Where the Figawi? Get Your Party On…

Today was the perfect day for sailing from Hyannis to Nantucket.  Saturday night Figawi hosts a Competitor Party under the Event Tent (bracelet required) on New Whale Street and Sunday is a day to enjoy Nantucket. If you are not planning on attending the Competitor’s Party then it’s time to bust out your pastels and get your drink on. Here are our suggestions, with pearls of wisdom culled from Fiagwi weekend seasoned sailors.

The Gazebo
28 Harbor Square, (508) 228-1266
www.nantuckettavern.com
Technically part of the bar called “The Tavern,” the Gazebo is a small, roof-covered space that sees tons of action during the day. The Gazebo is a lively, open-side structure, hard to miss when downtown and perfect for enjoying ocean breezes and Nantucket summer days or nights. Sip the beverage of your choice while gazing out at busy Nantucket harbor. Given the tight space, the crowd fills in pretty early and a line forms by early afternoon.

Straight Wharf
6 Harbor Square, (508) 228-4499
www.straightwharfrestaurant.com
A very simple recipe seems to work for a place that’s changed its look in recent years. Straight Wharf runs with a pretty simple formula at this new space: outdoor space + booze = good times on Nantucket. It can get pretty lively mid-day but thankfully lines don’t seem to appear too often as the masses seem to prefer The Gazebo for its novelty. It’s a great option if you want to be outside and enjoy drinks as the same time. Plus, their signature drink, the Goombay Smash, is a staple of any Figawi weekend. Night time gets more crowded as people look for a laid-back atmosphere.

CRU Oyster Bar
1 Straight Wharf, (508) 228-9278
www.crunantucket.com
This premier oyster bar offers casually elegant cuisine in a visually stunning waterfront setting on Nantucket harbor. Notably the best scene and seafood in town – you won’t be disappointed with an evening at the CRU. The restaurant is located at the end of Straight Wharf and overlooks all the sailing vessels here for Figawi Weekend. This place fills up fast so go early. The CRU is a chic and trendy place for the hip and trendy party goers and does have an outdoor space for that fresh ocean breeze.

Rose & Crown
23 South Water Street, (508) 228-2595
www.theroseandcrown.com
Let it be said that the rule for any Nantucket bar on Figawi weekend is to get there early. Rose & Crown is no different and you’ll want to get there by 10 p.m. unless you like waiting on a line for 30 or more minutes. The crowd always shows up because it’s the most lively at night of any bar located downtown. Once inside you’ll find a poorly designed elevated bar on your right, so you’ll want to do your damage on the other side of the bar. Top 40 hits (with music videos on the big screen) blast from the surprisingly good DJ over the speakers and the dance floor can get pretty lively as the mostly younger crowd looks to let loose. Beer drinkers should take advantage of the stand on top of the stage to avoid the lines at the bars. The Rose & Crown is a favorite of locals as well and generally a good place to get your groove on.

The Chicken Box
6 Daves Street, (508) 228-9717
www.thechickenbox.com
The Chicken Box is known for it’s live music and is just a short taxi ride away from downtown. The place has no style and basically lives up to its name as a box fit for a chicken to run around in, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun. They don’t serve food, but you can get pizzas delivered from the place across the street. Most of the primetime night hours are filled by a cover band playing your typical hits on the stage. For the most part you should think of this place as one huge frat party, so act accordingly. There are pool tables and a covered outside area in the back, which can get quite rowdy.

Cisco Brewers
5 Bartlett Farm Road, (508) 325-5929
www.ciscobrewers.com
With beer, wine, and vodka available for tasting, along with picnic tables and a courtyard, this is a great option for a large group. Something for everyone, and a laid-back atmosphere to get cranked. You can bring food or order in pizza from the place down the street. Only a short cab ride from downtown, this is a good daytime bet, especially when the weather is nice. On the weekends they usually have some live music.

Cisco Brewers Events for Sunday May 24, 2015