Brunch is one of those glorious weekend indulgences, and Black Joy Kitchen BrunchBQ & Beats takes everything you love about it to another level. Add the sounds of DJ Smooth B, a soulful Southern twist, and suddenly brunch becomes an experience. Every Sunday, the restaurant awakens your senses — the irresistible aroma of brunch favorites, the DJ spinning feel-good tracks, the laughter, and even the dancing. This isn’t your usual brunch. This is brunch with soul. This is brunch with a vibe. Where The Joy Is: Black Joy Kitchen BrunchBQ & Beats On Martha's Vineyard.

 

How to Brunch at Black Joy

 

First, start with a reservation. Brunch sells out at Black Joy so reservations are encouraged. When you get to the restaurant, be prepared to be wowed. From the moment you walk in the door you know it's going to be good - from the music to the laughter of guests, to the heavenly scents, to the menu, it's an experience unlike any other brunch on Martha's Vineyard.

 

 

The menu offers sweet and savory options - many of which are inspired by Chef Ting's family recipes. Some that go back generations, there is soul in these dishes. For sweet, how about Chef Maleka's family's recipe - Jamaican Banana Fritter with Lime Crunch & Rum Maple Syrup. This is a big fan favorite. While the fritter and other items were tempting, I had to go savory. I was a little late to the brunch game so savory seemed more appropriate.

For savory, you choose two meats and three sides (there is a veggie version as well). For meats, I chose the BBQ Chicken and Brisket (unfortunately sold out). For the sides, I chose Mac N Cheese, Mr. James Smoked Turkey Greens, and the Biscuit with African Honey Butter. Yes -- all of this glorious sounding food was coming my way for my meal, and there are even more tempting side dishes for you to try.

Black Joy Kitchen BrunchBQ & Beats is good for groups, but you can come by yourself too! I sat at the bar, enjoying talking with the bartender, and learning all about Black Joy Kitchen. The staff really love working here, and you can tell! When Chef Ting brought my meal, I thought I was going to fall off my seat. I have never had a brunch spread like this. It was so beautiful and full of color. I had to take a couple minutes to take it all in.

 

The Mac N Cheese was my starting point. I love this dish and Chef Ting's is a 10 out of 10. It is cheesy, thick and so tasty. I could have this as a meal by itself any day of the week. Mr. James Turkey Greens are not the most healthy of veggie dishes but they are so good. They are a recipe from Chef TIng's childhood. The turkey and the collard greens are smokey and savory, The biscuits are scrumptious, try the cornbread too if you can, and the BBQ meats are the way BBQ is meant to be. The meats are so juicy and flavorful -- this is BBQ expertly done. I have to go back earlier so I can get the brisket. I imagine the ribs are outstanding as well. Oh, I also want to try the Billionaire's Bacon Bouquet(photo credit: S. Oommen). It sounds like something bacon fans like me would especially enjoy.

Since it's brunch, there is a selection of traditional cocktails like Bloody Mary's and Mimosas, but they also offer a signature brunch drink, the Kuwee Quasan - Black Girl Magic Sparkling Wine, lavender, elderflower and lemon. In addition to these, there are several creative cocktail and mocktail options and beer and wine too. The Black Joy cocktail menu highlights a selection of Black and Brown owned spirits and wines. *

Come to Black Joy Kitchen's BrunchBQ & Beats hungry — the servings are generous and downright scrumptious. Come ready to have fun, too. With DJ Smooth B setting the tone, the vibe is high, the music moves you, and dancing at brunch isn’t just welcome, it’s expected.

More Joy to Share

Black Joy Kitchen is more than a restaurant — it’s a gathering place for the community, rooted in joy and really good food. Lucky for us, it’s open year-round. During the winter months, Black Joy keeps the vibes going with brunch every Sunday, Wednesdays featuring the Chef’s Table Dinner Series, Saturdays Chef's Choice Dinner, and the ever-popular Family Meal Friday, held once a month where you "pay what you can".

The Chef’s Table dinners are reservation-only with limited seating and often sells out quickly. Led by Chef Ting, each dinner is a culinary adventure inspired by countries and cultures from around the world. One week it might be the Seychelles, another Ethiopia. No two dinners are the same, but every Chef’s Table promises a unique and memorable experience — a delicious dive into flavors from far, far away.

 

Other things to be joyful about -- Black Joy Kitchen summer 2026 reservations are now open, click here to secure your summer experience today. Black Joy offers private parties at the restaurant and catering. Also, wait until you see the outdoor space -- it's its own special vibe. If you have not been to Black Joy, now is the time to go. Black Joy Kitchen is located at 7 Oakland Avenue in Oak Bluffs, across from Tony's Market.

 

Thanks for reading On Point MV — a blog about all things Martha’s Vineyard. If you have blog ideas or there’s something you’d love to learn more about on the Island, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at guinevere@pointbrealty.com. 

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