45 Surfside
A light and bright bakery and café with ample indoor and outdoor seating. A great option for grabbing an iced coffee and a croissant en route to Surfside Beach.
Born & Bread
A bakery on Centre Street where you’ll often find a line around the block for their “cruffin” — a croissant-meets-muffin in flavors that change daily.
Espresso To Go
Espresso To Go on Old South Road is a local favorite where we’ll often bring our dog and enjoy our coffee underneath their bright yellow umbrellas.
Handlebar Café
If you’re looking for a barista who really knows his stuff, this is the place for you. The service is delightful, there’s a water bowl out front for pups, and the back garden is a hidden treasure.
Island Coffee
Steps off of the Steamship Authority ferry is this tiny coffee counter on Broad Street. It’s been known to save me when I’m racing to catch an early boat, but I’ll make a detour anytime for their out-of-this-world corn muffins.
‘Sconset Market
This isn’t so much a coffee shop as the only bakery and grocery store on the east side of the island, but they happen to serve one of my favorite iced coffee options on the island. My entire life I’ve insisted on sneaking out of church a few minutes early to get in line for their blueberry muffins, which are the most divine sugar-filled confections in the entire world and sell out like clockwork every weekend morning. We may or may not have placed an order for two dozen the morning of our wedding!
Downyflake
The best mornings start with a donut run to Downyflake. Located near the mid-island Stop & Shop, the diner has a family-friendly retro vibe, but we usually pick up a box of cinnamon sugar donuts and enjoy them at home. Cash only! (Currently closed for the 2025 season while they look for a new location)
Island Kitchen
We love eating outside at Island Kitchen, which always seems to be one of the best places to accommodate our large group. You can’t go wrong with the avocado toast, breakfast burrito, or eggs Benedict.
Lemon Press
Now on Main Street, Lemon Press is a great option for acai bowls, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and smoothies.
Brant Point Grill
If you’re looking for a perfect place for an Instagram opportunity alongside your meal, head to this restaurant located outside the White Elephant for its sweeping views of Nantucket Harbor. Don’t leave without trying a bite of their famous lobster mac and cheese.
The Chanticleer
An insanely charming little bistro on the east side of the island where Will and I had our rehearsal dinner (and where my parents had theirs 31 years before us!). If you’re looking for a romantic spot outside the hustle and bustle of town, head to ‘Sconset for a splurge-worthy meal in The Chanticleer’s rose garden. The chapel where we were married is just across the street!
Club Car
This Nantucket classic has been given a light and bright new look and is a centrally located spot for a last-minute reservation in town. Come with friends and order a variety of small plates for the table, then stay for a rowdy evening gathered around the piano in front.