Where Locals Go: Restaurants in Falmouth

Water Street KitchenJust because you’re on vacation in Falmouth doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time doing touristy things. Part of the charm of Cape Cod is that the area has permanent residents who do everything in their power to avoid the summer rush in popular tourist areas and have their own hotspots to visit to pass the time.

When you’re in Falmouth and want to engage yourself with the locals, the following locations are probably your best bets. You won’t encounter the following pubs and restaurants bustling with Bostonians or New Yorkers, as they are frequented by those who live here.

So, after spending your afternoon basking in the sun at Old Silver or Falmouth Heights beaches or riding the Shining Sea Bikeway, make your way from your vacation rental to some of these local haunts that offer some of the best food the Upper Cape has to offer.

Jacks Restaurant & Bar

You’d be excused for not coming across Jacks Restaurant & Bar on your own, as it sits on Gifford Street in a heavily wooded area without much around, although it is just north of The Coonamessett, a popular wedding venue. Jacks is owned by local resident John Sorgi, who has been in the restaurant business for more than 45 years, with much of that time spent working in Falmouth.

A night at Jacks is meant to be an experience, rather than a meal, as they often have live music well into the evening. The menu is mainly a mix of pub favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, although local seafood dishes and pasta are also available. And of course, there’s an outstanding selection of beer and wine.

Water Street Kitchen

Just north of Woods Hole Terminal is Water Street Kitchen, a dinner restaurant offering fresh food made from scratch. As you might expect from its name, the restaurant is located on Water Street itself and, as luck would have it, there is also a waterfront dining room.

The menu changes seasonally at Water Street Kitchen, which makes sense because the chef uses as many local ingredients as possible. All seafood sold at the restaurant is sustainably fished or farmed, so the eatery has a social and environmental conscience, as well. A reservation is often necessary during the high season, although you could always simply show up to the pub side of the building and hope for the best.

Captain Kidd Restaurant & Bar

Just up the street from the Water Street Kitchen is Captain Kidd, a bar, and restaurant offering all of your favorite seafood dishes. The eatery has a raw bar, house-made soups, sandwiches, burgers, and classic Cape Cod seafood offerings, so you’re sure to find something you like.

Captain Kidd is open for lunch and dinner, and its waterfront location provides a unique ambiance, especially if you’re there after the sun goes down at night.

Chappy Grill

The Chapoquoit Grill, affectionately known locally as Chappy, has been a staple in West Falmouth since 1993. In fact, many of the staff have been working there since the restaurant opened and numerous customers have been eating there since that time, as well. Chappy isn’t far from Chapoquoit Beach and, therefore, is a great place to stop for dinner on your way back to your vacation rental after a day in the sun.

The great thing about Chappy is the simplicity in its menu. You won’t find pretentious offerings that you’ve never heard of before, as pizza and pasta are the main choices. Everything on the food list is wonderfully done, so you can expect a great meal every time you stop by the Chapoquoit Grill.

The Quarterdeck

If you’re in the mood for some seafood, The Quarterdeck is the place to go. The restaurant, which was first called The Little New Yorker, has been around forever and has a great history. In 1967, the building changed hands to new owners, who gave it its current name. Much of the interior was taken from MacDougall’s Boatyard, which sat in Falmouth Harbor, and there are pieces of wood inside the restaurant that date back to the 1600s.

With so much history, it would be understandable if the restaurant relied on its aura to get people through the door, but this isn’t the case. The Quarterdeck specializes in locally-caught seafood dishes for lunch and dinner, although you’ll also find burgers, steaks, and sandwiches on the menu, all prepared beautifully. Live music is often found on weekends, too, so you can make a night out of it.

Doggz & Hoggz

Main Street in Falmouth is full of dining options, but unless you’re specifically looking for it, you might drive right past Doggz & Hoggz. That, however, would be a mistake, as the restaurant does pretty much anything you could ever do with a hot dog and also has a selection of barbecue favorites.

One of the best things about Doggz and Hoggz is that they make their barbecue sauce and chili in-house, so you know you’re getting something that you won’t find anywhere else. There is a special kid’s meal available, and the restaurant is open for lunch, making it a reliable place to stop between summer events. You can also call ahead for take-out or delivery.

La Cucina Sul Mare

Another Main Street stop is La Cucina Sul Mare, an Italian restaurant serving lunch and dinner. This is a family-run establishment that has been in business since 2002 when its owners, Mark and Cynthia Cilfone, finally realized their dream of having their own restaurant.

Today, La Cucina Sul Mare has a wide variety of pasta dishes and other Italian favorites on its extensive menu, and when you walk through the doors, it just feels like home. There’s live music every Sunday, should you want to make a night of it.

Liam Maguire’s

Those who fancy a night out on Main Street in Falmouth should look no further than Liam Maguire’s, an Irish pub and restaurant offering both contemporary cuisine and a selection of traditional Irish classics. Of course, you’ll also find an extensive draft beer list and an outstanding wine menu, so it’s a great place to have a drink while listening to some Irish music.

According to the Boston Globe, this is one of the top ten Irish pubs in New England, and there is an event pretty much every night of the week, keeping you occupied throughout your stay.

Plenty of Choice in Falmouth

As you can see, whether you’re looking for a quick meal at a local restaurant or a full night out with entertainment and drinks, there is something for everyone in Falmouth. While many of these locations are off the beaten path, others are in plain sight, but for one reason or another, don’t attract the tourist crowds.

The lack of tourists is a good thing for you, however, because you can experience Cape Cod like a local this summer without dealing with insane lines or endless waits for a meal. No matter where you’re staying on the Cape, Falmouth and its extensive list of local favorites are easily accessible if you want to try something different.

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