The Chicken Box

Last week, my friends and I were subjected to antisemitic insults by some drunk customers. The staff didn’t do anything, this type of behavior is completely unacceptable, and it made our experience extremely uncomfortable. I strongly advise avoiding this place, as it is not a safe or welcoming environment for everyone

Unfortunately I was accosted by a woman who worked there. She forcibly and aggressively asked me to leave without context or reason. Don’t come here if you want to have a nice evening. We had only good things to say originally but were so disappointed.

Awful staff. They were so rude to my friend on her bachelorette. Got mad because she accidentally leaned over the threshold between the crowd and the band. If you’re trying to have fun don’t go here. Really disappointing all around.

I went here on July 2, 2025 for a Felly concert. I paid $120 for the tickets. They kicked out my friends and I for absolutely no reason before the concert started and we did not get a refund. I don’t understand what is wrong this bar. Literally go anywhere else in Nantucket besides this place lol. Bouncers are on a crazy ego trip.

Branded as infamous for good reason. There’s really nothing like a quality band playing at the box after a beautiful day at the beach, there’s no better venue I’ve been to rock out to close out a perfect day

One of the greatest bars in existence. The perfect spot in the most perfect place on earth.

The only food offered is bags of chips. This is a perfect place to drink and dance. There is NO SEATING available. Stand, drink, dance, repeat.

Very good small live music venue and bar. Good acoustics and organized process getting in. Would certainly go back.

This bar was "fine" the reason for my low review is based on how incredibly RUDE the bartender was to me. Having never been there before I asked if they had a cocktail list. He was very offended that I would ask such a stupid question and made that very clear to me. I tried to move on from the incident and bought a couple of drinks which totalled $30. Despite the rudeness of the bartender I tipped $3. I noticed it was taking him a long time to process my credit card and the next day I received an alert on my phone that I was charged $3934 at the Chicken Box. I don't know if this was intentional or a mistake but either way it was quite a disturbing experience. Other than that - - - we had a fine time.

I honestly had so much fun here, and am very glad I randomly stopped in on a Tuesday during my recent visit to Nantucket. I didn't know what to expect, so I came unprepared to a sold-out show. A kind couple behind me in line happened to have an extra ticket, so I was able to enjoy The Elovaters along with a diverse crowd of equally excited individuals. One of my favorite memories from this trip!

I was really excited to go here but when we tried to close out the bartender continually made eye contact with us and dismissed us for over 20 min. As the only people of color in line, he was clearly prefacing folks that were white and he kept dismissing us in their favor. Don't waste your time coming to a place that feels so comfortable to discriminate. If you are a person of color I absolutely do not recommend this establishment, the service was clearly racist.

Got turned away from this dive bar. No less for a wedding party. Who does that. I wish that Antoin understood that. I assume its misguided sense of what's appropriate.

Amazing place, and even better bartenders! Live music is an amazing experience for such a small island. The bartenders are always so busy and do the best to make sure they work through the line. Can't miss spot on the island

If you miss college and praying you'll get in with your fake ID this is for you. Wait in line and enjoy.

Local bar with local patrons and local service staff. Love music throughout the season. Within decent 15 min walk from "town". Enjoy a sports game or a beer outdoor on the patio. Decent beer selection but excellent mixed drinks. Not the top food choice.

The bouncer was on such a crazy power trip last night - don't even go. They said he was new but still it was nuts - we went to gaslight and had a great time

First trip to Nantucket and wanted to visit one of the famous ( now infamous) Elin Hildebrand haunts on island and place she mentions in many of her great beach read novels. We arrived as band was warming up and doing sound checks, ordered a drink and we were treated so rudely. Unwelcoming and RUDE RUDE RUDE!

It is what it is! Dive bar for live music. Came on 3rd of July, so obviously peak season. Recommended to me as a "must see while in Nantucket if you are boozing degenerate like me" venue. Andy Frasco and the U.N. was the band. $20 cover. Cocktails at about $10 a pop in plastic cups. I thought the bartenders were moving at a good pace, though with the bar so full we were four deep, it still took about 20 minutes to get a drink once you were in line. A lot of obnoxious drunks here treating the bartenders like trash but our bartender maintained her smile and had a great disposition (wish I could remember her name, but then again, fuzzy memories mean she did her job, well!). Band was great. Some covers. Some originals. I downloaded on iTunes already. Would love to come here on a quieter night when I could get outta there without nasty drunk woman spilling half her vodka/ soda on my feet!

Oh boy, what can you say about the chicken box? This is definitely a divey locals spot. We went on a night there was not live music so it was pretty dead. The bartender was nice, but kind of hands off. You could tell a lot of his buddies were at the bar, so they got most of the attention. Be specific when ordering a drink, because their well vodka was not good.

Go! Really fun place. Everyone is friendly, including the crowd ... which is mixed. Dressed up to dressed down. It doesn't matter here. The band was awesome though they are from New Orleans (The Brass-a-holics ... seriously such a great band) ... just go. You'll have a great time. Bartenders are great too. Really friendly.

Ripped my canned drink out of my hand upon exiting... and cut my hand open. Blood drawn -I was upset and disrespected. Disregard for human decency and total a holes; I get it but, like, no. Will I be coming back? Totally. Like duh. Do I think the employees are a-holes? - like yeah. Thx for coming to my Ted talk... thats my review.

I don't mind dive bars at all, they give you a chance to really embrace the locals and not feel like you're at a commercialized sports bar but I came here with a crowd and upon entering, there's a $10 cover (somewhat steep) but since there was a live band, that was warranted. Once you enter, it feels like a sauna and everyone is drenched in sweat and it's crowded. Again, something that can be expected when there's a live band and people are trying to dance. However, what really did not rub me the right way was the way the bartender treated all the patrons. My friend was very dehydrated and did not want to continue drinking so I ordered myself a beer and water, and it seemed like I had asked the bartender for the most difficult of tasks. I understand it may be busy and you may not enjoy the job, but you do not need to slam/slide drinks down and act like you don't have the time of day for anyone. A stranger next to me ordered a drink and when told there was a minimum for a tab/card, she said it was fine and would order more and the bartender told her to figure it out and move on and started helping another patron, it was a very odd and insulting experience.

As mentioned by many other reviewers, don't open a tab here, the bartender steals. I had one drink and when I asked to close my tab the bartender said he couldn't find it. A few days later I had a very large charge on my credit card, and they were dismissive and then unresponsive when asked to address the situation. I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, but the lack of professionalism shown by everyone I contacted proved that this business as a whole has an appalling lack of integrity. I warn you to pay cash and double check your bill!

Horrible experience. I went on a Friday night, the cover was $25 to get in alone per person. I went up to the bar to grab my first two drinks, the bartender took my order and walked away. A different bartender comes over with the drinks and asked me for my card. I was confused because I didn't order with this particular bartender but he explained that he was with the person I ordered from and it was fine. I gave him my card and as he walked away the lady I ordered with brought me two more drinks. she said charge him for four, which was ridiculous. I was very respectful, but they were being extremely unprofessional. The bartender started swearing at me that I was in the wrong. The manager came over and asked if there was an issue; which I said no I am just very confused as to what's going on. He poured out the 4 drinks they charged me for and kicked me out. I looked at my credit card charges and they charged me over $150!! Do not go here.

We literally got here for a drink before head to dinner and the place was pretty empty on Sunday evening around 7 pm... The bartender was absolutely rude and he had an attitude but hey... Maybe after the few drinks and shots he had for himself will help! We stopped by because the reviews were good but apparently we stopped by at the wrong day and wrong time?!who knows?!! Just very disappointed but who cares?!!!

A fun spot to hit on my trip to Nantucket. A low key casual spot with plenty of good drink options from beers to liquor and games. Pool, darts, shuffleboard. They also offer lots of live music opportunities. Got to see The Expendables during my time there and it was a great time. Good crowd ranging from younger to older people. Loved the Box!!!

If this review would deter or draw patrons to the chicken box, I would be more thorough, but let's just say I have never received such poor service in my life. The tab was asked for, and after the bartender yelled at us to "wait our turn", he proceeded to wait on approximately 30 minutes of other people before returning... then pretending to not find our card, and finally taking another 10 minutes to walk back to us while looking at us and talking to other waitstaff. Being in the industry previously, I totally understand dealing with unreasonable people, but this was wildly uncalled for, and everyone around us was applauding my husband and I for not exploding. Never. Again.

Four stars for what it is...a fun, dirty, divey joint where the people watching is prime, the beers don't stop comin' and the music is loud. Saw a great reggae band here (New Kingdom) last week. People were dancing, drinking, getting handsy, having fun, playing pool (the bar, very smartly, doesn't allow darts after a certain point) and the best part: bar shuffleboard. Folks either end up here at the end of the night or they drink all night long...either way, people are usually pretty drunked up at the Chicken Box. Know what you are getting into and you will have a BLAST.

Douchebags and Cougars. That was my experience at the Box. Cool place, sure. Decent drinks available at the bar but, the service is much better if you are an MTV type sporting cleavage. The music was ok (It was loud for sure). And the whole place turns into a three-ring circus when closing time arrives. My ears were still ringing as I watched a guy fighting with his Cougar friends about going/not going home with a guy who wasn't said Cougar's husband/significant other. That's when it occured to me: I'm either too old or not drunk enough to appreciate this.

There's nothing I can say that will describe how much I love the box. 4 dollar bud lights, an outdoor area where you can take your beer and smoke a lung dart, and the crowd is always solid. Just go, it's awesome.

Chicken was outstanding. Dined outside due to Covid-19. Server was friendly and attentive. Great place for a quick and delicious bite.

I stayed away from this bar with everything I had during the summers I spent there. The place was always packed with everybody and thing visiting Nantucket which I loathed. Also, since I didn't have a car, making the walk down Pleasant Street in the dark never sat well with me; parts of the way the sidewalk would break off and you are forced to walk on the road where few street lights are placed. Come October and November (and friends with cars!), this place became much friendlier. I celebrated a Halloween here and had a blast dancing to some unpretentious cover band dressed as the Chilean miners and running into practically everyone I know. I got to celebrate each run-in with shot after shot...of...hm, I don't remember what, except it was fun! To meet the man behind the Chicken Box, one has only to walk over to New Town Cemetery on the other side of the Stop & Shop, closer to Sea Grille. There, you'll find a shiny granite tombstone with few words, but you'll know it when you see it.

The Box! The first bar I ever went into before I even drank! Can you imagine such a thing? It's also the bar that I had a tooth chipped, thanks Natalie! The bar that I one day found they were having a local's only party and gave free raw bar, yes, i still remember that day fondly. The bar that I sat outside of in my cab night after night... Including a few winter nights where I learned the stank of a drunk. And the bar that made me realize that exits in bars should be big, really, really big... You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here...

I love a good dive, and I love love love the Box. It's one of those places you never though you'd go after you turn 21, but you can't stop coming back. Many a night have I spent dancing on the stage, with a tambourine stolen from the band. If only they took a credit card!

If you are looking for a laid back fun time bar with friendly people, this is your place. This is also the place to come see live bands when they are performing on the island

Place to go if: 1. You want to go on the dance floor, try to enjoy the band and get splashed by drinks getting thrown in all different directions around you 2. Bumped, pushed, shoved by everyone and anyone (without an excuse me) 3. Get hit on by the dirtiest men in Nantucket 4. See the drunkest people, by that time the slobs of Nantucket. Nantucket is a lovely island, I'd suggest anywhere but here for a fun night out!

Five stars. Sound guy Joel is great. Bar tenders are great and punctual; Especially if you're in a band and need to get to the stage quick. If you're screwed and your iPhone is dying at the bar you can ask the sound man for a charge. There are always cabs outside. Drinks are great lots of pool tables. Only downside is that it's too fun and then the bar closes at one a.m. Great.

Ahh memories. I don't know if I've been here legally, but used to go as a little girl w/ my Dad on our bike rides around the island. He would have a beer and I would sip on a sprite or coke. I never really understood why he liked this place so much because it wasn't that exciting for a 10 yr old, but between my brothers and my father, our family probably owns 20 BOX t-shirts and hats, and countless stickers collected over a few decades. My father sticks them on every vehicle he owns. It was always a good conversation starter when I drove his old car in college; "Uhh...why do you have a sticker that says BOX on it?" Usually I'd have some smart-ass reply like, " 'cuz I have one." If you're ever in Harbour Island Bahamas, and see a golf cart roll by with a BOX sticker, you better believe Captain Raven has left his mark. There's probably about 20 on the island that's 3 miles by 1/2 a mile... I guess the 5 stars come down to family tradition, but everyone I know who knows of the Box, loves it. You simply can't go to Nantucket without making a stop at the Box. As my father says, "Any man that knows the Box, is alright with me." (as he said with delight upon hearing I was dating a guy who has his own collection of box paraphernalia)

We stopped in at the Chicken Box because my favorite author, Elin Hildebrand mentions this bar in her books. We were lucky and got to meet the owner, Rocky, who contacted Elin and asked her to stop by so we could meet her...and we were soooo lucky and got to meet her today!! Thank you so much Rocky!! You are such a sweetheart!! I feel so fortunate! Not only did we get great service at the Chicken Box, but got to meet Rocky and Elin Hildebrand!!!!!

The box is the spot for live music on the Island. Drinks were cheap and well sized compaired to most bars in town. People were hammered here... Entertainment was Donovan Frankenreiter for the evening, pretty big deal as the show was sold out both nights!!

We love the box! Another Nantucket super island hot spot that promises lots of really drunk touchy guys and girls! The live entertainment is always excellent and getting the drinks are fast and they are strong. You can even enjoy a game of pool.

Great drinks, good service and nice place to hang with the locals. If you are over 21 years of age, it is a must see on Nantucket.

Best establishment I've ever crossed the threshold of. Amazing live music and incredible service. Have a great time every time I visit that legendary venue.

This place is amazing--once you're drunk. Local jerk dudes, preppy snobs from Connecticut, skanky island girls, a handful of NYC homos and a bad cover band tossed together like a Cobb salad with cheddar cheese instead of Roquefort and baked beans instead of garbanzos. And--doused with too much Thousand Island dressing. I'm most proud of the fact that we rang up a $500 bar tab and then got thrown out for our biggest and bravest hipster trading punches with a groomsman from a wedding on the island that night who insulted our crew.

The box needs to get a new ID system !!!! They have ruined many nights by not letting of age friends into the bar, I wouldn't recommend this bar to anyone taking a taxi or on a cold night

I mean this is standard if you are in Nantucket....its kind of dirty but charming in that way of island bar meets girls with gucci handbags, and its a mix of all people for sure...as much of a mix you can get out there...but I love it and have many many fond memories at this place...oh and they do take credit cards now....

The bartender is a thief. (Bar station to left when you walk in, male white mid 20's,brown) Was charged twice for the same tab after some of the worst service in my life.

Go here for cheap(er) drinks, dancing, and for feeling grungy. The Box is a world class dive bar with a salty aftertaste. It does take a certain level of commitment to leave the "Barmuda Triangle" of Straightwharf, the Gazebo, and the Tavern (some would throw Cap'n Tobey's in the mix for good measure) on a busy night and head out of town, but it is always worth it. Always.

The Good: Arrive b4 9pm and avoid the cover charge...since the bands are not really good enough to pay for. Shoot pool until music starts. Dance and rub up against hot chix as they stumble around drunk prepping for their friends' weddings. It is like any drunken fraternity party you have ever attended. The Bad: Music is always too loud, so wear ear plugs. Those new disco laser lights they added hit you square in the eyes...very irritating. Always hot, skanky humid in there, so wear shorts and Tshirt. The Great: I was in there Sat night and saw some 40 yr old wallet from NY with his 6' tall 24 yr old rocketship Victoria Secret model girlfriend......and she was NOT even the hottest chick in the bar. I am not kidding. This dive bar is that stocked with talent.

Located on the interior of the island, this place is technically walk-able from town, but we seemed to be the only people doing it. If I went back, I'd take a cab. A typical young, rowdy bar. Live music, cheap drinks and a patio where smoking is permitted.

If I could give a ZERO star, I would. I was served by 4 different bartenders. I was given a bill that was WELL OVER what I drank. I got free tickets to a concert, from the band that was playing this week, and was literally physically removed from the show at the end of the night because they over charged me, and I complained. If you complain at #TheBox, they'll physically remove you. Apparently Rocky Fox, from The Box has the power to overcharge you, along with physically removing his patrons, and being completely disrespectful in the process. Along with ALL THE B.S.....THE BATHROOMS SMELL LIKE CAT PISS. NOBODY CLEANS A DAMN THING THERE. I will absolutely never return to this bar again. I spend too much money on this island to be screwed over for a bar tab. I know too many people on this island to lie about a bar tab. I will be reporting this place to the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce, along with the Better Business Bureau. Never come here! Bands, and patrons aloke. DO. NOT. BOOK. PERFORM. OR. DRINK. HERE.

If you want to see a band while you're in ACK, then you have to hit The Box. We check what the lineup will be on our vacation before we leave so we know which nights to go. It's a dive, a small intimate venue, the staff has always been friendly, and if someone good is playing, it's PACKED. We went way early last year because we wanted to watch a big Sox game and ended up hanging with the staff and a smattering of locals doing the same - it was great. I was lucky enough to see Joshua Tree (U2 cover band) two years in a row at The Box...hmmm, maybe next vacay should be planned based on when they're on the island. ;-)

This place is freaking so much fun! Good drinks and dancing. Can't beat it!

I like the Box, and will go on record as saying it's probalby my favorite on the island. It can get crowded, for sure. There is a certain mystique about this place, as it has been rumored that many great bands will randomly show up and play here during the summer months. There are some pool tables, as well as great live entertainment. The line can get up to the 2 hour mark during the summer, which stinks because I think it closes at 1AM (maybe 2?). Worth visiting if you're on Nantucket wondering where to go for a good time. Classic place to see the popped collar crowd wearing sunglasses at night. Gotta love it!

This is my favorite dive bar in Nantucket! The Box is an absolute island staple. Great live entertainment with an outdoor patio.

The Box is such a fixture of the Nantucket scene. Worlds collide: locals, the preppy summer crowd and a surprisingly large hippie scene that crawls out of the woodwork too. It does turn into a meatmarket around 1:00, but what good, crowded island bar doesn't? They always have fun music and dancing, and there are plenty of games to entertain as well (including pool and erotic photo hunt). It's cash only, but they do have an ATM inside.

The Chicken Box peaks on Saturday night at the Figawi. Be sure to get there pretty early (730-830) because beyond this the line will be insane. For a bar that gets pretty packed, it is not too hard to get a drink. At the Figawi my friends said they have never seen hotter girls, and we all had a great time. Definitely do not miss this bar on Memorial Day weekend. During the summer it is supposed to be a great time as well. Also, my friend left his tab open so we rode our bikes over the next day and ended up talking to the owner/manager, Rocky, and he was a real nice guy. He told us to come that night even though we couldn't. The Box: great selection, live bands, good people, not much more to ask for.