After hours of enjoying gorgeous beaches and charming towns across Cape Cod, the best way to end the day is with a view of the water. These waterfront restaurants are the perfect spots to bring the whole family together.
Baxter’s
Hyannis
Baxter’s great waterfront location and fresh seafood makes it famous with locals and tourists alike. Since its opening in 1967, many celebrities have enjoyed a meal overlooking Hyannis Harbor. The Kennedy family, whose compound is nearby, were frequent customers.
Today, Baxter’s is the only restaurant on Hyannis Harbor with a working dock for boaters to stop and be served. As you enjoy their family-friendly fare like fried fish plates, chicken fingers and burgers, you can watch ferries depart for Martha’s Vineyard.
Baxter’s has a dedicated kid’s menu with favorites like fish and chips and grilled cheeses. All kids’ meals end with an Italian Ice or Hoodsie cup, a New England classic. 508-775-4490
Black Cat Tavern
Hyannis
The Black Cat Tavern’s large indoor dining area and front patio provide ample space for the whole family. Right across from Hyannis Harbor, the restaurant has great views of the docks and is across from permanent stands where local artists rotate throughout the summer months.
The Black Cat Tavern’s menu is perfect for families with a wide range in pallets. For those hoping to try fresh seafood, there is a raw bar menu and plenty of seafood entrees like fish tacos and lobster rolls. Their menu also includes many chicken, burger and steak options for non-seafood eaters.
While there is no separate children’s menu, the restaurant has so many kid-friendly meals like burgers, chicken fingers, quesadillas, sandwiches and more. 508-778-1233
Brax Landing
Harwich Port
Open at 11:30am daily, Brax Landing offers mouthwatering menu options to enjoy while admiring gorgeous Saquatucket Harbor. Regardless of the time of year, guests can sit by large windows overlooking the water. In the warmer months, you can sit outside under an umbrella to escape the sun or face the water in an Adirondack chair while waiting for a table.
The whole family can watch from their table as boats leave their docks while enjoying some of the freshest seafood, creative burgers and creamy clam chowder. If children don’t see anything on the regular menu, there is a kid’s menu just for them. They’ll find everything from macaroni and cheese to chicken fingers with 6 different kinds of dipping sauces to choose from. 508-432-5515
The Waterfront at Lighthouse Inn
West Dennis
Located in the main building of the Lighthouse Inn, The Waterfront allows you to eat as close to the water as possible. With tables on the grass just feet from the hotel’s beach access, it is the perfect place to catch a breeze on a summer day.
There is plenty of space near the tables for children to play or admire the ocean while waiting for their food. At the front of the building, there is even a large playground and front lawn to enjoy before or after your meal. The casual food choices, including pasta dishes, sandwiches and salads, and the laid-back atmosphere make it hit with the whole family. 508-398-2244
Mattakeese Wharf
Barnstable Village
No matter the weather, a trip to Mattakeese Wharf provides with plenty of gorgeous views of Barnstable Village Harbor. The indoor deck allows for an outdoor dining experience overlooking the docks without having to worry about the elements. On nice days, you can take a seat at one of the outdoor picnic tables. Occasionally, you can find live music on warm summer nights.
Mattakeese Wharf’s menu offers plenty of Cape Cod classics including local littleneck clams and baked stuffed quahogs. You are also able to try a cup or bowl of their Chowderfest winning Clam Chowder. If it’s a hit with the whole family, you can buy a quart to-go.
Their children’s menu has lots of kid friendly choices like chicken fingers and pizza, but also some options with a Cape Cod flare. Children’s portions of broiled cod and fried clam strips are a great way for kids to test out some of the local seafood. 508-362-4511
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