Sipping on a summer cocktail is always a little sweeter when paired with ocean views and salty air. So make the most of your next happy hour with our picks for some of Cape Cod’s best beach bars!
The Beachcomber of Wellfleet is nestled in dunes just steps away from the beach. In fact, it’s so close you’ll be serenaded by the waves while enjoying your favorite drink on the patio of the converted lifesaving station. The seasonal bar, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, was recently named one of the best beach bars in the US by Coastal Living Magazine, and for good reason. There’s live music several nights a week, the cool breeze and cocktails are flowing, and there’s a large menu boasting such New England favorites as fried clams, lobster rolls and steamers.
The Lure Raw Bar, part of the New Seabury Resort and Country Club in Mashpee, is open to the public every night after 5:30 pm. The laid back atmosphere (flip flops are most certainly welcome) makes it an ideal place to grab a drink after work or after a day on the beach, and linger outside on the deck for stunning sunsets over the dunes and ocean. The limited bar menu serves crowd favorites including generous lobster rolls, chowder and fresh oysters, and live acoustic music happens nightly.
Beach Bar over at The Ocean House in Dennis Port offers a chic yet casual gathering spot in an outdoor setting overlooking Nantucket Sound. The bar is open seasonally on the lawn, and offers an upscale small plates menu that includes a raw bar, sushi, gourmet pizzas, lobster and salads. Sit back with a mudslide while listening to the sounds of talented local musicians – the perfect way to end your day.
Located on the sands of Chatham Bars Inn’s private ocean beach, the Beach House Grill’s terrace views overlook Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic. The coastal-inspired menu consists of seafood classics, modern American and plenty of local produce (a must try are the lobster tacos). The cocktail menu changes seasonally, and there’s also a full beer and bar menu. Catch live music several times a week as you cool down seaside.
The cozy Beach Bar at Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster sits atop dunes with panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay, and even a glimpse of Provincetown on clear days. The bar menu features handcrafted cocktails with New England flavors, including a Cranberry Mojito, several signature martinis and light snacks to keep hunger at bay.
If you’d like to add a little mid-century glamour to your summer, the Whaler Lounge at Harbor Hotel Provincetown is the spot. Ocean views greet you from the trendy retro lounge, or you can bring your cocktail outside by their firepit. Menu items include Wellfleet oysters, lobster bisque and their signature baked stuffed shrimp. The hotel also has a poolside Cabana Bar that is open seasonally from 11 am-5 pm, making it a great spot for drinks after swimming or as pre-dinner cocktails.
The Boatslip Beach Club is just steps away from Commercial Street, Provincetown’s shopping district, making it an ideal meeting spot for a refreshing cocktail or a dip in the pool. The hotel is best known as a high-energy, LGBT friendly gathering place, and the pool deck, Deckside Grill, Buoy Bar and Tea Dance (the daily 4pm dance party) are all open to the public. At the bar, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the beach, ocean and plenty of eye candy.
Harwich’s Wequassett Resort Outer Bar & Grille is a seasonal extension of the fine dining atmosphere the resort is known for. The spacious deck converts to an open-air dining room and bar in the summer, giving guests spectacular views of Pleasant Bay and nightly sunsets. Order a light cocktail with dinner from an impressive menu that boasts local oysters, seared tuna, thick burgers and lobster.
And the Upper Cape is home to Red’s Poolside Bar at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Falmouth. A little bit beachy, a little bit glam, Red’s offers a massive deck overlooking the pool and white sand Old Silver Beach, which offers some of the most breath taking sunsets around. There is a full bar offering favorite summer cocktails and wine to be enjoyed while lounging in a deck chair or taking in the sea views at the bar. There’s a full menu, too with upscale New England and American eats.
