383374 Wed Mar 21 07:26:04 -0700 2007 94 13 New England 0 2406658 With so many repeat posts about people's "favorite' places on the Cape, a few names that are on my 'definate to avoid' list keep popping up. What are YOUR most dreadful choices? Mine are: Captain Frosty's-Dennis Small, overpriced portions of standard fried fare. I've read, you gotta try the lobster roll....small mayonaissey thing with a handful of limp fries and those dreadful clam fritters (errrr...flavorless dough balls). The clam plate's a bad joke. And someone once crowed about how great the ice cream is...c'mon...it's soft-serve! Clancy's, Olivers, Captain Parkers: - To me, these all seem the same.....all bland and boring, consistantly mediocre, food. Not a great meal to be had at any. Sure the prices are cheap, but these are excellent examples of "you get what you pay for". Baxters Boathouse, Tugboats. Yes, its nice to sit on the water and its surprising how few places offer this in the mid-Cape. But that's it. Bad food often served by bad waitstaff at often borderline ridiculous prices. And for those who post about how great the chains are....Unos, Country Buffet, and Olive Garden....PULEEEZE! Don't get me started. Hmmmm.....guess I must feel cantankerous this morning! Wed Mar 21 07:26:04 -0700 2007 14387 CapeCodGuy 1 2407229 Ah yes, the worst of the Cape... I've had a few soggy meals but once bitten twice shy, so the names of those places are long gone, but one place that I had to stop every time we returned from The Islands with my mother-in-law (God rest her soul) was Seafood Sams. Only decent the first time, many years ago, the last five or six, forget it. The same bland seafood and/or chicken and/or burgers everytime. And the coleslaw! Yech! My M-I-L flew from this earth this past winter, so SFS's will never see ME again. Wed Mar 21 09:59:13 -0700 2007 2406658 14597 bluesman55 1 2409031 How about the Breakfast Room and not really the Cape but the Islands, The Navigator in Edgertown is the worst. Wed Mar 21 17:20:00 -0700 2007 2406658 53260 Doug Mc. 2 2410229 Ah yes, an entire thread could be dedidated to the WORST of the breakfast joints. The Pancake Man in Dennisport and any Percy's Place location are all supremely dreadful. Thu Mar 22 06:51:14 -0700 2007 2409031 14387 CapeCodGuy 3 2464681 I actually liked breakfast at the Percy's in Plymouth the one time I went. If you want a bad breakfast in Plymouth, the All American Diner is the poster boy for it -- horribly bland, grossly greasy food and dirty digs. Percy's was miles better. Mon Apr 09 15:00:04 -0700 2007 2410229 76251 bachslunch 1 2409973 I prefer not to participate in a negative thread so I switch it to the BEST OF CAPE COD: Inaho Ocean House (views and great off season menus) Mercantile (nice sandwiches in the heart of 6 A) Buckie's Biscotti on 6 A (great Biscotti) Cape Sea Grille (great food, crowded dining room) Vinings (reliable) Dunbar Tea Room (cute, not the best food but decent) Brewster Fish House (reliable consistent) Abba (overall good) Friendly Fisherman (lobster rolls) to name a few.... Thu Mar 22 04:07:03 -0700 2007 2406658 27444 phelana 2 2411550 Fine, I will play....Clancy's on Upper County has the worst Nachos..soggy, crappy salsa and yucko...Scargo Cafe is terrible...in all accounts but I DO love their Grapenut Pudding. Thu Mar 22 12:31:44 -0700 2007 2410234 27444 phelana 3 2411657 See? That didn't hurt so much did it? Couldn't agree more with Scargo Cafe. How its stayed in business all these years is beyond imagination. Clancy's on Upper County is just as crummy as the one in West Yarmouth and they aren't even owned by the same people! Go figure. Thu Mar 22 12:58:57 -0700 2007 2411550 14387 CapeCodGuy 4 2412339 CCG, I was so chipper and bright when I wrote my rebuttal post but as the day grew late, my mood soured..how 'bout this one: Sundancers..phooey... Thu Mar 22 16:16:21 -0700 2007 2411657 27444 phelana 5 2413380 Sundancers? Good one! Known mostly as a drinking place at night for the younger crowd, I actually ate there for the first time last season. Had the house sprecialty, a 1/2 pound lobster roll. Lets see, a half pound of shredded lobster with mayo in a hotdog roll that they didn't even bother to grill. Phooey indeed! Another case where the view is far superior to anything coming out of the kitchen. Fri Mar 23 05:59:03 -0700 2007 2412339 14387 CapeCodGuy 6 2423313 How about the Skipper in S. Yarmouth & what about the prices vs the quality (if any) at the Yarmouth House on Rt28 in W.Yarmouth. Mon Mar 26 17:12:50 -0700 2007 2413380 53260 Doug Mc. 7 2425979 Not familiar with the Skipper. You don't mean Skippy's just off 28 near the Lobster Boat (another awful tourist rip) on 28 do you? Excellent call on the Yarmouth House. Tue Mar 27 12:30:10 -0700 2007 2423313 14387 CapeCodGuy 8 2427061 No the Skipper is on South Sea Ave, across from Parkers River Beach. Nice view for a cocktail, but thats about it. Tue Mar 27 17:28:42 -0700 2007 2425979 53260 Doug Mc. 4 3611516 The name of course. How can you not like the name? Sun Apr 20 03:11:35 -0700 2008 2411657 137946 Scargod 1 2425326 I've got a couple, on the Upper and Lower Cape. McMenamy's in Falmouth--disgusting fried food, and one of the dirtiest, smelliest places I've ever had the misfortune of eating. And Cafe Blase, in Provincetown, is the worst of the number of bad places in the middle part of Commercial St. I think it recently changed names, but it's still terrible. Tue Mar 27 10:11:04 -0700 2007 2406658 64696 winedude 2 2461569 Did you actually try it since the new owners renovated the place and changed everything about it? What did you have? What was terrible about it? Sun Apr 08 14:32:26 -0700 2007 2425326 78239 adam smith 1 2426192 I have a few... Cap't Cass in Orleans--is this food legal? Seafood Sam's-Harwich--is this food? Rosina's in Orleans--so ordinary was very good at one time beware, 18% auto tip for parties of 6 or more. And the service is lousy! Bonatt's in Harwich--this place is overrated. Of course were else do you go around here except for Grumpy's How about places on the cusp.. Nonnies in Orleans--very homey but food is just so plain Red Cottage-Dennis--food ok however what's with the parking? Right, what parking! Tue Mar 27 13:19:30 -0700 2007 2406658 12054 ppmaysa 2 2457396 I think Cooke's in Orleans is far worse than Cap't Cass. Fri Apr 06 10:55:22 -0700 2007 2426192 12827 StevenL57 2 2462762 The food at Rosina's in Orleans is delicious. I have eaten there many times. As for the 18% tip for parties of 6 or more it has been that way I think since they opened 10 years ago. Most restaurants have the same tip policy. But the Red Cottage in Dennis charges an automatic 18% tip for parties of 5 or more for breakfast! I have never heard of a breakfast place charging an 18% tip! That makes for an expensive scrambled egg, homefries and toast. Can you name a breakfast place, not a hotel brunch that charges an automatic 18% tip? For lunch the Red Cottage charges an automatic 15% tip for parties of 5 or more for lunch. What if the service is bad? You are automatically paying for the bad service with your tip included in your total meal price. Mon Apr 09 06:24:05 -0700 2007 2426192 50594 buffet king 3 2463475 I forget the name of the place , but it is a small restaurant that is pretty close to Ocean's Edge Resort (if you went right out of the resort, it would be only a few miles on the left). There is a small bar and only about 10 tables. The ambiance seems nice but the lobster bisque, at $12 a bowl was like pink water with zero lobster. Hopefully the rest of the menu is better............ Mon Apr 09 10:29:23 -0700 2007 2462762 50082 TonyO 4 2463601 Was not aware that the Red Cottage had a policy of an automatic 18% tip. I think the food is just OK but my wife enjoys the "diet" breakfest choices. Regarding Rosina's in Orleans, I don't mind the auto 18% tip if only the service was much better. Also, I haven't seen many changes to their menu over the last 10 years. They also offer the same "specials" over & over. Mon Apr 09 10:56:02 -0700 2007 2463475 12054 ppmaysa 5 2593922 Wow, looks like the Cape has some pretty good eats. A mere 20 posts here to harp on mediocrity (or worse). Here's a thread from the Worst in LA and it has 378 posts! http://www.chowhound.com/topics/374509 Things are looking up on the peninsula! Tue May 22 21:03:12 -0700 2007 2463601 14387 CapeCodGuy 2 3923096 I have to defend Seafood Sam's, at least the one in Sandwich. If you order carefully, i.e broiled instead of breaded, and pick it up rather than eat there, I think the food is fine. Fri Aug 01 15:52:06 -0700 2008 2426192 83766 brendastarlet 3 3923554 I'm interested to know why you think the food is better as "to-go" rather than eat-in. It's usually the other way around. What's the difference to you? I think Seafood Sams gets mentioned as many visitors to the Cape want to experience fried seafood of some sort. You're absolutely correct, Sams doesn't do a good job on the fried stuff. Fri Aug 01 20:21:27 -0700 2008 3923096 14387 CapeCodGuy 2 4833875 I was waffling between here and "the best of the cape" with a huge dose of caveat; decided on here and tiny caveat. YMMV (Your mileage (experience), may vary) . I had some dining companions who (I believe), thought it quite dandy for breakfast. No disrespect intended. We had two breakfasts at Grumpy's. Not to completely dis this place for breakfast, I still thought it mediocre. Eggs were cooked perfectly when asked for over easy. Omelet was slightly overcooked and had way too much cream cheese in it. I tried this western-style omelet and it was quite ordinary and un-Western, with few fresh (or otherwise), ingredients in it. Hash browns were soggy with oil. English muffins were sodden with fake butter. Home fries were firm and well-browned one day and the next day they were much tastier, because of the cooked onion content, though mushy and virtually no browning. Sausage was a decent, greasy-moist patty; not browned at all. I thought the Portuguese linguica sausage, while flavorful, a little tough to cut and there was a big chunk of soft, casing/organ detritus in the middle. Next day I had blueberry pancakes. They came with a huge scoop of very salty margarine on top. This was added without my asking and I had to scramble and get a paper cup to put it in before it melted any more. The two large pancakes were loaded with the most fresh blueberries I have ever seen, but also loaded down with cheap cooking oil. They almost deep-fried these pancakes and soon my mouth felt like a grease pit. I could not eat but about a third of it before I was totally overwhelmed. I tried the crappy Log Cabin syrup, but didn't help things at all. The coffee was just average for a decent cafe. Service was good even though they were busy both times at 9AM. Tuesday was no wait. We had to wait about twenty minutes or more Wednesday morning, July first, and decided to skip Grumpy's Thursday and go elsewhere when we found the line twenty feet out the door... and it was intermittently raining. There are also lots of children and noise. It is truly an ordinary, business-like cafe and virtually the only game in town. Grumpy's has some unusual items. The baked goods at the register look delicious. Perhaps they are? http://www.grumpyscapecod.com/ While we barely scratched the surface, I think I can say Grumpy's is an ordinary greasy spoon that really puts on airs. See menu chalkboard picture. Mon Jul 06 12:37:05 -0700 2009 2426192 137946 Scargod 1 2596994 I have had the pleasure of delivering to the Yarmouth House. One look at that kitchen and I wouldn't let my dog eat off a plate there. Even their commercial on cable tv is totally disgusting. They show a lobster tail that looks soooooooooo gross. The problem is these people who come to the Cape don't know any better. This place makes a fortune off of CRAP food. Early birds and tourists, throw some butter and crumbs on a piece of "day boat scrod" and they are golden. Hearth and Kettle, same thing........HORRIBLE!!!!!!! As far as chains go, I have maybe been disappointed only once with 99. Consistently good but that also depends on the staff at the particular location. Just my three cents... Wed May 23 18:44:04 -0700 2007 2406658 100734 cococoop 2 2612699 Agree that 99 can be okay for what it is. At least the prices are reasonable and the food won't kill you. Not Your Average Joes is more to my liking, however. Couldn't agree more with the Yarmouth House....just plain yuck. The WORST of the WORST, though, has to be Dennis Village Pizza Restaurant on 6A. I mean, they don't even try to put out decent grub. Frozen processed food covered in canned tomato sauce. Truley horrible. What I can't figure out is that except for weekends on-season, they never have any cars in the lot. Can't figure out how they've stayed in business all these years. Wed May 30 05:12:01 -0700 2007 2596994 14387 CapeCodGuy 3 3606013 They own the building?? low expenses in the off season. Thu Apr 17 20:44:09 -0700 2008 2612699 116134 cape year rounder 4 3611222 They do own the building...they bought it from Ken Manzer...who used to play the piano there as a sort of after supper club. It wasn't cheap at the time but it was almost 30 years ago. Still, have you, or anyone you know EVER eaten there twice? Sat Apr 19 20:49:20 -0700 2008 3606013 14387 CapeCodGuy 5 3635560 Ah yes! It was called Deacon's Perch, and Ken Manzer was on the piano! Never set foot in the place though... Mon Apr 28 04:26:34 -0700 2008 3611222 187110 la ciclista 1 3537747 The ocean house is wonderful!!! and I love the Riverway in so. yarmouth. Heather's is different and a nice change of pace from traditional cuisine, Sopranos in mashpee is pretty good and the new sushi place paper moon has something called a deep impact roll that I love. Fri Mar 28 12:17:51 -0700 2008 2406658 178765 cookingforkids 2 3539817 completely agree on Ocean House. Their 3 course off season menu (25.00) is the best deal on Cape. Sat Mar 29 04:46:32 -0700 2008 3537747 96525 luci 3 3544215 The Ocean House is indeed wonderful, so it doesn't really qualify as "Worst of the Cape". Sun Mar 30 19:17:51 -0700 2008 3539817 14387 CapeCodGuy 1 3633864 I'll have to second your opinion on Captain Parker's. We went here cuz of Rachel Ray (sorry, guys) and the chowder was completely bland, tasted like a bowl of milk. Collucci Brothers is my other worst - red sauce that tastes like catsup and meat loaf out of the microwave - dry and tasteless. I should have followed my rule - Avoid ANYPLACE recommended by Rachel or the Phanton Gourmet! Sun Apr 27 10:29:20 -0700 2008 2406658 173225 terrystu 2 3634026 I also tried Collucci Brothers in Hyannis for breakfast because I saw it on tv. The eggs, sausage and toast were good. Their coffee was okay. Their homefries were burnt to a crisp and everyone in my party threw them out. I was with 4 other people and no one ate their blackened, dried out home fries. I normally like homefries with my breakfast but not the ones at Collucci Brothers in Hyannis. Sun Apr 27 11:53:29 -0700 2008 3633864 50594 buffet king 3 3637371 Collucci Brothers has been rewarded for their 'efforts' and has gone out of business. Mon Apr 28 13:29:11 -0700 2008 3634026 14387 CapeCodGuy 4 3637566 When did the Collucci Brothers diner close for good? They also opened up another restaurant inside The Cove Resort in West Yarmouth. Did that close too? Mon Apr 28 14:10:54 -0700 2008 3637371 50594 buffet king 5 3637772 Not sure about the Cove location, but I drove by the diner last week and it was being renovated by new owners. Here's what I found on Capecodonline........"And at the corner of South and Sea streets, Timothy Gaudette of Hyannis is planning to open the Black Bean Cafe in early May. Gaudette's restaurant, formerly the Collucci Bros. Diner and Chef Urano's House, will feature breakfast wraps and burritos on the menu. Gaudette is planning on seating for 12 and some stand-up space — the property's limited parking precludes more tables, he said. The cafe will have a full take-out menu" Mon Apr 28 15:09:31 -0700 2008 3637566 14387 CapeCodGuy 1 3634228 I am in. I would love to extoll the virtues of good places but alas i will be sucked into the insufferable mediochrity of CC restaurants. Seafood sams, painted lady, Daniel Webster. I suppose i could go on. hopefully next posting with goood stuff........ Sun Apr 27 13:35:36 -0700 2008 2406658 80579 Amer5858 2 3638647 Daniel Webster? I don't find it terrible, but it can depend on what you order. I rather like their night time preperation of Veal Oscar and their brunch is quite nice on Sunday. Lunch is rather weak, I'll give you that. Mon Apr 28 20:44:29 -0700 2008 3634228 14387 CapeCodGuy 2 3807523 Collucci Bros are going strong in Yarmouth at the Cove. Amer5858: You just have to be careful to not go to the same old bad places. I just got back from some travel to cities in the middle of the U.S., and I have a new appreciation for Cape restaurants. For a place with a lot of "everyday" restaurants, there are relatively very few chains here. This is an almost-rural area, and yet you can find >1 worthy place to eat in Falmouth, Hyannis, P'town, Mashpee, Orleans. The only thing I miss is ethnic food. Mon Jun 23 21:11:54 -0700 2008 3634228 116134 cape year rounder 3 3811154 Never been...is Collucci Bros worth trying? The diner wasn't much to rave about so I've never been tempted. Where do you like your Italian? My choices this year seem to be Albertos in Hyannis and Tomatoes in Sandwich. (btw..you're spot on about many big cities in the midwest and southwest as well. I look far and wide for independant restaurants and they're ridiculously hard to find. So many chains.) Tue Jun 24 20:19:53 -0700 2008 3807523 14387 CapeCodGuy 1 3811292 The Bee-hive in East Sandwich (shudder). Poses itself as featuring fresh local ingredients with simple preparations. Actually serves disgusting concoctions of various Sysco products, in a dingy atmosphere populated by 95% senior citizens (not that there's anything wrong with senior citizens, but that's a different dining crowd all together...) Tue Jun 24 21:19:06 -0700 2008 2406658 177848 purple bot 2 3815329 The Barnstable Tavern does it worse than the Bee Hive. Horrible overpriced fare served by a wait staff that couldn't care less. Too bad, as it was once a decent choice under previous ownership. Thu Jun 26 08:06:11 -0700 2008 3811292 14387 CapeCodGuy 3 3828449 Our favorite Italian is Siena. Interestingly, the guy who now owns Barnstable Tavern used to own it! That was a long time ago, and Siena is a top-notch place -- they are generous with herbs, seasonings, flavors -- kitchen has some talent, and they hit the right notes. It is one of the places where we will take a risk and order some dish that is outside our usual habits. We're rarely disappointed. Staff seems to like being there, and seems happy that you showed up there for dinner. Mon Jun 30 19:43:59 -0700 2008 3815329 116134 cape year rounder 4 4626844 You are wrong on this; Bob Calderone, who owns the Barnstable Tavern never owned Sienna; he was the inital chef there. But to praise Sienna! I'm at a loss -- I absolutely detest their so-called Italian food, and the stories about the dirtiness of the restaurant are legend. When there are flies at the front of the house, there are even more flies at the back of the house. Fri Apr 24 20:01:04 -0700 2009 3828449 285941 Giuditta 1 3829334 I have been going to the Cape since 1964 and have NEVER found a good restaurant. Tue Jul 01 07:24:03 -0700 2008 2406658 202216 lhq 2 3829530 lol...you must not have been looking very well. They're not ALL bad! Tue Jul 01 08:20:58 -0700 2008 3829334 14387 CapeCodGuy 2 3931859 Try Front Street on Commercial Street in PTown. I had a very nice meal there. Tue Aug 05 11:19:22 -0700 2008 3829334 195635 Brklynbobby 1 3920199 Beehive in Sandwich - hot meals taste like really gluey, processed food, which is a shame because it is really cute inside. Barbyanne's in Hyannis has very good burgers but seems to rely on processed prepared food for other things. Kreme N Kone I tried for first time because of all the recent publicity and was disappointed with it - greasy and bad value - won't go back. Clancy's in Dennis used to be very good (has beautiful views) but was disappointed with fried seafood platter this day - fish looked like Gorton's frozen meal (tasted fresh but crazy breading and a bit greasy) - have had good food there previously so will try again. Thu Jul 31 17:41:36 -0700 2008 2406658 214979 mimicri 1 3922459 OK, this is not exactly worst of the Cape, but pretty bad nonetheless. Last year we heard some good writeups about Agrodolce in Brewster, so gave it a try. Amazingly, they are still in business this season. Supposedly wood-fired pizza was worse than a supermarket frozen pizza snack, absolutely terrible example of American style "pizza food". Papa Johns or even Dominos would be far better. A seafood salad was an iceberg lettuce and tough frozen fish joke. This year an elderly relative wanted to try out a local chain, Ardeo, billed as Mediterranean cuisine. Yes, like Olive Garden is Italian cuisine, perhaps. Service and atmosphere was paint-by-numbers chain type, food was better than Agrodolce but very ordinary, underseasoned, and used inferior ingredients. Auntie was very disappointed, said "I would have rather gone back to Arnolds again". LOL Even the bluehairs on Cape that I know don't care to go back to Clancy's anymore, between the rude and the food. Fortunately, there are many decent, affordable places to eat on Cape, so the losers can be avoided. Fri Aug 01 12:21:54 -0700 2008 2406658 185909 Dan D 2 3922721 Dan D and Mimmicri....No arguements from me on all your 'call-outs". All worthy of the "worst of" list. Fri Aug 01 13:35:13 -0700 2008 3922459 14387 CapeCodGuy 1 3923058 I guess nobody else has had the bad luck to wander into Rookies, in South Wellfleet. This place was so nondescript, it did not even measure up to the fried-stuff standard of Cooke's in Orleans. Everything seemed to come out of a can, and the service was so slow. How does it stay open year after year? Fri Aug 01 15:38:35 -0700 2008 2406658 92356 Nadala 2 3923520 I used to go to Rookie's 40 years ago! I cannot believe it has weathered all these years! Not too well, either, by the write-ups! Fri Aug 01 19:52:07 -0700 2008 3923058 211097 ciclista 3 3924235 I ate at Rookies..........ONCE!!!! The ' Cardboard pizza" you often hear people say they have had at terrible restaurants.....well it must have been invented at Rookies! This is truly the worst quality food I have ever had.....and poor service as the other poster has said. I think the only reason they stay in business is because of the high volume of tourists on the Cape....and even if they come in once........its enough for rookies to stay in business. They do close in the off season.........what local would eat there!!!! Sat Aug 02 08:25:32 -0700 2008 3923520 19920 johng58 4 4041430 Holy God. I ate at Rookies over 4th of July. We all agreed it was not the place to check out again. I had random, tasteless fried seafood. My friend had the lobster pizza, which looked awful. Terrible! Wed Sep 17 07:27:14 -0700 2008 3924235 104572 taves7 1 3926387 Hate to focus on the negative but.... Just got back from Eastham and would add the Seadog to the "worst of" list. Although it was crowded in the evening and had an outdoor eating area which misled us into thinking it must be decent, we now think people came for the bar and not the food. My fairly easy to please family wasn't pleased. Chowder was given a thumbs down. The grilled chicken sandwich was pronounced okay by our non-seafood eater but was plopped on a roll- no lettuce, no anything.Our other non-seafood eater had the open faced roast beef which looked gray and mushy. Both unappetizing to say the least. (I know it's the Cape so what did we expect with non-seafood but this was too much.) The seafood "bowl" was pronounced barely serviceable. Fish and chips shouldn't be hard to mess up-it's the Cape for goodness sake- but consisted of soggy fish adn standard fries. Yuck! Two of us had unsettled stomachs after lunch. This would place the Seadog on our Never Again List. On a positive note, the next night we ordered take out from Arnold's and got tasty chowder, perfectly cooked seafood and no indigestion. : ) Sun Aug 03 10:35:49 -0700 2008 2406658 74998 lonborgfan 2 3930623 Will be staying in Falmouth for 4 days starting Monday, August 11th. Plan on exploring the entire Cape. We will be staying at the same place that my husband spent family summer vacations year after year after year...I hope I made the right choice. Anyway, this list will provide me with much needed info! Thank You! Mon Aug 04 22:43:59 -0700 2008 3926387 98631 Fru 1 3931287 I think you can add any of the dinner choices in Woods Hole (sort of the Cape) to the list of “Keep Driving & Avoid”. Captain Kidd’s was a leading member of the “we should be better than we are” club. Nice setting, horrid service and a menu that is trying to be all things to all people. The fried seafood platter was decent, at least it wasn’t greasy. Stay away from the steak tips (we had a non-seafood person with us)……rice could have bounced it was so hard and the 4 tips for the price was a little insulting. Steve Tue Aug 05 08:21:11 -0700 2008 2406658 216062 River19 2 3931774 (smile).....Yeah, although a tourist passing through would never know, the Kidd is notorious as a latenight watering hole for all the scientists at Woods Hole. I would NEVER venture to eat ANYTHING there, although I certainly have downed several drafts there on more than one occassion..... Tue Aug 05 10:54:34 -0700 2008 3931287 11301 Science Chick 3 3939295 I'm not so quick to dis the Capt Kidd. Sure it looks like a dive, but it's a dive in a classic New England waterfront way. We've eaten there twice - once in summer, and once in dead of winter, way in the back, next to a woodstove -- both times the food was good. There seems to be a real chef in the kitchen, judging from the daily specials, the freshness of the seafood, and the way the food looks on the plate. I respect it because it is a genuine place -- you feel like you're in Woods Hole alright -- and the food is good Thu Aug 07 16:07:02 -0700 2008 3931774 116134 cape year rounder 4 3940862 I'm not dissing it...really! I just only know it as a HEAVY watering hole and my only experience is with cohorts of late-night imbibers. And they do a great job hosting us every time! Not an atmosphere one expects good food in, and reports from my colleagues confirms that suspicion, as does the report from river19. Glad you have had good food experiences...maybe I'll give them a shot next time I'm there. Fri Aug 08 09:32:37 -0700 2008 3939295 11301 Science Chick 5 3953540 I can only speak to the night we were there, as that is my experience. They were grossly understaffed from a wait staff perspective and the food was hit or miss depending on what you got. The fried seafood platter I got was actually pretty decent. Martinis were a little on the small side....but I’m sure I could lose some brain cells there as well. Wed Aug 13 10:18:31 -0700 2008 3940862 216062 River19 1 3932119 I'm wondering about the seafood shacks on the road right after the Bourne (I think) Bridge. I'm tempted to stop on my way off the cape (when they're on the "right" side of the road) for one final clam roll, but I just assume they aren't good because of the location. Has anyone been? Tue Aug 05 12:37:43 -0700 2008 2406658 28000 hungry100 2 3932244 Do you mean the place under the Bourne bridge heading off cape? That was 'Quintal's" seafood years ago...........it was replaced by the 'Egg" or something like that........and that is gone too. The Quintal's of 20 or so years ago was not a bad seafood place...they were always packed especially the weekends. Sorry to see it go. Tue Aug 05 13:07:39 -0700 2008 3932119 19920 johng58 3 3932271 Or is it the place with the phony lighthouse that we pass by as we come over the bridge heading to the Cape? Tue Aug 05 13:15:11 -0700 2008 3932244 110819 bakerboyz 4 3932370 No, not Quintal's -- I actually ate there and it was good. There are two joints not far from one another - -really shacks -- no indoor seating across the road from a scenic overlook (Herring River?)? Tue Aug 05 13:50:16 -0700 2008 3932271 28000 hungry100 1 3932836 Great thread, though I'm a little late to it. My husband and I have been going to the Cape our whole lives, and are tired of the plethora of 'fried' everything places. It seems like the food offerings are: clam chowda, and fried seafood. Thank goodness we discovered the "Edible Cape Cod" publication a few years ago and were able to find places that cared about the food they served, rather than serving food for tourists. Our favorites are: Red Pheasant in Dennis, Cottage St. Bakery in Orleans, and Pain D'avignon in Hyannis. Tue Aug 05 16:19:23 -0700 2008 2406658 79480 phDuh 2 3932883 It's never too late to post to this thread as it's an ever evolving list and changes season to season. Alas, Pain D'avignon burned down last fall. Haven't looked but I don't believe they've reopened. Tue Aug 05 16:33:49 -0700 2008 3932836 14387 CapeCodGuy 3 3933030 Is the Beehive really that bad? I have such fond memories of that place -- we always had lunch there before dropping our daughter off to camp. We always knew it was kind of a dated, senior citizen kinda place (and that might have been part of the charm), but our lunches were always good. My husband loved the fried scallops and I thought the fried clams were respectable. Tue Aug 05 17:32:54 -0700 2008 3932883 120945 ccferg 4 3934690 I find the Beehive to be a mixed bag. Sometimes you get a winner, oftentimes not. I thing they actually have the best stuffed quahog in any restaurant I ever had. Another poster describe the food a "gummy" and I know what they mean. Seems like many dishes have a kind of strange sauce,,, like butter thickened with cornstach maybe. I find if you stick with broiled seafood, it's not bad at all. And I agree, I do like the room. Wed Aug 06 09:26:58 -0700 2008 3933030 14387 CapeCodGuy 3 3933143 Pain D'Avignon has a new location. Off of Rt 132 at the Uno's onto Hinkley Road, the website says they opened retail in July. Tue Aug 05 18:17:30 -0700 2008 3932883 11076 AGM_Cape_Cod 4 3934680 Great to know! Thx AGM!! Wed Aug 06 09:23:16 -0700 2008 3933143 14387 CapeCodGuy 1 3945902 Ring Bros in Dennis. Overpriced, overripe sometimes spoiled produce. Great meat market and fish market, great wine, great pizza..HORRID produce and fruit. Sun Aug 10 19:38:26 -0700 2008 2406658 96525 luci 2 3947686 It's funny how two people can have entirely opposing opinions on the same place. Ring Brother's market is a combination of several "mini-markets" under a common roof. Different companiaes run the various departments. IMO the produce is pretty good,although sometimes you do have to selective. That part of the store is run by Ring Brother's Produce which is a longtime wholesaler to the Cape's berrter restaurants. The fish market is excellent as run by Chatham Fish and Lobster. Ditto for Nata's noodles for pasta and prepared foods, and Montillio's for its bakery. Personally, I find the pizza and Mexican to be horrid and the wines are crazily overpriced. Mon Aug 11 12:45:24 -0700 2008 3945902 14387 CapeCodGuy 1 4044170 Sadly, I posted erroneously to my home board (Mid-Atlantic) last night about a trip to the Cape last weekend, and it was removed. It was a barbecue review, on 3 restaurants, the main advice being 'don't'. 1. Coast in Orleans (please, if I get a town wrong, sorry; they all sortof blended). The pdf menu on the web is old and out-dated. There are no more Tapas, Jicama Salad, or cranberry chipotle bbq sauce, or brisket or pate. Probably more than that. They have a Cookshack smoker, which just goes to show that indifferent, smoke-free bbq can be made even in a top-brand smoker. Membrane on, medium gray meat (parboiled, I presume), 2. Further along 6a, in Wellfleet, I think, is Marconi's on the left side. It has a huge big offset smoker blazing away outside, surrounded by piles of wood. We were thrilled by the prospects. But this was probably the worst restaurant bbq I've had except for the Atlantic City Corky's. There was no rub. The underside was membrane and an eighth of an inch of unrendered fat. I peeled it off. Some smoke had hit the top; you could see where it ended - at the layer of fat also under a bit of bark. They did have good oysters and homemade Key LIme pie. 3. Insanely, our hotel, the Sheraton Four Points, had decent grilled (not smoked) baby backs. I know we should have had seafood. It was just too tempting - the hype at Coast, and the smoker out front at Marconi. Live and learn. Thu Sep 18 06:59:14 -0700 2008 2406658 223109 lomlfoml 1 4046619 In no particular order my worst of the Cape over the past 7 or so vacations here: Sea Dog, Eastham- they've gotten our business more than once b/c they were the only place open- always horrible Hearth & Kettle, Orleans- like SeaDog, we go b/c its open but it is what it is, and its ok for that if you don't have high expectations Lobster Shanty, Eastham- often out of the most basic things, what they have is mediocre at best Nauset Lobster Pool, Eastham- used to be ok, was horrible last year, thankfully now appears to be closed for renovation- hopefully they'll improve the quality along with the appearance Marconi's, Wellfleet- just awful Good, but overrated- Mac's Shack, Wellfleet- overpriced($20 for 4 scallops-supposed to be broiled, were actually seared- and a couple of tablespoons of mashed potatoes????) & doesn't know what it wants to be, The high- end dishes are beautiful, but still over-priced IMO. For basic stuff, you'll get better value and food at Moby Dick's Fri Sep 19 06:08:00 -0700 2008 2406658 223033 JenJeninCT 2 4051100 Sorry, that should have read Eastham Lobster Pool, not Nauset- it appears to have been sold at drive-by last night Sun Sep 21 10:14:05 -0700 2008 4046619 223033 JenJeninCT 1 4053158 If we are including Martha's Vineyard, then the Sweet Life Cafe - its ridiculously over-rated. Avoid. Mon Sep 22 14:58:52 -0700 2008 2406658 89831 Merseymike 2 4303130 I find the sweet life consistently excellent, I'm a bit surprised by this. Their mushroom streudel is one of the most memorable dishes I've eaten in the country this year, as is the white gazpacho Wed Jan 07 01:06:37 -0800 2009 4053158 254582 BostonCharles 1 4144536 Ok I need to add Grumpy's to the list. Allow me to preface this by saying I do not eat eggs or meat and only use real maple syrup so it's hard to find a good breakfast spot. Black Dog IMHO has the best Cape and Islands breakfast but alas, too far to travel. We tried Grumpys for the first time in about 14 years. Mom ordered poached eggs and homemade hash with raisin toast. My teen ordered crab cakes and mac and cheese as they no longer have fish cakes. I ordered crab cakes and baked beans with cole slaw. The crab cakes were about 8 ounces and hard as rocks. The crab was the fake stuff and it was like eating a heavy bready bullet. The cole slaw was packed with mayo. Inedible. The beans were canned baked so fine. My teen said the mac and cheese had no flavour. Mom tried it and agreed. She said her hash had no flavour so doused it with salt and catsup. Service was excellent and very speedy. Sorry, we still are in search of the great Cape breakfast and Grumpy's failed on too many levels. Sun Nov 02 12:55:43 -0800 2008 2406658 27444 phelana 2 4146829 For a terrific (although maybe a bit crowded) breakfast try The Mills on Rt. 149 in Marstons Mills... Mon Nov 03 12:56:20 -0800 2008 4144536 17203 Injun Joe 1 4149773 Without a doubt, Land Ho is the worst restaurant that I've had to endure over the last five years of Cape vacations. Whether it's the gummy, tasteless clam chowder, the nondescript seafood, the over-priced kids' meals or the arrogant management, this place is a disaster. It's amazing that people come back to drink beer and stare at the kitschy decor. Tue Nov 04 14:57:41 -0800 2008 2406658 123679 Chow King 2 4150818 I think most locals know when they go to the Land Ho, they are in a bar that happens to serve food, versus a restaurant that happens to serve drinks. It's okay, as long as that's one's expectation going in. There are far worse to be found on the Cape. Wed Nov 05 08:01:16 -0800 2008 4149773 14387 CapeCodGuy 1 4303132 I've actually only eaten at one place on the Cape I'd go back to. To be clear, my experience mainly lies between Falmouth and Hyannis - I've eaten in a few places in Chatham else, but that's it. 5 Bays in Cotuit is pretty good. Not your Average Joes in the mall is always surprisingly edible. Every other restaurant between Hyannis and Bourne I'd put on my worst list with ease. I specifically include the thoroughly mediocre Sienna, and the vile Coonamesset Inn. Regatta is merely forgettable. God would I be happy if someone has something to prove me wrong, since I'm sick of driving from Cotuit to Not Your Average Joes. Wed Jan 07 01:10:23 -0800 2009 2406658 254582 BostonCharles 2 4317583 5 Bays IS rather good...but Not Your Avg. Joe's??? It's okay for a chain, but there are far better choices on the Cape. Sure, far too many qualify as lousy, but there are gems, even on the upper and mid Cape. Have you tried Tomatoes on Rte 130 in Sandwich? How about the new Columbo's Cafe on Main in Hyannis? The Ocean House in Dennisport? Red Pheasant in Dennis? Brewster Fish House? Bramble Inn? Sun Jan 11 20:40:25 -0800 2009 4303132 14387 CapeCodGuy 2 4322329 I'll argue for more variety on Cape (especially ethnic variety), but over time I've come around to have a grudging respect for our local restaurants. I hope you can find a bit more happiness here -- consider Island Merchant in Hyannis. Your take on the Regatta may be out of date -- new chef/owner there has impressed us over several visits. I can't agree that Siena is "thoroughly mediocre" -- one thing you might try is to ask the staff for recommendations. We've had some meals there that were better than others, and the menu is huge, but the employees there are very knowledgeable, thoughtful, and helpful. Re: Joe's: I disagree with you -- I call it surprisingly disappoijnting, but admit I go to NYAJ more than I should, because in the end I think the menu reads better than the food actually tastes. Tue Jan 13 10:46:54 -0800 2009 4303132 116134 cape year rounder 3 4343586 like I said, I find NYAJ surprisingly edible. Note, not a strong rec - just that I'm shocked that I don't run out of the place screaming. I pretty much consistently order salads and appetizers there, which may well affect things. The east of Hyannis recs are too far east for me, but I'll check out Tomatoes. Can't remember a thing about Island Merchant, which is not a strong sign. I wouldn't be surprised if my take on Regatta is out of date - when did the new guy come in? I'd be pleased if that were the case. Siena... GF lived next door for years (there are apts above the shops). I've eaten there enough for one lifetime. One good meal the entire time, and we kept going back in the hopes it would repeat. It didn't Wed Jan 21 00:29:45 -0800 2009 4322329 254582 BostonCharles 1 4458550 The Lan Ho in Orleans is just terrible. Lousy food with service to match. Not a bad bar though, but stick with the drinks and leave the food. Fri Feb 27 13:13:46 -0800 2009 2406658 270370 joemahn 2 4459740 Yeah, that's kinda true. They do make a decent chowder and mean kale soup though. (Which you can grab at the bar with your tap beer.) Fri Feb 27 21:40:51 -0800 2009 4458550 14387 CapeCodGuy 1 4627512 Worst of the Cape; good topic CCG. But let's remember to keep all the factors in mind; Sometime I just want a good old-fashioned greasy spoon breakfast. But for Mother's day, no. And there's nothing wrong with grabbing a medium rare burger at Bobby Byrnes when it's a late night, but for a special date, gee I hope not. And Scargo Cafe does great lunch sandwiches -- and I could live on their grapenut pudding -- but dinner tends to be mediocre. Baxters is not known for its food, but it's still a fun place to meet friends, so will it kill us to have an app or two there? But for what my mom calls a "nice meal," in all ways, in every circumstances, my all-time "don't eat there" list includes Sienna (as I've said before, I don't like the food, the kitchen strikes me as dirty, and the dining area is just plain noisy), Liam Maguires (go there to drink and sing, but oh gosh, don't eat there -- they served frozen quiche to the Falmouth Chamber luncheon. Twice..; the Taverna in Sandwich; and never, never to McMenamy's in Falmouth. Sat Apr 25 07:30:17 -0700 2009 2406658 285941 Giuditta 2 4632065 Guidita, I agree with your comments completely. No place should be on anyone's "worst list" if it has something to offer. That's why a place like Mattakeese, for instance, shouldn't be included here. It's not they they serve good food, they don't. But it is truly one of the most unique settings on the north side. Well worth going for a drink and an app or two (they won't kill ya!). If I want excellent cuisine AND the waterfront location, I'll go to Ocean House or make the drive to PTown. Unfortunatley, there are far too many places that DO belong on the list for consistantly bad food/service/ambience. Mon Apr 27 08:22:42 -0700 2009 4627512 14387 CapeCodGuy 1 4633811 Hello! There are 90 replies to this post so far! I can't think of any meals that were truly horrible lately, but so so so many that were utterly mediocre. The only place that I have a vendetta against is Pain d'Avingion. I love their sandwiches, but have been dismayed to find myself, on more that one occassion, begging some dowdy sullen shopgirl to make me one. I can't believe I have to beg to spend $7 - $9 on a tiny sandwich! It is so wrong! Mon Apr 27 15:58:23 -0700 2009 2406658 259216 hungrycc 2 4649776 Gee, Hungrycc, I so agree. We should start a new thread on poor surface -- what the heck is that all about? When I was a 16-year-old (and plus!) server, no one had to tell me about thanking the customer. Nowadays, you're grateful if you get a relatively grunt-free "there you go" with your change. I'm going to continue this ranting comment in a separate thread -- come join me? Sun May 03 07:18:28 -0700 2009 4633811 285941 Giuditta 3 4651538 Confirmed tonight that The Barnstable Tavern continues to belong on this list. F minus on food, service, and value. Love the room though. :-) Sun May 03 21:28:13 -0700 2009 4649776 14387 CapeCodGuy