Every spring, Martha’s Vineyard undergoes a unique transformation – storefronts get a fresh coat of paint, eager J1 seasonal staff returns or arrives for the first time, and the delivery trucks are working overtime to get everyone ready. This season though, the transformation is a little more interesting than just the reopening of doors. Some of the island’s newest restaurants aren’t new at all, at least the ones we’ll be talking about today. They’re beloved, familiar spaces under new ownership, new concepts finding a fresh home; the latest restaurants are housed in homes that once held other menus, ingredients, and staff, and are now serving up an entirely different restaurant persona. On an island where space is limited and restaurant buildouts are costly, seeing these spaces transformed and reenvisioned is admirable.
Starting with the most awaited new restaurant of the season, Highlands General (formerly Linda Jeans) on 25 Circuit Avenue. The best part of this news is that this will also be a year-round spot and for that, I am thankful. Oak Bluffs seriously needed a year-round coffee location because in the dead of winter, not having a warm beverage to sip on was ruining anyone’s desire to stroll Circuit Avenue in their winter coat. Highlands will be open 7am to 4pm, with extended hours in peak season and they’re not just coffee. Breakfast is served with items such as a breakfast sandwich, breakfast burrito, and a breakfast place with a biscuit that looks delightful. From their breakfast menu, I urge you to try their French Toast Sticks. Crusted in corn flakes and served with a housemade jam and real maple syrup, it’s the perfect sweet breakfast treat. If you’re looking for lunch, you’ll also find it here and their menu revolves around rotisserie chicken. Served in rice bowls, sandwiches, or as a meal, it’s juicy, flavorful, and obviously protein-packed. If I were to describe this concept to you, it would be a flavorful breakfast and lunch menu, coffee drinks, with indoor seating that might just be the best people watching on Circuit Avenue. Sprinkle in a shop section with to-go items and drinks, and this might be Circuit Avenue’s dream come true.
Next up, we’re firing it up with Esh (formerly Dos Mas), at 50 Circuit Avenue which literally means “fire” in Hebrew. They’re offering dinner and weekend brunch at the moment, with a new chef leading the menu, chef Michael Thomas. Speaking to him over brunch, we learned he is excited for this season on the Vineyard and at Esh, where he hopes to progress the menu offerings as the season moves along. The concept is progressive American, with his experience as a chef on the West Coast dotting the menu. The brunch menu is packed with flavor – you can taste the level of effort and technique put into the food. The sauces are magnificent, the cooking on the proteins perfection, and the textures truly are something to be excited about. Circuit Avenue is getting more and more delicious by the minute.
Now, if you know me, you know I want to hear the latest news but if I don’t take notes, I’ll forget the moment you stop talking, so that’s why when Jordan Wallace called me twice last week, I didn’t answer until I was at my desk with a notepad. The owner of Midnight Taco and Midnight Mediterranean is opening Jetty Beach House (formerly Lobsterville) on 8 Circuit Avenue Extension and throughout the conversation, I could tell he was very excited about this new concept. Planning to open Memorial Day weekend, Jetty Beach House is described by Jordan as an easygoing, ethereal experience – one that you might have when visiting your best friend’s beach house on a perfect summer day. A focus on local seafood is a must, with New England classics done to Jordan’s standards. Which if you know him and how obsessive he can get with food, you know it’ll be good. I wanted to know what would be on the menu, to which he rattled off a few items: Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Bocadillo de Calamares, Whole Fried Black Bass – everything sounds new and exciting, but at the same time deeply rooted in this region’s assets: seafood. I can’t wait to stop in.
It seems like Oak Bluffs is getting all the excitement this season, but drive through Vineyard Haven and they’ll tell you they have their own things going on. If you’ve been wondering, The Wave (formerly Garde East) on 52 Beach Road has been a quiet move that we’ve only realized thanks to the new sign. This restaurant and bar will be waterfront dining with a roof deck, serving lunch and dinner. That’s all I know for now.
A few minutes away is Vineyard Grill (formerly MV Tap) and in the same space is Vineyard Bakery, on 13 Beach Road Extension, has seen a few iterations and settled on this latest concept. This location has seen a few iterations of Brazilian-inspired mixed grill and steak house, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a full bar.
On my new but not actually new list, I’m sharing a list of places that wouldn’t be considered new, but I want to put them on your list: Honorary Tavern (formerly Chef Deon’s at the VFW) on 14 Towanticut Street in Oak Bluffs is serving up hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in a comfortable setting; Indigo on 268 Upper Main Street in Edgartown has been open for a while now serving up deliciously vibrant Indian food; Maker Café (formerly The Maker Pasta Shop & Cafe) is now serving up brunch and when I tell you their Kimchi Chorizo Fried Rice is outstanding, it truly is. J&L Meat Market on 426 State Road Vineyard Haven has been open for two years but it was new to me, and if you’re looking for South American food products and meats, this is your spot.
This last list is a short one and one I’m not sure my editor will let me run, but it’s the list of places I know are coming but unsure of details – but looking forward to their development:
- Vineyard Wine and Cheese Shop on 38 Circuit Avenue
- Sweetish Fish on 1 South Water Street
- MV Chowder Company moving to 14 Avenue Kennebec
Whether you’re rediscovering a space for the first time or walking through a door to a space that’s been given new life, this season’s dining scene is proof that Martha’s Vineyard never stands still. Reinventing is at the core of culinary development, while holding on to what makes this place special. Pull up a chair, order something you’ve never tried before, and see what’s cooking. The best meal of the season might be waiting somewhere you least expect it!
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