Hannah and her family have been coming to Nantucket every summer since she was 1! When Hannah met Luke, she knew wanted to share her favorite place with Luke, and it quickly became one of his favorite places too! Below are some recommendations to help guide you during your stay. We hope you will be able to explore and soak up all the beauty, charm, and delicious food this special place has to offer!
BREAKFAST
LEMONPRESS
An organic and healthy cafe, located right on Main Street in downtown! A go-to place for smoothies, acai bowls, cold press juices, coffee, and specialty lattes.
BORN & BREAD
A downtown bakery with the most delicious sourdough bread, breakfast “sandy” (the sausage, egg and cheese is our favorite!), pastries, and iced coffee! The scones and cruffins are especially incredible.
HANDLEBAR CAFE
Hannah's sister's favorite place for coffee! Walk here for a cup of coffee that's close to town. You will see a blue, 51 Chevy parked out front!
DOWNYFLAKE DONUTS
A breakfast diner located mid-island with delicious donuts. You can dine in for some blueberry pancakes and omelets and / or pick up a box of donuts to go. Be sure to go on the earlier side for donuts because they do sell out!
LUNCH
SOMETHING NATURAL
A bakery and sandwich shop, known for large and delicious sandwiches with their very own homemade bread. While known for their sandwiches, they also have amazing homemade cookies, as well! Sit outside on their lawn or take to the beach. Pro Tip: If you're looking for a normally sized sandwich, order a HALF sandwich. (They slice their bread the long way!)
FRESH
An easy place in town to grab sandwiches and smoothies on the go! They also have a great selection of alcohol.
DINNER
STRAIGHT WHARF
One of our favorite restaurants on the island! Located on the wharf downtown, you will get to see views of the harbor while eating. It also offers a farm-to-table selection of fresh, local food. Don’t skip out on the galette for dessert! Reservations open two weeks in advance on Resy.
VENTUNO
Owned by the same owners of Straight Wharf, but serves Italian food. The restaurant is in an old house on 21 Federal, hence the name! Go here for amazing, homemade pasta. Reservations open 30 days in advance on Resy for indoor dining. Outdoor reservations available day of, over the phone.
COMPANY OF THE CAULDRON
An adorable, quaint restaurant in the heart of downtown, home to Chef Joseph Keller. Joseph and his brother, Thomas Keller, opened the French Laundry in Napa and Bouchon and Per Se in New York City. They have two seatings a night with a prix fixe menu. Their popovers are to die for and ask for their off-menu Bouchon chocolate chip cookies. Reservations open one month in advance on Resy.
NAUTILUS
An incredibly delicious and popular dinner-spot in town! We highly recommend the famous blue crab fried rice, chicken frites and calamari! Reservations are recommended and open seven days in advance at 10am on Resy- you will need to be on your phone refreshing at that time to get a reservation.
MILLIE’S
Outside of town in Madaket, Millie’s has the best tacos, chips and guacamole! Madaket is the best spot on the island for watching the sunset, so watch the sunset on the beach and walk up to the restaurant after for dinner. Note, they don’t take reservations and typically have a line during popular times. To get out to Millie’s, you can take the NRTA WAVE shuttle bus, bike or a rideshare service.
CRU
A great, trendy restaurant at the end of the wharf in town. Along with great food, they have a great ambiance and views of the ships parked in the harbor. Reservations open two months in advance on Resy.
AMERICAN SEASONS
A quaint, unique restaurant located just outside of town, but still within walking distance. Food is amazing and ambiance is peaceful. Reservations open months in advance on Open Table.
THE GALLEY
A beautiful restaurant with amazing food right on the beach near Jettie’s beach. This is the best place to catch the sunsets while dining. You can also go to grab a drink at their bar and watch the sunset outside. Reservations open 14 days in advance. To make a reservation, call the restaurant directly (508-228-9641) between 10:00am and 5:00pm EST.
SISTER SHIP
A beautifully designed bar and restaurant inside with a lovely patio outside, perfect for enjoying some delicious cocktails! If you need a little snack with your cocktails, we highly recommend ordering the papas!
BARTLETT FARM
A family-run market located near Cisco Brewery offering local produce, groceries, sandwiches, grab and go treats and wine! If you’re planning on cooking while on island, this would be a fun place to stop for groceries.
CASUAL DINNER SPOTS
If you want a more relaxed vibe, don’t have a reservation or get to the island on the later side, try out one of the below places!
BROTHERHOOD
A Nantucket institution that has been around for years and was recently bought by the owners of Cisco Brewery! Go here for great burgers, curly fries and beers! There can be a wait and they don’t take reservations, so put your name in on the early side.
B-ACK YARD BBQ
An easy place to walk into and grab great BBQ. Centrally located in town and lots of TVs to catch a sports game.
THE TAVERN
Located on the wharf, The Tavern has great bar food and is generally easy to get into. Stop by the Gazebo after to grab a drink!
LOBSTER TRAP
Great place to grab lobster if you’re in the need of getting your lobster fix while in New England.
THE ROSE AND CROWN
A local’s favorite bar with large TVs, karaoke and bar food.
STEAMBOAT PIZZA
Grab and go pizza place right outside the Whaling Museum and where the Steamship Authority docks.
STUBBY’S
Grab and go place right next to Steamboat Pizza that serves burgers, chicken fingers, etc.
NIGHT LIFE
THE CHICKEN BOX
This is one of the most popular places to go out on the island. It is located mid-island, so does require a rideshare service to get to, and usually has a live band. There frequently is a line during peak hours, but the line goes fast!
CLUB CAR
Located right in town, stop by the Club Car for a drink and live music from the piano man.
THE GASLIGHT
A great place in town to grab a drink and listen to live music!
THE GAZEBO
Located on the wharf, The Gazebo is an outdoor bar where you can grab a drink and catch a game on TV.
BUT, MOST IMPORTANTLY…
JUICE BAR
Home to the best ice cream on Nantucket and maybe ever?! Hannah’s family has a tradition where they walk to the Juice Bar EVERY night after dinner for ice cream. Hannah’s favorite flavor is Chocolate Chip, and Luke’s favorite flavor oscillates between Brownie a la Mode and Cookies and Cream! There will likely be a line, but it is definitely worth the wait! And don’t skip the waffle cone!
MILLY & GRACE
The Geiser girls’ favorite clothing store on the island, and our wedding planner’s sister’s store!
MURRAY’S
Stop by Murray’s at the top of Main Street to find the famous “Nantucket Reds”! If you don’t know what these are yet, you soon will!
NANTUCKET LOOMS
One of the oldest shops on Nantucket, located downtown on Main Street. They have a beautiful collection of luxurious handmade throws, home decor, and gifts. Walk upstairs to see them hand weaving their looms! Hannah’s mom loves the kitchen towels!
ANNIE & THE TEES / THREE GIRLS & A DOG
These side-by-side shops carry the best selection of Nantucket t-shirts and sweatshirts! A perfect souvenir!
FLOWERS ON CHESTNUT
An adorable fresh flower shop with a gift shop upstairs that carries a collection of home accents.
MITCHELL'S BOOK CORNER & NANTUCKET BOOKWORKS
Two charming book shops located in the heart of town! Hannah’s mom always finds her summer reads here.
BIKE RIDING
One of the best ways to explore the island is by bike! Rent bikes at Young’s Bicycle Shop and bike out to Madaket for lunch at Millie’s or to Cisco Beach, followed by a stop at the brewery!
CISCO BREWERY
A brewery, distillery, and winery with live music, food trucks, raw bars, and picnic tables! This is one of the most popular spots on the island. Luke’s favorite beer is Whale’s Tale, and Hannah’s is… water!
STEPS BEACH
A very calm beach, not too far from downtown with a stunning overlook of the ocean from the top of the stairs before heading down to the sand.
CISCO BEACH
Another favorite beach! This is the best spot for surfing on the island. Rent bikes or use rideshare services to enjoy the day at Cisco!
WHALING MUSEUM
For the history buffs (and / or Moby Dick fans), the Whaling Museum offers a wonderful insight into the history of Nantucket and an opportunity to learn how this little island became known as the “whaling capital of the world”. Note, the Welcome Party is here on Friday Night!
SCONSET BLUFF WALK
A scenic public walking path with some of the most beautiful homes on the island to your left and an incredible view of the ocean to your right! Don’t miss the adorable rose-covered, historic fishermen’s cottages in Sconset. Sconset is about a 20 minute drive out of town. You can get there via the NRTA WAVE bus or rideshare service.
TUPANCY LINKS
A short walking trail through conservation land with a halfway point that overlooks the ocean!
MIACOMET GOLF
One of the best public golf courses in the country. Luke and Hannah’s family love playing golf here. Tee times open 7 days in advance at 8pm EST.
ENDEAVOR SAILING
For an adventure on the water, you can book a tour of the harbor on this beautiful sailboat!