Listen up, party people. The weather is finally starting to warm up here on the East Coast, which means that summer is coming. If you’re anything like me, food is always on the brain and therefore, it severely impacts my summer plans. I’m always on the hunt for the best and most Instagram-worthy restaurants.
One of my favorite summer destinations is Nantucket. It may be a small island, but man, do they have good food. Nantucket is a popular spot for people who spend the summer on the Cape, whether it be for the day or for a week. So if you only have 24 hours to spend on this beautiful island, make sure to hit up these spots for a guaranteed great time.
Something Natural
Photo courtesy of @somethingnatural on Instagram
Even if you’ve never been to Nantucket, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Something Natural. Arguably the most popular sandwich shop on Nantucket, Something Natural makes their own bread in-house and certainly knows how to compile a great sandwich.
They offer a half option, because a whole sandwich is about the size of a normal human head. You can build whatever sandwich you’d like or try one of their fantastic signature sandwiches. My favorite is hummus, cheese, avocado, cucumber, and sprouts on their herb bread. It takes me about an hour to eat the entire thing, but it’s great regardless.
Take a sandwich to the beach, or eat at one of the picnic tables in the comfort of the shade. In addition to great sandwiches, they have incredible cookies and also make awesome t-shirts and stickers.
Madaket Millie’s
Photo courtesy of @milliesnantucket on Instagram
Located in Madaket, so a bit out of town, but definitely a favorite. Millie’s is a great place for dinner, not only because of their dope quesadillas but because Madaket undoubtedly has the best sunset views on the island.
My favorite quesadilla is the 40th pole, which consists of chicken, goat cheese, caramelized onions, Monterey jack, AND cheddar cheese. Also, all of their cocktails are served in mason jars. How much more ~summery~ can you get?
Black Eyed Susan’s
Photo courtesy of @jorrad on Instagram
A Nantucket favorite. Black-Eyed Susan’s is cash only and BYOB, so stock up on dolla billz and bottles before you go. Even though they’re open all day, they’re best known for breakfast. Their huevos rancheros are incredible, but if you’re a little more basic their sourdough french toast is definitely a favorite. But really, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
The Downyflake
Photo courtesy of thedownyflake.com
One of the more casual spots on Nantucket, Downyflake is known for their seriously incredible doughnuts. Breakfast is served until 2 pm, and it’s truly the perfect greasy spoon, complete with high-quality pancakes.
If you don’t want to sit down, go through their takeout window and order a box of doughnuts. They are sweet and addictive, so don’t be surprised if you’ve eaten half the box before you get a chance to sit down. Whether they be chocolate covered or plain, anyone you talk to on Nantucket has had a Downyflake doughnut. And they just keep going back.
Lastly, their slogan is what really gets me: “as you wander on through life brother, whatever be your goal, keep your eye upon the doughnut, and not upon the hole”.
#Spoontip: Downyflake is another cash-only location, so remember to either get cash before you dock on the island or before you start your eating tour!
The Juice Bar
Photo courtesy of @nantucketblackbook on Instagram
You may have to go here multiple times on your visit (even though it’s ANOTHER cash only spot!). The Juice Bar is one of Nantucket’s most famous locations. If you plan your visit correctly, there won’t be a line, but if you go at high time (right after dinner) the line will go around the block.
That’s when you know it’s good ice cream. They make their waffle cones in-house, so when you’re waiting in line, you can see the employees standing over the waffle iron jammin’ out with their headphones while they pull out one beautiful cone after another. Stick to the hard ice cream since it’s what they’re known for, especially the chocolate peanut butter cookie dough.
Cisco Brewery
Photo courtesy of @ciscobrewers on Instagram
Cisco Brewery may not be known for their food, but it sure is a great place to visit. The Brewery is famous for their local Nantucket beer, and they also operate both a distillery and a vineyard.
During the summer, if you’re over 21, the brewery has great music and a great atmosphere, and you can drink all of their great creations while hanging out and enjoying the sun. They too make great clothes and overall stuff, if their great bottle designs aren’t enough for you.
So there you have it. If you have a mere 24 hours on the beautiful little island that is Nantucket, these are the places you should be sure to visit. Not to mention the beach, but that should be a given. You may be busy eating, but hey, is that really such a bad thing? If you have longer than 24 hours, there are tons of other places and activities to keep you occupied.