The Beach Times
Where the Locals Eat in Chatham
Posted by Kinlin Grover | Monday, April 23, 2018
Whenever you spend time on Cape Cod, taking advantage of the plethora of high-end dining options is a must, as the Cape’s “foodie” scene has come a long way in recent years.
Traditionally, Cape Cod has been known for its waterfront clam shacks and seafood joints, and while these classics are still alive and well, there is a more sophisticated side to dining in Chatham, and beyond, that unquestionably must be experienced.
If you want to avoid the typical tourist-centric restaurants on Cape Cod and experience life as a local, check out these restaurants in Chatham at some point during your vacation. You won’t regret your decision to eat like a Cape Cod resident at a local hot spot.
Breakfast and Lunch
Set right along Chatham’s Main Street, Captain’s Table tends to blend in with its surroundings. This is because pretty much everything along Main Street looks like a cottage and this outstanding restaurant is no different.
In fact, Captain’s Table shares a cottage-style venue with a couple of other businesses and isn’t very large at all, but the quality of the food more than makes up for its small size. It also has a sizable patio that many locals believe provides the best outdoor dining experience on the Cape.
The restaurant is family-run and has been around for over 50 years, so it’s easy to see why it has become a staple for those who live here.
Breakfast is incredibly popular at Captain’s Table, as the menu consists of multiple egg and omelet dishes, combined with bacon, sausage, and other breakfast favorites. You can also order pancakes and French toast, or choose a breakfast burrito.
On Sundays, make sure you get there early to enjoy the restaurant’s brunch menu, which includes various Bloody Mary creations, each constructed with the house-made mix.
The fun at Captain’s Table doesn’t stop after breakfast and brunch, as the restaurant is also a go-to lunch spot for many locals. Seafood, soups, sandwiches, paninis, salads, and burgers are available at lunchtime, and there is a kid's menu should you want to bring the little ones. Cape Cod Beer is on tap, as well, because, hey, you’re on vacation.
Dinner in Chatham
Once you’ve had your breakfast and lunch, it’s time to start thinking about what to do for dinner. Again, you’ll have plenty of options, but if you want to know what a local would do, the answer probably involves a trip to Chatham Raw Bar or Pate’s Restaurant.
While Raw Bar technically sits along Main Street, it’s set back away from the road, and if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might miss it. Perhaps this is why the restaurant is a local favorite, although it could also be the collection of hand-selected, locally-produced oysters and shellfish on its menu. You'll also find tuna, lobster, scallops, prawns, mussels, and chowder at the establishment, so be sure to check it out if you're looking for a seafood dinner.
Pate's Restaurant has been around since 1957 and is somewhat of a landmark in the area. This is the place to go if you're in search of a meal that is cooked to perfection using only the finest ingredients available. The prime rib at Pate's is famous, and they make a pretty good steak, too. The baked potatoes, lobster, and grilled seafood are also recommended, and you can expect to find an impressive wine list.
Try Some Pizza
While New York and Chicago get all of the attention for their pizza, it might surprise to you learn that there are some who think the pizza on Cape Cod is actually better. The scene might not be as large or competitive as in those major centers, but the quality is unmistakably top notch.
A few doors down from Pate's is one of the best in Chatham: New England Pizza. This is more than a pizza restaurant, as soups, salads, subs, pasta, and burgers are on the menu, but its Greek-style pizza is the reason why locals return time after time. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and has take-out and kid's menus, as well.
Almost directly across Main Street from Captain’s Table is Carmine’s, a pizza restaurant and cafe that always draws a local crowd. This pizzeria offers pizza by the slice and a selection of specialty pies that aren't to be missed. If you're tired of the same old varieties found at every pizza chain in the country, give Carmine's a try for some uniquely different combinations. Calzones, subs, smoothies, and salads are always on the menu, too.
Donuts, Pastries, and Desserts
Fancy a snack, dessert, light breakfast, or lunch? Chatham Village Cafe & Bakery has you covered with its freshly-baked breads, bagels, pastries, pies, and cakes. They bake every day at this small bakery, so you can be confident that you’re receiving some of the freshest baked goods on Cape Cod.
The breakfast and lunch menus feature a selection of sandwiches, and you can pick-up a pie or some pastries to enjoy at your Cape Cod vacation rental after dinner. Grab a loaf of fresh bread and some donuts while you're at it to set yourself up for days to come.
Something For Everyone
When spending time in Chatham, it’s nice to know how easy it is to find a good meal. As you walk down the town’s Main Street, dining opportunities will pop out at you, but by going where the locals return time after time, you can assure yourself of receiving a good meal at a fair price in a venue that shows you the real Cape Cod.
There is so much selection when walking through Chatham that you’re sure to find something appealing, no matter what you are in the mood to try.
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