Walter's Deli

Walter’s Deli sits quietly on Broad Street, a small but spirited counter-service spot where the pace of Nantucket slows just enough for you to savor a moment amid your day. It’s the kind of place you stumble upon between errands or before catching a ferry, drawn in by the easy hum of locals and travelers lining up for something straightforward yet thoughtfully crafted. Here, the mood is unpretentious and brisk—a friendly nod to those who value a good sandwich without fuss or frills.

The atmosphere is defined by its simplicity: no seating, just a hassle-free walk-up window that encourages grabbing your meal to go and finding a nearby bench or harbor-side spot to settle in. This practical, no-table setup invites a different kind of pleasure—one where the food is the main event without distraction. There’s a comforting rhythm in knowing you can rely on swift, warm service even when the lunchtime crowd builds.

More than just quick bites, Walter’s serves up a sincere taste of Nantucket’s coastal charm through its specialty sandwiches that carry both familiar comforts and local flair. The cold lobster roll, a hallmark of summer on these shores, arrives with generous chunks of sweet lobster meat nestled in a buttery toasted roll, perfectly balancing richness and restraint. And for those craving a heartier option, the Reuben and classic deli sandwiches hold their own, offering mild indulgence wrapped in layered textures and flavors that invite a slow enjoyment, whether you’re pausing between sights or packing a ferry ride picnic.

What lingers after a visit here is a sense of honest, unforced satisfaction—a reminder that great food doesn’t always need a polished setting or elaborate plating. It’s a place where each bite feels like a small story from the island, told simply and well, in a spot designed for locals and visitors alike to gather brief but meaningful moments over a shared love for good sandwiches.