Nothing says summer like a walk down Oak Bluffs Harbor and dinner at Fishbones!
“The seared tuna appetizer is one of the most popular dishes all summer – there’s something about that fresh tuna flavor paired with avocado and plantain chips that people really love!” – Sam, daytime manager
By Marnely Murray
There’s something special about the Oak Bluffs Harbor. It’s more of a sense, a feeling, than a specific thing. The feeling you get when you park your car somewhere in OB and walk down to the harbor. Once your feet step on it and your eyes can see the water three feet away, your heart might skip a beat, like mine does. Am I being overly dramatic? I swear I’m not! It’s just something about that spot, no other place on island can recreate that feeling.
Add to that feeling a craving for something good to eat and walk yourself over to Fishbones Bar & Grille, where a delicious summer meal awaits. Grab a seat and watch the Hy-Line Cruises ferry come and go, as people descend onto the Oak Bluffs Marina. The “people watching” is great here – the mothers forcing their kids to take one last photo, the dads trying to juggle the dog on a leash and then dozens of shopping bags, and the random stray toddlers that you think might fall into the water but somehow magically (and thankfully) don’t, because that would ruin your meal and that’s not what you’re there for.
You’ve walked into Fishbones Bar & Grille hungry and thirsty, and they are there to satisfy those needs. A quick view of the cocktail menu and you’ll see this isn’t just another bar, but a creative establishment that has a fun and quirky list of drinks to make you happy, in more ways than one. (Full disclosure: the writer of this article doesn’t drink, so her guest taste-tested the drinks on her behalf.) The frozen mojito, a local favorite, is the brightest of greens, thanks to the fresh mint in the drink and the lime and white rum balance it all out. For a really Instagram worthy drink, order something from their Upside Down Drink Menu, like the Caribbean Breeze. Coconut rum with pineapple juice, Blue Curacao, and an Upside Down Prosecco split are all you need to get the fun started!
After a few sips, you’re hungry for some food and browse the menu. If we may suggest, start with the Seared Tuna appetizer, which is a great dish to share with friends. The tuna is crusted in black and white sesame seeds and lightly seared, served atop crispy plantain chips and pickled red onions, all drizzled in an avocado crema. Sam, one of the managers, says this is one of the most popular dishes and a chef creation that has really taken off! We can taste why, as the flavors are fresh and bright, perfect for a summer starter.
As an entree, the Grilled Chicken Kebabs are something we’ve had a few times and come back for more. There’s something about the sweet marinade on the chicken, when paired with the charred onions and peppers, that give us a sense of place – like at a family barbecue. That bite of charred chicken and vegetables is pure summer. Pair these kebabs with that frozen mojito and you my friend, are living your best summer life.
For those looking for the classic New England seafood experience, there’s nothing better than the basket of fried scallops. Sweet, tender scallops are deep fried in a light coating. They are by far, the best fried scallops on island and worth their weight in gold. Get the coleslaw and fries for the perfect summer pairing – and a cold beer from their selection of craft brews to go with.
More Information
Fishbones Bar & Grille
12 Circuit Avenue Extension, Oak Bluffs
(508) 696-8227
http://www.fishbonesmv.com
