Sometimes the Box is the Best Part: The Cardboard Box Restaurant Open In Oak Bluffs

Last week, The Cardboard Box opened its doors. Since we first learned about Ben and Erica DeForest’s new spot, we have been eager for its opening.

Martha's Vineyard Restaurants: The Cardboard Box Oak Bluffs Restaurant Opens Chef Ben DeForest

Located on Circuit Avenue in the space that was previously Down Island, The Cardboard Box is an eclectic mix of classic and modern. The large wooden bar is once again a focal point. Classic in style but updated with black and white paint.

The cardboard box Restaurant Opens Martha's Vineyard

The walls are adorned with great art including a number of pieces by Island artist, Traeger Di Pietro, who also designed the sign for the restaurant. Take note of the details, when there. The collection of vintage glasses, the whimsy in some of the prints, the character vintage steam trunks and more. The space is modern and fun, and lends itself to a good time. You’ll see when you go. There’s a vibe.

New Martha's Vineyard Restaurant The Cardboard Box Opens In Oak Bluffs

Before I continue, I should mention the name, The Cardboard Box. What seems like a peculiar name is actually quite perfect. In a world where restaurants are investing large amounts of money into concepts, Ben believes that if the food is good, people would eat out of a cardboard box. With this notion, the energy has been focused on the food. Yes, the space is pretty awesome, but it’s the menu where The Cardboard Box Shines.

Outside Of The Box

The menu at The Cardboard Box is quite diverse. You’ve got The Start (apps), Do Continue (dinner options), The Reliable Chop Board (a meatlovers dream), the Fish House and Sides.

Ahi Poke At The Cardboard Box Restaurant Oak Bluffs Dining

With 14 appetizers and 8 sides under $20, you have the option to really create a fun tasting experience. With this, you can totally create a meal or really begin the dining experience with a bang. From the I.P.A. Chatham Mussel Boil, to Captain Crunch Chicken, to Ahi Poke to Red Cat Kitchen’ Famous Brussel Sprouts (a favorite), there are so many things to try.

The Cardboard Box

My friend Jasmine and I really like the starters. So, we went a little crazy with them, opting for the Poke, the chicken and the mussel boil. We really loved the Ahi Poke with sesame, candied ginger, ponzu, the best wonton crisps ever, and some serious wasabi. It was light and so flavorful. I actually got this again when I went later in the week for my second visit.

Oak Bluffs Restaurants The Cardboard Box Dining Out On Martha's Vineyard

With all that good stuff to start with, we probably should not have continued, but we did. It was really hard to choose what to have for an entree. The Spit-Roasted Harissa Rubbed Natural Chicken and Sumner Veggie Skewer sounded good ($24), as did the Oak Bluffs Style Bouillabaisse ($39), but we opted for the Fish & Chips ($23) — Crispy fried Chatham Cod Fish, with housemade tartar sauce and fries. We opted to have the fries made truffle.

Fish & Chips Crispy fried Chatham Cod Fish At The Cardboard Box Restaurant Oak Bluffs Martha's Vineyard Dining

Many of the dishes are classics with a Ben DeForest twist, a modern touch or a nod to the Portuguese culture on the Island, like the linguica you find in the Oak Bluffs Style Cornbread Bake.

Dining Out Oak Bluffs: The Cardboard Box Restaurant Chef Ben DeForest

Jasmine and I are both really particular about our fish & chips, and I am happy to report that The Cardboard Box’s was really good. A generous portion, the fish was fresh and flaky with a really flavorful batter. I don’t like it when it’s soggy and bland or tastes like the fish was previously frozen– none of which was a concern with this delicious classic New England twist.

The Cardboard Box

Thoroughly full at this point, we had agreed to have dessert. Earlier in the day, Erica (Tiny Baker) posted a picture on Instagram of the dessert for the evening, skillet sticky buns. All I can say is save room for dessert. Erica is amazing with her sweet creations. and with this kitchen, she is sure to delight your sweet tooth every night.

Brussel Sprouts At The Cardboard Box Restaurant Martha's Vineyard

Now The Cardboard Box has a lot to offer diners, but it is the The Reliable Chop Board that is sure to draw attention. With the modern American steakhouse in mind, Ben has partnered with the legendary Bob Pachico, the Island’s longest working butcher from his store Reliable Market, which is right down the street. Bob knows his meats. He is an artist in the world of butchery.

Tomahawk Steak Reliable Chop Board The Cardboard Box Restaurant Martha's Vineyard

For The Cardboard Box, Bob is hand selecting the cuts and meats featured. This is something special for steak enthusiasts. From a 16 0z Prime Certified Angus New York Strip ($53). to a 32 oz Prime Angus Rib0Eye Tomahawk ($95) to the motherload, a Reliable 32 oz Prime Certified Angus Porterhouse ($100), each steak has been hand selected for its quality and prepared to your liking, and don’t forget about what sides you might like. Tater Tots, Creamed Spinach, OB Style Street Corn – there are options. The Reliable Chop Board is something unique to The Cardboard Box on the Island.

Stepping Up The Cocktail Game

When you review the cocktail menu, chances are you might have a hard time deciding what to order. So many sound delicious. Don’t forget that there are also great beer, wine and mocktails available too. Sin is In was the first to be tried, made with Plantation three year rum, cinnamon, grapefruit and lime juice.

There is also the Washashore – with Citadelle Gin or Deep Eddy Vodka, cucumber, mint and lemon juice, or how about the Shake My Tree – Evan Williams Bourbon, Mathilde Peach, Iced Tea and Lemonade, a very delicious sophisticated adult version of an Arnold Palmer. This was one of my favorites.

Craft Cocktails At The The Cardboard Box Restaurant Oak Bluffs RestaurantsBut what takes the cake are the Adult Sloshies!!! There is Frosé that is one of my top three favorite cocktails on the Island. This sloshie has Reyka Vodka, Rosé, Cappelletti and lemon in it, and it is amazing! I can only imagine how nicely this will help cool one off on a hot Summer day. I know I cannot wait to prove that this is true.

James Beard Award Winning Mixologist Toby Maloney Craft Cocktails Oak Bluffs The Cardboard Box Restaurant Martha's Vineyard

Why are the cocktails so amazing? Well, Toby Maloney is behind the genius. His list of accomplishments is a mile long, but I will say this he is an award winning James Beard Mixologist. What? It’s true. Toby has created some of the most sought after and revered cocktails in New York City and Chicago, and he is here, making cocktails for us on Martha’s Vineyard! Not only do his drinks feature amazing ingredients and housemade goodies, but he is really great to talk to. Watching him make drinks is like watching art. Iit’s fantastic.

The Cardboard Box will also be serving brunch and a late night menu (looks good) for all you crazy kids who stay out late in addition to dinner 7 nights a week.

Congratulations Ben & Erica – a great fun, different addition to Oak Bluffs! It’s nice to see you two working in the kitchen together. I look forward to visiting again soon, maybe for brunch!

Author’s Note: How much do I LOVE that The Cardboard Box offers hay straws. Straws made out of hay. Bye bye plastic for a number of their drinks! Well done.

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