My favorite restaurants on Cape Cod

Bars and restaurants are probably what I miss most these days. There’s nothing quite like going out for drinks and a meal, especially on a sunny day on the Cape. My best summer memories are at my favorite restaurants with the people I love.

Here are my all-time favorite Cape Cod restaurants. If you’re local, some of these are probably special to you, too. The next time you plan to eat out on the Cape, consider stopping by one of these spots for takeout, and hopefully someday soon to sit down and enjoy!

1. Sesuit Harbor Café – East Dennis

The vibe: This is my favorite place ever. Overlooking Sesuit Harbor, this seasonal, outdoor seafood shack is quintessential Cape Cod. Order at the register inside, grab a picnic table, and watch the boats pass in and out of the marina. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Menu favorites: The famous lobster roll, fried scallops, and chicken caesar salad. Also, the chicken fingers with fries and honey mustard are the best in the world! (Trust me, I’m an expert) Their raw bar is top-notch for clam chowder, tuna sashimi, oysters, etc.

Open for takeout Wed-Sun 12:30-7:30. Cash or check only. I haven’t been for takeout yet, but this place gets busy- try to go at an off time!

2. Ember – Harwich Port

The vibe: If you’ve driven on Route-28 into Harwich Port, you’ve passed Ember’s iconic fire-pit. This spot is always a good time, especially at the outdoor bar, where you’ll often find live music in the summer. Such a youthful and fun atmosphere. It’s perfect for families and gets packed with young people after the dinner crowd.

Menu favorites: I always get a pizza and wings at Ember- it’s what they’re known for and they have a great selection. My favorite pizzas are buffalo chicken and the steak bomb. The best wings are the garlic parmesan, buffalo, and sweet & spicy.

Open for takeout daily 12-7:30pm

3. Bluefins Sushi & Sake Bar – Chatham

The vibe: Nestled in the heart of Main Street in Chatham, Bluefins is upscale, modern, and coastal, with two sleek bars. Perfect for a date night before heading over to see a movie at the Orpheum Theater.

Menu favorites: This is the best sushi I’ve ever had. The Red Sox roll (raw), the shaggy dog roll (cooked), and the asparagus fries are my go-to’s.

Open daily for curbside takeout from 2-8pm

4. Hot Stove Saloon – Harwich Port

The vibe: A sports pub in the midst of downtown Harwich Port. This is a perfect spot to warm up at the bar in the winter or to unwind in the summer with a casual meal. With a nostalgic baseball theme, it’s decorated with vintage paraphernalia. The servers are super friendly and I think this is the best comfort food, especially their sandwiches and pizza.

Menu favorites: Clam chowder, the French dip, cheesesteak, the Rueben, and any of their thin-crust pizzas

Open for takeout Wed-Fri 4-8pm, Sat & Sun 12-8pm

5. Cape Cod Coffee – Mashpee

This is a fairly new addition in Mashpee Commons, and I don’t know what I did before it! They’re building a huge roasting facility in Mashpee that will have apparel and serve coffee and food. Check out their Instagram for updates.

The vibe: A bright and clean café feel with fun, orange accents. Very friendly service with a grab & go register, full bar, and delicious breakfast and lunch menus. I can’t wait to visit the new roasting facility.

Menu favorites: The coffee is amazing. My favorite is an iced mocha latte. For breakfast, the avocado eggs benny is my favorite, and for lunch, I love the pineapple-jalapeno express (a tasty grilled chicken sandwich like no other). Also, their build-your-own bloody mary bar is so fun!

Open for takeout Wed-Sun 7am-2pm, open daily for coffee to-go

6. Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery – Falmouth

The vibe: Bad Martha’s started on the Vineyard, and their new location in Falmouth is unreal. With chill, fun, and friendly vibes, this large farmhouse brewery has a delicious selection of craft beers, pizzas, and snacks.

Menu favorites: For beer, the Blonde Ambition has a light and refreshing taste. Their thin-crust pizzas are delish, and so are the pretzel bites!

Open daily for takeout, 1-8pm (9pm on Fri/Sat)

7. Encore Bistro & Bar – Dennis

The vibe: This is one of the coziest bars on the Cape with amazing food. Right next to Cape Cinemas in Dennis, this is a perfect stop before or after a film. The dining area is large and open, while the bar is a separate, quieter oasis. Outside, the patio feels like a French terrace out of a storybook. You’ll have to see for yourself.

Menu favorites: Hands down the fettuccini lobster alfredo (pictured above). It is to die for. The fish tacos are also superb & if you’re feeling like indulging, upgrade to the truffle fries.

Open for takeout Wed-Sun 4-8pm

8. Harvest Gallery Wine Bar – Dennis

The vibe: Okay, maybe this is the coziest bar on the Cape. Like the name says, inside this gem you can find art pieces showcased on the walls, an extensive selection of wine (that you can taste in a flight), and entertainment from some of the Cape’s most talented musicians. This is a special place that fills the soul.

Menu favorites: They have a unique tapas style menu. I love the charcuterie board and Cuban sandwich. Their ciabatta bread pizza is amazing- funghi & formaggio is my favorite. Pizza served on crunchy, thick ciabatta, what could be better?

Temporarily closed, but I’ll post on my Instagram as soon as they open!

 

I definitely have more to share in the future, like my favorite breakfast places, coffee shops, and my list of restaurants I want to try! I’m always looking for new places, so please let me know your favorite Cape restaurant in the comments. Bon appetit!

Lots of love,

Brenna