Nantucket has no shortage of places to grab a drink, but the best bars are about more than what's in the glass. They're about the setting, the people, the atmosphere—and, of course, that unmistakable Nantucket feeling.

From cocktails overlooking Nantucket Harbor to live music, beach bars and classic island pubs, here are 10 of our favorite bars on Nantucket for 2026.

1. The Nautilus

The Nautilus

4.4•Tapas restaurant•Closed

Reserve•Website•Directions

12 Cambridge Street

For a sophisticated night out, The Nautilus is one of our top picks.

The intimate downtown restaurant and cocktail bar is known for creative cocktails, sake, wine and globally inspired small plates. It's a great choice when you want something more upscale without feeling overly formal. Current guides continue to rank it among Nantucket's standout places for drinks.

Westbrook pick: Grab a seat at the bar and order a cocktail with a few small plates.

Best for: Date night, cocktails and a stylish night out.

2. CRU

Cru

3.6•Seafood restaurant•Open

Reserve•Website•Directions

1 Straight Wharf

It's hard to beat a cocktail overlooking Nantucket Harbor.

CRU sits at the end of Straight Wharf and combines one of the island's best waterfront settings with oysters, seafood and an energetic bar scene. It's particularly good around sunset.

Westbrook pick: A cocktail and oysters at the harbor.

Best for: Sunset drinks, people-watching and the classic Nantucket scene.

3. The Club Car

The Club Car

1 Main Street

The Club Car is one of those Nantucket institutions that visitors should experience at least once.

Located in a historic former railroad car, the bar has a lively atmosphere and a cocktail menu with creative spins on classics. And when the piano starts going, the room gets even more fun.

Westbrook pick: Sit at the bar and stay for the piano.

Best for: Cocktails, music and a lively downtown night.

4. The Tree Bar

The Tree Bar

Bar•Open

Website•Directions•(508) 325-8696

6 Oak Street

One of Nantucket's best outdoor drinking spots is tucked away in a courtyard downtown.

The Tree Bar literally wraps around a tree and has become a favorite for outdoor cocktails. It's casual, social and feels like one of those places you discover rather than plan for.

Westbrook pick: Go early for an outdoor cocktail before dinner.

Best for: Outdoor drinks, groups and a relaxed summer evening.

5. The Chicken Box

The Chicken Box

16 Dave Street

If you're looking for Nantucket nightlife, this is the place.

The Chicken Box has been an island institution for more than 50 years and is known for live music, dancing and a decidedly less-polished atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you go to have fun—not to sip a quiet cocktail.

Westbrook pick: Check the live music schedule and go when there's a band you want to see.

Best for: Live music, dancing and late nights.

6. The Proprietors Bar & Table

The Proprietors Bar & Table

4.0•American restaurant•Closed

Website•Directions•(508) 228-7477

9 India Street

For food lovers, Proprietors is one of the best places on the island to combine dinner with serious cocktails.

Set inside a historic Nantucket house, Proprietors specializes in creative, globally influenced small plates and an impressive drinks program.

Westbrook pick: Sit at the bar and make an evening of it.

Best for: Craft cocktails, foodies and date night.

7. Cisco Brewers

Cisco Brewers

4.2•Brewery•Open

Website•Directions•(508) 325-5929

5 Bartlett Farm Road

Cisco isn't technically a traditional bar—and that's exactly why it belongs on this list.

It's more of a Nantucket drinking destination, with beer from Cisco Brewers, wine from Nantucket Vineyard, spirits from Triple Eight Distillery, food trucks and live entertainment. It's one of the island's signature summer experiences.

Westbrook pick: Go with a group on a sunny afternoon.

Best for: Groups, live music, beer and the quintessential Nantucket summer experience.

8. The Rose & Crown

The Rose and Crown

23 South Water Street

If you want a more casual island bar, head to the Rose & Crown.

It's a longtime Nantucket favorite with a lively atmosphere, sports-bar energy and a menu of burgers, sandwiches, seafood and comfort food. Current traveler listings continue to identify it as one of Nantucket's established nightlife spots.

Westbrook pick: Grab a beer, order some food and settle in.

Best for: Casual drinks, sports and a relaxed night.

9. Sandbar at Jetties Beach

Sandbar at Jetties Beach Bar & Restaurant

3.2•Bar & grill•Open

Website•Directions•(508) 228-2279

4 Bathing Beach Road

This is where you go when you want your cocktail with a side of sand and ocean air.

The Sandbar sits directly on Jetties Beach and offers a quintessential Nantucket beach-bar experience. It's especially good after a day at the beach when you aren't quite ready to go home.

Westbrook pick: Stay for sunset.

Best for: Beach drinks, families and summer afternoons.

10. Kitty Murtagh's

Kitty Murtagh's

3.7•Pub•Open

Website•Directions•(508) 325-0781

4 West Creek Road

For something completely different, head mid-island to Kitty Murtagh's.

This Irish pub has a more local, neighborhood feel than many of the downtown bars. Expect Guinness, pub food, sports and a relaxed atmosphere.

Westbrook pick: Guinness and fish & chips.

Best for: A casual pub experience and getting away from downtown.

🥂 Westbrook Real Estate's Nantucket Bar Picks

Our Westbrook Pick

If we had to choose one Nantucket bar for a first-time visitor, we'd probably send them to CRU for sunset. There's something pretty unbeatable about sitting on the harbor with a cocktail, watching the boats come in and the sun go down.

But if you're looking for the most quintessential Nantucket night, we'd make it a three-stop evening:

CRU → The Club Car → The Chicken Box.

Harbor views, cocktails, live music and a little island nightlife.

That's a pretty good Nantucket night.