Breakfast Spots

Top Breakfast Spots

These are the island's most beloved breakfast destinations, each with its own character and loyal following. Whether you're after an experience worth waiting for or a quick grab-and-go, you'll find your perfect morning meal here.

1. 1

   Black-Eyed Susan's

   10 India Street, Downtown

   The undisputed champion of Nantucket breakfast. This tiny, cash-only spot serves some of the most creative morning fare on the island - think sourdough French toast with caramelized pecans, or Mexican eggs with black beans and salsa. No reservations, no credit cards, and often a line out the door, but absolutely worth the wait. Locals arrive before 7am to beat the crowds. BYOB for brunch cocktails.

2. 2

   Fog Island Cafe

   7 South Water Street, Downtown

   A local institution serving homestyle breakfast in a cozy, unpretentious setting. The pancakes are legendary, the omelets are generous, and the coffee keeps flowing. This is where you'll find regulars reading the paper and families gathering for weekend brunch. Friendly service and reasonable prices make it a perennial favorite.

3. 3

   Provisions

   3 Harbor Square, Straight Wharf

   The go-to for quick, quality pastries and excellent coffee. This gourmet market and cafe offers fresh-baked muffins, scones, croissants, and breakfast sandwiches perfect for eating on the go. Grab a coffee and a pastry before exploring town or heading to the beach. Also a great spot to pick up picnic supplies.

4. 4

   The Bean

   29 Centre Street, Downtown

   Nantucket's favorite coffee shop also serves excellent breakfast sandwiches and light bites. The egg sandwiches on fresh bagels are a morning staple, and the espresso drinks rival any city cafe. Small and often busy, but fast service means you won't wait long. Perfect for caffeine addicts and those seeking a quick, satisfying start to the day.

5. 5

   Corner Table

   22 Federal Street, Downtown

   A newer addition to the Nantucket breakfast scene that has quickly become a local favorite. Creative dishes, excellent coffee, and a bright, modern atmosphere set it apart. The avocado toast is Instagram-worthy, but the real stars are the inventive egg dishes and fresh-squeezed juices. A bit pricier but worth it for the quality.

6. 6

   Island Kitchen

   1 Chin's Way, Mid-Island

   Farm-to-table breakfast done right. This spot sources ingredients from local farms whenever possible, and you can taste the difference. The kitchen takes classic breakfast dishes and elevates them with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Eggs are from island chickens, produce is picked that morning, and the menu changes with the seasons. Worth the short drive from downtown.

7. 7

   Downyflake

   18 Sparks Avenue, Mid-Island

   A Nantucket institution since 1946, famous for its homemade doughnuts. The classic glazed are legendary, but the cinnamon sugar and chocolate frosted have devoted fans too. Beyond doughnuts, they serve a full breakfast menu with hearty portions at reasonable prices. Old-school diner vibes, friendly service, and the most authentically Nantucket breakfast experience you'll find.

Early Risers vs. Late Brunch

Your breakfast strategy should depend on when you like to eat and how you handle crowds.

For Early Risers (Before 8am)

If you're up with the sun, you'll have Nantucket's breakfast spots almost to yourself. This is the best time to score a table at popular spots without waiting. Black-Eyed Susan's opens at 7am and the first hour is relatively calm. Downyflake's doughnuts are freshest in the early morning. Coffee shops are quiet, and you'll beat the brunch rush entirely.

• Best for: Black-Eyed Susan's, Downyflake, any coffee shop
• Perks: No lines, freshest pastries, peaceful atmosphere
• Good for: Beach-goers wanting to maximize daylight, fishermen, runners

For Late Brunchers (After 10am)

If vacation means sleeping in, plan for the brunch rush. Peak hours are typically 9-11am on weekends, when families and late risers descend on downtown spots. Your best bets are restaurants that take reservations, have larger spaces, or cater specifically to the brunch crowd.

• Best for: Corner Table, Island Kitchen, hotel restaurants
• Strategy: Make a reservation, or try popular spots after 11:30am when the rush subsides
• Tip: Many dinner restaurants serve excellent brunches with easier seating

Coffee Spots

For those who prioritize caffeine above all else, here's where to find the island's best coffee.

• The Bean: The locals' favorite for espresso drinks. Small but mighty, with skilled baristas and quality beans.
• Handlebar Cafe: Excellent pour-overs and specialty drinks in a bike-friendly atmosphere. Great for cyclists fueling up.
• Provisions: Solid coffee and the convenience of pastries and gourmet goods under one roof.
• Wicked Island Bakery: Pair your coffee with some of the island's best baked goods. The morning buns are exceptional.
• Force 5 Watersports: Yes, the surf shop. Their coffee bar is a hidden gem, especially for early morning beach-goers.

Quick Grab-and-Go Options

When you're racing to catch the ferry, heading to an early tee time, or just want to eat on the beach, these spots have you covered.

• Provisions: Pre-made breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and excellent coffee. In and out in minutes.
• Something Natural: Known for sandwiches, but their morning offerings including fresh muffins and coffee are quick beach-trip fuel.
• Daily Breads: Fresh pastries, muffins, and coffee to go. Nothing fancy, just good baked goods.
• Stop & Shop Bakery: Not glamorous, but the grocery store bakery has fresh doughnuts and coffee for budget-conscious early risers.
• Island Coffee: Drive-through coffee and breakfast sandwiches for those with cars heading out of town.