An Island Tradition for Everyone
by Robin Harper
The Ocean View and Tavern in Oak Bluffs is a year-round establishment that has stood the test of time, and for good reason. Within walking distance from Oak Bluffs Harbor, both tourists and year-round residents have flocked to “The View” for over 35 years.
Owned and operated by the Santoro Hospitality Group, the Ocean View is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, offering different experiences for a variety of clientele. But one thing’s the same — the minute you step inside, you already feel like a local.
On one side is the Tavern – a large yet cozy space with 6 flat screens for sports fans to catch a game or match in high-def while they enjoy a meal and a cold one… or two.
The Tavern features a full bar with a wide selection of bottled beer, beer on tap, wine and specialty cocktails like the Mango Mojito and Cucumber Lemon Martini. If sipping spirits are more your style, you might try the Don Julio 1942 tequila neat or a glass of Booker’s bourbon on the rocks.
The casual dining area right next to the Tavern is a great spot for families. Parents will appreciate the low-key atmosphere and variety of food choices, while the kids will be happy with the full Children’s menu and scooping out endless bowls of free popcorn from the popcorn machine.
The Ocean View’s Tavern menu is prolific with a wide range of soups, salads, apps, sandwiches and burgers. The burgers are made with thickly-cut, Certified Angus beef served on a buttery brioche roll. One stand-out choice is the Black & Bleu Burger, seasoned with cracked black pepper and topped with melted bleu cheese crumbles. The Fried Buttermilk Chicken sandwich is another can’t-miss with crispy, finger-lickin’ fried chicken and homemade coleslaw.
New to the menu and already extremely popular is Lobster Mania! Served every day until 4 pm, patrons can choose from items including the Lobster Quesadilla, Lobster Mac-n-Cheese or a whole 1 1/14lb New England boiled lobster served with fries and coleslaw.
Something else new for the View is their local source of fresh fish and seafood. The Santoro Group recently bought the famous Net Result Fish Market, giving the Ocean View a direct, in-house supply of some of the freshest seafood on the Island. The Dining Room menu features a Catch of the Day and as General Manager Jennifer Toppin explained, “It’s been SO great to have that connection to the Net Result, we don’t have to rely on frozen seafood like so many other restaurants. Our chefs are always excited to see what’s fresh off the boat that they can work with, from New England harpooned swordfish one day to Red Snapper the next. And of course lobster…ALWAYS lobster.”
For those who crave a quieter, more intimate experience, the formal Dining Room opposite the Tavern might be more your speed. This menu includes offerings from the sea and the shore, from a delectable Filet Mignon and Chicken Milanese to fried seafood platters (we highly recommend the golden-brown deliciousness of the Fried Clams) and a variety of pasta dishes.
If you’re looking for a real bargain, specialty dinners are offered every week Sunday through Thursday. For only $25, you can order the Lobster Special that includes a 1 1/4lb lobster, potato, corn on the cob and a cup of New England Clam Chowder. Or the Prime Rib Special featuring slow-roasted, Certified Angus prime rib with your choice of potato, vegetables and salad bar.
Whether you choose to sit in the Dining Room, Tavern or picking up takeout, patrons are welcome to order from both menus, so the only hard part of the meal will be deciding what to order.
This may be your first trip to Martha’s Vineyard or your family is “locally grown”. Either way, every visitor will love the Ocean View’s great food, neighborly ambiance and a staff that’s always happy to see you.
MORE INFO
16 Chapman Ave, Oak Bluffs
508-693-2207
oceanviewrestaurantmv.com
