The 9 Best Restaurants To Try In Nantucket

A long weekend is calling, and these are the restaurants you can't miss

The restaurant options in Nantucket are abundant to say the least. Luckily, the beloved summer destination is still beautiful in September, and a late summer trip is calling your name. Since choosing among them can be difficult, and the long wait times a major factor, we've rounded up the optimal eats and drinks for you.

CRU Nantucket
With its lively bar scene, CRU is a great destination for a night of cocktails and raw bar on the water. Chef Erin Zircher takes a fresh interpretation of coastal cuisine with uncomplicated and beautifully plated seafood. If you are with a large group, order the Plateaus Premier Cru/Grand Cru seafood tower. Other highlights from the menu include the blue crab cocktail, tuna tartare toast and the Nantucket lobster roll.

Galley Beach
Sunset on the beach, cocktails, dinner—in that order—is the only way to do Galley Beach. Arrive early to score lounge seating and watch the nearby sunset. The dining room is intimate, but the dishes shine most of all. Favorites include the New England clam chowder with Yukon Golds and applewood-smoked bacon; jumbo lump crab cake with cucumber, tomato and mint salad; scallops with cauliflower, roasted squash and uni sauce; truffle butter poached lobster; and the filet mignon with A5 Wagyu butter.

The Nautilus
Locals and natives run this calm, casual restaurant that has racked up a lot of hype, which it rightly deserves. The restaurant takes same-day reservations (beginning at noon), and we were told that lines begin as early as 10 a.m. Standout dishes include the Hawaiian tuna poke, steamed pork buns, tempura East Coast oyster tacos and blue crab fried rice. Or if you want to go big, try the whole roasted Peking duck feast.  

The Pearl
Tuna martini, 60-second steak and lobster lo mein. Need we say more? How can you go wrong with a steak served with foie gras, truffle jus, frisée salad and a sunny-side-up quail egg? Executive chef Seth Raynor has led this top spot to success for the last 17 years. The Pearl is a special-occasion restaurant (even if that occasion may just be that you are vacationing in Nantucket). To go really special, book the private chef's table.

Brant Point Grill
Lobster, lobster and more lobster by the waterfront is the way to go at Brant Point Grill for either lunch or dinner. Located at the White Elephant hotel, the grill features a lot of outdoor seating and is great for families. (Cornhole is even set up on the lawn for the kids.) Order the lobster mac and cheese for the table, along with the fish tacos and oysters.  

Black-Eyed Susan's
What should you know about Susan? First of all, you definitely want to be sitting at her counter for breakfast. The open-kitchen diner has 40 seats and is open from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arrive expecting a 15-to-20 minute wait, then we suggest ordering the pancakes and French toast for the table, and an egg dish with cheese grits and black-eyed peas for yourself. You can also BYOB during her casual dinner service. Well done, Susan, well done.

The Juice Bar
The only way to finish a night on Nantucket is with ice cream at The Juice Bar. Don't let the intimidating line scare you; it moves quickly. As you approach the entrance, you'll smell fresh waffle cones being made on the spot. There are two serious options: the waffle cone or the waffle cone cup. Yes, you read that right. Have fun sampling as many flavors as the server allows. Classics include Crantucket, blackberry, chocolate Oreo and Cookie Monster.

Cisco Brewery
Ideal for happy hour, this popular brewery offers vodka, beer and wine houses with tastings; a live band; The Lobster Trap food truck; a Millie's restaurant food stand; and a rotating raw bar. Pro tip: Order the lobster roll at Millie's, and mac and cheese egg rolls at The Lobster Trap.

Tacos Tacos
One of the original Nantucket classics, Tacos Tacos is now located on 2 Broad Street inside Easy Street Cantina. Stick to a simple soft taco, filled with chicken, guac, sour cream and cheese, before or after hopping on the ferry.