I have been traveling to this far away island since I was 10 years old. Yes, even as a kid from the middle of the country my family ended up on Nantucket Island after reading an article in a magazine. The island has many memories for me as a kid: big family dinners, beach time with my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, sunny afternoons of tucket-ball (a made up wiffle ball type game). As an adult the memories are just as special: my husband proposing in the pouring rain at Madaket beach, watching my kids play in the sand and surf and making new memories with my in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.
All of this long-winded story to tell you that I love this special place. But really I am here to tell you about eating on this island while being gluten free, specifically Celiac. Traveling poses a whole host of issues for those with food allergies but I have found Nantucket to be a place with many options, here are some of my favorites:
Jack & Charlie’s
10 Straight Wharf, Nantucket
Ice cream in a beach town is a must for me but can be challenging when you are gluten free and eat limited dairy (that’s me!). However, Jack & Charlie’s has made this a reality for me again. They make homemade gluten free waffle cones that are amazing, they have a separate station and change scoops for gluten allergies. Their ice cream flavors are all marked for what contains gluten (nuts too) and major bonus – a dairy free vanilla ice cream that is really good. If you are looking for a sweet treat while you are in town, stop by!
Provisions
3 Harbor Square, Nantucket
Beach lunch = sandwiches. Provisions makes this a reality. They have a full menu of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads and a kids menu too that can almost all be made gluten free. They will ask when you request gluten free bread if it is a preference or an allergy. With allergies they are quick to reassure you that everything is made in a separate section and they take all precautions. I love this place, their sandwiches are delicious, and their safety is top notch.
B-ACK YARD BBQ
20 Straight Wharf, Nantucket
Another gem of a spot, right off the main street. This is a great place to come with a family, my kids love it. The location is great, right off the HyLine ferry, making it an easy spot once you arrive in town. I love their food, it is delicious and they have a wide range of options. I really appreciate their staff that is knowledgeable about what items are safe and what precautions are taken in the kitchen. I highly recommend stopping on your next trip.
Millie’s
326 Madaket Road
Millie’s has been my favorite spot on island for close to a decade now. I am a sucker for an amazing taco menu, even before I had to be gluten free. The food is wonderful, the atmosphere is fun and relaxed and it is a perfect spot to come with the kids. They mark their menu with allergens which makes ordering easy and leaves you feeling confident. With a lot of outdoor seating, it is always a must stop on our trip. Millie’s also has other locations on island, at the rotary and a food truck at Cisco Brewery.
The Seagrille
45 Sparks Avenue
I really enjoy the Seagrille on Nantucket. I love seafood and they are exceptional at making standout dishes. I will say, it is not the most expansive menu for Celiac’s but what you can eat is truly delicious. A great date night restaurant or dinner with friends. Make sure you make a reservation as this is a local favorite.
There are many other options on Nantucket Island but I have not tried them yet! Let me know your favorite places to stop while you are traveling on Nantucket.