I know, it's closed. Closed in October of '24. I had breakfast there with my friends from the Nantucket Amateur Radio Association in June '24; a weekly occurrence on Tuesdays with this radio gang. A great breakfast. Old school. Diner-style grill restaurant. Everything was made to order and they offered very good and complicated breakfasts: avocados, lobster, and poached this that and the other. We heard about the doughnuts. Never had one. In September of '24 the Inky reported that the Downyflake was to permanently close. So we made a day trip just to try the doughnuts. In fact, we did this in October the weekend before they closed. Off of Straight Wharf, a taxi ride out, bought a few doughnuts, uber'ed back to town, got some coffee from The Hub, and walked and sat on our bench on Easy Street over looking the Wharf Rat Club. Heaven. Everyone should experience Nantucket. I will say, we were lucky and happy to experience the doughnuts. The doughnuts, yes, are still sticking to my ribs a year later. More oil than the Exxon Valdez. We will miss you old friend. Even though the rumor is a new one will open... someday. read more

I lived on ACK in 2002. I used to go here for breakfast on occasion and it was a super reliable diner right in the center of the island - across from the Stop & Shop. My sister who has lived on ACK for 30+ years loves their doughnuts - and yes they are VERY good. My favs are the chocolate frosted and the apple cider (in season). These really are small doughnuts - so you can eat 2 without too much guilt. I was craving some linguica sausage - I grew up eating it on pizzas and breakfast sandwiches in the summer in New Beford, MA. I saw that the menu had breakfast sandwiches (with your choice of meat) - Unfortunately they waitress informed me that linguica was not an option on this sandwich - which it really should be!. I opted for a side of the linguini and a english muffin to craft my own sandwich (AND - Bonus to save room for a doughnut or 2) It was tasty - but not the linguica of my childhood that oozed red grease, this one was pretty lean and more dense than I remember. I still ate every bite. The highlight was the doughnut dessert, these have not changed in 20 years. read more

Downyflake Restaurant - Side linguica, side English muffin. Make a breakfast sandwich! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nantucket, Massachusetts

I went there for a quick bite to eat. The place had a nice decor but it was pricey. I had an omelette and oatmeal and paid an outrageous amount. I suppose that is Nantucket for you. My car was boxed in. I got out to my car and did not have room to back out of my space. It took me longer to get out of the parking lot than it did to eat my meal. So beware when parking. read more

I LOVE this place! It's a small little dinner and fantastic for breakfast. There is usually a line and a very small parking lot. It can be tricky to maneuver and there is a reason it is so crowded. A local favorite. It would be a 5 star but the staff isn't always the friendliest. But they are always swamped with people. I believe currently, they are only seating outside and with takeout. Obviously the donuts are yummy. Freshly baked, not like Dunkin or Krispy Kreme but TRUE donuts. It has a diner feel inside as well, as with their food. It's fun on cloudy, rainy mornings to sit inside with your pancakes and coffee. Casual attire. read more

Downyflake Restaurant - the outside of the restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nantucket, Massachusetts

Really great spot, classic diner food and everything was top notch. Obviously Nantucket prices but the food was great.

Great little diner which has all the breakfast essentials but also a walk up window to get donuts/to-go orders! Just a heads up, it is cash only but they do have an ATM inside. If there is a wait, pick up some fresh friend donuts and wait for a table! They offer breakfast and lunch so be sure to make note of that as some breakfast items are only served till a certain time of day. Fuel up here and head to the beach afterwards! read more

Downyflake Restaurant - Biscuits and gravy with house fries and bacon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nantucket, Massachusetts

Everything we ordered was so delicious. The portions were perfect. The service was exceptional. This is your quintessential old-school diner but with good coffee. They aren't relying on their reputation and writing it in. When the food is good, the service can trail off but it doesn't. Lots of old signage to look at, comfortable seating and very clean. Get all the donuts before, during and for take away. read more

Perfect breakfast spot, there's something for everyone. Quaint and cozy ambiance. Make sure to try their donuts, got their sugar coated donuts and these by far have been the best donuts I've ever tried. They were soft, moist and just the right amount of sweetness. read more

Downyflake Restaurant - 'Sconset omelet, chocolate chip pancake, sugar coated donuts, eggs with bacon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nantucket, Massachusetts

Always great food! Best breakfast on the island! The omelets are awesome. We will be back soon!

One of the first places I've had eaten out at for breakfast. The donuts are great and will have you coming back for more and double what you had last time. Food was good had some scramble eggs, omelette with veggies, biscuits and bread overall food 7.5/10 not too bad the donuts are 10/10 and you can get them served up on spot out of their display case. read more

Yum! Our first time getting donuts at Downyflake. We went at 8am on a weekday in July and the lit was full of folks eating dine-in. Since we were only getting donuts to go we used the handy side window. No line I suggest knowing what you want before going up to the window. We ended up with a dozen donuts: lemon glaze (my fave), choc glaze (kids favorite), coconut (v good), maple (very subtle, reminiscent of pancakes) and plain (also excellent). Our one misstep was ordering the bramble while the idea is good (puff pastry and fresh berries throughout, the middle was uncooked. Bring cash, no cards accepted. Dz donuts about $18 iirc. read more

Downyflake Restaurant - Choc glazed, Lemon Glazed Doughnut, maple glazed, sugar & plain. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nantucket, Massachusetts

It's ok food is good but not the best. Service is ok but not great. Place has a small parking lot so can't get parking when u go there. Donuts are nothing special, read more

I have been here before and really like it.This time on vacation we stopped in and I had corned beef hash and eggs. Now I know I should have returned it, but I ate it and now regret it.the has was so burnt it was black. It was not until the two of us got the 54.00 bill and were told cash only did I realize i paid more that twenty dollars for burnt food.the eggs were ok, but really? If you are going to charge an arm and a leg, at least serve the food cooked well. I had really been looking forward to coming here again and no, not so much next time we come. read more

Amazing food, smaller portions but well worth it. Donuts are on point. Some of the most personable service on island.

Stopped in for a quick breakfast. Ordered pastries and coffee at the walk up counter. Food was great and service was very friendly. Went twice while we were on Nantucket. read more

The Downyflake donuts were wonderful when they were served WARM...That's what made it so great. I feel less several years they have not had anything close to warm, almost taste like day old all donuts in the morning. That's sure how they keep on getting best of donuts every year. However the breakfast and lunch menus are fantastic, as well as there staff.. Please bring back the warm donuts in the morning... It's worth it! read more

I came here for the donuts. Downflake is a quaint restaurant with a diner vibe to it. Just like most places on the island, it's cash only. There's an ATM on site. If you can walk, I recommend it. Parking seems to be a nightmare so avoid it if possible. Food was average, basic breakfast with choice of toast, biscuit or donut. Of the few restaurants I tried during my stay on the island, this was the best value. The service good and the food was good. I only tried the sugar coated donut, they ran out of the other flavors. Downflake seems to be a local favorite so definitely try them out. read more

Downyflake Restaurant - The sugar coated donut - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nantucket, Massachusetts

This diner feels like a rural diner. There are crowds inside and outside. There's not much attention to the decor. I went straight for the take-out counter, where there were massive crowds. People are friendly, but you feel personal space encroachment. The donuts are on the smaller side of life, but they are a pretty standard and tasty treat. read more

Downyflake Restaurant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nantucket, Massachusetts

Sugar Donut Takeout review Downyflake donuts were introduced to me by a friend of mine. We got there around 11am on a Sunday and they were out of every donut but the sugar! But that was ok since I heard sugar was the best anyways. The donuts were $9 for a dozen or 85 cent each. Each donut was coated in sugar slightly crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. The donuts had a nice spring to the them when compressed and the sugar was sweet but not too strong. Overall, I really enjoyed the donuts from downyflake and will be back to try the other flavors! read more

See all

Great home cooked food. Get there before 10am on weekends in the summer! We walked in around 9:30 and sat down as a part of two. Quick service and quality food! read more

Downyflake Restaurant - Flake Special - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nantucket, Massachusetts

Service was excellent. Best waiter we had in our entire vacation! Food was so delicious. Blueberry Pancakes are the way to go! Good coffee and quaint environment. So glad we got off the main path to try this place. If you are in Nantucket, this is the place to go for breakfast! read more

So I'm always a little tough for breakfast-it is not my favorite meal of the day! I have dietary restrictions, and it tends to be the meal with the least amount of options-there's always a lot of dairy in breakfast! I came here hoping for your standard eggs and toast, and I did get it. They are known for their donuts, but again I can't eat them. So I went with scrambled eggs, dry toast, home fries and bacon. It was fine...eggs were a little runny for my taste, but it was standard. The coffee was weak and odd tasting, and service was so-so. It looks like it's definitely a local spot, and I'm sure they have loyal customers. I probably won't be back. read more

See all

DELICIOUS. Hot donuts. Delicious breakfast. Perfectly cooked. The service was the best. Nancy was so attentive and the food was delivered fast, hot and with a smile. Will definitely be back. read more

Downyflake Restaurant - Maple glazed donut, OJ and coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Nantucket, Massachusetts

Great local spot. Pancakes were great. Service was friendly. Donuts were amazing!! Cash only but there's an ATM on site.

I love that I was able to get a donut with my breakfast instead of toast! It was the perfect morning sweet and savory combo!

All staff were wearing masks. Friendly and fast service though it was not too crowded when we arrived. Food was delicious and came out quickly from the kitchen. The 'Sconset omelette with grilled biscuit was satisfying and hearty without being too heavy. My wife got the breakfast burrito which was stuffed full with eggs cheese salsa and peppers/onions. Portion was large so we packed half to go. Get there early for donuts though! Lemon donut was all they had left when we sat down to eat at 1pm but it was yummy just the same. read more

Melt in your mouth donuts, really. You can't get enough. Always, always, like they just came out of the oven that minute. Take some with you, you will have a desire later on for that flaky donut. Trust me. Frank G read more

We try and make it over to Nantucket for my wife's birthday each September. Normally it is less crowded, the weather is still great and we can enjoy the island without the craziness of the summer. Although more crowded than previous years we had an amazing time with the exception of Downyflake. Do not get me wrong, the donuts are great and the breakfast sandwich was okay. The issue is the lack of organization for the take out window and the rudeness of the staff. Every person behind the take out counter was condescending and impatient. I do not need royal treatment, but I do expect courtesy and respect to a paying customer. We will not be returning , there is ample competition to this establishment with great baked goods and amazing staff. read more

Downyflake has that home town diner atmosphere home cooked meals and specials everyday. The donuts are made in house and have that fried dough taste to them. The specialty pancakes like pumpkin and ginger bread are fantastic and the Fresh fruit waffles are pretty good as well. staff are very friendly funny and on Sunday even have a celebrity tic toc star who is very funny. read more

Comfort setting. Comfort food. Comfort people. Blueberry pancakes or anything else on the menu, you cannot go wrong

Best breakfast spot on island! The food is amazing and no need to mention the amazing donuts (if you know, you know). The parking lot can get a little crowded in the mornings, so it's best to get there on the earlier side. Will always stop in when I am on island! read more

Super down home. Delicious food, great cup of coffee. We waited maybe 25 min for a table of 3, but can sit outside or grab a coffee/donut while you're waiting. Incredible service. Will definitely be back. read more

Meh...was really excited to try it. Service was good but food was just ok and donuts were nothing special. Daughter had pancakes (fine), wife had eggs, avocado and crunchy chilis ( bland), and I had the Panko crusted eggs Benedict with no spinach and subbed avocado. Was excited to try and the eggs had a cool crunch to them, but overall flavor was just ok. read more

If Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives came to Nantucket, I'd imagine this would be one of Guy's stops. Now, I'm not hoping this ever happens, just using it as a reference point, though I'd have to admit, seeing Guy Fieri in Nantucket Reds would be amazing. This place is a Nantucket icon and a part of its history as well as US history, check it out: http://www.thedownyflake.com/history.html. Now, on to the food. First, lets chat donuts: Five stars. Piping hot out of the fryer smothered in sugar, chocolate or nothing, these donuts are what I base all other donuts on. (Tied with Nantucket Bake Shop). That's why when I go to legendary donut spots they always seem to fall a little short since these are the perfect specimen: thick but light and fluffy, sugary yet not overbearing. Just get a donut and see if you beg to differ. Everything else with this spot is pretty regular, cafe/diner style with a special shout out to the blueberry pancakes. Hello. The omelettes are large and in charge. The service is served with a smile usually by locals who have been around for a bit and if you live here off season, like my parents, they'll know your name and welcome ya with open arms. The coffee is diner coffee and ya know what? I've never been here for lunch so I can't attest to the sandwiches or salads. If you're looking for some casual breakfast/brunch, Downyflake is where it's at. *** I can't decide between four and five stars! 5 stars for donuts, 5 stars for the local feel but 4 stars for the other menu items. read more

Peace, love, and little doughnuts. They are small, cheap, greasy, and off-island seem to be called cider doughnuts. On island, they are what we mean when we say doughnut. We've loved them for 84 years and are love isn't dying anytime soon! You can have those fluffed up faux-doughnuts anytime you are off-island. Otherwise, when in ACK, live like a local and buy two donuts instead of one! read more

When I touch down on the Island of Nantucket (ACK if you will) my mind immediately thinks of the perfection that is the Downyflake breakfast sandwich. I have enjoyed breakfast sandwiches from coast to coast and truly believe myself to be a connoisseur. Both the Sausage Egg and Cheese and the Bacon Egg and cheese can be defined as a nearly religious experience and when you taste the Doughnuts (highly recommend Coconut) all I can can do is mimic the immortal words of Leonard Cohen - simply HALLELUJAH!!! Thank you for your time. read more

They're doing a good job with covid restrictions and distancing. Clean furniture, and hand sanitizer on each table. The food, however, was extremely underwhelming. Best value, yes, but you get what you pay for here. Biked down here bc it's the earliest place to open at 6am. Arrived at 6:15, ordered a donut, cinnamon stick, coffee, and bacon egg & cheese on English muffin. The baked goods were CLEARLY from the day before. Cold and stale at 6:15 am?? If I want that, I'll go to the convenience store. The breakfast sandwich: meh. Eggs were overcooked, lightly buttered English muffin, dry. Coffee was drinkable but again, blah. Next time I'll wait an hour and spend $10 more for something more memorable elsewhere. read more

I've come here twice because I need smoked salmon for breakfast and this meets that need. Yes, I said need. $10.95 for a smoked salmon & bagel plate. You get capers, tomatoes, lettuce and a nice wedge of lemon with the adequate amount of smoked salmon. Their donuts are a novel and tasty confection. More cake donut than anything (so heavier like Dunkin Donuts), and they taste homemade. They appear to have other delicious thing on their menu, but I'm looking for a specific thing. Someday I'll branch out when the mood suits and I decide to eat in. read more

See all

The donuts were fantastic. They were clearly fried, since they had a perfectly crisp texture as you bit into them. The flavor of each donut wasn't very strong but they were still good. The service, however, was not good. The staff at the takeout counter were rude. Furthermore, this restaurant exclusively takes cash. So you're forced to use their ATM by the bathrooms if you don't carry cash like the average person. read more

Solid breakfast, cheap and very tasty donuts. Can't go wrong. Parking can be a nightmare in season.