Take an old tavern in Barnstable’s historic district, give it a couple of inspired new owners and watch what a facelift can do. Although Barnstable Tavern has a white-tablecloth dining room serving “Cape Cod/New American” cuisine, I still prefer the tavern side for a big burger and a frosty pint. If the sea calls, indulge on a giant plate of...
Location, location, location. Since 1956 diners have been taking advantage of the best harborfront seat in town at Baxter’s Boat House in Hyannis. They populate the picnic tables to munch on fried and broiled seafood, served generously atop a flimsy paper plate. Baxter’s was erected on an old fish-packing dock near the Steamship Authority terminal. Each summer they consistently lure everyone...
Sit on a deck atop the blonde beach, sipping Chardonnay and voila!, you suddenly feel like you are on holiday. The Beach House Grill in Chatham is one of the few spots to feel the ocean breeze and warm sun while you eat lobster rolls, fried seafood, burgers and abundant salads. Sure the prices are high, but you’re paying for...
The Beachcomber in Wellfleet is rowdy spot and lots of things to lots (and lots) of people: a cabana-themed raw bar, waves of beer, piles of oysters, powerful spirits, and righteous blues bands. They keep the wings coming, as well as the burgers, seafood plates, salads, sandwiches, and other dishes that go well with a cold one. Nothing but apps...
The latest venture for Roadhouse Café owner Dave Colombo, Black Cat in Hyannis offers a casual waterfront feel and quite good fried and baked seafood staples — fish and chips, scallops, seafood platter — while kicking casual up a notch with the likes of pan seared scallops with strawberry pineapple risotto and lobster ravioli. Gourmet burgers and salads, too. Stick...
Folks enjoy their perch atop Saquatucket Harbor so much that they consistently wait for up to 45 minutes for a seat at Brax Landing in Harwich Port! Made popular by its casual tavern-like appeal (and the sought after views of the harbor), Brax has decent food populating a varied menu. Chicken sandwiches rub elbows with a slew of seafood served...
Fried seafood on the waterfront defines summertime — at least once in a season. You can forget your dream of squeezing into a bikini after a fried bucket of seafood at the Clam Shack, a teeny operation in Falmouth. But the clams, scallops, and freshly snagged fish are all so good, how can you say no? Especially when you learn...
When I am cycling the Rail Trail in Brewster, Cobie’sis always a designated stopping point. Owner Rob Slavin maintains the foundation of this classic joint, which never seems to change with time — in this case, that’s a good thing. For over 25 years, Slavin and his loyal staff have been stuffing fine lobster rolls and slinging onion rings, fried...
Because of the intersection of price point, delicious fish tacos from the bar menu, lush artisanal cocktails (and ‘mocktails’), sultry outdoor dining, and one particularly sassy server (yea, the one pulling a pint in the photo above) … the Nor’east Beer Garden is my new favorite place to grab a bite in Provincetown. Oh yea, and of course there’s a huge...
The overall experience at Winslow’s Tavern in Wellfleet — between the artfully presented dishes and the sublime summertime setting — is rather appealing. Secure an outdoor patio table under the stars and overlooking the quiet town center. Or (avoid potential mosquitos and) head inside, into a quietly simple and casually elegant setting with well-spaced tables. Or head upstairs to the...