Nantucket
Nantucket
Nantucket is a tiny island about 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod. I personally think it is one of the best places to be during the summer months. July and August are crazy busy and packed with people (still great!) but June and September, the weather is nice, and you can get parking on Main Street and on the beaches. It is hard to put into words how special the island is until you go. Something about the history, the cobblestone streets, the community, and the incredible food will leave you never wanting to go back to the mainland. I have spent a few summers living and working on Nantucket, so here are some of my favorite spots to eat. Pro-tip: if you visit over the summer, especially during July or August make a reservation anywhere you can, and try to plan a couple weeks in advance.
Breakfast
Great sandwiches here, even better bread. This little sandwich shop is right near town, tucked away off of Cliff Rd. You can order your sandwich to go and head to the beach or you can eat it on one of the picnic tables outside. The Portuguese bread is PHENOMENAL, get a loaf to go because you will be wanting a slice of it every day. Also, you order either a half or whole sandwich, but a half sandwich is LARGE. A whole sandwich can be split by two people or saved for a second meal.
There are a lot of reasons why you should get a sandwich at this quaint little spot in town, starting with their fresh ingredients, great wine selection, and ending with their incredible service. The guys that work here are so friendly and always have smiles on their faces. Order a sandwich or salad from the menu or build your own, either will turn out delicious.
Healthy breakfast and lunch spot located near the rotary. There are a couple tables to sit down but it’s mainly takeout. This is the perfect place to stop at before you go to the beach. You can build your own burritos and salads. I love the plant eater sandwich, but always check out the daily specials, they usually are LIT.
If I could afford to eat here every day for breakfast and lunch I would. It is right in town on Main St. When I lived on Nantucket for three months I was probably there five times a week spending money I didn’t have. Their Matcha gusto latte is fabulous and I highly recommend. They have fresh pressed juices, smoothies, salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Great choice for vegans, gluten free people, and meat eaters alike.
You will probably have to put your name on a list to get a table here. And if you sit inside, it will be very hot because of the grill, but I love this place for a good old diner style breakfast. It is right in town, so go early to get a table, or put your name on the list and walk around and shop while you wait. Cash only.
Lunch and Dinner
One of the best dinner menus on Nantucket. From shishito peppers to lobster Rangoon to Sichuan pork ginger dumplings you cannot go wrong with anything that you order. I truly recommend just about everything on the menu. The restaurant interior is fairly modern compared to most restaurants in town, but I think it is nice and different!
My favorite dinner spot on island. Amazing seafood, meat, dessert, and cocktails. The main dining room is my favorite but the bar menu is equally delicious. Also you are right on the wharf so the views are stunning. Their menus change depending on the fresh local ingredients they have but I recommend the scallops and the gallate for dessert.
You come here for the sunset, you stay for the fries. In all seriousness, the food here is incredible, but it is pricey. If it seems like too much I recommend coming for sunset and ordering a cocktail (the spicy margarita is great) and maybe a bite or two off of the lounge menu. The menu frequently changes so you know whatever you order will be fresh and it will be tasty.
This fresh, California style Mexican restaurant is worth the trek out to Madaket. One of my favorite things to do is to get takeout and then eat on the beach and watch the sunset. You simply cannot go wrong with any of the tacos or quesadillas. My favorites are the Smith Point tacos, the Wauwinet salad, and the 40thPole quesadilla. Definitely get the guacamole and if you eat at the restaurant definitely get a margarita.
Other Favorites
Not a huge fan of beer, I don’t mind their Grippa’s though, but all around a great vibe. Food trucks, live music, beer and cocktails, need I go on…
