Many come down with a case of seasonal depression when the leaves and temperatures start to fall.
The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and many favorite restaurants, ice cream stands and outdoor attractions close down for what will seem like an eternal winter.
And although the cold season will only be a few months, it can be quite a blow to go without those summertime institutions.
But there are many joints which faithfully stand on duty, waiting to serve the Cape’s residents and winter visitors with plenty of hospitality and cheer even when the weather is less than summerlike.
You can rely on the following local favorites to provide an excellent backdrop for your nights out this winter.
1. Siena, 17 Steeple St, Mashpee
Family friendly Italian restaurant located in the popular Mashpee Commons complex offers traditional favorites and innovative specials. There’s an extensive cocktail menu and several gluten free options. There’s something for everyone at this comfortable eatery.
2. Old Yarmouth Inn, 223 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port
The Old Yarmouth Inn claims to be the oldest inn on Cape Cod having been established in 1696. It previously served as a welcome stop off as the halfway point between Plymouth and Provincetown. Generations later, people still gather around the cozy fire and trade stories in the historic bar. Don’t miss the fantastic Sunday Brunch Buffet.
3. Etzy’s Wine Bar & Bistro, 701-707 Main St., Dennis Port
Known on Yelp.com for their dark wood and bright service, Etzy’s is full of warmth and comfort. The 24 beers, colorful cocktails and extensive bar-food menu available keep these customers coming back for more and encourages chatter about their good times on social media and review sites.
4. Scargo Cafe, 799 Main Street Route 6A, Dennis
Scargo Cafe recently celebrated its 30th year on Cape Cod. They are devoted to their year round customers by providing a VIP Resident Rewards Club. Members earn points every time they dine with triple points when it snows!
5. Land-Ho!, Rt. 6A and Cove Rd., 38 Main St, Orleans and 429 Main St/Route 28, Harwich Port
Land-Ho! is a Cape Cod favorite. With two locations in Harwich Port and Orleans, the extensive bar and good food bring in locals and newcomers year-round. There’s a function room for special events, and with comfort foods like chilli and clam chowder on the menu they’ll keep you warm all winter long.
6. Inaho, 157 Rt. 6A, Yarmouth Port
If you’re looking for a sushi fix, look no further than Inaho on YarmouthPort’s quaint main street. Open for dinner year round, Inaho doesn’t just serve up fresh sushi, but also specializes in teriyaki and tempura. The restaurant creates a warm environment with woven mats, shoji screens, a bubbling pond with gold fish, and a small garden.
7. Roadhouse Cafe, 488 South St, Hyannis
Roadhouse Cafe has previously been voted “Best Fine Dining on Mid-Cape” The dining room is cozy and romantic with warm woods, antiques, and oriental rugs. There’s also a wood burning fireplace and a piano bar with live music on certain nights.
8. Embargo, 453 Main St., Hyannis
Embargo is a lounge and bar offering tempting tapas like tempura fried vegetables with sweet chili aioli and spicy peanut noodles with sweet soy and scallions. DJ’s and live entertainment are regular, and they always have sports on the big screens to keep the party going. Homemade infused Martini’s to “ease the cold” round out a diverse and crowd-pleasing menu.
9. Four Seasons Trattoria, 1077 MA-28, South Yarmouth
The home-y taste of some of the most revered Italian food in the region is served up year-round at Four Seasons. In the winter, it’s hard to beat a stick-to-your-ribs plate of ravioli Pomodoro or fettuccini carbonara, paired with the perfect white or red wine.
10. Red Nun, 673 Main St., Dennis Port & 746 Main St., Chatham
The Red Nun Bar & Grill has lots of great burger choices and excellent sports-watching chow. You can get a drink at the bar and enjoy some wings or nachos with a group of friends. There are daily lunch and dinner specials, with sandwiches, seafood and soups included on the menu. They even have an excellent black bean burger for vegetarians.
11. Chatham Squire, 487 Main St., Chatham
Not only is the Squire open every month of the year, they also have a winter loyalty card program which offers discounts to those who also stick around. Clientele can take part in weekly games of trivia or give their voices a crack at regular karaoke nights. Though they specialize in seafood, they also have special entrees to appeal to most palettes.
12. Napi’s, 7 Freeman St., Provincetown
One thing all of the restaurants on this list have in common is that they each have dedicated visitors who write wonderful reviews online. Napi’s is no exception, but that’s where the similarities end. While other establishments focus on old-fashioned dark wood to set the mood, this place uses beautiful art and décor. They keep the ball rolling with a diverse, seafood-based menu, with selections like bouillabaisse (seafood stew) with red or Portuguese sauce, tofu Santa Fe with Brazilian black beans and rice and shrimp Santa Fe.
13. Mom and Pops, 1603 Main St, Chatham
People thought they were a bit nuts when they opened during the winter of 2016, but owner Thomas Deegan felt it was important to establish a customer base with year-round customers first. Mom and Pops is a down home burger joint with an edge located on main street Chatham.
14. The Dolphin, 3250 Main St., Barnstable
The final two establishments on this list are for those special nights out this winter. Maybe you’ve got a date, or maybe you’re planning ahead for the holidays. If so, consider The Dolphin if you’re around the Mid-Cape. While known primarily for their surf and turf options, they also make a mean quesadilla – all within an elegant, wood-paneled atmosphere which by itself will warm your spirits.
15. The Dan’l Webster Inn, 149 Main St., Sandwich
A legendary Cape Cod establishment, the Dan’l Webster Inn is one of the most elegant settings for special occasion dining on Cape Cod, and is considered a holiday dinner tradition by many. The dining room is upscale yet relaxing, featuring a fireplace and multi-period furnishings. Though the menu is primarily old school New England surf and turf, eaters of all kinds (including vegetarians, vegans and GF folks) are offered thoughtful, delicious options.
By Rebecca Romo, Lifestyle Reporter CapeCod.com
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