Photo Credit : Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Situated at the very tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown was the site of the Pilgrims’ first landing in the New World, back in 1620. And in the decades since, it has grown into a small but vibrant community that’s been welcoming newcomers ever since.
People flock here in the summer — and even the off-season — for a wide spectrum of reasons: to browse the first-class art galleries, to explore historic landmarks such as the Pilgrim Monument, to commune with the coastal landscape, to revel in a lively and inclusive social scene. One thing these visitors all have in common, though, is a need to stay refueled for all those P-town excursions and adventures.
In a classic New England summer hot spot like Provincetown, you’ll have dining options on every corner, which means it’s hard to go wrong. But if you like to plan ahead, here’s a list of some favorite place to grab a bite — or kick back with a drink — in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Commercial Street, the main drag in downtown Provincetown, MA. Photo Credit : Tim Grafft/Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Inside the gate of this beer garden off Commercial Street, P-town’s bustle fades. New England artisanal craft brews are augmented by scratch-made pub food such as fish tacos, fried-chicken sandwiches, and juicy burgers stacked with lettuce and tomato.
Modern flavors and a retro feel come together at this fun little diner, which is locally beloved for its breakfast and brunch food. Don’t miss the heavenly French toast, which reinvented with vanilla custard instead of mere eggs and milk for a “mmm”-worthy taste and texture. The beachside bar at Canteen Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Opened in 2013 by a married pair of chefs, Canteen is casual-chic dining at its best. From breakfast through dinner, it serves simple food inspired by Cape Cod and elevated with pristine ingredients. You’ll find house-made falafel and warm grain bowls alongside standbys like lobster rolls and fish and chips. For a memorable cocktail hour, hit the beachside bar.
Devotees swear by Far Lands’ baked-from-scratch treats — cinnamon rolls, scones, pies, and more — and hearty sandwiches like the Ballston (rosemary ham, apple, bacon, cheddar, honey mustard) and the Herring Cove (roast beef, garlic herb spread, roasted red pepper).
The lovely harborside deck at this New American bistro is ideal for dining alfresco on a summer day. Seafood is the star — from crab cakes to calamari, dayboat scallops to grilled halibut, and even fish and chips — but don’t miss the creative cocktails. The Lobster Pot Photo Credit : Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Famous for its line out the doors and down the street, the Lobster Pot and its neon sign have been P-town fixtures since the 1940s. Sit down to a dinner here — perhaps blackened tuna sashimi? or lobster potpie? — and you’ll see that this is one of those rare über-popular spots that actually live up to their following.
A pared-down American bistro menu (seasonally changing selections, such as whole wood-grilled fish and sausage flatbread with grilled corn) makes the perfect dance partner for a well-chosen list of wines by the glass.
Revered by local residents for staying open 363 nights of the year, this beachfront institution also happens to serve some of the best meals on Cape Cod. Choose from dishes that are refined but not fussy: wild mushroom pumpkin ravioli, almond-crusted cod, gourmet burgers.
The Squealing Pig Photo Credit : Andrewrabbott/CC BY-SA 3.0
For those seeking a cozy, neighborhood vibe, this Irish pub fills the bill as deftly as it does your pint glass. Expect hearty pub grub like burgers and toasties, shepherd’s pie, spicy curries, plus solid seafood (the smoky chowder is a favorite).
Locals exchange the latest gossip as they line up at this deli turned gourmet shop for takeout treats. Among the standout offerings are a tuna, roasted pepper, and olive tapenade sandwich and a truly huge ginger-cream whoopie pie.
Amid a warmly lit, antiques-filled interior, diners dig into globally flavored offerings such as Portuguese soup, Brazilian steak, Thai chicken and shrimp, Jamaican jerk chicken, and Russian oysters.
Do you have a favorite dining destination in Provincetown, Massachusetts? Let us know!
