I had passed by the buzzing patio of this restaurant a couple of times on a late afternoon shopping stroll, thinking--'that looks like a happening place.' Well, lucky me. I took a tip from a local later on and decided to give it a try.
Cioppino's is named for a San Francisco-style fish stew that you'll find on the eclectic menu. I was having serious lobster withdrawal, so I decided to try the lobster bisque (the best I've had--rich but not too rich, and not too sweet) and the flamboyantly presented lobster salad, complete with two enormous pre-shelled claws--yum!
You can tell that Cioppino's is one of those places beloved by locals and visitors alike. If you want real Nantucket flavor, have a seat at the bar and try a local brew (or, if you like wine, the restaurant has an impressive wine list). If you're fortunate, a charming bartender known by his nickname 'Hoody' will be behind the bar. Get him to tell you about the restaurant's resident ghost. If Hoody's in the mood and you stay for a while, he may do you the honor of offering you a "Paul". I won't give away the ins and outs of this Nantucket tradition, except to say that it must be initiated by your bartender. You may not request a "Paul". Hoody's bar is packed with mostly locals hanging out and enjoying the intimate, casual vibe.
I'll most certainly be back.
***Since creating this journal, I've been back and had the restaurant's signature dish, a hearty seafood stew seasoned with peppers and tomato served over linguine known as Cioppino. Very tasty.