 7:30 for take out (from the beginning of May through the end of September). Their lobster rolls don’t have any fillers and at $13, they have the best price on the island!  They’ve been voted best lobster roll on the island in The Best of the Vineyard for the past 3 years, so get there early… there is always a crowd and they might run out!

The Blue Canoe Waterfront Grill is a new restaurant, right on Beach Rd., which is getting great reviews.  Because they have a more casual sandwich menu along with full dinners, you can enjoy harbor view dining for a very reasonable price… and the food is great!   Another casual, fun alternative for families is the Island Cove Mini Golf Grill.  Located on State Rd., families can enjoy a simple meal from their grill in between an evening’s golfing and rock climbing adventure!

Saltwater (on Beach Rd. beside the Net Result) is another great “water front” dining experience.  They have lovely views of Lagoon Pond, and are open for lunch, Sunday brunch, and take out as well as dinner.  The food and atmosphere are wonderful… and the winelist fits everyone’s budget as it is B.Y.O.B.

Do you have a favorite, “affordable” grazing spot that I haven’t mentioned yet?  Please leave a comment so that all of our blog readers can read about it!

Image courtesy of Pizza Pie-er

 

Check Out Things to Do in Oak Bluffs on a Memorable Day Trip
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Martha’s Vineyard Events
Live like a New England Local This Spring
Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which One Comes Out on Top
Treat Yourself to Something New at Martha’s Vineyard Shops
A Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Weather through the Seasons
Explore Downtown Edgartown on Your Martha’s Vineyard Escape
Look at That: What to See in Martha’s Vineyard

lobster1Because there are so many great eating options from which to choose on Martha’s Vineyard, I have divided the choices geographically, and am focusing on Oak Bluffs in this post.  If you missed Part 1 (Edgartown)please check it out and add your personal favorites.

You can ask just about any islander for a reasonably priced eating option in Oak Bluffs, and one of their suggestions will probably be Linda Jean’s Restaurant on Circuit Ave.  This diner has been a local favorite forever (OK, not really forever, but they’ve been in business a long time – always a good sign!)  Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the diner serves consistently good food, and provides fast and friendly service.  Without hesitation, Linda Jeans would be my top breakfast recommendation.

Beyond breakfast, the options expand…   You may have noticed that there are many take-out and sandwich shops in Oak Bluffs, so for a family, a sub to share & a beach picnic is still your most affordable option.   But for atmosphere, why not grab a sandwich (or a beverage & apps) while relaxing from a stool overlooking the Oak Bluffs Harbor?  Nancy’s,Coop De Ville, and the Look Out Tavern will all fit the bill.  Nancy’s has been in business since 1956, and their downstairs snack bar menu offers great casual, affordable fare. Coop De Ville is known for their outdoor raw bar and 8 flavors of buffalo chicken wings, and The Look Out Tavern is a fun place to stop for sushi.

For dinner, The Park Corner Bistro (on Kennebec Ave) supplies great atmosphere and delicious food for one affordable price!  You can choose from full dinner options, or a more casual (and less expensive) bar menu that is available all day. Under new ownership this year, they have expanded their offerings to appeal to everyone’s budget.

Across the street and up the block from The Park Corner Bistro is another great, long time favorite eaterie called Jimmy Seas Pan Pasta Restaurant.  The entrees are in a mid-price range, but the portions are so huge that you can share one with a friend (for an additional fee).  If you like pasta, the food is awesome and not to be missed!

If you are looking for something different, Mediterranean on Beach Road has incredible, authentic mediterranean cuisine, ambiance, and entertainment nightly in the summer.  If you don’t want to spend as much for a full dinner, they offer a “light meal” and “tapas” menu in their bar area.  It is really worth the trip!

Hmmmm, so much to eat, so little time!  What are your favorite dining out spots in Oak Bluffs?

Image courtest of Coop De Ville.

 

Check Out Things to Do in Oak Bluffs on a Memorable Day Trip
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Martha’s Vineyard Events
Live like a New England Local This Spring
Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which One Comes Out on Top
Treat Yourself to Something New at Martha’s Vineyard Shops
A Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Weather through the Seasons
Explore Downtown Edgartown on Your Martha’s Vineyard Escape
Look at That: What to See in Martha’s Vineyard

One of the things that I love about Martha’s Vineyard in the summer is the quality and variety of activities and events from which to choose – many not normally available in such a small community.  Evening events are naturally geared more toward “grown-ups,” however (when the wee ones are in bed).  But being a mother of 4, I understand the need to entertain the WHOLE family at any given time of the day; so I have come up with a couple of suggestions for those long summer nights…

To be honest, my favorite “family night out” is not very original… but it’s always relaxing and a hit with the entire family.  My husband is strongly opposed to anything involving crowds (which eliminates a lot in July & August), so our family beach time involves a picnic dinner and an evening dip in the ocean.  Regardless of the number of folks on the beach during the day, if you wait until after 6pm, you are sure to find your own sandy spot of solitude.  We normally head to State Beach because we never have to walk far from our car (you know there’s always lots to lug w/kids), and if there are a lot of cars in one area, we can keep going until we find an unclaimed stretch of beach.  The water is warm from the day’s heat; and with the volume of fun (and fights) that ensues when my family arrives, “the crowds” are very happy that we avoided them!

Then there is the obligatory evening out in Oak Bluffs.  Oak Bluffs is always a swarm of activity in the summer (as well as a lot of fun)… so I suggest leaving the claustrophobic members of the family at home (Yes, you guessed it… hubby stays home!).   A great place to start your evening is Nancy’s on the harbor (or another favorite haunt for fast, casual waterfront fare), and then take time to meander along the harbor and across New York Ave… with ice cream in hand, of course!   Or wait to grab a cotton candy at The Flying Horses Carousel. The carousel is the nation’s oldest operating platform carousel and a National Historic Landmark.  They are open until 10pm every evening in the summer and a ride is only $1.50.   After the Flying Horses, you can continue up Circuit Ave. to the Game Room which is open until midnight.  Plenty of time to spend all of your quarters!

If you crave something different after a day at the beach, I recommend the Cinema Circus, put on by The Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival every Wednesday in July and August at the Chilmark Community Center.  The mission of the Cinema Circus is “to produce family events that engage children with films, discussion, and activities that promote media literacy and community interaction” and they’re FUN!  The doors open at 5pm with acrobats, jugglers, and face painting as well as activities and discussions around the film(s) being screened.  And then there is always the pizza and popcorn… Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for kids.

The Island Cove Mini Golf is another sure hit for a family evening out!  Located on State Rd. (across from Cronig’s grocery store), they are open until 10pm daily during the summer.   They offer an adventure themed mini golf course and a 24ft high outdoor climbing wall with three levels of difficulty to accommodate (almost) everyone in the family.  Their grill is open for lunch and dinner with relatively inexpensive, casual fare so it is a “one stop shop” for the night…  and don’t forget to leave room for the ice cream!

If your kids still crave action at the end of a busy day…  check out the Family Dance-O-Rama at Nectar’s on Tuesday nights (they are located at the airport in the old Outerlands location).  They have music from 5:30-7:30, so the younger set can boogie and blow off some steam…  hopefully winding up very tired and ready for bed!  Admission is complimentary, and food is sold there, so it’s another “one stop shop” for dinner and fun (ya gotta love it when they make it that easy!).

Do you have other evening activities that are part of you island summer traditions?  Please make a comment.  We would love to hear your ideas.

Image courtesy of owlhere.

 

Check Out Things to Do in Oak Bluffs on a Memorable Day Trip
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Martha’s Vineyard Events
Live like a New England Local This Spring
Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which One Comes Out on Top
Treat Yourself to Something New at Martha’s Vineyard Shops
A Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Weather through the Seasons
Explore Downtown Edgartown on Your Martha’s Vineyard Escape
Look at That: What to See in Martha’s Vineyard

Those who know me well would probably describe my spending habits as “cheap”…  but I prefer the terms “economy minded” or “frugal”!  I don’t eat out often (college tuitions to save for you know), and I really appreciate a Value.  For all of these reasons, I am sympathetic to visitors who want to vacation on this beautiful island without taking a second mortgage out on their house.  Eating out every meal can be expensive, but if you know where to go, a little planning will go far and you can then splurge without guilt on some of our more posh gourmet dining options.

Because the island offers a vast array of eateries, this post will focus on Edgartown, which is the area I know best.  Let’s start with breakfast…   Please don’t underestimate the value of a breakfast included in your room rate, even a simple continental. Especially if you have more than 1 or 2 mouths to feed! It is one less thing to think about & budget.  It also makes the mornings a little more relaxed.  You don’t have to consider where to go, or even wait until everyone in your family is awake.

beach-picnic2I highly recommend solidifying your lunch plans before you take off for your day.  If you are headed to the beach or off for a hike or long bike ride, you can get sandwiches, etc. to go and have a picnic at a scenic spot along the way.  Two deli’s that offer great value are Humphreys Bakery (right behind The Colonial Inn on Winter St.) and Shiretown Meats (the butcher shop beside Stop & Shop).  Both offer huge portions, so it’s possible to make 1 sandwich into lunch for 2.  Another less expensive and popular option is fast food to go at the Quarterdeck on Dock St.  You can grab a hotdog for the kids (or an inexpensive soft ice cream cone) and enjoy your feast on a bench along the harbor, while watching the boats and ducking the seagulls (I understand that the gulls really like those french fries… watch your fingers!).

If you are looking for a casual, kid friendly spot to “eat in”, check out Among the Flowers on Mayhew Lane.  They have a wonderful patio area from which to people watch, & good food (celebrating 30 years in business, they must be doing something right…also a great option for a full breakfast).

There are numerous fabulous dinner options in Edgartown, depending on your mood and budget.  For casual pub fare, I like to recommend the Newes from America Pub, on the corner of N.Water St. and Kelley St.  It’s a cozy spot with a kid’s menu, and  microbrews on-tap.  Another popular restaurant with reasonable prices is Sharkey’s Cantina on upper Main St.  Yes, I know that most people don’t come to Martha’s Vineyard expecting to eat Mexican food; but the food is good, the atmosphere is fun, and variety is the spice of life, right?!

Another moderately priced dining option is Lattanzi’s Pizzeria.  Off of Courthouse Square, they offer exceptional “traditional Italian cuisine” (with a fine dining option next door).  The pizzeria is more casual, and offers something on the menu for everyone in the family.

If you are interested in a more upscale dining option, the Best Value in Edgartown is atChesca’s, on N.Water St. at the Colonial Inn Courtyard.  They offer delicious “urban Italian & American cuisine”, a comfortably elegant atmosphere, an extensive wine list, and the service is always top notch.  If there is a wait (it’s a really popular spot), you can enjoy your favorite beverage and people watch in the most comfortable rockers on the Island… on the covered front porch of the Colonial Inn.  Although everything on Chesca’s menu is a good bet, they offer a few Bento Box options that will help minimize the bill.  Their American version of this Japanese tradition offers smaller portions of an entree, salad, choice of soup or chowder, mashed potatoes and a fresh sautéed vegetable all for one attractive price ($28-32).

So what are your favorite choices when “eating out” on a budget on Martha’s Vineyard?  Did I miss you favorite Edgartown eating tradition?  I hope to expand on this list and cover other towns in future posts, so please let us know what your favorites are!

Image courtesy of edenpictures

 

Check Out Things to Do in Oak Bluffs on a Memorable Day Trip
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Martha’s Vineyard Events
Live like a New England Local This Spring
Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which One Comes Out on Top
Treat Yourself to Something New at Martha’s Vineyard Shops
A Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Weather through the Seasons
Explore Downtown Edgartown on Your Martha’s Vineyard Escape
Look at That: What to See in Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard has a wide ranging menu of choices for fine food and drink that will delight the most discriminating palates.  Being a frugal mother of four, however, I rarely partake.  (After all, patience and table manners are not virtues often seen amongst the younger members of my brood).

I can’t blame it all on the kids, however.  I am torn by a proud, but confused heritage.  My Italian ancestry has resulted in an appreciation for superior fare that is difficult to ignore; but thanks to my mother’s Scottish roots, the one thing that I like better than a great meal is a great deal… hence why I don’t eat out often!   The Vineyard is not known for it’s inexpensive dining options (although they exist– more on this in future posts).  This is why I am excited and anxiously anticipating two upcoming events that will satisfy both of these competing instincts…

Martha’s Vineyard Restaurant Week is starting this Sunday.  It runs June 21-25 and 22 restaurants are participating by offering special 3 course menus priced from $25-$45.  There are some incredible restaurants involved, and the values are great!  If it is too late to make it for the fun this year, fear not…  this is scheduled to be an annual event!

If you are more of a long range planner, mark your calendar for the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival the weekend of 10/16/09.  Opportunities will abound for learning about, as well as sampling, extraordinary dishes from talented chefs, and wines from all over the world.  So where’s the “deal”?  I’m glad you asked!  The Festival organizers are offering significant early bird discounts to anyone purchasing tickets to events before Sept. 1!  Check out the celebrities and schedule of events.  It’s going to be loads of delicious fun!  If you need overnight accommodations, the Colonial Inn is offeringMartha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival Packages.

I am already working on lining up a babysitter, so who knows?  Maybe I’ll see you there!

Image courtesy of Skype Nomad

 

Check Out Things to Do in Oak Bluffs on a Memorable Day Trip
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Martha’s Vineyard Events
Live like a New England Local This Spring
Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which One Comes Out on Top
Treat Yourself to Something New at Martha’s Vineyard Shops
A Guide to Martha’s Vineyard Weather through the Seasons
Explore Downtown Edgartown on Your Martha’s Vineyard Escape
Look at That: What to See in Martha’s Vineyard