Nomans — Restaurant in Oak Bluffs

My husband, our 7-year-old child, and I recently stayed at the Island Inn for three nights along with five other families. We ordered take out for both lunch and dinner every day, keeping open tabs. The food and drinks were excellent, and we were enjoying our experience—until a disturbing incident completely changed our perception of the service.

On our last morning, while waiting for a taxi outside the restaurant, we stood under a tree—the only shaded spot available on a very hot day. While we were there, a woman driving a black Mercedes sedan pulled into the lot. Without saying a single word, she gestured for us to move so she could park under the tree. Let me be clear: the parking lot was nearly empty, and she had multiple other options, and they were no parking lines indicating a spot.

I pointed this out to her and told her what she was doing was rude. In response, she slowly moved her vehicle toward us, as if trying to force us to move—not with words, but with the car itself. It was not only disrespectful but felt deliberately intimidating. When I told her we were guests, she simply said she worked there and continued with absolutely no apology or acknowledgment of her behavior.

There is no excuse for this kind of treatment. Guests should never be made to feel unwelcome, disrespected, or unsafe—especially by someone who represents the property. The complete lack of courtesy, let alone professionalism, was shocking and deeply disappointing.

To the woman who works at Noman’s and drives a black Mercedes sedan: your behavior was unacceptable.

We had hoped to leave with positive memories of our stay, but this experience left a lasting negative impression. I hope this issue is addressed seriously...

I would like to express my concerns regarding an incident that occurred during my recent visit to Norman's restaurant, where I was picking up customers. Upon my arrival, I encountered the owner, Doug Abdelnour, who was directing traffic in the parking lot. When I informed him that I was picking up customers, he made an inappropriate comment, stating that I am "the worst driver on the island" and suggested that my customers should report me to Uber and Lyft for potential deactivation of my account.

This interaction was not only unprofessional but also left me feeling disheartened. It is perplexing and troubling that Mr. Abdelnour would encourage my customers to report me when I had done nothing wrong. In fact, one of my customers defended me by asking him to leave our drivers alone, which further highlights the inappropriateness of his remarks.

I cannot help but wonder about the motivations behind Mr. Abdelnour's behavior. It is particularly disappointing given the reputation of Norman's restaurant and the notable clientele it attracts, including the Obama family. It raises questions about why I, as a driver without significant financial means, was treated with such disrespect and hostility.

I believe that all individuals, regardless of their background or financial status, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. I hope that this incident will be addressed appropriately so that other drivers do not have to experience similar treatment in the future. Thank you for your attention to...

Amazing Oysters & Laid-Back Island Vibes

Our first attempt to visit Nomans was on a Friday night—unknowingly right when it seemed like everyone on the island had the same idea! We decided to try again on Saturday afternoon, and I’m so glad we did. The vibes were still popping, but without the long wait.

Molly, the bartender, was fantastic—friendly, welcoming, and pouring some truly delicious drinks. We enjoyed a couple of Mai Tais and a strong Old Fashioned before diving into the main event: the oysters. And let me tell you… these were AH-mazing—so fresh, so tasty, just downright guuud! We started with a half dozen, but they were so good we had to order another half dozen. I can honestly say these are probably the best oysters I’ve had to date.

Our kids enjoyed playing a few games while we relaxed, and we also tried the cod sandwich—perfectly cooked, with a flavorful aioli that really stood out. The fries were fresh, hot, and tasty. The music (not live) added to the already chill, island vibe, making it even easier to kick back and enjoy the afternoon.

I’m so glad our plans shifted to Saturday instead of Friday—it made for the perfect, laid-back island experience. We’ll...