Best Burgers on Nantucket

The Best Burgers on Nantucket, Ranked

We've eaten our way across the island to bring you this definitive ranking of Nantucket's best burgers. From legendary tavern burgers to unexpected gems, these are the spots that deliver consistently excellent patties.

• 1

  Brotherhood of Thieves

  23 Broad Street, Downtown

  The Brotherhood burger has been an island institution since 1972, and there's a reason locals still line up for it over fifty years later. This isn't a fancy, overthought creation - it's a masterfully executed classic. The half-pound patty is hand-formed daily, seared to a perfect char on the outside while remaining juicy within. Served on a fresh-baked roll with your choice of toppings, this burger embodies everything a great American burger should be. The setting adds to the experience: three unique dining rooms in a historic building, exposed brick walls, and live music most nights. Part of the Cisco Brewers family, you can wash it down with a locally brewed beer. Order it medium for the ideal char-to-juice ratio, and don't skip the curly fries.

  Price: $18-22 | Hours: 11:30am-9pm (later Fri-Sat) | Reservations: No

• 2

  Crosswinds Restaurant

  14 Airport Road, Nantucket Memorial Airport

  Here's an insider secret: some of the best casual food on Nantucket is served at the airport, and you don't need a boarding pass to enjoy it. Crosswinds has earned a devoted local following by serving honest, well-executed comfort food far from the tourist crowds downtown. Their burger is thick, generously seasoned, and cooked to order on a flat-top grill that gives it those perfect crispy edges. The atmosphere is pure local hangout - think off-duty pilots, year-round residents avoiding downtown, and savvy visitors who've discovered this hidden gem. Add the convenience of free parking (a Nantucket rarity) and you have a winning combination. The Crosswinds burger comes with hand-cut fries and all the fixings, at prices that won't make you wince.

  Price: $16-20 | Hours: 8am-11pm daily | Reservations: No

• 3

  Sandbar at Jetties Beach

  4 Bathing Beach Road, Jetties Beach

  Nothing pairs better with ocean views than a cold beer and a beachside burger. Sandbar delivers exactly that experience, serving solid pub fare with your feet practically in the sand. Their burger is uncomplicated in the best way - a well-seasoned patty, quality toppings, and a soft bun that holds up to the juices. Order at the bar, grab a frozen drink, and settle into one of the Adirondack chairs overlooking the water. The burger here might not be the most inventive on the island, but the setting is unbeatable, and sometimes location is everything. Sandbar is seasonal (reopening each May) and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early on busy summer days.

  Price: $18-22 | Hours: Seasonal, beach hours | Reservations: No

• 4

  Nantucket Tap Room

  29 Broad Street, Jared Coffin House

  Tucked in the basement of the historic Jared Coffin House, the Tap Room offers an upscale-casual take on the classic burger in an atmospheric cellar setting. The exposed brick walls and craft beer selection create a refined pub vibe, and their burger rises to match. Expect a quality blend of beef, artisan toppings, and thoughtful preparation that elevates the experience without being pretentious. This is the burger for when you want something better than a bar burger but aren't in the mood for fine dining formality. The craft beer list is one of the best on island, so ask your server to recommend a pairing.

  Price: $20-26 | Hours: Tue-Sun, varies | Reservations: Recommended

• 5

  Stubby's

  8 Broad Street, Downtown

  Stubby's is Nantucket's undisputed late-night champion, and their burger is the perfect end to an evening out. Open until 2am daily, this no-frills counter-service spot has been feeding island night owls for 25 years. The burger here is straightforward fast-food style - nothing fancy, but exactly what you want at midnight after a few drinks. It's greasy in the best possible way, served fast, and hits the spot every time. The name "Stubby's" is actually slang for French fries, so you know the sides are going to be good too. Don't leave without trying their legendary Jamaican jerk chicken if you're feeling adventurous.

  Price: $10-14 | Hours: 6am-2am daily | Reservations: No

• 6

  Boat House / Barcos y Tacos

  2 Sanford Road

  While Boat House is best known for their tacos (the phone number literally spells 228-TACO), their burger deserves recognition. Made to order with quality beef and served alongside their famous Mexican and Jamaican offerings, this is a solid option when your group can't agree on what to eat. The burger satisfies traditional cravings while others in your party can explore the Tex-Mex menu. Quick service, reasonable prices, and a casual atmosphere make this a reliable choice for families. Related to Stubby's and Walter's Deli, this spot carries the same unpretentious quality that defines Nantucket's best casual eateries.

  Price: $12-16 | Hours: 10:30am-10pm daily | Reservations: No

• 7

  Kitty Murtagh's

  4 West Creek Road

  Nantucket's only Irish pub serves a burger that pairs beautifully with their selection of Irish whiskeys and imported beers. The two-story restaurant offers comfortable dining downstairs and an authentic pub atmosphere upstairs, decorated with Irish signs and antiques. Their burger is a hearty, no-nonsense affair - a thick patty served with traditional fixings in a warm, welcoming environment. From the same owners as the beloved Queequeg's, Kitty Murtagh's brings hospitality expertise to the casual burger experience. This is where you come when you want to settle in for a while, enjoy multiple rounds, and not worry about the clock.

  Price: $18-22 | Hours: 12pm-9pm daily | Reservations: Accepted

Best Burger for Every Occasion

Different situations call for different burgers. Here's where to go depending on what kind of experience you're after.

Best Sit-Down Burger Experience

Brotherhood of Thieves delivers the complete package. The historic building, live music, extensive beer selection, and legendary burger combine to create an experience that's quintessentially Nantucket. This is where you bring friends who are visiting for the first time or celebrate a birthday in a casual setting. Plan to spend at least an hour soaking in the atmosphere.

Best Quick Bite Burger

Crosswinds at the airport offers quality food with minimal fuss. You can be in and out in 30 minutes with a great burger in your belly and money left in your wallet. The free parking is a major bonus when you don't want to deal with downtown congestion. Perfect for a quick lunch before an afternoon activity.

Best Late-Night Burger

Stubby's owns the after-hours scene. When the bars close and hunger strikes, this is where you'll find half of Nantucket's nightlife crowd. Open until 2am, they specialize in exactly the kind of satisfying, slightly greasy food your late-night self craves. Don't overthink it - just order.

Best Beachside Burger

Sandbar at Jetties Beach combines a solid burger with unbeatable views. There's something magical about eating a burger while watching the sun set over the water. This seasonal spot captures summer on Nantucket perfectly.

Best Burger for Groups

Kitty Murtagh's or Brotherhood of Thieves both handle groups well without requiring reservations. The communal atmosphere and full bar options mean everyone can find something they like, and the casual vibe accommodates different eating speeds and conversation levels.

Best Burger When You're Avoiding Tourists

Crosswinds is where the locals go to escape the downtown crowds. You won't find cruise ship day-trippers here - just island residents, airport workers, and visitors savvy enough to venture beyond Main Street.

Vegetarian and Vegan Burger Options

Plant-based eaters shouldn't feel left out of Nantucket's burger scene. While the island is traditionally a meat-and-seafood destination, several spots now offer solid vegetarian alternatives.

• Brotherhood of Thieves: Offers a house-made veggie burger that holds up well against the beefy competition. Made with a blend of vegetables and grains, it's substantial enough to satisfy.
• Boat House: Their diverse menu includes vegetarian options that can be customized. Ask about their current veggie patty offering.
• Nantucket Tap Room: As an upscale-casual spot, they typically accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Call ahead to confirm current vegetarian offerings.
• B-ACK Yard BBQ: While primarily a barbecue joint, they offer vegetarian sides and occasionally feature plant-based proteins. Not a traditional burger experience, but worth checking if you're in the group.

Note that dedicated vegan options are still limited on Nantucket. If you follow a strict vegan diet, calling ahead to confirm ingredients and preparation methods is recommended.

Kids' Burger Options

Traveling with young burger lovers? These spots cater well to families with children.

• Stubby's: Simple, familiar food in a no-fuss environment. Kids can get a basic burger without any fancy toppings, plus chicken fingers if they change their mind. The casual counter service means no waiting for fussy eaters.
• Boat House: Family-friendly atmosphere with a dedicated kids menu. Burgers come in kid-appropriate sizes, and the quick service keeps little ones from getting too restless.
• Sandbar: The beachside setting lets kids move around, and the simple menu has options for even the pickiest eaters. Parents can enjoy a cold drink while kids play in the sand.
• Brotherhood of Thieves: While more of a grown-up atmosphere, they welcome families and offer appropriately sized portions. The live music might even entertain older kids.
• Crosswinds: Relaxed atmosphere and a kid-friendly menu make this a stress-free option for families. The airport location means kids can watch planes take off and land - a bonus activity with your meal.

Burger Price Comparison

Nantucket isn't known for budget dining, but burger prices span a reasonable range. Here's what to expect:

Restaurant	Burger Price	Includes
Stubby's	$10-14	Burger only, fries extra
Boat House	$12-16	Burger with basic sides
Crosswinds	$16-20	Burger with hand-cut fries
Brotherhood of Thieves	$18-22	Burger with choice of side
Kitty Murtagh's	$18-22	Burger with sides
Sandbar	$18-22	Burger with sides
Nantucket Tap Room	$20-26	Premium burger with sides

Prices are approximate and may vary by season. Add $3-5 for premium toppings like bacon, avocado, or specialty cheeses at most locations.

Our Top Pick: Brotherhood of Thieves

After extensive research (it's a tough job, but someone has to do it), we're giving the crown to Brotherhood of Thieves as Nantucket's best burger destination. Here's why:

• Consistency: The burger has been excellent for over fifty years. That's not luck - that's commitment to quality.
• Atmosphere: The historic building, live music, and three distinct dining spaces create an experience you simply can't replicate elsewhere.
• The Complete Package: Great burger, solid beer selection (including local Cisco Brewers options), and a vibe that captures what casual Nantucket dining should be.
• Value: At $18-22 for a quality half-pound burger with sides, it's priced fairly for island standards.
• Accessibility: No reservations needed, year-round operation, and walk-ins always welcome.

That said, Crosswinds is a close second and might actually be the better choice if you want to avoid downtown crowds or need convenient parking. The airport burger punches well above its weight, and the local vibe there is authentically Nantucket in a way that tourist-heavy downtown spots can't match.

Ultimately, the best burger on Nantucket is the one that fits your mood, your schedule, and your company. You truly can't go wrong with any spot on this list.