Looking over The Black Dog's renowned menu, you might be surprised to learn that the inspiration for this hearty fare was, of all things, a stale donut. Let us explain....
It was a desperately cold day in 1969. With the Vineyard having no year-round restaurant, Captain Robert Douglas' repast on that particular night was a bitter cup of coffee and a dry, packaged, store-bought donut. The Captain had finally had enough. He began sketching on a paper napkin. A small gambrel-roofed building started to take shape. There were more napkins and more sketches. Captain Douglas played with the placement of the windows, added dormers, and then pulled it all together with a large red brick chimney. The restaurant would look just right on the beach at the head of Vineyard Haven harbor, he thought. It would give Vineyarders and visitors a place to meet and eat.
The Captain's excitement was contagious. Townsfolk helped build and shingle the establishment. Locals shared their recipes for pies, chowders and soups. The Captain named the restaurant after his faithful black canine companion - The Black Dog.
Now, Robert Douglas had three passions, his sailboat, the Vineyard and good food.
The Black Dog Tavern
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