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Outdoor Dining on Martha’s Vineyard: Where to Eat Al Fresco This Summer

 

El Barco in Vineyard Haven (photo by Ray Ewing)

 

When the sun is shining and the ocean breeze is warm, there’s nothing better than enjoying a delicious meal outdoors on Martha’s Vineyard. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner with a view, a casual bite after the beach, or a lively group meal under the stars, the Island offers an impressive variety of open-air dining spots to match every mood and appetite.

From harborfront decks to shaded patios and picnic-style lawns, these restaurants combine excellent food, drink, and atmosphere in ways that capture the best of Island living.

 

El Barco
This Mexican-inspired eatery brings bold flavors and a colorful outdoor setup under a breezy canopy. The all-outdoor layout adds to its relaxed vibe, making it a great choice for tacos, burritos, and small plates with a twist. The drink menu includes fresh margaritas and house cocktails, and while seating at the bar may be limited for dog owners, the rest of the space is pet-friendly and festive.

Offshore Ale Co.
One of the Island’s most well-loved breweries, Offshore Ale offers hearty pub fare alongside its house-brewed beers. Its seasonal outdoor patio is partially covered, and shaded by greenery, creating a cozy garden feel just steps away from the Island’s summer bustle. Guests can enjoy wood-fired pizza, mussels, burgers, and a rotating tap list of craft brews in a relaxed and lively setting.

Winnetu’s The Dunes
With an elevated, coastal-chic feel, The Dunes offers a refined outdoor dining experience near the ocean. The terrace provides a breezy, relaxed setting for enjoying handmade pastas, Lobster Pot Pie, and fresh ceviche. The thoughtful plating and polished service elevate the experience without sacrificing the charm of a classic Island evening. It’s an excellent choice for a special occasion or romantic night out.

Lookout Tavern
Known for its sweeping views of the water and constant stream of summer activity below, Lookout Tavern is a top choice for a casual seafood-forward meal with a front-row seat to the Island’s ocean life. The deck seating is breezy and lively, often filled with diners enjoying sushi rolls, fried clams, lobster mac and cheese, and frozen cocktails. It’s a classic summer spot with a fun, upbeat energy.

Nomans' outdoor patio in Oak Bluffs (photo by Gabrielle Mannino)

Nomans
With its expansive lawn, picnic tables, fire pits, and live music, Nomans feels more like a backyard party than a traditional restaurant. It’s casual, family-friendly, and perfect for group gatherings or relaxing post-beach meals. The menu includes Island staples like fish sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and bowls, alongside frozen drinks, craft beer, and wine. Dogs are welcome, and the laid-back vibe makes it one of the most inclusive outdoor dining spots on the Island.

Sandbar Grille
A toes-in-the-sand kind of place, Sandbar Grille offers a true beachside dining experience overlooking the Oak Bluffs Harbor. Tables are set directly on the sand, and the menu includes Island favorites like clam chowder, lobster tacos, and fried seafood baskets. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a drink and casual meal in flip-flops while watching the boats come in at sunset.

19 Raw Oyster Bar
For a stylish, seafood-forward experience with a modern edge, 19 Raw Oyster Bar offers a tucked-away outdoor patio that’s both cozy and sophisticated. The menu focuses on fresh oysters, crudo, small plates, and inventive cocktails. It’s a great option for an intimate date night or a leisurely meal with friends. The sleek, minimal vibe combined with high-quality seafood makes it one of the Island’s trendiest open-air dining spots.

 

Among the Flowers in Edgartown

Among the Flowers
A charming hidden gem tucked just off a busy downtown street in Edgartown, Among the Flowers lives up to its name with a floral-lined outdoor patio that feels like a garden retreat. The casual breakfast and lunch menu features sandwiches, smoothies, egg dishes, and fresh baked goods. It’s a peaceful way to start your day or enjoy a quiet afternoon break with fresh air and simple, delicious food.

Waterside Market
Known for its casual menu and relaxed café atmosphere, Waterside Market offers outdoor tables where you can enjoy one of the best breakfasts or sandwiches on the Island. The menu leans into fresh ingredients and made-to-order plates, from breakfast burritos to BLTs and loaded salads. It’s an ideal option for a sunny brunch or casual mid-day bite.

Nancy’s Restaurant
Nancy’s is a longtime Island institution known for its lively outdoor atmosphere and sweeping views of the Oak Bluffs Harbor. The menu is stacked with seafood favorites: lobster rolls, scallops, clam strips! And the downstairs deck is a go-to for frozen drinks like their famous Dirty Banana. From families to couples to late-afternoon happy hour crowds, it’s a quintessential Vineyard outdoor dining experience.

Coop de Ville is open for the season (photo by Gabrielle Mannino)

Coop de Ville
A beloved Island staple with a loyal following, Coop de Ville offers a casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere right on the Oak Bluffs Harbor dock. Known for its excellent wings, crab legs, and rotating selection of local and regional beers, this spot combines dive-bar charm with unbeatable harbor views. The open-air setup makes it an ideal stop for a laid-back lunch or sunset beer by the water.

Fish MV
Located on Main Street in Vineyard Haven, Fish MV is a modern seafood counter offering fresh, chef-curated dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect spot to grab a quick bite after browsing the nearby boutique shops or while waiting for the ferry. The menu includes crowd-pleasers like crispy fish sandwiches, poke bowls, and shrimp ceviche. It’s an easy, delicious choice just steps from the Vineyard Haven Ferry terminal.

Seafood Shanty
The rooftop deck at Seafood Shanty draws a crowd all summer long, thanks to its panoramic Edgartown Harbor views and festive ambiance. The menu is seafood-centric, but you’ll also find sushi, sandwiches, and steaks, making it a great place to please everyone in your group. With a lively bar scene, breezy views, and a fun mix of locals and visitors, this spot is an Island favorite for both lunch and dinner.

Atlantic Fish & Chophouse
For those looking to indulge, Atlantic Fish & Chophouse delivers an upscale waterfront dining experience with sweeping views and a lively, high-energy atmosphere. The spacious outdoor deck features comfortable seating and a menu that spans raw bar towers, prime steaks, and creative seafood entrees. Cocktails are expertly made, and the lively harborfront setting creates a festive and luxurious Island evening.

Tips for Outdoor Dining on Martha’s Vineyard

To make the most of your outdoor dining adventures on the Island, keep these local tips in mind:

  • Make reservations where possible, especially for sunset hours and weekends, as outdoor seating fills up quickly.
  • Come early to beat the dinner rush and get your pick of the best tables with a view.
  • Bring a layer. Even in the height of summer, temperatures can drop once the sun sets and the sea breeze picks up.
  • Check pet policies if you're bringing a dog, many outdoor restaurants are pet-friendly, but it varies by location.
  • Support local. These independently owned spots rely on seasonal business, your visit makes a big difference.

Outdoor dining on Martha’s Vineyard is more than a seasonal treat, it’s an essential part of the Island experience. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail by the water, dining under twinkling lights on a patio, or enjoying fresh seafood with your feet in the sand, these restaurants combine the best of local flavor, scenery, and summer energy.

Make outdoor dining a priority during your Island visit; you’ll not only enjoy incredible food but also soak up the moments that make a Vineyard summer unforgettable.

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