Clementine Wiley
If Menemsha isn’t your favorite MV spot yet, it’s small restaurants like the Menemsha Galley that will win this fishing town a special place in your heart. In fact, it might actually bring you to a quasi-spiritual relationship with your food. Eating here is not just about the sunset special–which is undeniably a wonder and pairs well with the Galley’s lobster roll), but about the quality of the seafood, the sense of tradition at this 52-year old family-owned restaurant, and the expertise and creativity in the cuisine. It’s a delight you can appreciate only if you take the trip to this island corner and get a taste for yourself.
Flanked by a sparkling body of water, The Menemsha Galley sits at the end of a small harbor, its porch seating area overlooking a flock of boats and houses sitting on the hilly landscape. “Jaws” aficionados might recognize this back porch from the scene in which Captain Quint launches his boat to begin his hunt.
With the Galley open from 11 am to 8 pm every day, locals and tourists in the area don’t have to hunt far for a satisfying meal. Beyond the classic burger, chowder, and rolls, the Galley offers a wide selection of food, from spinach salad to a white bean sandwich. The variety becomes more experimental with items like the pesto swordfish sandwich, roasted beet and kale veggie burger, and the Mediterranean quinoa burger. Furthermore, the front has a window dedicated to handing out the Galley’s homemade soft-serve ice cream, offered for an extra hour every day after food has stopped being served.
It’s a great destination on a day at the beach to pick up some food to go, or if you’d prefer, you can take a seat and enjoy one the of the best porch views the island has to offer. So come up island for a trip to the Galley, where the views equal–if not best–the food itself.
