Cape Cod has a lot going for it, including a constantly evolving craft beer scene. Whether you love craft beer in general or simply want to try something new, you’ll find it on the Cape.
Most towns now have at least one craft brewery, and the ones that don’t typically have one nearby. That way, you can easily sample a brew or two on your vacation.
Many of these spots have food or music, too, making them a great start to a night on the town. Here’s a guide to the small breweries and taprooms on Cape Cod.
Cape Cod Beer
The Cape’s best-known brewery is Cape Cod Beer, which has been in business since 2004. This venue enjoys a central location near Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis, making it easily accessible during your travels.
You’ll find a wide variety of options at Cape Cod Beer, and they offer tours and live music throughout the year. There’s also a beer garden between May and November that provides the perfect place to relax with a couple of beverages.
Hog Island Beer Company
If you’re staying in Orleans, Hog Island Beer Company is worth a visit. This popular spot sits just outside the downtown core and is easily walkable from many vacation rentals in the area.
Hog Island has live music, food, and, of course, beer, so you can stop in for dinner, drinks, and a good time. The brewery has a secondary location in South Wellfleet, too, making it even easier to give them a try.
Barnstable Brewing
Despite its Hyannis location, Barnstable Brewing is a little off the beaten path. It’s on West Main Street, so it’s a short drive from Hyannis Harbor and the action surrounding it, but it’s worth the trek because the beer here is delicious.
Barnstable Brewing features a wide selection of mainstay and seasonal beers and has a patio that remains open throughout the summer. While it isn’t the largest or most happening brewery on the Cape, the beer is great, and it’s a laid-back place to enjoy a couple.
Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery
Another brewery away from the bustle is Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery in East Falmouth. As you walk through its doors, you’ll feel like you’ve entered an old farmhouse, and that’s by design. This brewery is all about comfort; you should feel like you’re vacationing with family in the country from the moment you enter. There’s also a patio you can enjoy while sipping on a beer, or head to the garden for even more relaxation.
There’s frequently live music at Bad Martha or you can play some board games, depending on your mood. They also have food if you find yourself peckish during your time there. Bad Martha is as unique as it is trendy, so stop by if you’re in the Falmouth area during your vacation.
Provincetown Brewing Company
The Cape’s northernmost brewery is Provincetown Brewing Company, which is impossible to miss thanks to its Bradford Street location, about a block from the Pilgrim Monument. Ptown Brewing has beer in cans and on tap and also makes a hard seltzer if you aren’t into a brew.
You can also order food at Provincetown Brewing Company, and they frequently host concerts and other events throughout the year. If you spend part of your vacation in Provincetown, don’t miss this outstanding brewery.
Naukabout Brewery and Taproom
On the shores of Mashpee Pond near Attaquin Park sits Naukabout Brewery and Taproom. This small venue has a patio and frequently hosts concerts on the waterfront, making it the ideal summertime destination. You can grab some food like clam chowder, hot dogs, chili, mac and cheese, and pulled pork at the brewery, too, so you won’t have to go hungry during your visit.
If you’re staying near Mashpee Commons, Naukabout has a second location in the park across the street. It isn’t a brewery but a beer garden where you can hang out and try whatever the brewery has on tap.
Devil’s Purse Brewing Company
Devil’s Purse Brewing Company is located in an industrial area in South Dennis, so you might have to search to find it. However, it’s worth the hunt because this venue has great beer, including its award-winning Handline Kolsch.
This brewery is right along the Cape Cod Rail Trail, making it an excellent place for a break if you’re going for a ride. There are often food trucks on-site, too, if you get hungry during your time there.
Sea Dog Brew Pub
While not a traditional brewery, Sea Dog Brew Pub brews its beers on-site, so it fits on this list. The thing that makes this pub stand out, though, is its food, as the menu is far more diverse than other taprooms.
You can also get beers from local and national breweries while visiting Sea Dog Brew Pub if you have a favorite you can’t go without. Sea Dog Brew Pub is just off Route 6 in South Yarmouth, making it easily accessible from most parts of Cape Cod.
Tree House Brewing Company
Tree House Brewing Company is perhaps the most scenic brewery on the Cape. It sits on the shores of Cape Cod Bay at First Beach in Sandwich and has a patio overlooking the water. You’ll experience one of Cape Cod’s most beautiful sunsets if you stop by in the evening.
As for the beer, Tree House Brewing Company has a variety of options on tap and in cans, or you can sample a canned cocktail from the company’s distillery. They also serve lobster rolls from their food truck Wednesday through Sunday if you’re looking for a quick lunch or dinner with your drink.
Aquatic Brewing
Main Street in downtown Falmouth is home to Aquatic Brewing, one of the newest breweries on the Cape. Here, you can stop in for trivia night on Thursdays or participate in their weekly fun run every Sunday. You can also grab snacks from the bar while you try some beer.
There’s a significant tap list at Aquatic Brewing, so you’ll have some choices to make. Many options have a high alcohol content, although they make their lager and pale ale a little lighter. One thing for sure is that Aquatic Brewing is worth a visit while you wander downtown Falmouth in any season.
The Cape’s Dynamic Beer Scene
Not too long ago, craft beer was tough to come by on Cape Cod. Today, though, the scene is flourishing, and you’ll have plenty of options during your visit.
It’s possible to take guided brewery tours if you want to try a few spots, or you can choose an option within walking distance of your Cape Cod vacation rental. The choice is up to you.
