Bundling up and trudging out into the elements on a frigid January morning can require some effort, but what better way to keep the winter blues at bay than a hearty sit-down breakfast, piping hot pot of coffee, and good friends? We’ll have to wait until spring for seasonal favorites like Biscuits, Right Fork Diner, and the Aquinnah Shop, but these year-round standbys, differentiated by the fact they provide table service, are open, minus a winter break here and there, with breakfast food to get you going.
Dock Street Coffee Shop. The unpretentious air of the Dock Street Coffee Shop, in Edgartown, is a large part of the appeal. It’s the Vineyard’s truest greasy spoon with no-frills, straightforward food at a reasonable price, served at lightning speed. Dock Street is open every day, year-round. Breakfast starts at 6:30 am and the diner shuts down around 1:15 pm. 508-627-5232.
The ArtCliff. Get your fill of the ArtCliff’s signature diner fare with flair before they take their winter break in mid-February. With omelets, crepes, hash, and creative daily specials like Captain Crunch French Toast, there is something for the most traditional breakfast eater and the adventurous eater as well. In January, chances are you won’t have to brave a long line to get inside, but you never know, the ArtCliff is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Located in Vineyard Haven, they are currently open Thursday through Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. 508-693-1224.
State Road Restaurant. Up-Island’s breakfast go-to, in West Tisbury, is open for brunch every Saturday and Sunday until the end of January, closing for February and March. If you haven’t already tried their ricotta pancakes with blueberries and lemon curd ($14), I suggest you do so. And if it’s lunch that you’re after, that fried green tomato BLT ($10) is famous for good reason. Keep in mind that burger night is back at State Road, every Thursday in January. 508-693-8582.
The Black Dog. Seeing as The Black Dog was born from the frustration (and probable hunger) of a captain with nowhere to eat on the Vineyard in the winter of 1969, it is only appropriate that they’re in it for the long haul. The Tavern, in Vineyard Haven, is open for breakfast and lunch seven days. Serving from 7 am to 3 pm Sunday through Wednesday and until 4 pm Thursday through Saturday, lunch service starts at 11 am. The Tavern is also serving dinner from 5 to 9 pm Thursday through Saturday. The Café, on State Road in Vineyard Haven, is baking fresh pastries daily and serving breakfast and lunch from 7 am to 6 pm, closing at 4 pm on Sundays. Tavern: 508-693-9223. Cafe: 508-696-8190.
Slice of Life. The Slice, in Oak Bluffs, is open Tuesday through Saturday, serving all day, from 8 am to 8:30 pm. One of the few remaining places where you can sit on the porch and not freeze, and also watch the hustle and bustle of Circuit Avenue in January (kidding). Check out some of their creative breakfast sandwiches that go beyond bacon, egg, and cheese (though there is nothing wrong with the classic). The Gruyère Bagel is served with arugula, red onions, sliced apples, and melted Gruyère on a toasted bagel ($7). Or embrace your inner tree-hugger with their much-loved oven-baked granola, tossed with toasted nuts and served with organic yogurt and seasonal fresh fruit ($10.50). 508-693-3838.
Linda Jean’s. A long-time favorite among visitors and residents alike, Linda Jean’s in Oak Bluffs serves breakfast seven days a week starting at 6 am. Breakfast favorites are the Jacob and the Belgium waffles with a variety of toppings. 508-693-4093.
Little House Café. With no plans to close this winter we can plan on enjoying breakfast, lunch, and on Wednesday through Saturday, dinner in the Little House’s bright, sunny dining room, located in Vineyard Haven. Breakfast and lunch are served Monday through Saturday from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Try their German Apple Pancakes with poured cream and pure maple syrup ($6.75) or the Grilled Brie Sandwich with apricot jam on Ciabatta ($5.75). For a healthy jumpstart to your day, the Green Breakfast comes with an egg, avocado, and spinach, and a mixed green salad ($8.75). 508-687-9794.
Plane View Restaurant. The Plane View, at the airport, is serving breakfast and lunch from 7 am to 3 pm featuring casual diner favorites like eggs, pancakes, soups, salads, Club sandwiches, etc. Visit them at the airport seven days a week. 508-693-1886.
