Spending the night on the town while vacationing on Cape Cod can take you in many different directions. Your choices will likely depend on the location of your vacation rental and how far you’re willing to travel for a good time.
Although its nightlife isn’t as happening as the Mid-Cape or Provincetown, you will have some options if you book a vacation rental on the Lower Cape. Brewster, Harwich, and Chatham have some excellent pubs and restaurants, some of which feature live music on weekends.
Here’s some information on the nightlife scene on the Lower Cape.
Heading Out in Brewster
Brewster’s central location means visitors can quickly drive to Dennis or Orleans in search of nightlife. You might also prefer spending your evenings on the town’s scenic beaches and enjoying the sunsets. However, if you decide to head out for dinner and a few drinks, Brewster has some options for you.
The Woodshed is a dive bar with a minimal food menu. All you can really get to eat is a burger, a hot dog, some tacos, a sausage, some fries, or some chowder, but you can grab takeout from the Brewster Inn & Chowder House next door if you want something else.
The venue has an extensive drink menu and live music most nights in the summer. There’s also music on weekends during the shoulder season. Keep in mind that the Woodshed gets busy as the night progresses, so you’ll want to show up early to avoid disappointment.
The Brewster Pizza House and Sports Bar is worth a shot if you’re just looking for somewhere to watch the game. This pizzeria and bar has an extensive menu featuring appetizers, pizza, salads, wings, calzones, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and pasta, in addition to a full bar. The Brewster Pizza House closes relatively early, but many people make it the first stop before continuing to the Woodshed to finish their evening.
Your Options in Harwich
The nightlife in Harwich has a bit more activity than Brewster, and its proximity to Dennis Port makes it easy to take your night on the town even further.
Mooncussers Tavern has a menu a foodie would appreciate, including their catch of the day special. It’s a great place to hang out in the summer, too, because of its beautiful patio area. This venue has a full bar, including one of the Cape’s best wine lists.
The Hot Stove Saloon is open late and is, first and foremost, a sports bar. It also has a dive bar appeal to it, albeit with an extensive menu that you’ll have to see to believe.
The Lanyard Bar & Grill is similar to the Hot Stove Saloon, as it has an excellent menu and a dive bar feel. The venue stays open late every night during the summer, so you can head there for a few drinks whenever you feel like heading out.
The Port Restaurant features bistro-style dining, multiple bars, an extensive martini list, and wonderful wines. Its outdoor area has corn hole and ring toss, and you’ll find live music on weekends. Reservations are recommended if you plan on visiting The Port in the summer.
Jake Rooney’s is technically a family restaurant, but its decor makes it look like an Irish pub. It also stays open late on weekends, has karaoke on Fridays, and features live music on Saturdays and Sundays.
Chatham Nightlife Spots
There’s no doubt that Chatham is one of the Cape’s most charming towns, and it has a bit of nightlife if you’re looking to get out for a few hours, too.
Knots Landing Bar & Grill is a trendy spot known for its pasta and seafood dishes. It also has a cool-looking bar, a few beers on tap, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Del Mar Bar & Bistro has some of the Cape’s best pizza, and visitors also love its seafood specials. The venue also has a great beer menu, a massive wine list, and some specialty cocktails you won’t find anywhere else. If you luck out, there might be some live jazz music during your visit, as well.
The Red Nun Bar & Grill is a local chain with locations in Dennis Port and Chatham. The Chatham restaurant sits downtown near Veterans Field, making it the perfect place to stop before or after an Anglers game. The bar is also known for its live events, including music on the weekends and comedy shows on Wednesday nights during the summer. This spot also has a patio, some TVs if you want to catch the game, and a giant tap list featuring local, national, and import beers.
Exploring Cape Cod’s Nightlife
While the Lower Cape isn’t lined with popular nightlife venues, there are a few places you can check out if you’re seeking a night on the town. The Woodshed has a 20-something vibe and tends to get a bit rowdy, while Del Mar Bar is a quiet location for a drink, food, and conversation.
The great news is you can make your night out on the Cape whatever you wish, as there’s enough variety to keep anyone happy.
