Mihaela!!! THAT'S THE REVIEW. Seriously, this was easily one of the best dining experiences we had. We were passing by and hadn't even committed to eating here when Mihaela, the Front of House Manager, greeted us with the most infectious, bubbly energy and convinced us to come in for dinner. BEST. DECISION. EVER. The food was amazing. The drinks were great. The service was wonderful. Ivona took great care of us, but Mihaela truly made the entire experience. Her personality is EVERYTHING -- warm, light, bubbly, hilarious, welcoming and just genuinely kind. She checked on us, made us feel completely at home, and somehow even ended up making a special playlist for us. From there, it was OVER. We were vibing, singing, eating and drinking all night. That's hospitality. There are plenty of places where you can get good food, but it's rare to encounter someone who can completely change the energy of your evening just by being herself. Mihaela did exactly that. We walked in as customers and left feeling like we'd been hanging out with friends all night. 10/10 experience. Give Mihaela a raise, a bonus, a vacation, SOMETHING. She is an absolute asset to this place, and I literally adore her. We will absolutely be back. read more

Behind The Bookstore - Outdoor seating area. Great vibes. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edgartown, Massachusetts

Stumbled upon this place while walking in Edgartown. I ordered a Thai iced tea and decided to grab a table to enjoy my tea. Tables are first come first serve. The Thai iced tea was really good. They have food here and a bar (the Hemingway). Super cute place. read more

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Cute little spot for brunch. It's a fast casual place where you order at the register and they give you a # to bring your food out to your table. They had a mixture of high tables. The bar has water for you to help yourself. I got the shakshuka and it was delicious. It was very flavorful and the tomatoes were sweet. Def would recommend read more

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Love Behind the Bookstore for breakfast and lunch but tried it for dinner for the first time this summer and it was pretty great. We loved the mushroom & shishito appetizer as well as the baby cauliflower & farro and the roasted half chicken. In a town full of ice cream choices it is also worth noting that their ice creams are delicious and worth ordering. The only quibble I have is that they seated us at a high top table and I wish when you made the reservation it would let you choose standard or high top. Nonetheless, I will absolutely be coming back for breakfast, lunch and dinner. read more

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Probably the coziest breakfast spot on MVY. Best coffee on the island by far. Food is pretty good as well. Just be prepared to wait in line because it's always busy af. read more

Behind The Bookstore - My baby and I chilling during breakfast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edgartown, Massachusetts

We stopped into this cute little spot for coffee. Their caramel latte and red eye were tasty and the perfect late morning pick me up. The seating area was extremely cool, such a fun vibe and area to hang out in. read more

Behind The Bookstore - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edgartown, Massachusetts

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Really cute spot and concept, confusing in practice. They were completely out of pastries/premade items, as well as iced tea. and the kitchen was closed early. Extremely pricey menu items, but all I could order was a lemonade because everything else was sold out midday. There's potential but they need to figure out what they're trying to do here. Apparently they serve dinner too but I truly don't understand how they would accomplish this with what I saw midday. read more

Literally located behind a bookstore with outdoor seating and a cute cafe for all your drinks and pastries needs. Ordered the cappuccino for $5.50 slightly small in size but decorated well and tasted delicious. read more

Behind The Bookstore - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edgartown, Massachusetts

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Have been visiting this place for coffee often, and it has been one of my favorite throughout the years. However, for the first time I decided to try dinner with my friends. Shortly after our arrival, there was a power outage. Let me tell you this is when the staff impressed me! I would like to give the biggest shout out to Mihaela! She went out of her way to make us comfortable and entertained, gave us all the possible food options that didn't require having power and was checking on us (and other tables) constantly. Her positive attitude created such a positive ambiance for our group. When they did get power, we ordered the food we wanted and received it super fast and ofc it was delicious! Kudos to a wonderful night and a dinner we will always remember! read more

Tried a yummy iced mint latte and enjoyed some eggs with sourdough toast. I wish the latte was larger it was so good. Service was friendly and efficient. We didn't feel rushed at all and it was a beautiful morning to sit outside. read more

Love love love this place every time we come to the Vineyard. The wait is worth it! Grab a coffee and a bite to eat, the staff is extremely friendly and will try to help you find a table. Great space to sit outdoors in the summer. I can't recommend it enough! We will be back! read more

Most amazing place I've ever been. The atmosphere is perfect and the people who work there are amazing! I moved to the vineyard recently and everyone at behind the bookstore has made me feel so at home. Not to mention their matcha and coffee are TO DIE FOR! Definitely stop in :) it is so worth it! read more

Behind The Bookstore - Iced Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edgartown, Massachusetts

Great little outdoor spot to enjoy a casual breakfast or lunch. We visited twice during our stay in Edgartown and liked the food and atmosphere. You order at a counter and they deliver the food to you, so there isn't much to say on the service. As with most things in Edgartown, it is VERY expensive for what you are getting. There were two of us and we paid close to $100 for breakfast which was probably not worth that sticker price. I would return on my next visit to MV because I did really enjoy the outdoor seating area. Also, definitely get the pistachio croissant! You will not regret it. read more

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They make their own chai for their iced chai lattes!!! There is plenty of outdoor seating in a garden setting with shade. You order inside. read more

Behind The Bookstore - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edgartown, Massachusetts

After walking around their fun bookstore we wandered back and grabbed iced cold brew for him and iced chai for me then sat under the shade of their patio trees and incredible sails. The baked goods looked incredible. read more

We loved this little gem so much we went 3 times on our girls trip. The breakfast, pastries and cocktails were all delicious and the staff were all friendly especially Jose and Miguel. read more

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We ALWAYS make sure to stop at Behind the Bookstore during our visits on MV. This is my favorite place on island. Atmosphere is 10/10. My husband and I could sit here for hours and hours! We love the coffee and food whether you want a quick bit to eat with a pastry, or something a little hardier. There's something for everyone at Behind the Bookstore. We cannot wait to come back! read more

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love the vibes but pretty expensive for simple breakfast food. hash brown stack was delicious though, so would definitely recommend that. service was great, thank you table bussers! read more

I absolutely loved this place. I found this cute little not so secretive breakfast spot in Martha's Vineyard when visiting. We walked into a outdoor cafe covered with a tent-like structure to eliminate rain and too much sunlight. We quickly hopped in line to place our order as the place was busy. We spent some time evaluating the menu and searching for a seat in their dining area. While it was a little difficult to find a table, we finally snagged one right near by doorway. Upon being seated, we were greeted with the cutest pup - which happened to be owners. As dog lovers, this elevated our experience even more. We decided to place an order of a few coffees, a smore's cruffin, avocado toast, and a lox bagel as we wanted to share a few things. When I tell you that I love avocado toast, in general, I actually still dream about how delicious this was. My father in law who is a pickier eater loved his lox bagel and stated that the lox were extremely fresh. We will definitely be back! read more

The restaurant is located outside and behind the bookstore located on Main Street in Edgartown. The setup is good with seating for various sized groups so you can bring the whole family. There are lights and a tent like covering that will probably keep you dry if it rains. It is pretty cool looking with lots of vegetation around the restaurant area. The cocktails and food my table of 4 friends ordered were enjoyable. The presentation was nice. The cocktails were delicious. The wine list is limited. Our waiter was friendly and efficient however we had to remind him to bring our sides and ice after our mains were served. I will return. read more

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We stopped in the cafe for a drink at about 3 on a Saturday. There were several people at the bar and throughout the dining area. We waited for a bartender but there was no one even though some people appeared to have fresh drinks. I went into the cafe to see if I should order there and a young guy told me that I could only order from the bar. I told him I hadn't seen a bartender and he quite literally shrugged so I went back outside and we waited another 10-15 and then finally left. I had read/heard great things about the cafe so was pretty disappointed. We had another couple of service-related issues at top restaurants so wondering if service is just not terrific island-wide. The 2 stars are only bc it IS a very cute patio. read more

This was my second time here dining here . One time for breakfast and this was my first time for dinner ! I love the set up of the restaurant . I love how it's behind my fav bookstore on the island (hence the name ) and how it's under outside lights that make it look like a stary night. It's def a unique spot with its own little charm! I dined here with my dad and his wife two nights ago! For apps we got Caesar salad , their tuna and house made bread . For dinner we got the halibut and lobster spaghetti ! The halibut was perfectly cooked, so tender and full of flavor! I absolutely loved the carrots that came with it as well! I saved some for my lunch to put on a salad the next day! My dad didn't love his lobster spaghetti but he's picky about his lobster dishes and I think it's something I would have enjoyed ! Dropped one star because our server took 20 min to come to us after being seated but we got there around 8;30 for dinner so it could have been a little busier then expected ! Regardless of that flaw of the evening. I do recommend this little unique and charming spot! read more

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Cute little hidden outdoors spot, went on a Thursday so it was not busy at all. The hemingway bar outside has a cute area for pictures. We had drinks specifically the Royal raising and the Sonoran sunrise both were delicious and strong. We also ordered fries and the shrimp cocktail. The Chipotle Cocktail Sauce was top tier, never had anything like it. The service was okay, nothing spectacular. The cashier inside was not the nicest. Bathroom was nice and clean. read more

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This is an amazing place to get a cocktail! Cozy little bar area. It's pricey (cocktails are around $18-24 each) and the mocktails are only a few bucks cheaper, but it's fun for a splurge! Bartenders have always been very quick and accommodating. read more

Behind The Bookstore - Hemingway Daiquiri - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edgartown, Massachusetts

We will definitely be back- we came in the late afternoon so we did not get food, just coffees but the coffees were delicious! Super cute little cottage style place with outdoor seating read more

Behind The Bookstore - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edgartown, Massachusetts

This was the best cafe and coffee place such a cute vibe and hands down the best iced coffee. I got the iced mint latte and I still dream about it weeks later! Highly recommend read more

Hands down the worst experience I've ever had on MV when it comes to dining. My family and I made a reservation weeks ago because we have always wanted to try BTB out, but haven't been able to because it has always been booked. Aside from being sat past our reservation time, the worst part was the attitude we received from our waitress. We had dinner prior, and wanted to come for a few cocktails (there were 5 of us) and some fries to close out tonight. After being served our first, and sadly our only round, of drinks, the waitress asked what we wanted for food. We told her we were only going to do a couple apps and drinks and she literally said, "usually people who make reservations order more food," in such a cold and aloof tone. We were so put off that we kept it to one drink. After we told her we wanted the check, she had the audacity to say that she felt "uncomfortable" and proceeded to gaslight us by changing her tune by encouraging us to "stay as long as we want." My family saves up all year to come to MV and were genuinely excited to try BTB out. But as a family, who has come here every year for over two decades, I can promise you we won't return. And I will personally make a point to share this story with my friends on the island, many of whom are locals, to not come here. A total bummer. Ruined the night. read more

Behind The Bookstore is a gourmet café that opened in Edgartown, Massachusetts in May 2013. It was founded by husband and wife Jeffrey and Joyce Sudikoff. Jeffrey was the founder and chief executive officer of IDB Communications Group Inc., and a former part owner of the Los Angeles Kings hockey team. The couple had been summer residents on Martha's Vineyard since the 1970s and owned a home in Edgartown. When the bookstore Edgartown Books went up for sale in 2012, the couple decided to purchase it. They soon began fixing up an area in the back section of the store with the intention of turning it into a small café. Seating was available on the sun-drenched terrace behind the store. Following the café's success, the Sudikoffs moved it inside a former attorney's office behind the bookstore. The larger kitchen and café opened in 2015 and they added dinner service. Sails now cover the terrace (which acts as a roof) and a rain canopy was added on top for all-weather protection. My family and I had lunch at Behind The Bookstore this past summer while we were visiting Martha's Vineyard. Around lunchtime, my wife went inside the bookstore to check out the selection. While waiting outside with our kids, I noticed a menu on display for the café and was impressed with it. When my wife came back, I suggested that we have lunch "behind the bookstore". We were seated on the terrace and were impressed with the rain canopy hung over our heads. Our sons were tired and decided to take a nap in the stroller, so my wife and I just ordered lunch for the two of us. They had a cool bar area dubbed "The Hemingway Bar" that crafted some nice-looking cocktails. I had the "Royal Rising" (empress gin, pineapple, orgeat, lemon, dehydrated lemon) while my wife had the "A Night In Cabo" (tequila, campari, simple syrup, grapefruit, lime, lemon peel). Both were excellent! For food, we ordered and shared the "Chicken Sandwich" (slow cooker chicken breast, banana pepper tartare, arugula, tomato on garlic bread) and the "Italian Toast" (basil ricotta spread, tomato & garlic confit, prosciutto, fig balsamic glaze, sourdough). Both were so delicious and fresh-tasting! We had such a fun experience at Behind The Bookstore and would definitely return the next time we're on Martha's Vineyard! read more

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Very good food, and a safe option for tourists. A little pricy for what it's worth and what you get, and no indoor seating. However, a good little place and I would recommend, especially for lunch. read more

This place was highly recommended so we gave it a try. I must mention that we went at the end of season so I am sure the employees were really over the crowds. However, it's a business so the staff really needs to push thru. They weren't exactly friendly. Just seemed over it. We ordered the AVOCADO TOAST(V) $16. Avocado Mash, Sourdough, Confit Tomatoes, Aleppo Oil Drizzle which was just average. The bread was very good tho. They forgot the bacon and we had to get in line again to get it. We also had the SHAKSHUKA $20 - Two Baked Eggs, Spiced Tomato Sauce, Crispy Onions, Greens, Feta Cheese, Jerusalem Bagel. THIS WAS AMAZING!!!! So much flavor! I didnt think the prices were high as other reviews mention. You arent going to get cheap Avo Toast anywhere! The dishes were a good sized and we were full afterwards. They had alot of baked goods which looked yummy. The outside patio was adorable. I would suggest that the management get together with the employees for some attitude adjustments but besides that, we would eat here again. read more

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Honestly, this was kind of disappointing. Actually, really disappointing. The back covered patio is absolutely fantastic. But do not come here for the food. I am sure the coffee/drinks are great, but the food is well below average. We arrived just before breakfast turned to lunch (there is a half hour window between to the two), and they we so rude as we waited. They were delayed 15 minutes because something was happening in the kitchen...that should have been our indication to leave. We got the smash burger, but I fell apart the second you got it. We got three green chicken sandwiches which were ALL totally different; one had a salad that had peaches, one had a salad without peaches (wtf?), and the fries on the other portion had exponentially more fries than were accompanied with the burger. The chef confirmed that the chicken was cooked THE DAY BEFORE, so it was SO DRY, we all had to douse our sandwiches in mayonnaise. That's not what should happen. Go to hang out, but don't bother ordering food. read more

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The setting is absolutely gorgeous, but truly, similar to the rest of Edgartown so it's not surprising. The awnings on the back make it standout, but that unfortunately outshines the food. The staff was hot and cold, the man who delivered our food was great, however can't say the same for the cashier that day. In terms of value, definitely way over-priced for what you're getting in regard to portions when comparing it to other actual sit-down restaurants in the area. The seating area is quite cramped so it's difficult to meander & move around, especially if it's at peak hours (couldn't imagine this place in the summer.) Overall, sort of wish we passed on this, as the seafood shanty was better. read more

Service, courtesy and prices which are outlandish. It would be nice to have a greeter to direct customers to line to order food or to sit.

Okay- to start- the coffee and baked goods are excellent. Nice ambiance out back too. Where we went wrong was ordering breakfast entrees- two avocado toast and a French toast. The French toast ($22- why?!?) came out burnt for my daughter and I had to get it re-made. Got an attitude at the counter - generally server staff seemed miz. My wife asked for well done bacon on her avocado toast and it came out basically raw- she gave up on fixing it after I waited at the counter for a re-made French toast for my young daughter while my food went cold. All this, with water, coffee and tip for $130! WTF?!?? Insane- even for MV. So- come here for the excellent coffee and baked goods, but don't waste your $$$ on the way overpriced, poorly executed entrees and subpar sad service. read more

Visiting Behind The Bookstore. The food is very good. Service is ok, Could be better. The music is great. The noise level is high. However I would come again. Footnote: first place on MV where the food was good. read more

Excellent desserts and bread service but the tapas and mains weren't my favorite. Great ambiance though! read more

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Be wary if you have FOOD ALLERGIES. Not sure what was up with the staff on 09/07/2025, but they refused to make me a latte w/ oat milk because I have a dairy allergy, confusing because they've made it many times before for me with no issue. I was told by staff "If you have an allergy I wouldn't recommend it." It seemed less about the oat milk itself and more about the staff not wanting to properly clean the equipment -very concerning. read more

Good, not great and definitely overpriced. Coffee was meh, chai tea was awful. French toast was yummy but could've used more sauce, it was dry in the middle. Italian toast was good but the sourdough was extremely hard and way too crispy to enjoy. The outdoor patio is dog friendly so that was a plus. read more

Behind The Bookstore - Italian toast and French toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edgartown, Massachusetts

Here's the thing about this restaurant....came here for breakfast. Learned we had to order at the cafe counter and bring our coffees to our tables - if there are any tables available. We ordered two avocado toasts with bacon and two coffees. My bill was $80 after I tipped $15. I brought my coffee to a table. Pretty place. The waiter brings our food over and a bowl of fruit. I thought - oh how nice - he brought fruit over as a thank you for me tipping decently. He came back 5 minutes later to take the bowl away bc he said it belonged to another table. eyeroll. I told him I already touched the fruit and he might as well throw it away instead of giving it to the other table. What a crock of sh*t. If you want water you have to get it yourself. If you want condiments you have to get it yourself. So I'd like to say as a tourist I will never come back here. $20'some for an avocado toast is crazy. It didn't even have an egg included in the meal. In my opinion this place is overpriced for the offering. And the hospitality factor is low given my experience. read more

Favorite place for coffee, any time of day bites, and a chill vibey drink that isn't heavy on the nautical themes. Less salty sea shanty and more worldly cafe. Best coffee on the island, and I'll fight anyone who says otherwise. read more

Behind The Bookstore - Dining area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Edgartown, Massachusetts

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