"Head to the Vineyard’s VFW hall for a non-New England take on seafood, which is a little like going to Paris and skipping the Louvre, but we’ve done that too, so no judgment. Jamaica-born chef Deon Thomas and his wife Emily have been serving a rotating menu of jerk or blackened salmon, zesty island kale soup, conch, plantains, and more in this relaxed space for years, and there’s often live music in the evenings. If Deon’s famous jerk chicken is on the menu, get it, and get it spicy." - tanya edwards
Chef Deon's Kitchen - Review - Oak Bluffs - Martha's Vineyard - The Infatuation
"Head to the Vineyard’s VFW hall for a non-New England take on seafood, which is a little like going to Paris and skipping the Louvre, but we’ve done that too, so no judgment. Jamaica-born chef Deon Thomas and his wife Emily have been serving a rotating menu of jerk or blackened salmon, zesty island kale soup, conch, plantains, and more in this relaxed space for years, and there’s often live music in the evenings. If Deon’s famous jerk chicken is on the menu, get it, and get it spicy." - Tanya Edwards
How a New Generation of Hoteliers and Chefs Is Creating a More Inclusive Martha's Vineyard
"A Caribbean-focused restaurant operating out of a town VFW hall that pairs homelike, communal surroundings with meticulously executed dishes—from conch chowder to paper-cooked local fluke and celebrated jerk chicken—reflecting the chef’s CIA training and island-seasonal sensibilities and offering some of the most sophisticated flavors on the island in an intimate, unpretentious setting." - Jennifer Wilson
Jennifer Wilson
Jennifer Wilson is a New York City-based writer specializing in Eastern European arts and culture. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Republic, The New Yorker, Travel + Leisure, and The Nation, among other publications.
Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
The Best Restaurants in Martha’s Vineyard, From Oak Bluffs to Aquinnah | Bon Appétit
"Housed in the VFW building in Oak Bluffs, I find Chef Deon’s Kitchen delivers the Jamaican-born chef's flavors with dishes like jerk chicken, buttermilk-fried pork chops, and ham mac and cheese—an unexpectedly world-class meal in an unassuming setting." - ByBrad Johnson
Chef Deon is a great cook. 👍 I've had his spread on Thanksgiving. He feeds the community free of cost. I recently stopped by and ate with my sister. We enjoyed our food.
Morgan Fykes
Google
Ordered some food here during the MVAAFF and it was okay but they failed to tell us that there was already food available for festival guests which turned out to be significantly better what I had ordered. The fish was light and flaky, rice was well cooked and seasoned and the chicken was flavorful. Overall the plate saved the rating. The bartender ended up calling last call early (she doesnt work for Deon) cause she got annoyed and yelled at a customer so that was weird, especially for an event. Come for the food but ignore the rest!
Sol Rymer
Google
A very funky place with all sorts of nostalgia on the walls. The food is very authentic Caribbean, tasty, can be spicy, and BIG portions. Almost no need for appetizers because most people will take home the leftovers of their main dish. Definitely, we have to go back and try a dozen other dishes.
Lis Bluford
Google
I love to pick up picnic food from here! They have awesome hours and are open at days and times where others aren't. Their menu is diverse and have specials changing. Such a locals favorite, and Chef Deon does amazing things for the community.
Patrick Phillips
Google
Okay — I'm blown away. Down home genius. Without equal in humility, taste and talent. This Jerk Chicken is a ravenously delicious compulsion. Insane in the membrane! I feel like I just tripped off the boat onto any one of Chef Deon's three islands and landed in a 3 star backyard brilliance. Go get some now in order to recalibrate your mouth, concept and even sense of fealty to this deeply rooted plate of food.
Sh'Nardria Peterson
Google
The plantains are soooo amazing. We also got the orange spiced duck and it was great. Crispy skin with a yummy glaze.
LaWanda Benefield
Google
So glad I was able to eat here before he retires 9.21.25! I ordered blackened tuna a d double broccoli. Absolutely delicious!
Traci Abbott
Google
We got the pineapple glazed ribs (so yummy) which came with collards and corn bread. The collards were lacking flavor and were a bit bitter, and the corn bread has jalapeño bits in it, which would be nice if you like that but I’m not a fan of jalapeño flavor. We got the conch chowder as well which was more like a stew but it was delicious. For dessert the chocolate rum cake, which was rich and boozy (perfect rum cake)