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There’s More to Nantucket Than Fresh Seafood

Although, let’s be serious, that’s reason enough to visit.

Travel
There’s More to Nantucket Than Fresh Seafood
Illustration
Meghann Stephenson
One of our worst travel nightmares is being unable to find a good local spot to grab a meal. After all, eating well while traveling is just as important as sightseeing, no? It took some time (and several subpar dinners), but we’ve finally learned our lesson, and now we don’t go anywhere without doing some research first. That means grilling every single person we know who has visited our next vacation destination for suggestions. Thankfully for us (and you guys!), sometimes the answers simply find their way to us. Just recently we were chatting with Tara Foley, the CEO and founder of Follain, and discovered that she is essentially an encyclopedia when it comes to places to eat and drink in Nantucket. Below, the best of the best places to stuff your face and let loose on the gorgeous Massachusetts island.

COFFEE


Handlebar Coffee: “The happiest, friendliest baristas on the island, maybe anywhere in the world. Plus, it’s a super-convenient location and has a secret garden out back with a bathtub bench where I like to work. They also sell the famous Morning Buns from Wicked Island Bakery here, which are ridiculously delicious.”

BREAKFAST & JUICES

Lemon Press: “For juices [and] light-bites breakfast. They have great açaí bowls and juices!”

Ackfresh: “Hidden juice bar inside of the bookstore on Broad Street. I could drink their relief pineapple cayenne water all day, every day.”

Black-Eyed Susan’s: “If I’m willing to wait an hour (totally worth the wait) for the most delicious omelettes and breakfast on the island.”

 

LUNCH

Bartlett’s Farm: “Rent bikes and ride to Bartlett’s Farm to explore and pick up lunch to bring to the beach. Everything is grown there. I love to grab one of their fresh-made broccoli salads and a baguette for the beach.”

Something Natural: “Sandwiches from hidden gem Something Natural on Cliff Road—love the Sheila’s Favorite sandwich, with some adjustments.”

Provisions: “Best in-town grab-and-go lunch spot is Provisions. Famous for their turkey terrific sandwich, and I adore their kale Caesar salad.”

 

DINNER

Straight Wharf Restaurant: “Easy dinner [here]—all local farms and fish, and most delicious menu on the island. They also have the best (in my mind) fine-dining restaurant on the other side, too.”

Pi Pizzeria: “Super casual spot mid-island with unbelievable brick-oven pizzas and the perfect Caesar salad.”

Sayle’s Seafood: “Most authentic and awesome. Pick up a lobster dinner picnic (lobster, corn on the cob, potatoes, etc.) from Sayle’s Seafood and drive onto the beach for a picnic and bonfire!”

 

DESSERT

The Juice Bar: “Juice Bar homemade ice cream is hands-down the best. Get the Green Monster (mint cookie dough). There are always terrible lines here, FYI, so go during off-times.”

 

COCKTAILS


The Galley: “If you can, reserve a table on the beach for the sunset!”

Proprietors: “The best craft cocktails on the island, for sure.”

Greydon House: “The bar at Greydon House is super cozy with a fireplace, and feels like the inside of a ship!”



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