Just wondering if Ackislander and/or any of you old Nantucket hands have an opinion on American Seasons. It's one restaurant that I don't think I've seen mentioned here this year, anyway, and my friends say they like it and we should try to reserve. Any opinions?? Many thanks.

I'm toppiing cuz I sort of need an answer and want to get Nantucket experts attention!

It is probably the most imaginative menu on Nantucket. Until I recently branched out, it was my favorite place to go for special events like birthdays, and my not having eaten there so far this season is only a result of trying not to be an old fuddy duddy who keeps going the same places.

The food is intense as well as being imaginative, and they have a killer wine list.

The location is slightly out of the way, which is really a feature rather than a bug since you get a nice walk when you are through eating! My only dislike in the whole place is the low ceiling, and despite being 6'3", I would rather have them spend the money on the food than on rent for a higher space!

WOW - great reply! Thanks so much. Just what I wanted to hear, and now I'm charged with trying to get a reservation on a Saturday night!! any ideas?

Ackislander: Just want you to know that I sent an email to American Seasons last evening, and a nice gal called Nicole telephoned me this morning, and we have a reservation for 4 for August 1, at just the time we wanted. Very nice service. Sadly it may say something about how business is down this year on the island, because this is a Saturday evening in the middle of summer!

I think you are right, taconictraveler. We had dinner at The Summer House this past Friday night (8:30ish) and there were a number of empty tables. We've noticed as well that there are empty parking spaces on Main Street on Sunday afternoon. On the other hand, we were at Pi Pizza on a Thursday night and it was mobbed and the 6:00 fast ferry last night back to Hyannis was sold out. People are visiting the island, but not going out as much to the more expensive restaurants.

Hope you enjoy your visit!

I am actually in the Berkshires at the moment, staying with friends in West Stockbridge, and the story seems to be the same everywhere: frugal travel!

I think you will enjoy your dinner.

How was Summer House? Deciding between that, the Pearl and Boarding House for one of two baby-free nights out. Also, is Brant Point Grill any good?

Summer House is a classic experience - great setting and food that you can enjoy with the accompaniment of piano music. It's in Sconset so I don't know if that matters to you (the other places you mention are in Town).

I'd skip Brant Point Grill. We've eaten there and were underwhelmed with the food (nice setting though). Other recent reviews here were not good either. If you want to dine near the beach, I'd recommend The Galley out near Jetties Beach. We had a wonderful meal there earlier this summer.

The Pearl and The Boarding House are also among our favorites. I think that The Pearl is one of the best restaurants we've ever been to. The menu is an Asian "fusion" style menu that is predominantly seafood and everything is exceptional. It is pricey, though.

The sister restaurant, The Boarding House, is more of a Mediterranean style and is a little less expensive. Both have great wine lists and service.

You have a tough decision to make - all of the restaurants are great!