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Eating and Drinking on Cape Cod & the Islands

Now that I can officially say I have visited the Cape AND the islands, I decided to make a concise favorites list of the best places to eat and drink across the arm (and outside!). My family has gone to the Cape, specifically Orleans and Centerville, since I was born, so it is a special place that will forever remind me of summer, my family, and wicked large lobster rolls. Granted, I am a bit biased in my food choices, considering I absolutely love lobster and mac and cheese is one of my favorite foods, but all these places offer a strong variety of options for those who like to branch out more. 

Iced Coffee:

Obviously, I had to start with my own core food group- iced coffee. Some may say I am a coffee snob, I beg to differ… I am a strong advocate for specialty coffees or coffees with the flavor brewed into the beans. In the last few years, I have found my four favorite places to get a strong brew on the Cape.

• Hole in One in Eastham
  • They have a size MEGA 
  • The coconut cold brew is phenomenal 
  • They are also popular for their donuts
  • Their bagels are also to die for
• Marylou’s in Hyannis
  • Truly is not a coffee review without a Marylou’s mention
  • Large assortment of “in the bean” brews
  • Tons of specialty coffees
  • One downfall is their food is just decent  
• Nirvana in Barnstable 
  • Large assortment of syrups and flavors 
  • Lots of fun seltzers and kombucha 
• Chatham Perk in Chatham
  • AKA Cape Cod Coffee
  • UNREAl coconut cold brew
  • Also such a fun location

Drinks:

Again, my bias shows as every drink I could list would essentially just be an aperol spritz. It is not summer without a spritz! However, for those with other preferences I added some more options!

• Hogg’s Island Brewery in Orleans
  • Their appetizers are perfection
  • Lots of fun Cape inspired beer options
  • For non-beer drinkers, yes they can make you an aperol spritz 
• Truro Vineyards in Truro
  • I’ll be honest, I haven’t tried it yet
  • The wine bottles are shaped as lighthouses 
  • Lots of wine and other liquor options
• Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham
  • Gorgeous views
  • Has a dress code- so make sure you dress up!
  • Lots of fun Cape inspired cocktails like the ‘Sea to Martini’ and the ‘Cosmopolifoam’
• Anejo in Hyannis 
  • Such a fun summer location, where you can sit under a tree!
  • Specialty margaritas- the coconut pomegranate was delish
  • Also a spectacular food menu

Ice Cream:

You cannot go to the Cape in the summer without getting ice cream. Here are three places you need to visit to acquire your summer staple.

• Smitty’s in Orleans
  • Brownie sundaes are perfect- they use huge brownies
  • Best flavor: Black raspberry oreo 
• J-Bar in Nantucket
  • On the more expensive side for ice cream
  • Best flavor: Cake batter 
• Four Seas in Centerville
  • So many wonderful childhood memories here 
  • Best flavor: Peppermint Stick

Breakfast:

My Cape breakfast preferences have shifted over the years. For a few years I was all into acai bowls. In our earlier years, we used to get bagels everyday. Currently, I am in my avocado lox bagel or chocolate croissant for breakfast era. 

• Hot Chocolate Sparrow in Orleans
  • Best chocolate croissants
  • So many dessert and cake options 
  • They also have hazelnut iced coffee
• Mama Matcha Green Bar in Provincetown
  • Best acai bowls
  • Lots of smoothie, toast, and bagel options
• Provisions in Nantucket
  • Mentioned in many Elin Hilderbrand books
  • So many good bagel flavors

Lunch:

In the summer, I prefer an easy to-go lunch option to take on the beach. These are some of my favorite beach/easy lunches!

• Nauset Farms in Orleans
  • Veggie wrap is my favorite!
  • Their hot sandwiches are also amazing
• The Mercantile in Dennis 
  • Wicked good sandwiches 
  • They also have breakfast and coffee
• 167 Raw in Nantucket
  • Cutest little food truck
  • They also have a market with tons of to go food and drinks 
  • HIGHLY recommend the shrimp basket
• Lobster Pot Express in Provincetown
  • Huge lobster rolls
  • Fun location
  • Not a bad price!

Dinner:

Full day on the beach. Shower. Sundress. Dinner. 

• Scargo Cafe in Dennis 
  • UNREAL lobster mac and cheese
  • Chowder- duh!
  • Lots of fun drinks and cocktails
• The Atlantic in Martha’s Vineyard
  • Fabulous waterfront views
  • Again phenomenal lobster mac
  • Oysters of course 
  • On the pricier side  
• The Lobster Trap in Bourne
  • Fun waterfront views
  • Overall coastal chill vibe
  • Surf and turf burger: has lobster on it!
  • Lots of fun lobster and seafood options