Enjoy burgers, brewskis, and sushi at Oak Bluffs’ preeminent outdoor dining spot
by Diane Alter
At the Sandbar & Grille on the harbor in Oak Bluffs, patrons can enjoy everything from a first-rate burger to sensational sushi. That is indeed a big part of the restaurant’s appeal. Yet it is the Sand Bar’s outdoor dining, with soft sand as a floor, open skies as a ceiling and an arresting view of the Oak Bluffs Harbor that truly makes this dining spot an island standout.
But without question, the food is a crowd pleaser.
The menu is an eclectic mix with something completely satisfying for everyone. Starters and snacks range from chicken wings to mac & cheese bites. Try the Ceviche appetizer. Made with local island lobster, shrimp, crab, and mahi, this fantastic fish dish is served with tortilla chips. Here’s a hint, order two if you are dining with a large party.
Among the enticing salad offerings is the Blue Crab Caprese. Fresh, lightly dressed and seasoned, this is a flawless and substantial island inspired main dish. The sizzling Hangover Burger, piled high with cheddar cheese, avocado, bacon jam and herb mayo, is outstanding even when you haven’t had one too many. Arriving with the impeccably cooked-to-order burger is a generous side of crispy golden brown tater tots.
Additional menu offerings include tantalizing Tuna Tacos, a widely Wicked Good Mahi Sandwich, and lip-smacking Boston Lager Baby Back Ribs.
It would be amiss not to mention some of the Sand Bar’s lobster dishes, such as a rich and creamy Lobster Mac & Cheese and the Vineyard favorite Lobster Rolls. Both include generous portions of fresh, sweet lobster. The lobster roll is served in a soft toasted hot dog bun and dressed sparingly. After all, it’s a lobster roll, not a mayonnaise roll.
The Sand Bar & Grille also makes some of the island’s best high-end sushi.
From hand rolls to special house rolls, the restaurant offers a variety that all sushi lovers can choose from. Traditional sushi lovers will gravitate toward the California roll made with cucumber, crab meat and avocado. The more adventurous bunch wanting something more extravagant should try the shrimp tempura rolls. The shrimp is expertly fried and topped with a spicy tuna and house sauce.
The Sandbar Cocktail Menu, meanwhile, is mood altering and intriguing, with drinks such as an Oyster Shooter, Painkiller, and the Italian Stallion. Some 30 beers on tap or in bottles, always cold and frothy, are also available.
This fun and relaxing restaurant is a family friendly. Late evening, it morphs into a hot MV night spot.
No matter what time of day you visit or what you order, you always leave nodding your head thinking you will return again and again.
MORE INFORMATION
6 Circuit Avenue Ext
Oak Bluffs
(508) 693-7111
www.mvsandbar.com
