No visit to Nantucket is complete without an afternoon at Cisco Brewers. What started in 1995 as a small craft brewery has grown into a beloved island institution - a sprawling compound where you can sample award-winning beers, wines, and spirits while enjoying live music, food trucks, and the quintessential Nantucket vibe.
What's at Cisco?
Cisco is actually three operations in one: Cisco Brewers (beer), Nantucket Vineyard (wine), and Triple Eight Distillery (spirits). Each has its own tasting room, and you can sample from all three during your visit.
Cisco Brewers
The brewery is known for its flagship Whale's Tale Pale Ale, along with rotating seasonal and limited releases. Their outdoor bar area is the heart of the action, with picnic tables, lawn games, and space to spread out.
Nantucket Vineyard
Producing wine from grapes grown both on-island and from carefully selected mainland vineyards. Try the popular Nantucket Red or the refreshing summer whites.
Triple Eight Distillery
Named for Nantucket's area code (508-228-xxxx), Triple Eight produces vodka, gin, bourbon, and their famous Notch Single Malt Whisky - aged in barrels that once held their own beer.
Tours & Tastings
Tours are offered daily at 1 PM and 4 PM through Columbus Day. The tour takes you behind the scenes of all three operations and includes tastings. During the off-season, they offer special tasting tours - a more intimate way to experience Cisco.
No reservation required for tastings at the bar - just walk up and order. Flight options let you sample multiple beers, wines, or spirits.
The Vibe
Cisco is gloriously casual. Think picnic tables, lawn games (cornhole, giant Jenga), and dogs lounging in the sun. During summer months, live music plays most afternoons and evenings. Food trucks serve everything from tacos to lobster rolls.
The crowd is a mix of families (yes, it's kid-friendly), couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers. It's the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for three.
Getting There
Free Cisco Van (Recommended)
The free shuttle departs from the corner of East Chestnut and Federal Streets. Summer schedule: Monday-Saturday 12-6pm, Sunday 12-5pm. The van runs continuously - just show up and wait.
By Bike
About 4 miles from downtown via Hummock Pond Road and Bartlett Farm Road. Bike racks available at Cisco.
By Car/Uber
5 Bartlett Farm Road. Free parking lot. Uber available but can be scarce on busy summer days.
Insider Tips
- Take the free Cisco Van - no parking hassle and no designated driver needed
- Bring cash for food trucks (some are cash-only)
- Arrive early on summer weekends to snag a picnic table
- Check their Instagram for daily music schedules
- Combine with nearby Cisco Beach for a full day
- The off-season is actually a great time to visit - locals love it