Fridays at the Newes

Another winter ritual on Island is having dinner at the Newes Friday evenings with Mike Benjamin.  Formally called The Newes from America Pub at the Kelly House, this Edgartown pub and restaurant is popular for all the right reasons.  The building is one of the oldest on the Vineyard, built in 1742, and its exposed bricks, warm hearth and colonial character beckon people right in.

Mike Benjamin is a beloved and extremely respected performer who plays the guitar and sings his original songs as well as favorite cover tunes and requests.  Being a professional musician for over thirty years, he seamlessly integrates the blues, Grateful Dead, or a pop song as people dine and drink and relax.   There is an atmosphere that feels a little like Cheers in that there are a lot of regulars and the highly professional and welcoming servers and staff seems to know everybody.

The menu offers so many favorite appetizers and entrees that most people know by heart, but one can’t help reviewing all of the options.  The daily specials are excellent, and there is a wide selection of New England craft beers.

And if the atmosphere, music, libations and food are not enough reason to frequent the Newes on Fridays or any other day of the week, it is one of the few restaurants open year-round that is convenient for Chappy dwellers….