Fill Your Bellies with a Classic American Fare During the Day, and a Dance Party at Night
by Caroline Cardoso
From spicy, boneless buffalo tenders, to baked potato skins topped with melted cheese, and crispy bacon, the appetizers at the Island Bar and Grill are to die for. But that is not all; the New York Strip–a 12 oz. center cut strip purchased from a local market–and the pasta dishes, like the Lobster Scampi, are only two of the best selling entrees on the menu.
Family friendly restaurant by day, dance club by night, the Island Bar and Grill welcomes all ages every night for classic rock music and a great meal. Being the only restaurant on Circuit Ave. in Oak Bluffs that offers outdoor dining, you bet you will find this place swarming with people, day and night. During the day and evening, lunch and dinner is served 7 days a week. Later on at night, the restaurant is transformed into a night venue where the tables are moved and the floor is set up with live bands and DJs. According to 12 year manager Sonny Chhibber, the change of atmosphere is what makes the Island Bar and Grill different from other restaurants.
“[In the end], it all turns into one big dance floor,” said Chhibber. “It’s a fun place where you can come hang out with your parents but still hang out with your friends.”
Since 1999, the family owned business continues to please tourists and islanders with their American cuisine dishes and menu. Whether it’s a steak or a seafood platter, the Island Bar and Grill never fails to serve a satisfying meal.
Through the months of July and August the number of families and people on the island grows–this means the business for island restaurants become busier. This year the Island Bar prepares for one of their biggest events of the year: hosting Shark Week. Chefs, cooks, waiters, and even Chhibber, scramble for the preparation to be done the the event to go smoothly. Chhibber says that because July and August are two of the warmest months and Shark Week will be held on Thursday, July 17, it will be their busiest time of the year.
“The day that the shark tournament begins is the Captains’ Meeting which is held here at the restaurant, so that will be about 250-350 fishermen [all in the same place],” Chhibber said. “Then on Friday and Saturday they [will be] fishing and Saturday evening will be the prize ceremony where the dinner is taking place here–as known as the Captain’s Dinner.”
Although the preparation for this event will be stressful, Chhibber says it is the most important part. According to Chhibber, the stress is all worth it.
“Sometimes it can get a little crazy, but it’s still a fun time for everybody,” Chhibber said. “[Hosting Shark Week] is great and brings a lot of money to the town because of the fishermen and the thousands of people that show up to see all of the sharks, so it’s a pretty big event.”
On your way into the Island Bar and Grill, you will be guaranteed a full belly on your way out. Between a normal day in Oak Bluffs, or joining the Shark Week excitement, this cool, laid back restaurant with great dishes, welcoming service, and even live music at night makes the Island Bar the place to be.
MORE INFO:
Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, Cash
Only place on Circuit Ave that has outdoor dining
Free wifi
Large parties and kid friendly
11 Circuit Ave, Oak Bluffs
