by Natasha Heinz
In the midst of discovering all that Aquinnah has to offer, you will need to stop somewhere and have a meal that matches the town’s priceless treasures and unequaled views. The Aquinnah Shop is ready to satisfy hunger pangs and to provide unsurpassed scenic sights.
Located by the town’s legendary cliffs, the restaurant is one of the oldest and most traditional on the island. Run by the Vanderhoop family since the early 1940s, Cully Vanderhoop now mans the helm. He took over management duties from his mother in 2001. His son, Jacob, is head chef.
Open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., The Aquinnah Shop serves breakfast, lunch and dinner indoors and outside. A takeout window functions from late morning to early afternoon offering burgers and snacks to enjoy while exploring the breathtaking surroundings.
No matter where you sit, the restaurant provides spectacular views to accompany its spectacular dishes. Guests who opt to sit inside will not miss a thing thanks to floor to ceiling glass windows. The windows allow sunlight to shine through and provide unobstructed views of the sapphire ocean and the stunning cliffs.
The menu offers something for everyone, with myriad seafood options.
From shrimp cocktail and crab cakes, to fresh salads with luscious lobster or right-off-the-boat swordfish, to classics like savory seafood stew and rich clam chowder, the Aquinnah Shop dishes up a variety of entrees and starters exclusively crafted by the Vanderhoop family. Choosing exactly what you will want can be a tough. But rest assured; whatever you pick will be spectacular. Fantastic food and first-rate service are reasons enough to make the trip up-island to enjoy a marvelous meal at The Aquinnah Shop. Another is having the unique opportunity to sit so close to the sea that it almost feels like you are sailing into the sunset.
