You may have driven by Great Harbor Market hundreds of times, and not realized since the first thing you see is the Mobil gas station. But right behind, you’ll find a market with plenty of great food options. People are pleasantly surprised when they discover this gem, and that’s why it makes for a great addition to our WE LOVE MV series – WE LOVE MV: A Great Find – Great Harbor Market.
I have been following Great Harbor Market on Instagram for months, seeing their scrumptious daily lunch specials and desserts. Finally, I ventured over and met with General Manager Jennifer Medeiros (she manages the Airport Shell too) to experience what the market has to offer for myself.
WE LOVE MV: Great Harbor Market – Fast & Fresh
Louis Paciello, the owner, decided that he wanted to create a market that exceeded a typical gas station market. Food has been a big draw for people for this location. Here, you will find a wide range of foods. From what you’d expect to find like soft drinks, coffee, snacks, and some essentials, to what will definitely surprise you, like fresh baked sub rolls for their signature subs, Brazilian Marmitas, pre-packed salads and more.
Great Harbor Market has two bakers – one making fresh savory baked goods and one making desserts, including custom cakes. I had to have Jen repeat that because I was not expecting this level of quality at the market. Every morning, the case is stocked with fresh baked goods, including pastries, muffins, Coxinah (Brazilian chicken croquettes) and fabulous looking hand pies. Everyday, these are all gobbled up, and clearly their dedication to fresh, good food is appreciated!
There a number of grab and go lunches too if you are in a hurry. One of the most popular dishes are the marmitas, a traditional Brazilian dish, which comes with chicken, beef, or porn and rice, beans, plantains, and salad. They sell out of these pretty quickly most days.
You can also get burgers, including a veggie burger, which is Jen’s favorite from the market. Oh and fries or onion rings are options too! Their subs are a huge hit too. Start with fresh baked sub rolls, choose a Great Harbor signature sub or you can make your own. I like the sound of the “P&P”, prosciutto, provolone, EVOO, and oregano ($8.99). In addition to fresh baked bread, they use Boars Head meats. This is definitely a spot to add if you are a sub fan.
Though I really, really wanted a sub and fries, I opted for a chicken marmita ($11.99) knowing it was a more healthy option. So glad I got it! It was delicious – a little bit of everything. The chicken was well seasoned, the rice perfectly cooked, and the fried egg and those plantains were such a treat. Added bonus, I saved half of it for lunch the next day!
You’ll also find a selection of grab and go desserts and meals for dinner. This is a great bonus because so often, who really wants to cook after a long day of work! They plan to expand the selection in the future including adding pizzas to the menu. You may have seen the pop-ups they’ve had in the past. Pizza is Louis’ passion, and this is where he really has fun in the Great Harbor kitchen.
There are soups and salad options as well, and when COVID is over, the salad bar will return. Yes, a salad bar – how great will that be? Healthy options made easy are always appreciated.
Let’s not forget breakfast. Of course Great Harbor has breakfast – burritos, egg sandwiches omelets, bagels, and even avocado toast! I had no idea there were so many options here. Don’t forget to add on a fresh baked donut or muffin!
Great Harbor Market’s goal is to provide really good, affordable food. Food and provisions that appeal to all Islanders, and food that keeps them coming back and that makes their life a little easier. Great Harbor Market is definitely on my list of takeaway lunch options while at work.
The kitchen is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the market is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Also, I should mention that the food at the Airport Shell is prepared here.
*Burger featured above, courtesy of Great Harbor Market, and it sure does look like a great burger! I don’t know about you, but I am hungry from reading this!
Whether you find a new favorite here or online, it’s important we support our local artists and business owners. We Love MV is our ongoing series capturing the spirit of Martha’s Vineyard year-round.
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