BREAKFAST
BLACK-EYED SUSAN’S
An amazing, breakfast diner that makes the best pancakes! They don’t take reservations for breakfast, and there is guaranteed to be a line, so put your name in and walk around town while you wait. This is great for small groups, as it only has about 6 tables and two larger tables outside. Cash only.
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”, pastries, and iced coffee! The scones and cruffins are especially incredible.
DOWNYFLAKE DONUTS
A breakfast diner located mid-island with delicious donuts. You can dine in for some blueberry pancakes and omelettes 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 great 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 offers 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.
THE NAUTILUS
An incredibly delicious and popular dinner-spot in town! We highly recommend the famous blue crab fried rice and dandan noodles! Reservations are recommended and open seven days in advance at 9am on Resy- you will need to be on your phone refreshing at that time to get a reservation.
MILLIE’S
Outside of town in Madekat, Millie’s has the best tacos, chips and guacamole! Madekat 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 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, nice restaurant located a little 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!
BLACK-EYED SUSAN’S
You might recognize this from our list of breakfast spots, but they also serve dinner! Not only do they have great food, but they also only take reservations the day by calling in at 4pm. They have three seatings for you to choose from: 6:00pm, 7:30pm and 9:15pm. Hannah and her sister love the capellini pasta! BYOB and cash only.
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.
STUBBY’S
Grab and go pizza place right outside The Whaling Museum and where the Steamship Authority docks.
NIGHT LIFE
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 it does move!
CLUB CAR
Located right in town, stop by the Club Car for a drink and live music from the sax man at the piano bar.
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 in a homemade waffle cup, and Luke’s favorite flavor oscillates between Brownie a la Mode and Green Monster (mint oreo)! There will likely be a line, but it is definitely worth the wait! And don’t skip the waffle cone!