Downyflake Restaurant

What a great place if you want to grab some comfort home cooked food. Bathrooms were clean pricing was good they even have a donut shop attached. Great seating didn't wait fast service. Was greeted immediately and taking care of they also had a small bar area for just people that are one party great fix for fast comfort food.

Downyflake is a beloved, no-frills diner on Nantucket, known for its homestyle breakfast and comfort food. Their fresh, homemade donuts are a local favorite, and the hearty breakfast options like pancakes, omelets, and sandwiches are consistently satisfying. The relaxed, old-school vibe and friendly staff make it feel like a home away from home. It's a great spot for a quick, affordable bite, especially for those seeking a classic breakfast or brunch experience on the island. Expect a bit of a wait during busy hours, but the food and cozy atmosphere are worth it.

It was delicious but very expensive! I haven't eaten in the restaurant in a few years, I was shocked by the cost of their donuts most especially as I think the Nantucket Bake Shop's Donuts taste better! The service was good

Good food, nice staff, but found multiple hairs in the meal. Would suggest making the kitchen staff tie their hair up or wear hair nets. They have good donuts here. This place has a local diner vibe to it and seems to be loved by everyone by how crowded it gets for breakfast. Would have given 5 stars but the multiple hairs in the meal kinda ruined it.

Cant come out to the island without a Downy stop. Donuts are incredible, service is quick (though the wait to get a table can be a little bit in the busy season), prices are right and that fresh squeezed OJ is a kiss of life. Dont miss this spot.

I am so happy this classic spot remains, I truly look forward to it every summer. The sugar donut is so perfect and the eggs are always fresh and fluffy. The food is just comfort all around but with fresh seeming ingredients and wonderful service.

Most recent visit was for quick takeout breakfast - diner style breakfast ‘The Flake’. Great value and good food. Also grabbed a couple coconut donuts. So good!

Had to try the donuts so I stayed for breakfast. I sat at the counter and had great service and some wonderful conversation with a local gentleman.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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,

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Get there early, doughnuts are worth the trouble. Probably best I've ever had. Recommend the sugar coated, chocolate and plain

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!

Love this place!!!! Most friendly staff and kindest owners- pate and Ron. Great atmosphere for a morning breakfast with your boo or a late lunch with a book! Highly recommend!

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.

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.

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.

Downyflake doesn't disappoint. Those donuts are just as wonderful as they were 30 years ago when they were cranking them out on the beach. And that's a boot it's just a down home good all around Dinah as well. Thank you for maintaining this place in this tradition. Five stars for this category of great diner cooking and fantastic donuts

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.

We had THE best doughnuts. The maple glaze is so delicious. Reminds me of a short stack. Nice balance of sweet, but not too sweet, and cake, but not too dry and dough-etc. Also the service was great. We had Francesca and she was SO attentive and gave us some great recommendations and super quick service for our large and sometimes difficult party. She is the best!

These donuts are the perfect size and they weren't too dry. They're cash only ($1) and come in cinnamon sugar, chocolate frosted, coconut, and plain. We got a chocolate and coconut and they were both amazing.

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.

Need to do a better job with their French Fries....they serve them Half cooked.

The Staff are certainly attentive when it comes to the service here I had a sugar donut along with my breakfast blend coffee with the Portuguese omelet the food came out in 10-12 minutes the quality of the food was delicious overseen by chef Ron I would definitely come back again highly recommended for Every age group

2 stars only because the food was great and staff seem nice. If you order from outside just note they will kick you to the parking lot after you order (and tip) even if there are 10 open tables outside. We saw three other groups experience the same thing. We all had a nice time eating in the parking lot.

Cute Old School diner. The omelet was extra fluffy and the service was friendly

Average diner food. Nothing too special. Average service. Can get busy in the mornings on weekends and during holiday season. The sugar donuts are what I visit this restaurant for.