Dining Alfresco: Your Summer Dining Guide

BY LANNAN O’BRIEN

Eat Local, Be Safe

Over the past year, Cape and islands restaurants have risen to the occasion, changing the ways they do business to offer safer dining options and creative take-home meals. We’ve searched high and low for standout spots to help you spice up your not-so-new normal, and hope you find some comfort—and something delicious—from our safe dining guide this summer.

outdoor seating

COURTYARD RESTAURANT & PUB

Beloved for its fresh seafood and New England fare, Courtyard’s namesake offers a beautiful atmosphere complete with a fire pit and outdoor bar that could make anyone feel like they are on vacation.

1337 County Rd., Cataumet (508) 563-1818 courtyardcapecod.com

BUCATINO RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR

Split a bottle of wine while dining al fresco at this authentic Italian restaurant, and you might just imagine you’re in Tuscany instead of, well, North Falmouth. Outdoor seating weather-permitting; call for details and reservations.

7 Nathan Ellis Highway, North Falmouth (508) 566-8960; bucawinebar.com

THE ROOFTOP AT PELHAM HOUSE

If you’re looking to escape from the world for a while, look no further than The Rooftop at Pelham House Resort, where exquisite brunch and dinner menus come second to the breathtaking ocean views.

14 Sea St., Dennis Port (508) 398-6076 pelhamhouseresort.com

SHARKY’S CANTINA

A cozy place you can take your friends and family. Sharky’s serves up fun, beach-bar vibes over crave-worthy margaritas and Mexican food. Outdoor dining available at both locations.

Edgartown: 266 Upper Main St., (508) 627-6565 Oak Bluffs: 31 Circuit Ave., (508) 693-7501 sharkmenu.com

THE CANTEEN

Enjoy made-from-scratch creations at this fun, casual spot with views of the harbor, then grab a house-made dessert or baked good to go.

225 Commercial St., Provincetown (508) 487-3800; thecanteenptown.com

THE WEST END

The West End is modern vintage with a touch of Cape Cod casual. Enjoy dinner as well as the Sunday jazz brunch. The garden terrace transforms a simple dinner out into a beach vacation.

20 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis; (508) 775 7677 westendhyannis.com

FISHERMEN’S VIEW

Sunset views of the Cape Cod Canal make the perfect backdrop to dine on fresh-shucked oysters, original cocktails, and a rotating menu of coastal creations at this waterside spot.

20 Freezer Rd., Sandwich; (508) 591-0088, fishermensview.com

food trucks

OFF THE GRID

Stop by for smoked barbecue from this converted school bus, then grab a drink and take in the groovy experience of Off the Grid.

91 MA-6A, Sandwich; (508) 241-8684, offthegridcapecod.com

WICKED N’ WOOD BARBECUE & WOOD GRILL

The smell of slow-smoked meats draws many a driver from East Falmouth Highway to this mobile kitchen, where few can resist the urge for a rack of ribs, beef brisket taco or pulled pork sandwich.

383 E Falmouth Hwy, East Falmouth, (774) 763-6467; wickednwood.com

LA TACODILLA

A taste of these authentic, cheesy Tijuana- and Southern California-style tacos is enough to convince anyone to return to this food pop-up for seconds. It’s located outside Clean Slate Eatery; check Facebook for updated opening times.

702 Main St., West Dennis, (508) 292-8817; cleanslateeatery.com

JOEYS JOINT & FOOD TRUCKS

Delicious, vegan-friendly tacos, burritos, rice bowls, and quesadillas are the specialties at Joeys Joint, which has developed a local following since opening its first food truck in 2014.

4100 State Highway, Eastham; (774) 561-2968; joeysfoodtruck.com

SEAFOOD SAM’S: FISH ON THE FLY

Snack on Sam’s classics like fish n’ chips, whole belly clams, and lobster salad rolls, plus food truck originals like irresistible Chowder Fries (french fries smothered in homemade chowder, scallions, and bacon bits). Find the truck at Cape Cod Beer on Thursdays this summer, with more locations to be announced!

(508) 888-4629; seafoodsams.com/food-truck

CHEF AMY’S FOOD TRUCK

Chef Amy Johnson can be found behind the window of her food truck year-round, serving made-from-scratch world cuisine like her famous smoked meats, Cuban sandwiches, chicken gyros, and wings.

0ut-of-the-box takeout

HOLE IN ONE RESTAURANT

Order traditional takeout for breakfast or lunch, and make sure you add a fun DIY kit to pick up later, like a pizza-making or cookie and cupcake decorating (great for kids!). Orleans location only; DIY kits must be ordered by noon the day prior.

98 MA-6A, Orleans, (508) 255-3740 theholecapecod.com

SUNBIRD PROVISIONS

Homemade soups, sandwiches, and more made with local ingredients, plus grocery items and cocktail kits with all the fixings (even glassware!)—you can shop for it all on Sunbird’s website for pickup at the restaurant.

85 MA-6A, #5, Orleans, (508) 237-0354, sunbirdprovisions.com

COMPANY OF THE CAULDRON

On Mondays and Thursdays, Michelin-star chef Joseph Keller and his team prepare multi-course dinners for takeout, including the Cauldron’s hot popovers, a fresh salad, entree, and dessert. Order by noon or until they sell out; pick up at 6:45 p.m.

5 India St., Nantucket (508) 228-4016, companyofthecauldron.com

SUPERIOR LOBSTER

Find everything you need for your family clambake at this seafood market overlooking Sandwich Marina, from fresh picked lobster meat to fresh fish, hearty lobster roll boxes to-go and seafood specialties like clam chowder, stuffed quahogs, and crab cakes.

8 Gallo Rd., Sandwich (774) 338-5721, superiorlobster.com

THE PHEASANT

Prepared multi-course, farm-to-table meals help recreate the fine-dining experience at home, and new wine share and oyster clubs add a bit of extra fun (your first order for the latter comes with a Pheasant-branded oyster knife, shucking gloves, and a tasting journal).

905 Main St., Dennis (508) 385-2133, pheasantcapecod.com

TREVI CAFÉ AND WINE BAR BLEU RESTAURANT SIENA

Visit Mashpee Commons

Mashpee Commons is an open-air shopping, dining, and living community located at the rotary connecting routes 28 and 151. The Commons is home to over 100 businesses, including boutique shops, national favorites, unique dining, and entertainment.

Here are eight locally-owned and operated restaurants that offer outdoor dining options. Follow each restaurant for specific seasonal updates, including updated menus and special events.

Follow us at mashpeecommons.com or @MashpeeCommons on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

ASIA RESTAURANT

Asia Restaurant offers Asian cuisine with dishes inspired by China, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. Grab takeout from Asia, or dine indoor or outdoor on the patio.

3 Greene St., Mashpee, 508-477-8883 asiamashpeema.com

BLEU RESTAURANT

Bleu Restaurant is a bistro offering traditional French cuisine. Francophiles agree that dining at Bleu is like being in France! Enjoy a lunch, brunch, or dinner at Bleu with dine-in and takeout options. Dine outdoors under a covered patio with a warm bistro light ambiance.

10 Market St, Mashpee, 508-539-7907 bleurestaurant.com, @bleu_capecod

BOBBY BYRNE’S PUB

Bobby Byrne’s Pub offers traditional pub fare, such as appetizer shareables, greens, sandwiches, and burgers. With the option to dine indoors or outdoors, they are located right in Central Square at Mashpee Commons.

6 Central Square, Mashpee, 508-477-0600 bobbybyrnes.com, @bobbybyrnespub

CAPE COD COFFEE CAFÉ

Cape Cod Coffee Café is a grab-and-go café that also has a full-service breakfast and lunch menu and a full bar. Dine indoors, outdoors on their patio or take advantage of the curbside takeout option. Keep an eye out for fun menu additions this summer including specialty margarita and mimosa flights.

53 Market St., Mashpee, 774-361-6506 capecodcoffee.com, @capecodcoffeecafe

ESTIA TAVERNA & BAR

Discover modern Greek cuisine at Estia Taverna & Bar. Enjoy favorites like coal-fired pizza and traditional Greek dishes. New and expanded outdoor dining is expected this summer as well as increased space for indoor dining. Takeout is also available.

26 Steeple St., Mashpee, 508-539-4700 estiacapecod.com, @estiacapecod

SIENA

Siena is an Italian restaurant featuring fan favorites that taste like summer in Italy. Menu items include tomato bruschetta, caprese salad, steak tips tagliata and local Cotuit clams and spaghetti. Relax on the newly renovated outdoor patio and lounge. Siena is a place where everyone can vivere bene, mangiare bene, socializare (live well, eat well and be social).

17 Steeple St., Mashpee, 508-477-5929 siena.us, @sienarestaurant

THE LANES BOWL & BISTRO

The Lanes Bowl & Bistro offers casual dining, bowling, entertainment, and events. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and lawn games on the covered outdoor patio complete with a fire pit and lounge chairs.

9 Greene Street Commons, Mashpee, 774-228-2291 lanesbowlandbistro.com, @lanesbowlandbistro

TREVI CAFÉ & WINE BAR

Trevi Café & Wine Bar offers Mediterranean-style cuisine and more than 40 wines by the glass from all over the world. Dine indoor or outdoor under the covered patio by the fountain at Mashpee Commons.

25 Market St., Mashpee, 508-477-0055 trevicafe.com, @trevi_cafe_winebar