By Someone Who Knows Their Way Around a Sandwich (Diane Alter)
There are places on Martha’s Vineyard that whisper “local favorite,” and then there’s Tony’s Market in Oak Bluffs—which practically shouts it (nicely, of course, with Island manners). No flashy signs. No Instagram walls. Just good food, real convenience, and a sandwich counter that will absolutely ruin you for all others.
On a recent morning, I slipped into Tony’s before the beach rush hit full swing. The air was buzzing with regulars grabbing iced coffee and tourists discovering—often with delight—that yes, they can get a seriously satisfying breakfast sandwich without waiting in a brunch line that wraps around the block.
Let me say this plainly: the sandwiches here are not dainty affairs. They are big, two-fisted meals that you’ll want to eat leaning forward, preferably over the hood of your car, a napkin (or three) tucked into your shirt collar. My go-to? A bacon, egg, and cheese with a hash brown tucked inside—the kind of bold, beautiful carb-on-carb decision you only make when you’re truly on vacation.
But Tony’s isn’t just about the breakfast bounty. By lunchtime, the deli case is stocked with grab-and-go sides (hello, pasta salad) and rotating daily specials that make it hard to stick to your “I’m just grabbing a bottle of water” plan. The fried chicken sandwich is a sleeper hit, and if you catch the pulled pork special, don’t hesitate—just order it.
Beyond the food, Tony’s doubles as a market, offering a curated selection of necessities and snacks. It’s the kind of place you stop in for toothpaste and walk out with beach drinks, a local newspaper, and a hot meatball sub. All without navigating the chaos of the supermarket parking lot.
Yes, it’s under new ownership as of this year—but the locals know the soul of Tony’s is still intact. The staff is friendly, the food is filling, and the vibe is pure Vineyard: unfussy, familiar, and delicious.
So if you’re in Oak Bluffs and hunger strikes, follow your nose—or the crowd of people happily munching breakfast burritos on the sidewalk. Tony’s is still that spot. And for the record? I’ll be back tomorrow. Probably for a turkey club. Or a grilled pastrami. Or…you get the idea.
MORE INFO
119 Dukes County Ave
Oak Bluffs
508-693-4799
tonysmarketmv.com
