Dining in Ptown

Vacationing in Provincetown is sure to surpass any set of expectations; where else can you share a summer dance with a drag queen followed by a glass of fine wine with a world-class artist?

Of the myriad of surprises you’ll encounter during your visit, few will compare to the culinary experience of dining by the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Indulge in fresh Cape Cod seafood for an incomparable dose of the deep, grab an on-the-run quickie before your next sightseeing destination, or settle down for an intimate, four-course meal at any one of Provincetown’s charming, romantic restaurants.

New England is famous for one major contribution to gay gastronomy: the realm of delicious seafood, whether raw, fried, pan-seared, or any way you can get it. Sink your claws into one of the cooked-up crustaceans at The Lobster Pot Restaurant (321 Commercial St.; 508-487-0842; www.ptownlobsterpot.com), a true Provincetown landmark. Upon entering the shanty white corner restaurant, the space seems deceptively small; simply saunter past the front counter for a spot at one of two spacious, waterfront dining rooms. Besides the popular red fellows that may end up on your plate, The Lobster Pot is home to “Tim’s Clam Chowder,” the award-winning favorite created by Tim McNulty, Executive Chef.

Ptown Parties & Catering Event Planning (13 Hensche Lane; 508-487-6450; www.ptownparties.com) is great resource if you’re interested in creating your own big bash of decadent dining; they even bill themselves as the official caterer of Boston Spirit magazine, one of the region’s popular publications for the GLBT community. 

Even if you’re branching out from seafood, dining seaside is still a spectacular way to soak up the local color and famous Provincetown view of the Cape coast. Fanizzi’s Restaurant by the Sea (539 Commercial St.; 508-487-1964; www.fanizzisrestaurant.com) is one of the most popular choices for dinner with a supreme view.

The Mews Restaurant & Café (429 Commercial St.; 508-487-1500; www.mews.com) affords a spectacular glimpse at Provincetown Harbor through the wide, tall windows that line its two dining rooms: gourmet offerings downstairs, casual bistro fare upstairs. Whether you opt for top or bottom is up to you, but be sure to indulge in a specialty martini. After all, The Mews boasts New England’s largest vodka selection: 234 varieties from 28 countries worldwide.

The Mixers Cocktails bar at Bayside Betsy’s (177 Commercial St.; 508-487-6566; www.baysidebetsys.com) is another hotspot to drink like a fish – and eat like royalty! - while observing the real thing. The main dining room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, providing gorgeous views of sunrise, sunset, and sunbathers.

Still, this is Provincetown; don’t spend all your time gazing at the sea life, because some of the most entertaining creatures walk the streets on two legs (frequently in fishnets, of course). For an equally extravagant dose of people watching, choose a sidewalk seat at one of the outdoor patios that line bustling Commercial Street. Pull up a chair at Bubala’s by the Bay (183-85 Commercial St.; 508-487-0773; www.bubalas.com) – located amidst the main strip of performance halls, theatres and nightclubs - and keep your eyes peeled for the local and international celebrities that are bound to stroll by during the packed summer months. 

If you’re interested in observing a different set of sights, step away from the crowded throngs on the main drag and stop by Napi’s Restaurant (7 Freeman St.; 800-571-6274; www.napis-restaurant.com). Billing itself as “Provincetown’s Most Unique Restaurant,” Napi’s was is a curious case of creative construction; erected in 1965 from lumber material salvaged from demolished Boston factories, Napi’s has since embraced its history of found antiquities, curios and fabulous local artwork. The result is a living, breathing space that pays tribute to Provincetown’s esteemed history as an art colony, even as it serves up some of the area’s best cuisine.

And while fine dining is always a hit on vacation, you may find yourself hankering for modestly priced fare: fried fish, burgers, and seafood platters that leave you with a mess on your hands and a smile on your face. If that’s the case, be sure to visit Post Office Café & Cabaret (303 Commercial St.; 508-487-3892) may treat you to a show with your dinner. In neighboring Truro, Top Mast Café (209 Shore Rd, North Truro; 508-487-2099; www.topmastresort.com) serves breakfast, lunch and cocktails daily from 7am to 2pm.

Of course, there may be meals where you don’t feel like wandering far from the cozy charm of your Provincetown hotel or bed & breakfast. If that’s the case, take heart; several of the area’s finest accommodations also provide on-site options to sate your appetite. There’s the scarlet magnificence of The Red Inn (15 Commercial St; 508-487-7334; www.theredinn.com), a spectacular experience in waterfront dining.

If you’d rather stick to drinkable spirits, reserve a bar stool at Central House at the Crown & Anchor (247 Commercial St.; 508-487-1430; www.onlyatthecrown.com) or the Bistro at Crowne Pointe Inn (82 Bradford St.; 508-487-6767; www.crownepointe.com).

Far Land Provisions (150 Bradford St.; 508-487-0045) offers a full deli counter, take-away prepared foods, steaming soups and cold cuts that will unleash your own inner chef. Bradford Natural Market (141 Bradford St.; 508-487-9784; www.bradfordnatural.com), meanwhile, has a fine, exclusive selection of organic produce and natural groceries. For dessert, savor the decadent cookies, tarts, pies and cakes at Relish (93 Commercial St.; 508-487-8077; www.ptownrelish.com). Classic sweets and innovative baked goods compete for shelf and stomach space in this tempting Provincetown haven. If you’re already thinking about burning off those calories… shame on you for letting guilt ruin the fun! But at least Gale Force Bikes & The Beach Market (144 Bradford St.; 508-487-4849) lets you pick up small groceries and rent yourself some recreational exercise, all at once.

Like the fellow visitors and new friends you’ll encounter over a shared meal or drink, diversity is always on the Provincetown menu. Whatever your taste, wherever you stay, and however you choose to dine, your taste buds – and your lucky dinner date! – will thank you.