The Ritz Cafe has a new name and new menu, but promises to keep the old vibes. The Ritz SoulKitchen and Barbecue opens Thursday night after being closed since the beginning of March for refurbishing.
The Ritz Cafe has a new name and new menu, but promises to keep the old vibes. The Ritz SoulKitchen and Barbecue opens Thursday night after being closed since the beginning of March for refurbishing. For owner Larkin Stallings, it was an opportunity to take the food up a notch. For managing partner Benjamin deForest, it was a chance to explore a new concept and evolve the classic dive bar.
Mr. Stallings and Mr. deForest, chef-owner of the Red Cat Kitchen, began a loose partnership in 2015 when Mr. deForest brought the Red Cat Kitchen to the Ritz for the off-season. After last summer, the two decided to formalize the partnership.
Over the last month, a new menu was created, a craft cocktail program developed and the interior of the bar decked out with murals, new floors and a ceiling full of stars.
As executive chef for the Ritz, Donnie Glass will debut a new menu on Monday focusing on Oak Bluffs-style barbecue. It’s a style they are developing as they go along.
Ben deForest, chef-owner at the Red Cat Kitchen, is also a managing partner of the Ritz.
Ben deForest, chef-owner at the Red Cat Kitchen, is also a managing partner of the Ritz.
“It draws from the heritage here of Martha’s Vineyard and of Oak Bluffs,” said Mr. deForest. “We’re in a seaport, we’ve got beautiful fresh fish that a lot of traditional barbecues don’t have an opportunity to get. We’ve got the bounty of all the amazing Island farmers, so we incorporate that into it as well. It’s also a soul kitchen too, which takes some of the background of Donnie Glass, our executive chef here, and my own take on food for the soul.”
The first few nights will feature guest chef mash-ups. And all day brunch will be served Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. deForest said he will continue as chef at the Red Cat Kitchen, which opens April 1.
Behind the bar has also received an upgrade. TJ Lynch, a New York city bartender and a foremost authority of the craft cocktail movement, helped develop the Ritz’s new drink program. Not only will there be new drinks behind the bar, including two wines and one cocktail on tap, even the ice is going top shelf.
“The only, I mean only, true ice machine for a cocktail bar on Martha’s Vineyard that has one inch by one inch by one inch actual ice cubes...we’re gong to have true ice cubes for every drink that’s made here,” Mr. deForest said. “It’s the difference between a good bar and a great bar.”
Citrus juices from grapefruit to orange, lemon and lime, will all be hand squeezed. But at the end of the day, “You can still come here and have a great choice of beers,” Mr. deForest said.
The updated menu and bar will accompany the familiar music scene.
“We need to always remember that the music is a great piece of what our heart is,” said Mr. Stallings.
Mr. deForest said most nights will feature early and late shows, with sets from bands like Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, Willy Mason, Mike Benjamin, Evan Hall and Crooked Coast.
As with any change on the Vineyard, there has been backlash and rumors.
“There’s some people that are not happy about it,” said Mr. deForest. “There are Ritz purist who think I’ve destroyed the Ritz. But you know what, I just don’t buy it...everything evolves and it’s time the Ritz did.”
Mr. deForest sees the stagnation of the bar scene reflecting a stagnation in the town.
“I think that Oak Bluffs right now needs a serious shot in the arm,” he said. “I think that if we don’t do something here in this town, we’re going to lose our relevancy and we’re going to be playing catch up for the rest of our lives to Edgartown.”
He wants to see Circuit avenue packed with a vibrant night life. Giving the Ritz a shake-up is a start. But a new coat of paint, an upgraded menu or more imaginative drinks won’t change the soul of the Ritz.
“The Ritz has been a dive bar since 1945 and it’s not going to stop being a dive bar no matter what we’ve done to it,” said Mr. deForest.
Comments
The changes sound dreadful.
Kevin McMannThe changes sound dreadful. The Ritz was a fun place to catch some live music and have a couple of drinks with friends, new and old. Now it's a foodie place. Count me out and I'm sure Ben doesn't care about that. What's next - reservations via OpenTable? Thank goodness the "new" Lampost opens soon - where a bar knows it's a bar.
Just got back from the
MaryAnn Boston, Ma.Just got back from the Vineyard and this past Friday night at "The Ritz" there was a band there that "ROCKED" the house down!!! Went on to the site and it said M. Benjamin
was playing. Did not get the bands name! "Big mistake"! because who the hell are they? I am going to find out. Went back the next day and the person at the
bar said they changed their name to Lot Lizards? I don't know, but they were very good and I will find out who they are and I will follow them right back to The Ritz if need be! which was awesome I thought, Loud, Soulful, and Rocked it!
Craft cocktails? Craft ice??
JT Oak BluffsCraft cocktails? Craft ice?? Craft BBQ??? Yeah, sounds like a dive bar to me. Not. Looks more like they're trying to be Beetlebung II. I wish the new owner luck with his year round business model. I give it 6 months.
Perhaps the rumbling under my
Sara Oak BluffsPerhaps the rumbling under my feet is not really the rolling over of Lanky and Madeline and Lucille, but I'm not sure ...
I used to rent from Lucille,
Joyce Guelli Waltham, MAI used to rent from Lucille, I want the old Ritz back!
Wow. Dramatic change. I used
VineyarderWow. Dramatic change. I used to go in and have a cold beer in a bottle within 10 seconds of sitting down. Now they're going to be "crafting" my cocktails at the Ritz (I can't even mumble "Soulkitchen and barbeque"). If I wanted to go to the Red Cat I'd go there. Time to move my bar butt somewhere new.
Booooo
Vineyarder EdgBooooo
Kudos for the new ideas.That
Tom EdgartownKudos for the new ideas.That place needed more than just a physical makeover. Good luck. I plan on trying it out!
Since the permanent changes
Upislander AquinnahaSince the permanent changes at the Hot Tin Roof/Nectars/Tin Hangar the Ritz was the last best place on the island for live music, dancing and meeting friends. Now that too seems gone for good. I'll pass on the "Craft Cocktails" and OB BBQ and save time and $ on gas and that's a real shame. It sounds like it will be pretty easy to scratch 70 plus years of music and comraderie in a single season.
Looking forwards to checking
Sojourner WTLooking forwards to checking out the revamped Ritz for a late night shot in the arm this Summer.
Make sure you make your
JessHMake sure you make your reservation ahead of time. Yes, they're taking reservations now.
1" by 1" by 1" ice cubes.....
Bob Chilmark1" by 1" by 1" ice cubes.......goodbye Edgartown hello OB.
I agree with the majority
Howard OakBluffsI agree with the majority this is going to be a yuppie place with craft beers starting at 6.00 and specialty cocktails starting at 10.00. Not even going to guess we're the apps, start at
No longer about the socializing but about tables and foodies. Reservations. My phone will buzz when a table is ready. Enjoy
You clearly have no idea what
Benjamin deForest Oak BluffsYou clearly have no idea what you are talking about. You should be embarrassed for yourself. If you ever feel like coming out from behind your computer and the cucoon of a life you've created for yourself, I will be at the Ritz, crushing it and you can continue to live in a world of hearsay. Thanks. Ben
I'll certainly give it a
Robert Fargo EdgartownI'll certainly give it a chance, but based on the "Craft" talk and the other things mentioned in the article, I won't get my hopes up too high. I hope I'll be proven wrong. The "beautiful people" have destroyed far too much of what the Island once was, I was hoping there would be at least one place left where locals could hang out without having to deal with their nonsense....
The Ritz has always been a
BS OBThe Ritz has always been a faux dive bar. A dive bar is dumpy with cheap drinks. The Ritz was just dumpy.
That's mean. You haven't been
Upislander AquinnahThat's mean. You haven't been around long enough or you'd know better
Love slumming at the Ritz but
DTB NewtonLove slumming at the Ritz but the times are changing. I wish them success. I will check them out soon.
"Craft" must be code for $$$.
Kizzie West Tisbury"Craft" must be code for $$$. Time for the new owner to boot the regulars and turn his focus on the tourist crowd. I'm a somewhat foodie but do cringe at thinking what OB BBQ might be. I'll let others report back before I give it a try. Are Scottie and Andy still there or did they turn the crew with NYC people??
"Ritz was the last best place
michael johnson oak bluffs/san francisco"Ritz was the last best place on the island for live music, dancing and meeting friends."
Not hatin' on the Ritz -new or old- but to have the Ritz be considered the "last best" nightspot on the island is pitiful. It doesn't reflect on the Ritz but on the fact that the Ritz was a part of the island's formerly vibrant music and nightlife scene. One which boasted a wide diversity of venues and talent. Local and off-island bands abounded and had plenty of places to show their talent, entertain visitors and locals and get paid for it. The Ritz, Duck, Lou's, Post, AC, Roof, Seaview, WinterTide and a long list of excellent local bands, you could make the rounds listen, dance and mingle. No more. Sadly for live music lovers this "world class destination" is a wasteland. Good luck to Ben and the Ritz, and thanks for trying to keep a little spirit of live music and summer fun shining on in the evenings.
For me, the Ritz is the Ritz.
TerryFor me, the Ritz is the Ritz. Maybe I'll just have to close my eyes and silently order a pitcher, pretending it's the old dive bar it was on the August afternoon we heard Elvis had died.
As the man said, people and things evolve and move on. Glad it didn't lose its old four-letter misnomer name, and some people with ideas are looking after it, giving my artist friend a wall to fill. Like that.
It'd be much, much worse if the Ritz had met the same fate as the Island. So boa sorte, bonne Chance, viel Glueck. Hope the 1x1x1 ice cubes last until August.
Egotistical much? OB may
SureEgotistical much? OB may need a lot of things but the Ritz is the Ritz. It's a shame islanders are likely losing another local hangout to people who don't live here. Well, if I really need square ice cubes please shoot me.
Great upgrades!! Congrats.
JSGreat upgrades!! Congrats.
How about some newer bands
GW NYCHow about some newer bands too? The music scene is tired .
I can't believe people are
Joanne Lambert Oak BluffsI can't believe people are being so negative & uppity about this! I have lived through all the "glory years" too - I used to shut off Johnny Seaview at the Boston house and then go have a drink with him at the Ritz! Times change - but the Ritz continues to be everybody's fav dive bar & great music scene, we are lucky to have it still, they are doing a great job! Stop complaining & get in there for some fun!
Spot on Jo Jo!! First round
Gordon HealySpot on Jo Jo!! First round is on me!
I've had dinner at the Ritz
Ebba Hierta West TisburyI've had dinner at the Ritz three times this winter. Food was terrific and not overpriced all three times. I don't venture onto Circuit Ave. much in the summer, but for the off season, count me in.
Is this the end of the $10
Jim Pringle TisburyIs this the end of the $10 Blue Plate Special?
What happened to "The Best
Tom H. West Tisbury.What happened to "The Best little Diver Bar in M.V. ???? I wish Larkin & Ben the best of luck. But don't kill the vibe that has always been the Ritz. Craft Cocktails, BBQ, fine. But don't price us out the door. The music has alway been the heart of the Ritz.
Been going there since 1988. Only time will tell. The ghost's of Johnny Seaview & Maynard Silva are looking down on you. Please don't
mess this up ?
'The best "live" dive' is I
E'The best "live" dive' is I think what you were looking for, and if you venture over to the Ritz you'd realize that music is a HUGE part, and always will be. Johnny Seaview and Maynard are ALWAYS remembered and they would be proud to see this place thriving. I am sure of it.
The place hasn't lost it's soul. These comments are from ridiculous people who refuse to accept change, especially the notion that change (cleaning the place up a bit, getting some good food in there, CARING even when caring is sooo not cool these days) is inevitable in order to have a place (that needs it) thrive.
Geesh. Give Ben a chance. At
Paul Adler Up IslandGeesh. Give Ben a chance. At least he is trying. A for effort
If anybody else thinks they
Local EdgartownIf anybody else thinks they've got a better shot at running a low cost restaurant bar with live music on an increasingly very expensive island to do it AND make a year round living, here is your chance to prove these owners are wrong. Otherwise- support those trying to reach common ground appealling to a broader group of people and have a life here. The Hot Tin Roof and other similar places don't exist anymore for a reason.
And in the new upgrade was
A use to be local patronAnd in the new upgrade was thhe letting go of front of house staff, wtg taking away jobs from islanders all in the name of progress and to "get rid of the local riff raff" out of the mouth of the new part owner.
Nothing wrong with bringing
Rob Lytle Oak BluffsNothing wrong with bringing more people in with great food and more options. Particularly for dinner hours.
I think a consistent "bar" type evening menu with reasonsable prices for food and drinks would address many of people's concerns.
The Ritz is my favorite bar
Bob Leverich EdgartownThe Ritz is my favorite bar on the Vineyard. Please don't adopt the snotty attitude of places like the Port Hunter. I'm hoping the changes will not change the reason I love the place. Keep supporting the great local music. Don't turn the drink/food menu into a Brooklyn hipster joint with commensurate prices. Change is good...to a point
The food is delicious. The
Cara Lane Oak BluffsThe food is delicious. The drinks, too. There is still cheap beer. The music is always live and perfect with local artists donating their time to bring entertainment for your soul and theirs. I don't see how that is a problem. In fact, it seems like that's what has been supposed to happen there. You never know who may jump in to play or sing. The Ritz comes alive on those special nights. Everyone calm down. And go there.
You just can't stay away!
MoJo OBYou just can't stay away! Get your buns back on the Rock and take me out for craft cocktails and square ice cubes!!
You got it, MoJo!
Cara Lane South Shore, sortaYou got it, MoJo!
We have a huge void with the
Parker OBWe have a huge void with the roof closing its door. Its our job to support venues that keep bands playing.
The Ritz. On the bar -- a jar
New Englander Rhode IslandThe Ritz. On the bar -- a jar of pickled eggs. Behind the bar -- Jerry Maciel. Serving -- cold food and warm beer. Along with Lou' s Worry and other such places I will miss it and the people I met there.
Real dive bars don't sell
Real Dive Bar Survivor Not at a dive barReal dive bars don't sell beer in bottles. That's because at real dive bars, people break bottles and fight with them. I know because in my younger days, I went seeking authenticity. Call it liberal guilt. I stopped seeking authenticity when a guy threw a cue ball at another guy and it missed my promising 22 year old skull by a hair. I am not saying the old Ritz wasn't a bit dangerous. Lots of fights and a stabbing or two. I am guessing, however, that those people commenting here about this great loss are probably coming from my old adventure seeking background. Real dive bar customers don't have high speed internet and aren't prone to commenting clearly and consisely on forums such as this. If you want a real dive, go somewhere actually dangerous, where the customers have nothing to lose and a lot to be angry about, and see how you meld. Then, we can all hear the story at the new Ritz and laugh together about poor choices and luck. That said, live music is incredibly valuable, and craft cocktails slow service to a crawl. Bottle of beer and a band is my hope, but I didn't buy the place and wish them the best of luck!
OB BBQ, murals and a ceiling
JSMVY OBOB BBQ, murals and a ceiling full of stars ? Good bye Ritz, it was nice knowing you.
Glad Johnny Seaview isn't here to see this .
Everyone Hatin' on The Ritz
J.D. V.H.Everyone Hatin' on The Ritz must have a bit of amnesia and not been in any of the bands with the musicians, as the musicians have GREATLY enjoyed "rediscovering" playing at the Ritz since Larkin revived the place. Talk with any of them and what it was like before it was "saved" and you might understand what it takes to actually own and run a venue for live music on MV.
Hello. Ok I have a long
F. McGuire New York and Oak BluffsHello. Ok I have a long history in Oak Bluffs and am a fervent defender of authentic and iconic places and in fact paint those places to document them before they are gone. Having said that, I really think a lot of commenters should step back and actually go into the Ritz before unleashing negative comments. Ben DeForest opened Red Cat on Kennebec Avenue. Did he comprise the integrity of the cottage architecture that has been there for years and years? No. He celebrated that architecture by keeping it the same. Ben has also, to my knowledge, infused the economy of the Vineyard buy using local foods in his restaurants. How many food venues actually do that? The fish from Menemsha, the vegetables from island farms and his burgers from the Reliable Market in Oak Bluffs and surely more places. One could argue that he keeps the Island alive through his commitment to keeping things local. If you stepped into the Ritz this past weekend you would have seen a lot of Islanders and bikers and a glorious crowd of everyone. The place is great and I know from the days of walking through the back from the beach and being amazed by the sight of pickled eggs on the bar. Lastly I did paint one of those murals and you know what? It documents the beach behind the Ritz and reinforces the sense of place. So why don't you all celebrate that he successfully integrated the past with the present? And perhaps the Islander Theater can be saved too while passions run high. Any wealthy Hollywood folks out there interested in saving "The Last Picture Show?"
I totally sympathize with
Erich MenemshaI totally sympathize with folk's feelings of loss for the old Ritz, and don't have the history to opine. But I'd like to thank the Larkins, Ben, Donnie, and the rest of their team for all the great music, food, and great people I've enjoyed there this winter. The food isn't priced like Red Cat, but has the same attention to detail and local sourcing. Donnie Glass has his own point of view in his food, and while designer cocktails aren't for everyone, the beer is still there. In the end, the fact we can all go out on a Thursday in the middle of February and enjoy a packed bar of happy people, great food, and top notch music is a big win!
The Ritz still keeps me happy
Sarah EdgartownThe Ritz still keeps me happy year-round but I wish they still had the great french fries that kept me happy there...cause I don't drink!
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