The Club Car was started in 1977. Singing at the piano. A photo from a the late 1970s snowstorm. The History of The Club Car In the late 1800’s the island of Nantucket had its own railroad. The railroad would shuttle passengers south to Surfside, take a left, then, out past Tom Nevers, and end up in ‘Sconset, where it would turn around and head back to town. By 1917, declining rider ship and World War I had spelled its fate. The tracks were pulled up and sold as scrap metal for the War effort in Europe. All that remained was the Pullman Coach that sat at 1 Main St., the site of the former train station. Soon after, the train car was turned into little diner serving home cooking to locals and tourists alike. Allen’s Lobster Grill and Diner was its name and it remained in business for over 40 years. In the late 1960’s, Walter Biennale had a vision of Nantucket as a world class resort, and bought a great deal of downtown Nantucket. Allen’s Diner was one of the parcels acquired and it became The Club Car. Mr. Bieneke wanted to have a first class gourmet restaurant at his prime Main Street location. In the mid 1970’s, Mr. Bieneke approached Joe Pantorno, Michael Shannon and Michael Omara, who had run his restaurant at his Harbor House Hotel. He saw what they did and liked it. Joe, Mike and Michael took over the operation of The Club Car in 1977 and the rest as they say is history. Wonderful food, excellent service and a sophisticated yet fun atmosphere are all aspects of what has been created at The Club Car, and lest we forget the singing. The piano in the lounge has been the site of so many fun times. Songs ranging from Oklahoma to Piano Man have been heard on lower Main Street. We invite you to please come and enjoy wonderful food and great times at The Club Car, a Nantucket Institution. A view of our dining room. The Club Car bar Our famous crab cake.