The Seafood Shanty Presents Unmatched Views While You Dine
by Robin Harper
Summer on Martha’s Vineyard is synonymous with a visit to the Seafood Shanty in Edgartown.
Just a few steps away from the water’s edge of Edgartown Harbor, the Shanty’s lower and upper-level dining areas offer an unmatched, 180-degree view of the harbor, Memorial Wharf and Edgartown’s little sister island, Chappaquiddick.
The “show” is here. On a perfect Vineyard day or evening, light dances on the water, boats big and small float gracefully across the stage, and the chugging motors of the On-Time Ferry sing their perpetual song.
If you can tear yourself away from the views long enough, you’ll find the next thing to feast your eyes on – the MENU.
As the Shanty’s name suggests, there is a large assortment of fresh, delicious seafood and fish-centered meals to choose from. In Lighter Fare, the most popular item hands-down is the Lobster Roll – the Island’s biggest and best with tender chunks of hard-shell lobster meat, mixed lightly with mayo and just a touch of celery.
Another favorite choice is the Fish Tacos. Cajun-spiced Mahi, lettuce and pineapple-mango salsa stuffed into two flour tortillas and served with chipotle aioli, fries and coleslaw.
If seafood’s not your thing, items like the pulled pork sandwich will most definitely make your day. Juicy, fall-off-the-bone morsels of pork slathered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, piled high on a lightly toasted bun.
Before you dive in, don’t overlook the appetizers. The clam chowder is classic New England – thick and creamy, full of clams and perfectly seasoned. Other items to warm up your palette include the Calamari, lightly coated, fried and served with sweet chili sauce, and the new “Bam-Bam” Shrimp, fried shrimp tossed in a house sauce with just the right amount of spicy goodness.
Also, don’t miss the drinks menu if you want to add a little kick to your visit. There you’ll find a generous and eclectic mix of beer, wine, frozen drinks and specialty cocktails like the “Best Damn Bloody Mary Evah!” or the staff-favorite “Shanty Margarita”.
As you move onto the larger Entrees, it’s time to get serious – like with the Fisherman’s Platter, a huge portion of haddock, scallops, clams and shrimp, all lightly coated and fried to golden brown. You might want to share this one! Another crowd favorite is the Baked Stuffed Shrimp. Jumbo shrimp is baked with a delicious, in-house crabmeat stuffing and topped with a lemon beurre blanc sauce.
Landlubbers will enjoy choices such as the Herb Roasted Chicken, or the Ribeye Steak, a 12oz ribeye topped with a bleu cheese/horseradish butter and served with a baked potato. There’s even a vegan option in the Mandalay-Style Vegetable Medley – a mix of garden-fresh veggies sautéed in a yellow coconut curry sauce served over rice.
For those who prefer gifts from the sea Japanese-style, the Shanty also offers a robust sushi menu with Chef’s Special Rolls including the Volcano Roll with spicy raw tuna, avocado and crispy tempura and platters like the Sushi Deluxe with ten pieces of nigiri sushi and a California roll.
If you can possibly fit it in, the grand finale is in the dessert. Try the Key Lime Pie, a creamy, citrus-y delight that’s like a party in your mouth. Or the flourless chocolate torte (gluten-free!) which is heaven on a plate.
As general manager Shepe Arias notes, “We have a lot of repeat customers who know what we’re all about, primarily our seafood – but we also have something for everyone.” They do indeed.
And as you depart, tilting sails, gentle breezes and The Seafood Shanty bid you a warm farewell – until next time when you return for an encore performance.
MORE INFO
31 Dock St, Edgartown
(508) 627-8622
theseafoodshanty.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheSeafoodShanty/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the.seafood.shanty/
