Every island town keeps one diner that predates the tourism and intends to outlive it. On Water Street, that’s Ernie’s — breakfast and lunch, generous portions, harbor out the window, and a register that takes cash. The kind of place where locals actually eat, which remains the most reliable restaurant review there is.

What it’s like

Unpretentious and completely comfortable in its own skin: pancakes, omelets, and sandwiches made from fresh ingredients, served indoors or on a small patio near the harbor. The old-school New England philosophy applies — food is fuel and fuel should be generous. There are vegetarian and vegan options too, which is more than the diner genre usually promises.

Mornings get busy in season, but the staff runs the room efficiently — the line is part of the experience and it moves.

The move

Bring cash. That’s the tip that saves your morning — Ernie’s runs cash-only, and the person who has to jog to an ATM while their pancakes cool is a summer tradition nobody wants to be. Go early on boat-day mornings; you’ll beat the first ferry crowd and get the window table.

Ernie’s anchors the breakfast guide for a reason. Fueling a full day? The day-trip plan starts exactly here.