Photo courtesy Nomans

Where to Dine Outside with Your Dog on Martha’s Vineyard

The Ultimate Guide to Dog-Friendly Restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard

When you plan a trip to Martha’s Vineyard, there’s no need to leave your four-legged friend behind. The Island is known not only for its breathtaking beaches, charming seaside villages, and relaxed coastal lifestyle but also for being exceptionally dog-friendly. Whether you're staying for a weekend or the whole summer, your dog is welcome to join in on the fun, including mealtime.

A Quick Note About Dining Laws in Massachusetts

Under Massachusetts state law, dogs are generally not permitted inside restaurants unless they are service animals. However, many restaurants with outdoor seating areas do allow dogs in those designated spaces, as long as local health codes permit it and the restaurant chooses to do so. Please note that dog-friendly policies vary by establishment. Additionally, restaurants are legally allowed to ask any dog, even a service animal, to leave if the dog is misbehaving or causing a disruption to other guests. Always call ahead or check with staff to confirm a restaurant’s current pet policy before you go.

With that in mind, there are still plenty of dog-friendly restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard that welcome well-behaved pups in their outdoor seating areas. Here are some of the best spots across the Island where you and your furry friend can dine together al fresco.

Vineyard Haven

Photo courtesy El Barco

Waterside Market

Main Street, Vineyard Haven
Waterside Market is a must-visit for breakfast and lunch in Vineyard Haven. With cozy outdoor porch seating available, this charming café is a great spot for you and your dog to relax together in the heart of downtown. Serving up freshly made sandwiches, hearty breakfast dishes, smoothies, and local coffee, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The Net Result 

Beach Road, Vineyard Haven
No trip to the Island is complete without indulging in fresh seafood, and The Net Result is a Vineyard staple. A classic seafood market and takeout joint, it offers everything from fried clams and lobster rolls to sushi. Their outdoor picnic tables make it easy to enjoy your meal with your dog by your side while watching boats come and go in the harbor.

Porto Pizza

Union Street, Vineyard Haven
Conveniently located right near the Steamship Authority terminal, Porto Pizza is the perfect place to grab a slice when you first arrive on the Island, or as a casual dinner spot before you depart. Dogs are welcome at the picnic tables out front, and the staff is always happy to see a wagging tail. After your meal, take a post-pizza stroll along Owen Park Beach, just a few blocks away.

Photo courtesy El Barco

El Barco 

Union Street, Vineyard Haven
This colorful outdoor eatery brings Latin-inspired flavor and vibrant energy to Vineyard Haven. El Barco offers tacos, burritos, and creative appetizers, all served in a fully outdoor setting beneath a large canopy. Dogs are welcome throughout the outdoor seating area, with the exception of the bar itself, making it a relaxed and pet-friendly place to grab a casual meal in the fresh air.

Oak Bluffs: Lively Dining with Harbor Views

Photo courtesy Nomans

Nomans

Beach Road, Oak Bluffs
Nomans is one of the most dog-friendly restaurants on Martha’s Vineyard. Located just outside downtown Oak Bluffs, this spacious, open-air hangout features lawn games, live music, and plenty of outdoor seating. Dogs are welcome throughout the property, making it a social paradise for both humans and pups. Grab a local craft beer, one of their rum cocktails, and a smash burger, then kick back while your dog lounges in the shade.

Coop de Ville

Oak Bluffs Harbor, Oak Bluffs
Overlooking the bustling Oak Bluffs harbor, Coop de Ville offers casual seafood dining with unbeatable waterfront views. Their outdoor seating area is dog-friendly and full of lively energy,  a great spot for boat-watching and people-watching. Try their famous buffalo wings or sample one of the many local oysters.

Sandbar and Grille

Oak Bluffs Harbor, Oak Bluffs
Right next door to Coop de Ville, Sandbar offers a fun, beachy atmosphere and a spacious sand-covered patio that welcomes dogs. It's a great place to kick off your shoes, sip a cocktail, and let your pup relax under your table as you dine outdoors with views of the harbor and the gentle sea breeze in the air.

Lookout Tavern

Seaview Avenue, Oak Bluffs
Lookout Tavern is another Oak Bluffs gem with a scenic outdoor dining area that welcomes dogs. With panoramic views of Vineyard Sound and the ferry terminal, it’s an ideal place to grab lunch or dinner and watch the boats roll in. The menu is broad ,  from sushi and burgers to lobster rolls and tacos ,  so there’s truly something for everyone.

Edgartown: Charming Eats in a Classic Seaside Town

The Seafood Shanty

Dock Street, Edgartown
This iconic Edgartown eatery has expanded its outdoor seating in recent years, offering new sidewalk tables where dogs are welcome. Overlooking Edgartown Harbor, the Seafood Shanty serves up fresh seafood, Island cocktails, and all the summer favorites in a lively, nautical atmosphere. You can’t beat the waterfront views.

Town Bar and Grill MV

Upper Main Street, Edgartown
A newer addition to the Edgartown dining scene, Town Bar & Grill is quickly becoming a go-to for relaxed, family-friendly meals ,  and yes, that includes dogs. Their large outdoor patio welcomes pups and features plenty of shaded seating. The menu is expansive, with burgers, bowls, tacos, wings, and creative cocktails.

Photo courtesy Bad Martha's

Bad Martha's Farmer's Brewery

Upper Main Street, Edgartown
Escape the hustle of downtown and unwind at Bad Martha’s, located next to Donaroma’s Nursery. This dog-friendly brewery is surrounded by lush gardens and features a beautiful outdoor pergola with shaded seating, live music, and a variety of locally brewed beers. The food menu includes flatbread pizzas, cheese boards, and snacks ,  great for sharing with friends.

More Dog-Friendly Dining Tips for Martha’s Vineyard

• All dogs should be leashed while dining outdoors, and it's always courteous to clean up after your pup.
• While many restaurants provide water bowls, it’s always a good idea to bring your own in case.
• If your dog is nervous around crowds, aim to eat during off-peak hours to avoid busy, loud patios.
• While many spots are dog-friendly outside, indoor dining areas and certain decks may still be off-limits due to health codes.
• In the summer, patios can get hot ,  check the ground temperature before settling your dog down.

Dog-Friendly Activities Near Restaurants

Many of these restaurants are conveniently located near parks, beaches, and scenic walking trails. Here are a few ideas to round out your outing:

• Owen Park in Vineyard Haven is a great place to relax post-dinner with harbor views.
• Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs is ideal for a pre- or post-meal stroll.
• Edgartown Lighthouse Beach allows leashed dogs and offers gorgeous views of the harbor.

From casual seafood shacks to lively breweries and elegant harbor-view patios, Martha’s Vineyard is one of the best places in New England to enjoy dining with your dog. The Island’s laid-back, pet-friendly culture makes it easy to include your pup in every part of your trip ,  especially when it comes to mealtime.

Whether you’re sipping craft beer in Edgartown, watching ferries come in at Oak Bluffs, or enjoying a morning coffee in Vineyard Haven, there’s a dog-friendly table waiting for you. So pack a leash, grab your sunglasses, and treat both yourself and your best friend to an unforgettable Island dining experience. Point B Realty has a blog called  Pet-Friendly Martha’s Vineyard: How to Make the Most of Your Stay with Your Four-Legged Friends, well worth the read as well as our dog-friendly post on MVY.com as well on dog-friendly on MV. 

Disclaimer: Dog-friendly policies can change based on local health regulations, seasonal guidelines, or individual business decisions. We recommend calling ahead or checking directly with the restaurant before bringing your dog to ensure pets are still welcome in their dining areas.