Alka R.
Yelp
While on Martha's Vineyard for a week this year, we took it upon ourselves to try and compare the many "best" lobster rolls. Anyone who has spent time on the island knows that the "best on the island" or "best in MA" lobster rolls are more common than hungry skunks in Edgartown. The one supposed champ was an elusive roll that was available in limited supply and for short time periods at the Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven.
With some fortunate planning and lucky weather, we found ourselves in Vineyard Haven on a Friday at 4 PM, the magical witching hour to actually get in and obtain a Grace Church lobster roll. These can only be obtained from 4:30 to 7:30 on Fridays nights from May to September, when the church patrons raise money for charity. We were warned of lines forming as early as 4 PM and wanted to beat the rush. When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the doors were already open and service had begun. As the pleasant woman at the door explained; "if the lobster is ready to serve, were happy to start early." A minor note however, is that the price has risen slightly, from $15 to $17 for a lobster roll, chips and a drink, with pie another $4 a piece.
The roll was worthy of the title, and all the effort to get there. the roll is served in a fair-style cardboard boat with a fresh soft hotdog roll loaded high with succulent lobster meat. It truly is not lobster salad, consisting of lobster meat with a scant amount of mayo and white pepper. The meat is truly amazing, whole claw pieces, along with tail and knuckle piled high throughout, mind-bendingly good and melt in your mouth fresh.
With the chips and drink, this would be worth $25-$30 at any other location on the island, and it still be worth it easily. With the fantastic roll, the pleasant people and the good karma of helping out a local charitable organization with such an amazing product, its a no brainer on a Friday before 7:30. Good luck with your planning....