You come here for the ocean air, so why waste precious vacation time inside air conditioned restaurants? Explore the island's many outdoor dining options, but be sure to bring a light jacket or sweater to dinner. Vineyard nights can get cool.
OAK BLUFFS - Harbor
The Oak Bluffs Harbor is busy all day long and it boasts a half dozen open air dining/drinking spots. Whichever you choose, you'll be part of the ongoing party.Nancy's Snack Bar has a big menu that includes some Mediterranean choices along with standard snack bar fare. Sit under a straw umbrella and enjoy a frozen drink with your hummus plate.The Sand Bar does have both real sand and a big circular outdoor bar. They sometimes feature live music and it's the busiest bar scene on the harbor. Coop de Ville is the most bare bones of the harbor choices but it's a local favorite and probably the cheapest. Fishbones is a little more upscale. They've got some nice gourmet entrees.Newcomer Sugar Shack is a Caribbean style restaurant complete with ethnic food and tropical drinks.Pop around the back side of the harbor and enjoy Italian cuisine under the stars at the brand new Stella, featuring sidewalk cafe style seating.
OAK BLUFFS - Circuit Ave and More
The island's prettiest outdoor dining space can be found at the top of Circuit Ave. at the award winning Sweet Life, featuring French cuisine in a magical twinkling garden. The Island House has an outside patio where you can observe the action on Circuit Ave. while enjoying a frozen mudslide and a leisurely lunch or dinner. Across from the ferry landing is the popular Lookout tavern. Nosh on sushi or fried seafood and a brew or two while waiting for your boat to come in.
EDGARTOWN
The Seafood Shanty offers the best views of the Edgartown Harbor. They have recently supplemented their selection of standard seafood choices with a sushi bar, and the deck is a lovely location for dinner. Alchemy's menu of gourmet dishes with French flair can be enjoyed from sidewalk seating on Main Street.Whether you're in the mood for pizza or fine Northern Italian cuisine, Lattanzi's has sidewalk cafe style tables for both their adjoining restaurants. The elegant l'etoile has one patio garden table. Request it for a special romantic evening out. The outdoor cafe at Espresso Love is a veritable Garden of Eden with seasonal landscaping featuring some exotic blooms. Salads, sandwiches, pizzas and apps are available at dinner time, the usual fare for breakfast and lunch. Enjoy breakfast or lunch literally Among the Flowers at this pretty downtown Edgartown garden spot.
VINEYARD HAVEN
The sidewalk tables at Main Street's Zephrus are popular for people-watching and drive-by greetings.Mediterranean Restaurant has upper decks overlooking the VH Harbor and terrific ethnic influenced food. In the Tisbury Marketplace on Beach Road you can grab lunch from the Net Result and feast at their picnic tables facing the harbor; or dine pondside from a good selection of breakfast or midday take-out options from The Daily Grind.
UP ISLAND
The Homeport in Menemsha has long been a popular destination for those seeking great local sea food and a spectacular sunset view. The restaurnant does not have outdoor seating but if you order takeout from the back window you're welcome to eat at the front picnic tables. The Aquinnah Restaurant sits atop the Gay Head Cliffs. The view can't be beat from either the indoor dining room or the upper deck. The Outermost is one of the Vineyard's most scenic restaurants and, though you can't dine outside, the patio bar is an incredible spot to savor the view while sipping on BYOB refreshments.
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