The scenic dinner train is the Cape's entry in the novelty dining experience category. Dress up for a three-hour tour among cranberry bogs and marshes in a restored 1937 dinner coach. From Hyannis, the train crosses the canal and then stops in Bourne while you consume your entrée choice, usually steak, chicken, fish, or pasta. The Elegant Dinner Train was named one of the top three nationwide by the Food Network Dining on the Train. A full bar is available.
You'll probably experience the best meal you will ever have in this 200-year-old barn. The cozy restaurant serves American and French cuisine and uses local produce and ingredients whenever possible. The menu changes with the seasons but entrées can include duckling, lamb, veal and salmon. The fireplaces, glass and pottery by Cape Cod artists and the lush flower garden make for a romantic dinner setting. The wine list here is extensive and superb. Reservations are required.
After the original Dan'l Webster Inn burned down, the proprietors decided to rebuild true to the style of the historic structure. The result is a 20th-century inn, pub and restaurant that retains much of the colonial charm of its forbearer. Dining venues include an atrium setting, formal dining room and pub. Seafood is a specialty but the menu also boasts plenty of vegetarian offerings. Brunch in the atrium is popular as is the fare in the cozy pub, where you can get wood-grilled pizzas, burgers and chowder while you hang out and soak up the ambiance.
Management at this casual eatery understands that most patrons prefer outdoor seating, so the decks are chock-full of tables overlooking the harbor. This establishment has two large bars and lounges and three dining areas. Watch the Nantucket ferries come and go as you try the lobster roll, the rich and creamy clam chowder or abundant sandwiches. Heartier fare complements the evening menu. Tugboat's is a great refuge, even on rainy days. A popular nightspot, head for the tiny upstairs bar where folks at the bar swill tropical drinks to music with a Caribbean beat.
One side of this landmark is an old-fashioned restaurant complete with high-backed booths and red carpeting. The other side features a huge bar and room to mingle. The food is good in either venue. Steak, seafood and chowder are staples in the dining room, while lighter fare is the norm at the bar, where the focus is more on drinking. Cape Cod restaurants come and go, but this popular spot, especially at night, remains a fun place to grab a bite or share a drink with friends.
Flying Bridge is a particularly appropriate name for this longtime Falmouth favorite because, like the flying bridge on a boat, the dining room offers a wide open view of the harbor and ocean beyond. Falmouth's Inner Harbor is one of the busiest on the Cape, so there's plenty of action to watch from a seat on the outside deck. In addition to its large dining room, there are also several intimate cocktail lounges. Talented local bands rock the house several nights a week during summer months.
Located just off the center of the town, Nirvana Coffee Company has an vibrant atmosphere with a distinctive modern feel to it. Offering a range of aromatic coffees and teas, along with a choice of cold beverages and light snacks, this is the perfect place to seek a calming break from your busy schedule. Apart from its beverages this place is also known to serve up a scintillating breakfast, which includes a variety of sandwiches, along with the classic ham, bacon, eggs and toast combination platter.
Settle into your seat under the awning on the wrap-around deck and watch the sun set while you dig into a bowl of sweet steamers drenched in butter. Ahhhh...this is Cape Cod at its best. Finding Mattakeese Wharf is worth the effort; located on a side street (off Route 6A) that dead-ends at the harbor, this is a summertime favorite with superb seafood and a full liquor license. Inside seating is an option, but set your sights on the deck where you can watch over the harbor.
Cooke's Seafood has gained critical acclaim as one of the best seafood restaurants in Cape Cod. The chefs use locally-sourced fish and low fat ingredients to prepare creative oyster, haddock and scallop dishes.
Olive Garden serves up authentic Italian cuisine. Their signature breadsticks and one-of-a-kind menu make them an American icon. Standard Italian options like bruchetta, calamari, ravioli, and eggplant parmigiana line their lengthy menu. More exotic items like salmon, chicken dishes, and innovative pizzas are also available. For the calorie-counter, Olive Garden has a range of low fat and low carbohydrate options. Their bottomless salads ensure a well-balanced feast. Enjoy your meal with a bottle from their extensive wine list or one of their tropical island drinks. Finally, top it all off with a little something from their dessert menu- their cakes, custards, and ice creams are sure to win you over. Lunch and take out menus are available.
Sam Diego's Mexican Cookery and Bar offers a quirky ambiance inspired by Mexican festivals. Eye-catching art, bull head masks, cacti and tropical plants set the mood for the meal. The spicy dishes are complemented by drinks like coconut and watermelon margaritas.
Soups, salads, and sandwiches are some of the most craved comfort foods and at Panera Bread, you will get all this and more. Located in the village of Hyannis, a popular tourists destination, Panera Bread offers food that is versatile and liked by all. They are assertive on their use of organic ingredients including their baked treats. Visit the cafe for a quick stop to satiate your hunger with their scrumptious food.