Nothing rousts locals like talk of a new spot to eat, hang out, watch the game, and grab a drink. Town Bar & Grill, located where the old Grill on Main used to be, landed in Edgartown over the winter, and officially opened for business on Monday, April 29. The restaurant is owned and operated by Boston-based hospitality group Good NU. There was a soft opening last Friday, where I and about 100 other Islanders sampled select menu items, cocktails, and an ample beer and wine list.
I’ll start by setting the scene — the place was packed. It buzzed with the “everybody knows everybody” energy that so readily defines Martha’s Vineyard restaurants. The entrance is met with a large rectangular bar with wraparound seating. There are a couple of high-top tables along a line of windows facing Upper Main Street, a small dining alcove with tables set around an exposed brick fireplace, and another larger dining room with more tables and booths. Brick walls, wooden beams, and white shiplap walls and ceilings adorn the space, plus plenty of televisions for anyone who’s there for the broadcast entertainment. There’s vibrant, colorful, vintage-like Pop Art, plus old classic street signs, suspended model airplanes, and an illuminated “Esso” logo — a statement piece by the entrance.
The menu is broken into several sections: snacks, items to share, food from the garden, handheld, and main events. Town Bar & Grill will be open for breakfast and dinner, plus brunch on the weekends.
My Friday dinner kicked off with Mac Fritters ($9) from the bar snacks section. It was made with homemade mac and cheese lightly breaded and rolled into bite-size balls — they were delicious. Just the right amount of crisp on the outside to complement the warm, soft, and cheesy shells on the inside. It comes with a side of sriracha aioli.
Next up were Chicken Wings ($15) which can be served off the bone, as chicken tenders, or cauliflower ($14). Guests can choose from a selection of sauces including buffalo, teriyaki, BBQ, and honey sriracha. We went with honey sriracha, which wafted a mouthwatering tangy-sweet, and slightly spicy scent and tasted irresistibly flavorful. This app is a must-try for chicken wing connoisseurs — it ranks up there with some of the best on the Island.
From the garden, we tried the Veggie Bowl ($14), which is a healthy serving of quinoa, roasted kale, cauliflower, shaved Brussels, avocado, crushed pistachios, and green goddess dressing — typically made with mayonnaise, sour cream, chervil, chives, tarragon, lemon juice, and pepper. The dish is light, but hearty, and gives guests a flavorful mix of fresh veggies and greens.
I chose the Baked Cod ($24) for my main, which was served with mashed potatoes, broccolini, and lemon caper beurre blanc. The white, light, flaky cut was topped with breadcrumbs, adding texture to each soft and buttery bite. We also sampled the Shrimp and Swordfish Kebabs ($24), which were served with couscous, pita bread, and tzatziki. Generous cuts of swordfish were skewered with green and red peppers and grilled shrimp. The dish adds a Mediterranean element to the menu’s options.
For drinks, we tried Town’s Moscow Mule ($11) made with vodka, lime, and housemade spicy ginger beer. This drink definitely has a kick, but expect a refreshing and well-made rendition of the popular summer cocktail. There’s an impressive list of 18 beers on tap, and a vast selection of whites, reds, rosés, and sparkling wines.
A friendly and attentive staff engaged with guests throughout the evening, and managers mindfully made the mid-dinner rounds. The restaurant marks the fifth neighborhood bar and restaurant concept in Massachusetts for Good NU Hospitality. Executive Chef Dan Kelleher is in the kitchen creating a “comforting menu with creative dishes and spins on classics, including everything from pasta and seafood to steaks and bar bites,” according to a press release.
Town Bar and Grill offers downtown Edgartown another year-round gathering space for visitors and locals alike. Come summer, it’ll also have outdoor patio seating.
“At town, it’s local, fresh, and always a party,” the release said.
Town Bar & Grill, 227 Upper Main St., Edgartown. Open Monday through Thursday for breakfast from 6 to 10 am, with brunch Fridays through Sundays, and dinner served from 3 pm every night. Visit townbarmv.com or call 774-310-8696.
This article by Brittany Bowker originally appeared on mvtimes.com.
