Looking for that cool place to chill out on your way to the beach, or coming back from it? Look no further than Nomans in Oak Bluffs.
Nomans is situated at the former location of Lola’s restaurant, but has made quite a few changes geared toward a family-friendly atmosphere. For starters, the inside was opened up and given a stealthy black paint job. A takeout counter was added so people can order food, receive a buzzer, and sit back and enjoy the outdoor patio until their food is ready to be picked up.
The great thing about Nomans is that the adults can kick back, seat themselves at one of the numerous outdoor tables or in a lawn chair with one of the restaurant’s signature drinks, enjoying the ambiance, while the children run around the lawn. Several sets of cornhole are set up for endless rounds of play.
Nomans offers two house rums, one dark, one light. The dark rum is aged eight to 13 years in new American oak barrels, and should be drunk neat or on ice. The light rum, designed for mixing in a cocktail, is also aged in new American oak barrels, but only for three years. All the rums are bottled and produced at Triple 8 distillery on Nantucket.
Drinks like the Punch Line ($13) mix summer favorites lemonade, fresh watermelon, and mint for a refreshing beverage. The Michelada ($9) is like a meal in a cup with Pacífico, Clamato, Worcestershire, chili, lime, and salt. Get your heady writer vibe on with the Hemingway Daiquiri ($13), a mix of Nomans light rum, grapefruit, lime, and maraschino liqueur.
Now what to pair with those delicious drinks? How about the Sourdough Toast ($7), which comes with either avocado and Aleppo pepper or hummus and radish spreads. The four-ounce Flat Top Burger ($9) is another safe and classic bet. For seafaring fare, the Fish Tacos’ ($11) flavor shines with chili and lime-seared local fish, avocado, cabbage, and crema, wrapped up in a soft corn tortilla.
For those looking for veggie options, the Green Goddess ($14) is an assortment of crunchy vegetables with salt-crusted potatoes and house dip.
For something more hearty, the Bucket of Chicken ($30) is all-Island chicken, deep-fried and served with slaw. Top it off with the Hand Cut Fries ($6) and you’ll be sittin’ pretty.
If the food and drinks weren’t enough for you, check out Nomans for the live music, which runs every day with Island favorites Josh O’Toole, Mike Benjamin, the Dukes of Circuit Ave, McMahon Brothers, Philly D, Dukes, Casey Smith, Rose Guerin, Brothers Rye, Blue Yonder, Blue Switch, and Adam Natusch in the lineup.
For a good time, fun games, lots of food, and a relaxing Vineyard hangout, visit Nomans.
Nomans is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm. For more information visit nomansmv.com or check out @nomansmv on Instagram.
