Coffee Shops & Cafes

Best Coffee Spots on Nantucket

From serious specialty coffee to reliable daily brews, these are the island's top spots for your caffeine fix.

• 1

  Handlebar Cafe

  15 Washington Street

  The undisputed champion of Nantucket specialty coffee. Handlebar takes their craft seriously, sourcing excellent beans and pulling perfect shots. The space doubles as a bike shop, giving it a unique, laid-back vibe. Their cold brew is legendary, and the baristas know their stuff. If you care about coffee quality, this is your spot.

• 2

  The Bean

  29 Centre Street

  A Nantucket institution and the most centrally located coffee shop on the island. The Bean has been caffeinating locals and visitors for years with consistently good coffee in a no-frills setting. It's the reliable choice when you need a quick, solid cup without any fuss. The location makes it perfect for a grab-and-go before exploring downtown.

• 3

  Provisions

  3 Harbor Square

  More than just coffee, Provisions is a gourmet market and cafe known for exceptional pastries and baked goods. Their coffee program complements the food beautifully - order an espresso drink alongside a flaky croissant or fresh scone. The harbor-adjacent location makes it ideal for picking up provisions before a day on the water.

• 4

  Fog Island Cafe

  7 South Water Street

  Famous for breakfast, Fog Island also serves excellent coffee to accompany their legendary morning meals. While you'll want the full breakfast experience at least once, you can also pop in for coffee to go. Their house blend is strong and satisfying, and the friendly staff keeps things moving even during the busiest mornings.

• 5

  Wicked Island Bakery

  9 Old South Road

  The name says bakery, but the coffee here is no afterthought. Wicked Island pairs quality espresso drinks with some of the island's best baked goods - their muffins, scones, and sticky buns are the stuff of island legend. A bit outside of downtown, it's worth the trip if you're heading toward the mid-island area.

• 6

  Fast Forward

  3 Salem Street

  True to its name, Fast Forward is all about efficiency. When you need coffee fast and don't want to wait, this is your spot. The streamlined operation means quick service without sacrificing quality. Popular with locals who know exactly what they want and need to get on with their day.

Specialty Coffee vs. Quick Stops

Understanding what you're looking for will help you pick the right spot for your morning ritual.

For Coffee Connoisseurs

If you know your Ethiopians from your Guatemalans and care about extraction times, head to Handlebar Cafe. They're the only true specialty coffee roaster on the island, treating coffee with the same reverence a sommelier treats wine. Expect single-origin options, pour-over service, and baristas who can talk coffee philosophy all day.

• Handlebar Cafe for the best specialty coffee experience
• Ask about their rotating single-origin offerings
• Try the cold brew - it's worth the hype
• Slower pace - savor rather than rush

For Quick and Reliable

Sometimes you just need caffeine, fast. No pretense, no wait, just good coffee in hand so you can start your day. Several spots excel at the grab-and-go game.

• Fast Forward for maximum efficiency
• The Bean for central location and consistency
• Fog Island for coffee with your takeout breakfast
• Most spots have mobile ordering or call-ahead options in summer

Best Pastries and Baked Goods with Coffee

Coffee and pastry pairings are an island morning ritual. Here's where to find the best bites to go with your brew.

Top Pastry Destinations

• Wicked Island Bakery: Island-famous for their massive muffins, flaky scones, and dangerously addictive sticky buns. Everything is baked fresh daily.
• Provisions: French-inspired pastries including croissants, pain au chocolat, and seasonal fruit tarts. Their baked goods rival anything you'd find in Boston.
• Fog Island Cafe: House-baked muffins and pastries that pair perfectly with their robust coffee. Great if you're not doing a full breakfast.
• The Bean: Simple but satisfying pastry selection including muffins and cookies. Nothing fancy, just reliable treats.

Must-Try Items

• Wicked Island's blueberry muffin (the size of your fist)
• Provisions' butter croissant (light, flaky perfection)
• Any seasonal scone you encounter - Nantucket does scones well
• Sticky buns on a lazy morning when calories don't count

WiFi and Work-Friendly Spots

Need to answer some emails or take a call? Here's where to find connectivity and comfortable seating for remote work.

Best for Working

• Handlebar Cafe: Free WiFi, outlets available, and a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes lingering. The bike shop aesthetic creates a unique workspace.
• The Bean: WiFi available, though seating is limited. Better for quick email checks than extended work sessions.
• Provisions: WiFi and some seating, though it gets busy during peak breakfast hours. Try mid-morning or afternoon for the quietest experience.

Work-Friendly Tips

• Morning rush (7-9 AM) is the busiest - plan work time for later
• Buy something every hour or two if you're camping out
• Off-season offers more space and quieter environments
• Cell service is generally good downtown for hotspot backup
• The Atheneum library is a great free WiFi alternative nearby