The Ultimate Martha’s Vineyard Black-Owned Business Guide
Martha’s Vineyard is a quaint, gorgeous Massachusetts island that attracts a large number of tourists due to its beautiful scenery and fascinating culture. For decades, it has been an ideal summer vacation destination for many people, including the black community. Dubbed a summer haven for black families, Martha’s Vineyard is historically known as an area welcoming to people of color.
Black History Of Martha’s Vineyard
Massachusetts was one of the first U.S. states to abolish slavery, and as such, the state served as one of the safest places for African Americans to live in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Black restaurants, shops, and other establishments opened over time, contributing to areas such as Martha’s Vineyard developing an influential black culture.
Black people, specifically families, began traveling and continue to travel now to Martha’s Vineyard due to the black community present in the area and its rich history of black freedom, growth, and success. Today, public figures like the Obamas and Oprah Winfrey vacation to Martha’s Vineyard, furthering the image of the island as an embodiment of black prosperity.
Black businesses play a critical role in the lucrative business sector of Martha’s Vineyard. Here at Pink Rock Rentals, we will provide you with the ultimate guide to the black-owned businesses on the island.
Restaurants And Bars
There are so many black-owned restaurants to explore in Martha’s Vineyard. Whatever you’re craving, there is a black-owned eatery to satisfy your taste buds.
Chef Deon’s Kitchen, owned and operated by “The Three-Island Chef” Chef Deon, an experienced caterer, chef, and restaurant owner in Martha’s Vineyard, Jamaica, and Anguilla, is a must-stop on your trip to Martha’s Vineyard. Serving a variety of meat options, such as herb-roasted chicken, bbq pork ribs, and buttermilk fried pork chops, seafood such as blackened salmon and blackened cod, and delicious sides like hand-whipped mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, Chef Deon’s Kitchen is the place to go for some good comfort food with a Jamaican flare. Don’t forget to try the award-winning conch chowder, tasty appetizers, and desserts!
Vineyard Caribbean Cuisine is another fantastic spot for authentic Jamaican food. If you want to grab some takeout and enjoy unique, flavorful food, this is the place for you. Menu items include chicken, jerk pork, cow foot, oxtail, curry goat, soups, porridge, and patties. Additionally, they offer a special vegetarian dish, sides such as mac and cheese, rice and peas, steamed cabbage, and tropical salad, and vanilla rum cake and fruit cake for dessert.
If takeout sounds appealing to you, also give Winston’s Kitchen a try. Winston’s Kitchen prides itself on being a locally owned takeout spot serving large portions of Jamaican, home-style comfort foods. Serving specials such as the jerk chicken dinner, garlic chicken, shredded bbq pork, thai chili salmon, jerk pork, and lasagna, sandwiches, subs, burgers, hot dogs, salads, and breakfast items, Winston’s Kitchen has a variety of options sure to satisfy the whole family.
Fat Ronnie’s Burger Bar is a family burger business serving mouthwatering gourmet sandwiches. The owner, Ronnie, uses his grandmother’s signature recipes while continuing to modernize his menu. Choose from a variety of burgers, wings, tenders, seafood, and salads, and be sure to finish off your meal with a yummy milkshake!
For American cuisine with a southern kick, go to Eleven Circuit. Breakfast options include avocado toast, pancakes, waffles, eggs benedict, and omelets. For lunch, choose from a variety of wraps, salads, sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken, and seafood platters, and for dinner, try sweet chili glazed salmon, butterflied filet mignon, linguini primavera pasta, fried stuffed snapper, or short rib.
If you’re looking for a classic American diner, Edgartown Diner is the place to go. They have a large breakfast selection – try the all-American breakfast, their twist on the egg McMuffin, the southern bennie, or their shrimp and house cheddar grits. You also can’t go wrong with scrumptious waffles, pancakes, french toast, or one of their many omelet selections! For lunch, choose from sandwich options, including tuna salad, a BLT, a club, a classic grilled cheese, a Philly cheese, or a fried or grilled chicken sandwich. Of course, if you’re feeling a true American diner experience, a juicy burger with fries and a frappe will not disappoint!
Linda Jean’s is another American eatery serving many food options. The breakfast is especially praised at Linda Jean’s – from strawberry banana french toast and blueberry pancakes to green eggs and ham, the “egg mcjean,” and fried chicken and waffles, there are many delicious options. Enjoy fried shrimp, chicken fingers, country-fried steak, a cheeseburger, a lobster roll, or a nice salad for lunch. For dinner, many of the same lunch options apply but also check out their meatloaf, chicken marsala, jerk chicken, baked cod, lobster alfredo, shrimp scampi, or chicken parmesan.
Breakfast fans, Biscuits is yet another black-owned restaurant you must try. With Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy, pigs in a blanket, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, stuffed french toast, and plates such as the “biscuits breakfast,” “new englander,” “south beach scramble,” and the “cod cake benedict,” Biscuits offers a mix of breakfast options. They also serve lunch, with items such as an apple pecan chicken salad sandwich, a cajun chicken sandwich, cod cake, and southern fried chicken.
Lastly, if you’re in the mood for a drink, head over to Donovan’s Reef. They serve delicious mixed and frozen drinks – the dirty banana is a fan favorite!
Shops
If you’re looking to go shopping on your trip to Martha’s Vineyard, consider supporting one of the many black-owned businesses on the island. From casual apparel and chic island wear to gift shops and home decor pieces, there are black-owned shops selling it all.
C’est La Vie, MV Streetwear Co, and In The Bluff are other wonderful options to purchase a Martha’s Vineyard branded piece. MV Streetwear Co sells fun and fashionable casual clothing, including hoodies, t-shirts, and hats. C’est La Vie and In The Bluff are black-owned gift shops selling clothing and accessories representative of the island.
For those looking to purchase a t-shirt or a hoodie to commemorate your vacation, head over to Legendary MV. Legendary MV makes comfortable, high-quality clothing. With hoodies, sweatshirts, and t-shirts representing Martha’s Vineyard and Oak Bluffs, they sell long-lasting pieces you can purchase to remember your trip.
If you want to snag some apparel from a local black-owned shop that supports the concept of people ambitiously living their lives, check out Sideline. Sideline is an apparel and accessories brand centered on spreading the powerful message to consumers that they can build their own incredible futures. Selling hoodies and sweatshirts, tees and tanks, hats, and other accessories, Sideline sells motivational, unisex clothing.
Superar Strike is another business built on supporting and encouraging consumers. Superar Strike prides itself on creating affordable athletic wear that inspires consumers to stay consistently active while feeling and looking good. Selling women’s apparel such as biker shorts, leggings, and sports bras, men’s training tees and shorts, as well as a waist trainer and a digital planner, Superar Strike is focused on using their brand to foster confidence and healthy lifestyles.
For more feminine, beachy clothing to wear while on the island, M&R Stylz, Island Life Studio, and Amy Holly are shops you must visit. M&R Stylz offers fashionable women’s styles perfect to wear both during your stay in Martha’s Vineyard and once you leave the island. Clothing items range from casual day attire to stunning evening wear, all at an affordable price.
Island Life Studio sells a range of beachwear, dresses, sets, and outerwear from all over the world. From embroidered sundresses and beach cover-ups to caftans, tunics, and kimonos, Island Life Studio has plenty of unique, memorizing designs to explore. Additionally, they sell custom jewelry created by members of the local Wampanoag tribe and a community of female artisans. Inside the shop, you’ll find beautiful artwork from local artists. A women’s luxury shop selling beautifully crafted caftan dresses, Amy Holly is the shop to visit if you want to treat yourself to a stunning garment.
Lastly, Lennox & Harvey is the general goods store to go to if you’re looking for the best quality home, beach, and body products. Carrying furniture, kitchen accessories, home decor, oils, men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, games, and swimwear, Lennox & Harvey strives to offer consumers purposeful goods originating from all over the world that are aesthetically pleasing and well-designed.
Beauty
If you desire any beauty services during your vacation, several black-owned businesses are ready to service you.
The Makeup Maven is a Martha’s Vineyard makeup artist available by appointment. Whether you would like a soft glam or full glam look, this is the place to get your makeup needs met if you have a special event.
If you want to get your nails done or treat yourself to a facial, look no further than Caleen’s Day Spa. Caleen’s Day Spa offers nail, waxing, facial, spray tan, body, and ThermoClear treatments. This is the perfect spot in Martha’s Vineyard to enjoy a spa day!
For gentlemen, Blair’s Barber Shop is open to give you a nice trim or even some head art! Blair has experience working with many different hair types and welcomes visitors stopping by his shop.
Art And History
Lastly, if you want to immerse yourself in art, culture, and history, Martha’s Vineyard has several black-owned art galleries and cultural experiences you can explore.
Cousen Rose Gallery, Harry Seymour Gallery, and Knowhere Art Gallery are all art galleries filled with thought-provoking, insightful pieces.
Cousen Rose Gallery, the longest-running gallery in the Oak Bluffs area, is cited as a piece of the culture of Martha’s Vineyard and reflects the diversity of people attracted to the area. Featuring a variety of types of work from many artists, the gallery provides a holistic narrative of the island.
Harry Seymour Gallery is a personal gallery showcasing the work of Harry Seymour, a local artist. He produces pastel, scratchboard, and egg tempera paintings inspired by the beauty of Martha’s Vineyard and African American cultural experiences. Seymour creates work based on emotional connection and translates his emotions through unique, beautiful paintings.
Knowhere Art Gallery strives to cultivate a community of knowledge seekers who use their knowledge to enlighten others. Each year, the gallery puts on a handful of exhibitions centered around starting conversation and spreading important messages. Artists featured come from various backgrounds and utilize different mediums, but all create work with the intention of sharing knowledge with others.
Go to the Mariposa Museum to see more art and hear more stories about African American history and the African diaspora. Open from June to October, the museum offers meaningful exhibits and programs meant to inspire, educate, and display the work of black creatives.
For those interested in supporting a black-owned nonprofit organization, check out The Cottagers MV. The Cottagers is a group of African American women who want to build cultural pride through fundraising for charitable, educational, and community service projects that directly serve the community. You can donate to the organization or attend one of their events. This is a wonderful way to make a meaningful impact on the black community of Martha’s Vineyard!
Of course, The African American Heritage Trail is a staple of the area, highlighting previously unrecognized contributions of black people to Martha’s Vineyard. For those interested in the island’s black history, taking a tour should immediately be added to your to-do list. The African American Heritage Trail is composed of 31 sites around Martha’s Vineyard – there is no better way to learn about the impact black people have made on the island! In addition to giving tours, the organization serves as a nonprofit dedicated to research and uncovering more unrecognized work by African Americans.
Stay With Us
Pink Rock Rentals is also a Black-owned business and we’d love to host you for your time on Martha’s Vineyard!