Catboat Coffee Co. opened its doors in Tisbury Marketplace this spring and already the unique combination of great coffee, Middle Eastern take-out and artisanal cheese is a hit. There is a full lineup of coffee drinks including cold brew on tap, but the food options from chef Naji Boustany (of the Lebanese-focused Epicure) and fromager Morgen Schroeder of Martha’s Vineyard Cheesery are just as compelling as the coffee. Gorgeous salads, individual grazing boxes, dips, mezze and desserts are all available to grab and go. A cut-to-order cheese counter is in the works. Relax inside on a window bench in the beautiful light-filled space or sit outside on the deck or by the Lagoon when the weather warms up. Whatever you do, be sure not to miss these five things at Catboat Coffee. (Editor's note: since press time, Catboat has also added croissants, muffins and other morning pastries.)

 

1. A cup of coffee

— Ray Ewing

Catboat sources their coffee from La Colombe Coffee Roasters, a Philadelphia-based coffee company known for high-quality, fair-trade coffee. Catboat’s drip coffee (regular and decaf) changes weekly, rotating among light, medium and dark roasts. Coffee purists will appreciate it black but it’s just as delicious with a splash of milk. A 12-ounce drip of the day is $2 while a 16-ounce cup is $3. There is a 20 per cent discount if you bring your own reusable cup or mug.

 

2. A cup of hot chocolate

— Ray Ewing

Sipping Catboat’s hot chocolate is more like drinking melted chocolate than sipping the standard warm chocolate milk. Rich and not overly sweet, it will appeal to any chocolate lover in the family, kid or adult. A small cup of hot chocolate is $4 while a large cup is $5. These drinks are also 20 percent off if you bring your own reusable cup or mug.

 

3. Hummus and pita

— Ray Ewing

Made in-house every day, one bite of Epicure’s authentic hummus will make you a believer. Packed with flavor and a dense, creamy texture, it’s a handy side dish or appetizer. One container costs $6 and feeds four to six people. It will also last at home in the fridge for a few days. Be sure to order a side of the generously sized warm pita.

 

4. Baklawa

The Lebanese version of the Middle Eastern dessert baklava, Catboat’s crunchy bite-sized pastries with pistachio and almond are a standout. The flaky pastry and lightly sweetened, cardamom-scented fillings are perfect with a cup of coffee or to finish a meal. A small box is $6.

 

5. Personal grazing box

— Ray Ewing

The personal grazing boxes from Martha’s Vineyard Cheesery are almost too beautiful to eat, though you wouldn’t want to miss out on these goodies. Perfect for a light lunch or a snack for two, the box features a rotating selection of three artisanal cheeses (six ounces of cheese total), charcuterie, fresh and dried fruit, pickles, olives and nuts. Offered regularly in the grab-and-go case, the boxes range from $20 to $30, depending on the selection of cheese, which always includes at least one Island-made cheese. Larger boxes will be available soon.

 

Catboat Coffee Co.

79 Beach Road, Vineyard Haven (in Tisbury Marketplace)

Wednesday-Sunday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (summer hours to be determined)

catboatcoffee.com