Taking a vacation on Cape Cod means plenty of time in the sun, great dining options, and access to some of the country’s most scenic oceanside areas.
But what do you do at night?
If you’re into hitting the town during your vacation, you’ll have plenty of options all over Cape Cod, as the area has plenty of bars that cater to all tastes.
Here are some of the towns that have particular lively nightlife scenes for you to enjoy.
Provincetown Has Everything
The race for the best nightlife on Cape Cod isn’t really much of the contest, as Provincetown is the undisputed leader in this regard. Pretty much everything in Ptown is situated on Commercial Street and Bradford Street, and despite the area’s reputation, there is something for everyone here.
If you’re into having a quiet pint or two, stop by the Nor’East Beer Garden or Provincetown Brewing Company, both of which serve craft beer.
For a wilder time, the Crown & Anchor is an entertainment complex with multiple bars, including a piano bar, pool bar, cabaret, and nightclub. Places like Joon Bar, Aqua Bar, and the Harbor Lounge offer elegant atmospheres and sophisticated cocktail menus. They also provide great views of the water. There are also dive bars like the Old Colony Tap and The Underground, and karaoke at Governor Bradford Restaurant. Provincetown has something for everyone, which is why it’s the top nightlife location on Cape Cod.
Live Music in Dennis
Those who aren’t staying near Provincetown and still want to get out and enjoy their evenings will have options up and down the Cape. Dennis, for example, has a few great places to visit, starting with Sundancer’s, which sits on Main Street in West Dennis. Have a look at the calendar of events at Sundancer’s because there is live music every Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer, and sometimes on other nights, too.
Dennis Port is home to The Improper Bostonian, which is another live music venue offering concerts throughout the week. They also feature a popular happy hour in the evenings, and karaoke whenever they don’t have a musical act. Also in Dennis Port is the Sand Dollar Bar and Grill, which offers live entertainment seven days per week, and features karaoke for kids between 5 and 8 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Across the street, you’ll find the Cleat & Anchor, a tavern with music every night of the week.
If you’re looking for live music, Dennis is the place to be on Cape Cod.
Various Bars in Chatham
In Chatham, the Chatham Squire is a local meeting place that you’ll want to check out. This venue is a restaurant during the day, but at night it comes alive with music, karaoke, or a DJ until late at night. Chatham Squire feels like a bit of a dive, but it’s a lively place to spend a night during your Cape Cod vacation.
Chatham Wine Bar & Restaurant is a quieter place with an elegant dining room and a bistro terrace with fireplaces. The terrace is a relaxing place to hang out after dinner with a glass of fine wine from the bar. Chatham Wine Bar isn’t a party venue, but rather a tranquil place to finish your day. The Red Nun offers a pub-style menu and has an outdoor dining area that is a hit with guests. You’ll find live music and karaoke here on weekends, and they always have the game on if you’re looking for somewhere to watch the Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, or Celtics.
Hyannis For a Night
The heart of downtown Hyannis on Main Street is one of the busiest areas on Cape Cod, so it should come as no surprise that there is some nightlife there, as well. The British Beer Company, Embargo, and Torino are steps from each other, and all offer nightly entertainment throughout the summer.
At the British Beer Company, you’ll find a pub-style menu, along with a diverse beer list and live music. They also have open mic nights, karaoke, musical bingo, and trivia at this trendy venue.
Across the street is Embargo, an elegant restaurant that turns into a nightclub with a DJ and dance floor at night. There are also tapas, martinis, and live jazz at this venue. Torino is a popular place to head for dinner and some drinks in the evening, but the party lasts well into the night thanks to its live entertainment. The outdoor bar is also incredibly popular in the summer because you can enjoy some drinks while remaining part of Main Street’s bustling atmosphere.
Lots of Choices on the Cape
Can’t make up your mind on where to go tonight? Well, you have time to try a few of Cape Cod’s top nightlife destinations during your time here. Have a look at each venue’s events calendar to figure out when the best time to visit is, and make your choice based on what you feel like doing.
The great news is that you’ll never be short on nightlife options, no matter where you’re staying on the Cape.
