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Artcliff Diner
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Alcohol:
- None
17 reviews for Artcliff Diner
I had heard from everyone on the island that Art Cliff Diner has the best breakfast on the island, but the wait is LONG. That is what I knew going in, and Art Cliff Diner didn't disappoint. The Diner is very small, with a tiny porch that is packed with people waiting for a table. There are maybe 15 or so tables inside (including the counter), so it gets full easily, especially as there are usually families of 4+ people wanting to get breakfast. I recommend that you consider sitting at the counter if you have a smaller group, since the larger groups all vie for one of the 6 or so tables that can accommodate them.
The menu and the service is a little bit kooky. As I mentioned, the Diner is small, so it shouldn't be too difficult for the waitress to maneuver around and keep the bottomless coffee coming. They seem very hurried, though, and a bit forgetful. My waitress decided it would just be better to pour me two cups, so she wouldn't have to come back for a refill. That just left me with one cup of cold coffee. I must give props to her, though, since she got our order right & my brunch companion did have a relatively complicated order. Be aware, though, that this restaurant does not like to make substitutions even though every other brunch place is usually pretty willing to do so. We grudgingly got our waitress to agree to a substitution of home fries for bacon with a charge of the difference (we have no problem with the charge, but it shouldn't have been such a complicated change to make. Our waitress would have liked to have just served my friend's meal without the home fries and screwed her out of a side and $2).
The food was delicious, although not out-of-this-world. I really enjoyed their (homemade?) blueberry jam and my potato pancakes with homemade apple butter. My friend enjoyed her omelet, although she says she has had better, and her toast was burned to a crisp. You can get local farm fresh eggs for an extra charge to support local businesses (wouldn't it make sense to just purchase all the eggs from local farms? But at least they're trying?!?). Also, you can get a side of 100% Massachusetts Maple Syrup for $2.50. I just find both ideas very kooky.
The menu is pretty pricey for what you get (a small bowl of fresh fruit is $6--with apples, melons, and so forth. Not worth it, IMO), but I thought the entrees had decent portions (I only got the short stack of pancakes & I was satisfied).
Our waitress was not attentive as we'd have liked, but she tried to be chatty when she did come around. Overall, I think this place could be great, if they could work on their organization. I bet it's nice to come in the off-season, too.
Artcliff can be hit or miss sometimes - this time it was definitely a miss. We waited about 15 minutes for a party of 6 (7 actually since we miscounted), which is not too long on a Sunday AM. It was after Labor Day but still busy on the Island.
The waitstaff was fairly quick to take our order. The food was not up to par, however. My friend's toast was burned and my daughter's french toast was eggy and soggy. The entire experience seemed as if they were rushing to get us out. Instead of asking us if we liked our food they just simply brought it out, and then brought us a bill a few minutes later.
The worst part, however, was when my wife tried to tell them about the french toast. "Oh, well you should have told us about it sooner, we would have made another one for you." Not what we wanted in the first place, my wife was simply trying to tell them that the french toast was not very good.
Artcliff is defnitely off the list for us. Next time we will try State Road Restaurant (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) or go back to the Slice of Life Cafe http://www.yelp.com/bi... for breakfast.
Before flying out to MA, I did my research on places to try in the Vineyard. I was really looking forward to eating at the Artcliff, but maybe we went at the worst possible time, I was so disappointed!
I realize that I probably could have gone to the manager to "fix" what I didn't think was right, but much of it was not "fixable." I don't have any reason to believe that the management wasn't worried about "front of house" business, but the lack of guidance for the front was evident, to me.
We went around 10am on a rainy Thursday morning. There were about 20 people waiting on the porch outside. Deb put in her name and we waited outside. I figured maybe 30 minutes to be seated. We waited almost an hour. (It was about 52 minutes, by my watch.)
When inside, they sat us a small 2-person table right inside the front door. Jeff had to sit on a chair on the side of the table, blocking the flow of traffic. The waitress asked him to move up, but there was no place to go! Right then, 2 four-person tables opened up. Rather than move us, we were relegated to the small tables. I didn't mind, but the front door swung open several times and almost smacked me. I am a big man (working on getting smaller). I am 6'2" and weigh over 300 pounds. I was ok with being at a smaller table, especially since we waited so long and I didn't want to wait for a bigger table, but the hostess really could have been more vigilant for situations like this and suggest table changes to accommodate those of us who are larger in size.
A young lady came to pour some coffee, but we didn't have any creamer. Jeff asked the waitress for some, she never brought it. He had to get up to grab it from the counter. The waitress brought the drinks and didn't return.
At one point, the creamer got tipped. I got up to get a rag from the waitress. She didn't even bother to ask what had happened or come to assist us. I was a little stunned. I realize they were busy, but how can you be so busy that you can't check on a probable spill?
Deb and Jeff got their food before me, which I anticipated. Deb got some pancakes that had strawberries baked into them. They looked great. She said that they were "light as air." She also got a corned beef hash for the table. It had big chunks of potato and little chips of corned beef. The corned beef had a great flavor.
Jeff ordered the breakfast enchiladas. They had black beans, eggs, salsa and avocado/guacamole. He liked it. The sauce had a slight vinegar taste to it, which reminded me of Tabasco. He said that the tortillas were a bit hard.
I ordered a frittata, which I figured would take a bit longer, as they are baked. So, when my food came a bit later, I didn't mind. The crock had potatoes on the bottom, some bacon, some tomatoes, scrambled eggs and a bit of melted cheese on top. They may have thrown this into the oven to melt the cheese, but It wasn't a traditional frittata. I was expecting something more like a quiche or thick omelette. It wasn't bad but it wasn't what I was expecting. A few of the potatoes in my dish were burnt solid. A little burnt part adds to the flavor of food, but this was too much. I asked for the multigrain toast. It was good. I asked for a little jam and they brought out a delicious mixed berry jam that was locally made. It had a wonderful flavor, without being too cloying or sticky. A bit more pectin would have made it perfect.
The waitress just wasn't attentive. I find that distressing, as we were paying good money The only time she got attentive was when we asked for the check. Then, she was hovering. I had to ask for refills on my water and iced tea.
I don't know if the time of day or the season was the reason for the slow down, but I don't recommend going when it is busy. I gave it 2 stars for the corned beef hash and the jam. The rest was just mediocre.
My friend and I had a lovely breakfast at Art Cliff last weekend. My friend had the french toast, which consisted of two giant slabs of egg-soaked and grilled to perfection pieces of bread. Seriously- this was bread for Gargantua. I enjoyed the granola with organic yogurt. Sure, I would have loved more yogurt per cup of granola, but it was enough to please. Service was quick and genuinely friendly, despite a crowd that might drive even a seasoned server bonkers.
The rest of the menu and specials looked terribly tempting. The only thing I'd recommend taking off the menu is some of the music. There we were peanut butter and jamming to Jeff Buckley and they pour on the John Mayer. Ugh, like faux maple syrup.
Hadnt been to the ACD for 20 years. It was a real dive diner then, which was perfect. The Yelpers accolades sent me back last Saturday while hurricane Danny was blowin' through. (Took the tip of parking down the road, tx!) Got there at 1.30 in time to be last to get on the list before closing (2pm, but they served us anyway til 3). Lunch was Outstanding! Fish tacos were super, fresh and zesty with crisp greens on the side. Amelia's french toast was scrumptious. Anne's crepe with calamata olives etc was superior too. A delicious spot to ride out the storm. Thank you Yelpers for steering us right!
Came here with a party of seven. Were told the wait would be 45 minutes. An hour in, we'd invested too much time to leave in a huff. An hour and a half later, we were finally seated, but at a table that hardly accomodated all of us.
The food was good but overpriced and not at all worth the wait. The restaurant was understaffed, which meant that my $3 bottomless cup of coffee turned out to have, in fact, a very prominent, oft-exposed bottom.
i would have given 4 stars but they took the only thing i went there for off the menu !!! THE UP ISLANDER
Why do such a thing.
scrambled eggs with lobster and cream cheese on top of some awesome home fries.
There is nothing else here worth waiting for 45 minutes for !!
i will not be going here any more. the only good part of my last trip there was having breakfast at a table next to Ted Danson and his wife.
no up islander no more customer !!!!!!!
After trying a bunch of places, there is no question that the Art Cliff Diner is hands down our favorite place to eat on the Vineyard. We ended up having lunch here twice, both were wonderful experiences.
Both times we parked in the Stop & Shop parking lot and walked over to avoid the traffic mess in their tiny lot. And to avoid waiting for a table, both visits we opted for a seat at the counter. Servers were always pleasant, smiling and happy to get us whatever we needed.
Both times, I had the lunch crepes - first with mozzarella, tomato and bacon. AMAZING. Second time with mozzarella, cheve (local!) and tomatoes... EVEN BETTER. The salad served on top was a perfect complement and I left full but not stuffed. Husband's entrees (Irish Breakfast one day, club sandwich another) were also well-received.
Lunch for 2 was about $25- a steal on this island. Don't miss this place.
First off, the FOOD WAS OF Superior Quality. There were 7 of us and at the table there were 2 glutards (wheat allergy) a vegan, and a pro chef. hard crowd to please to say the least.
Everything from the egg-less tofu scramble to the spicy chicken hash to the muffin-less benedicts came exactly as ordered, AND tasted fantastic.
This may be part of a greater business plan that seems to be broken down as such:
Step one: Make sure your customers wait no less than 1.5 hours before being seated.
Step two: Call their names periodically while they are waiting to make sure they haven't taken off and to tease them a little before their morning coffee.
Step three: Allow local twelve-year-olds to run the food because it's hard for customers to get mad about the service while financially contributing to child labor.
Step four: By the time you serve the food, everyone will be so hungry it really won't matter what you serve them.
eat up suckers. you're trapped on an island.
There is simply no doubt in my mind that Gina Stanley is the best chef on the island.
I don't care if she doesn't serve drinks. I don't care that this is a diner, and that she rarely serves dinner, and sometimes closes just because
The reality is that her food is unbelievably good. She would shine in any city, and on the island she is solid gold
I am completely addicted to her spicy chicken hash- potatoes, chicken, tomatoes, jalapenos, fresh avocado topped with local poached eggs.
OH YEAH!
I waited for an hour an a half yesterday and it was totally worth it!
Her blueberry pancakes are the best I've ever had anywhere (see photo)
I don't know what it is she does. Must have somethin' to do with love!
My favorite breakfast spot on the Vineyard. I would never try to get in at the busy times (weekends, any morning in august) but in the off season its easy to get seated in a timely fashion. The staff is busy but very accommodating, and the food is AWESOME.
My favorite breakfast is codfish cakes and eggs with a rich bernaise sauce and mustard oil, served over arugala. It cost about 11 dollars, but it fills you up till dinner.
I dream about the almond crusted french toast here. It's sooooo fabulous! Gina Stanley, chef/ owner of this historic little restaurant has transformed what used to be a shoddy Portugese diner into a quaint, bustling restaurant full of delicious surprises.
The tables are all gingham red and white with all the condiments on waiting for you at the table. Her menus used to be handwritten but she's since moved into the digital age. :) She collects all sorts of diner memorabilia so you'll find vintage ice chests, the "Cow" which is basically an industrial milk dispenser, cute little posters and signs all over... There's a counter you can sit at and the place is as cute as a button.
Never hesistate to order off her specials list. It's what she felt inspired to do that day that's not on the regular menu and it's ALWAYS fantastic. But if you want the tried and true,.... for breakfast get the EGGS BENEDICT. She makes a creamy savory hollandaise sauce with home fries that I like fried crisp. She does a great TOFU SCRAMBLE too and the blueberry pancakes are light and dreamy.
If you're coming to the Vineyard for a visit, you'll most likely take a ferry into Vineyard Haven. The Artcliff is a 4 block walk from the ferry terminal and it's a MUST see in my book. She is open for dinner sometimes but you have to call ahead to find out when. FYI, you can buy out the restaurant and host a party. She's had many wedding rehearsal dinners and celebrations at the restaurant. She's tight lipped about it but with some prodding you might get her to tell you some of her celebrity fans.
I have to say this place is well known for both locals and summer crowds.
They have redone their windows and put the new deck to make it look more up to date. It used to look like hippy-ish trucker's diner's before.
However, after turning 30 something and starting to watch what you eat, I tend not to visit this place much in the past couple of years. The food is too greasy! The menu sounds very creative but when you get your plates, you will regret with one or two things you have ordered, not not ordered.
The crowds are definitely for older couples as their daily or weekly meal out normally the brunch kind.
During the summer time, the limited parking space(as it is on the main road to OB) and the risky jaywalking if your car is parked in other areas, and some waiting time will be quite hectic.
If you prefer the healthier brunch options, I recommend the PLANE VIEW at the Airport, which is another 10-15 min drive. Sorry, 30 min drive during the summer time. *w*
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Tried it this summer for breakfast again and still greasy but the variations were good and definitely improved. Still the fatty side of food seem to attract people. Now parking is more limited since a new hideous commercial building is up next doors and brunch people tended to line up. But that is only for the summer. This place is closed down during off-peak season and I cannot like people make money and run away without making a contribution to the community. So, my point still stays 3 stars.
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Went there again and again. Each time, I don't feel the satisfaction I get from Plane View or sometimes, from Blackdog's here at all. If I was lucky with my selection of food, the kitchen had fumes coming out to the dining area, or, if the waiting feels improved, the food was lousy. Last week, the food and the price, and, not so friendly waiting were the case, which, to me, is no longer a surprise or disappointment. I always tell myself, why did I go there again after walking out of the venue.
I think their menu needs to be simplified and try to contain the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere as if we were all cousins and family members just like it was before many years ago. People don't say hello to each other any more. Just another tourist invaded lot.
I love Art Cliff, I got introduced to it the last time I was on island. If I could have a daily breakfast place, this would be it. we ended up going here every day we were there..
What I really want to know is who is the regular gentleman with the dollar signed earings and shirts... he captured our hearts and imaginations..
The Mr. T was tasty. Server was nice and chatty. And we got lucky with the line.
Real good breakfast. Reeaaal good for that morning after whisky soaked sleep. AND if you like seafood, as i do, you can get it for BREAKFAST which i did... and shoved in my face. Kinda crappy coffee... but oh well.
i even loved this place in its former incarnation as an actual greasy spoon (i guess it was around back in the 1940's till the '90's). i had a boyfriend in college who breakfast cheffed there back in the day (not the '40's, but still a lifetime ago). when they sold the place to its current chef-owner it became very rapidly one of the most popular dining spots on the island. creative, delicious, healthy food at fair prices- what more could anyone ask for?
ps-
no wine or beer sales, but you may byob.
