Loved this cute place. The caramel lattes were so good!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Matthew L.
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!
Josh Simon
Location is super cute but the service was terrible. I asked if they could steam half & half and was told no that I could only add it cold. The carton was just about out and when I asked for another one, I was told they had none (on a Sunday morning). It was obvious he could not be bothered to get more. The same man making the coffee then made a very rude comment about a child who was crying. Will not return.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
joann960
Delicious breakfast - there was a variety of items - from baked goodies (muffins, croissants, etc.) to special egg dishes. The latte was marvelous! I returned in the afternoon to buy a bag of the delicious coffee they used! The dining space is very pretty and cozy and there is a lovely bar as well.
Eleanor B.
The most delicious, creamy scrambled eggs I have ever eaten (and I am 70 years young). lovely atmosphere. French toast was also good but portion was small and not filling for my hubby. Will return next time we are on the Island.
Polly Hutchison
A lovely stop on a Sunday morning— delicious Americano and Hot
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
gloria bennett
Like quietness of the restaurant behind the bookstore.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Burger
Sandra Pandantita
Umm.. I thought they had good baristas? The barista pulled my espresso shot at 20 seconds and added hot water to it because it was “bitter”. Of course it’s bitter if the shot is pulling at 20 seconds. This is like barista 101. Food is very overpriced for what it is. Croissants are great though, and great vibe outside.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Richard C.
What can I say? One word "Awesome". It was romantic setting, food was good overall. Don't get the Linguine and Lobster. Not very good. All claw meat on the lobster, pasta was off, and it was very expensive. Halibut was 1000 times better. I suffered having the Linguine and Lobster. I'd go back, but avoid the pasta and/or lobster dishes.
Lisa D.
I loved everything about this place when we visited during a recent weekend on MV. Upon our arrival to the island our taxi driver (Milos, who was amazing) pointed it out as a great place for breakfast (pretty sure he said best on the island). Our first full day we stopped in for a coffee while shopping. Two others that I was traveling with ordered a Lavender Iced Latte made with Oatmilk. At first I thought that didn't sound appealing at all, but I decided to give it a try too. WOW, I was blown away. Best iced coffee beverage I ever tasted. As soon as I walked away I wished I had ordered another one to go. The next morning four of us went back for breakfast. Along with the breakfast sandwich i ordered I got my second Iced Lavender Latte, which was as good as the day before. Everyone in our party loved the food and atmosphere, and the service was excellent. The only improvement I could suggest is tableside ordering service. You have to order inside and then grab a table, and they bring the food out to you. That won't take away at all from my rating since I loved, loved, loved this place. I will be back.
I just love this place. It's really something special. The bookstore itself is cute and they have a great selection, but the real gem is the bar and cafe in the back. Do yourself a favor, buy a book and then head to the back for a cocktail and a croissant. You won't regret it! Delights: ham & cheese croissant (have them warm it up), cruffin, and any cocktail! I really enjoyed the hibiscus mocktail, if you're not drinking.
A Confoey
Our go-to place for lattes while vacationing in Edgartown! The staff and atmosphere are awesome. I recommend the vegan coffee cake, raspberry cruffin, or any croissant. If you get there at 7 am, all the pastries are hot out of the oven. Dinner is good too, but their specialty is great coffee.Dietary restrictions: Lots of gluten free dinner options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Sandwich
Google user
Our go-to place for lattes while vacationing in Edgartown! The staff and atmosphere are awesome. I recommend the vegan coffee cake, raspberry cruffin, or any croissant. If you get there at 7 am, all the pastries are hot out of the oven. Dinner is good too, but their specialty is great coffee.
Elizabeth S.
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.
Sophia M.
Good food and vegan options. There was a good choice of food and bakery options, with vegan food options and vegan cookies. They had a covered seating area outside, and the food came within 10-15 minutes of ordering.
Loved this cute place. The caramel lattes were so good!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
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!
Location is super cute but the service was terrible. I asked if they could steam half & half and was told no that I could only add it cold. The carton was just about out and when I asked for another one, I was told they had none (on a Sunday morning). It was obvious he could not be bothered to get more. The same man making the coffee then made a very rude comment about a child who was crying. Will not return.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
Delicious breakfast - there was a variety of items - from baked goodies (muffins, croissants, etc.) to special egg dishes. The latte was marvelous! I returned in the afternoon to buy a bag of the delicious coffee they used! The dining space is very pretty and cozy and there is a lovely bar as well.
The most delicious, creamy scrambled eggs I have ever eaten (and I am 70 years young). lovely atmosphere. French toast was also good but portion was small and not filling for my hubby. Will return next time we are on the Island.
A lovely stop on a Sunday morning— delicious Americano and Hot
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Like quietness of the restaurant behind the bookstore.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Burger
Umm.. I thought they had good baristas? The barista pulled my espresso shot at 20 seconds and added hot water to it because it was “bitter”. Of course it’s bitter if the shot is pulling at 20 seconds. This is like barista 101. Food is very overpriced for what it is. Croissants are great though, and great vibe outside.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
What can I say? One word "Awesome". It was romantic setting, food was good overall. Don't get the Linguine and Lobster. Not very good. All claw meat on the lobster, pasta was off, and it was very expensive. Halibut was 1000 times better. I suffered having the Linguine and Lobster. I'd go back, but avoid the pasta and/or lobster dishes.
I loved everything about this place when we visited during a recent weekend on MV. Upon our arrival to the island our taxi driver (Milos, who was amazing) pointed it out as a great place for breakfast (pretty sure he said best on the island). Our first full day we stopped in for a coffee while shopping. Two others that I was traveling with ordered a Lavender Iced Latte made with Oatmilk. At first I thought that didn't sound appealing at all, but I decided to give it a try too. WOW, I was blown away. Best iced coffee beverage I ever tasted. As soon as I walked away I wished I had ordered another one to go. The next morning four of us went back for breakfast. Along with the breakfast sandwich i ordered I got my second Iced Lavender Latte, which was as good as the day before. Everyone in our party loved the food and atmosphere, and the service was excellent. The only improvement I could suggest is tableside ordering service. You have to order inside and then grab a table, and they bring the food out to you. That won't take away at all from my rating since I loved, loved, loved this place. I will be back.
Restaurantji Recommends
I just love this place. It's really something special. The bookstore itself is cute and they have a great selection, but the real gem is the bar and cafe in the back. Do yourself a favor, buy a book and then head to the back for a cocktail and a croissant. You won't regret it! Delights: ham & cheese croissant (have them warm it up), cruffin, and any cocktail! I really enjoyed the hibiscus mocktail, if you're not drinking.
Our go-to place for lattes while vacationing in Edgartown! The staff and atmosphere are awesome. I recommend the vegan coffee cake, raspberry cruffin, or any croissant. If you get there at 7 am, all the pastries are hot out of the oven. Dinner is good too, but their specialty is great coffee.Dietary restrictions: Lots of gluten free dinner options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Sandwich
Our go-to place for lattes while vacationing in Edgartown! The staff and atmosphere are awesome. I recommend the vegan coffee cake, raspberry cruffin, or any croissant. If you get there at 7 am, all the pastries are hot out of the oven. Dinner is good too, but their specialty is great coffee.
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.
Good food and vegan options. There was a good choice of food and bakery options, with vegan food options and vegan cookies. They had a covered seating area outside, and the food came within 10-15 minutes of ordering.