If you’re planning to spend a night or two hitting up pubs and bars on Cape Cod, the Mid-Cape is one of your best bets. After all, this region is home to the Cape’s largest community, Barnstable, and features other large centers like Yarmouth and Dennis.
You will have plenty of options when hitting the town on the Mid-Cape, and your night can take many different forms depending on what you’re in the mood to do.
Pubs, restaurants, bars, and breweries are plentiful throughout the area, so here’s a look at some of the best spots for Cape Cod nightlife during your vacation.
The Villages of Barnstable
Because Barnstable is so large and features seven villages, the spots you visit will likely come down to the location of your vacation rental.
Cotuit is a beautiful place to spend your vacation, but it isn’t known for its nightlife. The only real option for a few drinks is The Kettle Ho!, which has an excellent beer list and a welcoming atmosphere.
In Osterville, The Fox Hole is a dive bar frequented by locals, while the Chart Room at Crosby’s is a popular spot to enjoy a cocktail.
Marston Mills, West Barnstable, and Barnstable Village are also a little light on the nightlife, but, fortunately, Hyannis is only a short distance away.
When it comes to nightlife in Barnstable, Hyannis is the go-to spot. This village has a little bit of everything, as you can hit up Cape Cod Beer, Sam Diego’s Mexican Cookery and Bar, or Bobby Byrne’s Pub in the area around the Cape Cod Mall or venture to Main Street for even more action.
Once you get to Main Street, you’ll find the British Beer Company, Finn’s Craft Beer Tap House, Flashback Retro Arcade + Bar + Grille, and the Tap City Grille, to name a few, and there are even more options around Hyannis Harbor.
You really can’t go wrong by making the trek to Hyannis, especially if you want to make the most of your night out on the Cape.
Bars in Yarmouth
Although Hyannis is a great place for a night out, Yarmouth has plenty of options worth considering, too. If you’re staying in Yarmouth and want to cut down on travel, you won’t have to miss out.
In West Yarmouth, Scally’s Irish Ale House features live music and is open late nearly every day of the week. This place looks like a dive bar when you walk in but actually has one of the Cape’s best lobster rolls and is family-friendly, as well.
South Yarmouth features Longfellow’s Pub, a traditional-looking bar with steak and lobster on the menu, and an extensive drink list. You can bring your kids to this bar, too, but it’s better known as a place for adults to gather. The Sea Dog Brew Pub is also in South Yarmouth and is famous for its local craft beer. It also has plenty of TVs to catch the game.
Yarmouth Port has Black Sheep Bah & Grill, featuring pub-style favorites and a small patio. This patio is the place to be after a long day at the beach.
Yarmouth is pretty spread out, but, fortunately, every area has nightlife options.
Watering Holes in Dennis
Bars and restaurants are everywhere in Dennis, giving you many choices when heading out for an evening.
West Dennis is home to the Sand Bar, just down the road from West Dennis Beach, and Summer Shanty, a waterfront restaurant with a great seafood menu, a lively patio, and live music.
In addition, Dennis Port has the Cleat & Anchor, a popular bar and live music venue, the Ocean House Beach Bar overlooking Nantucket Sound, and a beach-style hangout with live music called the Sand Dollar Bar and Grill.
Or, if your vacation rental is closer to South Dennis, there’s always Devil’s Purse Brewing Company, the Lost Dog Pub, or Pete’s Point Restaurant and Tavern.
Dennis has a similar make-up to Yarmouth, ensuring you’ll always have access to some Cape Cod nightlife while vacationing there.
Getting Out on Cape Cod
As you can see, you’ll never run out of nightlife options on the Mid-Cape because all three towns have nearly endless possibilities. While you might struggle to find a spot within walking distance in Centerville or Marston Mills, most villages in this area have small watering holes where you can stroll for a pint or two at the end of the day.
No matter the location of your Cape Cod vacation rental, the area’s nightlife is never far, thanks to the abundance of bars and restaurants in these Mid-Cape towns.
