Category: Places

The “Drive-In” Comeback

The Vineyard Summer Drive-In Series logo. Photo credit: The YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard.

Author’s Note: With the upcoming holiday weekend upon us, the unofficial start to summer is here. Oh joy! Just don’t watch the news. Ugh! One step forward, ten steps back it seems. Organizers who decided to pull the plug early on 4th of July parades, fireworks, band concerts, etc, made the right call, as unpopular as it was, since people from states with surging COVID-19 cases would surely wind up in Cape crowds this weekend. Of course, there are new cases each day on the Cape, and the rest of New England, too, but at the moment, less than other hot spots. But let’s stay positive. 

The holiday weekend is also marked by American flags flying proudly from many homes, buildings and attractions. Fences and rooftops display decorative bunting that screams patriotism of the red, white and blue. The smell of the classic backyard BBQ, the grilled meat, steamy corn and buttery potatoes wafting through the air remains a much anticipated tradition, even if it is BYOF (food). Just don’t forget about another classic, yet new (in some places) tradition that will also get you out of the house this summer…the Drive-In Theater!

The parking lot at this Hyannis intersection will be transformed – by inflatable screen – into a drive-in movie theater on Fridays this summer. Photo credit: Ellen Shaw.

The “Drive-In” Comeback

I find myself occasionally yearning for a simpler time, where constant smartphone “dings,” excessive picture-taking and loud phone calls often interfere with a perfectly fine moment. And that’s just from five minutes ago in my living room! The Cape offers that mix of the high-speed “modern era”; eclectic restaurant menus, second and third home mega mansions, 5K road race fund-raisers; as well as that simpler, quieter “classic era”; waterfront cottage communities, weather-worn clam shacks, ice cream sundaes (okay, timeless), and of course, Drive-In movie theaters.

The “Drive-In” is roaring back to relevance – from Connecticut to Cape Cod – as it is meets the criteria of an outdoor and socially distanced activity. Hooray! While the pandemic has not completely flipped the script of streaming movies from the comfort of the couch, to sitting in a car to do the exact same thing, it is a welcome change of pace, with a limited (seasonal) window. 

I have a fond memory of sitting in the bed of a pick-up truck strewn with two sets of couch cushions, blankets, with half a dozen friends and a full cooler. The first movie was Alien, second Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom. A hint of crisp fall air would keep the senses sharp on an otherwise warm late summer evening. The stars were shining, not a cloud in the sky. The parking lot was barely half-full. Looking back, what a moment. While that description of a low-key college night may not be the case for your next drive-in movie experience — as hundreds of friends, neighbors and strangers may clamor for those coveted parking spaces — it does serve as a reminder that the simple things in life often can be quite fulfilling, even in a pandemic. 

Below is your one-stop shop for “driving-in” this summer on Cape Cod:

The dirt road and grassy field will be the home to a stage, two screens and lots of vehicles this summer. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Barnstable (Hyannis)

“Movies on Main” – Located at the corner of Main Street and High School Road (across from 473 Main Street), this temporary Drive-In will feature family-friendly movies on an inflatable screen for six consecutive Friday nights beginning on July 3 from 7:15 – 11:00 pm. Admission is $20 per vehicle, with room for between 40-50 vehicles within social distancing guidelines. Attendees are encouraged to order food from downtown restaurants, some of which will deliver to your car! Most importantly, proceeds from the first three weeks will benefit the Cape Cod Resilience Fund, and proceeds from the last three weeks will benefit the Hyannis Film Festival.

Martha’s Vineyard

Vineyard Summer Drive-in – Located at 91 Edgartown Vineyard Haven Road, Oaks Bluff, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival (MVFF) and Martha’s Vineyard YMCA are partnering to bring the island The Vineyard’s Summer Drive-In. The YMCA plans to screen four family-friendly movies each week starting in early July and will run through August. The parking lot behind the Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena will hold between 40-50 cars. Organizers are seeking sponsors (and reminding potential donors their gift is tax deductible) as the cost to attend is “pay what you can,” understanding the financial hardship the pandemic caused for many people. Organizers do not have plans to continue the drive-in after this year, so be sure to check it out this summer.

Nantucket

The Dreamland Drive-In at Bartlett’s Farm – Located at 7 Nobadeer Farm Road, Nantucket’s Nonprofit Film & Cultural Center (Dreamland) is having its Grand Opening tonight featuring Jaws! The show is already sold out. Check out this strong list of upcoming shows: Jaws, Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, Mama Mia, Twister, Empire Strikes Back, The Goonies, The Shining, Easy Rider, The Birds, and more! Members receive a discount on ticket purchases, otherwise, it is $15 for one person in one vehicle, or $30 for two or more people in a vehicle (not including member discount).  

The vintage sign of the one and only Wellfleet Drive-In. Photo credit: Wellfleet Drive-In.

Sandwich 

Heritage Theater – Located at 280 Route 130 in Sandwich, the recently painted (white) side of the Heritage Theater building will act as a screen, with a realigned parking lot to face that side of the building. The “new-addition” Drive-In opened on June 26 with a double-feature, the first movie (PG-13 rating) at 8:30 pm; second beginning at 10:30 pm, with plans for showings on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $15 per person, with $12 pricing for seniors, military and children above three years old. 

Truro

Payomet Performing Arts Center “Drive-In” Series – Located at 29 Dewline Road, North Truro, the powers that be are exploring a series of drive-in style outdoor concerts for this summer. While all previously announced performances for their traditional summer series have been postponed until 2021, this “drive-in” series seeks to feature local and regional talent while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Artists will perform a variety of genres geared more to listening than dancing, such as blues, folks, and jazz. The latest information will be posted to the center’s Facebook page, so stay “tuned” (music pun intended).

Wellfleet

Wellfleet Drive-in Theater – Located at 51 Route 6 in Wellfleet, the classic, seasonal Wellfleet Drive-In is one of the most well-known landmarks on the Outer Cape. First opened in 1957, catching a double-feature is a right of passage for residents and visitors alike. Admission is $13.00, with discounts for seniors and children. Current show times are 8:35 pm; and 10:20 pm (PG-13 ratings). Of note, the Provincetown International Film Festival announced a special drive-in event hosted by the Wellfleet Drive-In, as part of their modified 2020 film festival. Dubbed “Provincetown Reimagined,” the special event will run from July 16-19 with two nights of film screenings including Mischa Richter’s documentary “I Am a Town” and Sundance 2020 Dramatic Award nominee “Save Yourselves!” at the Wellfleet Drive-In along with a virtual event of which details are TBA.

Don’t sleep on a potential “Drive-In” outdoor concert series later this summer. Photo credit: Payomet Performing Arts Center.

Yarmouth

West Yarmouth Drive In –  Located at 669 Route 28 in West Yarmouth (across from Captain Parker’s Pub), the site of a former drive-in that screened outdoor movies from 1958 until 1985 will be re-born after the town approved an entertainment license on June 30. The current plan is to build a stage for outdoor performances (concerts, stand-up comedy, etc), flanked by two outdoor movie screens. The blighted 22-acre property has enough space for just shy of 250 vehicles, while maintaining social distancing guidelines. The same family friendly movie would play on both screens and a double-feature would be offered for $30 per vehicle. Concessions would also be available in some capacity, but all payment would be made remotely. If all goes to plan, movies could be screened by mid-July, August and even into the “shoulder season.”

Which Drive-In do you plan to visit this summer?

Historic Chatham Outdoor Adventure

Historic Chatham’s banner displaying some of the “stops” on the virtual bus tour. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Author’s note: Earlier this month, Historic Chatham sponsored a free virtual historic bus tour of the town of Chatham to celebrate history weekend. Two 90-minute sessions circled town, featuring stops at several well known (and lesser known) locations, where a local expert (staff or volunteer) provided a brief introduction of the site. Local historian Ron Clark “drove the bus” and did a great job managing the technology and smooth transitions among multiple speakers. It has often been said that Cape Cod’s rich history, maritime, farming or otherwise, is part of what makes it special to many. In that vein, make sure to visit the historical society of any Cape Cod town for information on sites, tours and architecture. You will see Cape Cod in a whole new perspective; some of it hidden history in plain sight!

Chatham Light’s beacon reaches 24 nautical miles. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Historic Chatham Outdoor Adventure

As we ponder more outdoor activities, dare I say adventures, to fill the day, consider your options with historical roots. Even if you missed the virtual bus tour, you can embark on your own magical mystery history tour by foot, bike or car! 

Below are a list of locations from the tour, a fact or two, and a call for volunteers and donations to all who are able:

Eldredge Public Library (EPL), 564 Main Street. In 1896, the EPL was a gift to the people of Chatham from native son, Marcellus Eldredge, who was a successful businessman and legislator in Portsmouth New Hampshire, but who retained close ties to his home town. EPL programs are extensive from everything like the availability of daily newspapers, sections for children and young adults, book clubs, classes, and a Friends of the Library, who provide financial support for additional programming.

Chatham Conservation Foundation’s MayoHouse, 540 Main Street. The Josiah Mayo House is home to the Chatham Conservation Foundation, which currently holds 820 acres of conservation land in its portfolio. The home was built between 1818-1820 by Josiah Mayo, a blacksmith by trade, who was Postmaster in Chatham for 40 years and portrays life on Main Street in the 19th century. 

The Godfrey Windmill, 125 Shattuck Place. Ever wonder where the term, “the daily grind” comes from? Why the windmill of course! Built in 1797 by Colonel Benjamin Godfrey on Mill Hill (now Stage Harbor Road), at the time, is one of the last of the town’s grist mills to be built. It was relocated to its current Chase Park location in the 1950s. Not only is the Godfrey Mill open to the public, once a year volunteers activate the mill and reenact grinding corn meal (visitors help) just as it did in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The 1887 railroad station is free (donations welcome) to visit in the summer. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Atwood School [now the Doc Keene Scout Hall], 224 Stage Harbor Road. The former school has served as the Scout Hall since the 1920s. Unlike many buildings in Chatham, including at least one former schoolhouse, this building has not moved. Instead, the street name was changed – Stage Harbor Road, was originally called Atwood Street. 

The Atwood Museum, 347 Stage Harbor Road. The Atwood Museum is home to the Chatham Historical Society that leads preservation efforts and sponsors grant awards for local projects. The property is expansive with both indoor and outdoor galleries and exhibits from everything from the Mayflower’s arrival to World War II to photos of Chatham over the years. 

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge (Visitor Center), 1 Wikis Way. The 7,604 acre wildlife refuge was established in 1944 to provide a habitat for migratory birds. It is renowned for its sand stretching eight miles into the Atlantic Ocean, forming the barrier islands of North and South Monomoy. The Visitor’s Center and Refuge Headquarters is located on 40-acre Morris Island with a beach and short (3/4 miles) trail system loop.

This historic plaque tells the tale of the outdoor antenna trail exhibit at the Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum in Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Chatham Lighthouse, 37 Main Street. The original wood structures built in 1808 consisted of twin lighthouses to distinguish them (and Chatham Harbor) from Highland Light in Truro. The lighthouse has been re-built and moved multiple times over the years. However, the current beacon remains not only one of the most noticeable landmarks in town, but is currently in use for maritime rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard. The current light can be seen 24 nautical miles offshore.

The Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum, 847 Orleans Road. At the turn of the 20th century, Guglielmo Marconi completed two way communications between his 35,000 watt station in Wellfleet and Poldu England, which enabled mariners formerly isolated at sea to be able to communicate with the harbormaster and other boats. The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) acquired the assets of Marconi’s company after World War I and paved the way for modern day communication technology.

The Nickerson Family Association’s Caleb Nickerson House, 1107 Orleans Road. William Nickerson was the founder of Chatham, and this homestead (compound) celebrates the town’s founding family as well as acts as a working museum of life on Cape cod in the early 19th century. 

The view northeast from Morris Island, which connects to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Chatham Railroad Museum, 153 Depot Road. The 1887 railroad station served residents and visitors alike until 1937. A vintage, 1910 wood caboose that visitors can explore, arrived in 1963 to compliment the museum’s collection. 

The Champlain Monument, [near] 608 Stage Harbor Road. The rock monument represents the first explorer, Samuel de Champlain, to land in the town in 1606. 

Not on the tour, but worth noting in the context of Chatham’s history are the handful of residential properties currently under demolition delays due to the historic nature of the dwelling. Those homes are 26 Cockle Cove Road; 68 Shell Drive, 157 Cross Street, and 233 Seaview Street.

A historic cottage under a demolition delay, which expires August 3, 2020, located at 157 Cross Street. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

While this virtual bus tour was free, many of these organizations are struggling financially through the shutdown caused by the pandemic. Please consider donating to or volunteering for these organizations to help them advance their mission and ensure a bright future promoting the historical assets of Chatham.

To learn more about Historic Chatham and the bus tour, visit www.historic-chatham.org.

PJ’s Family Restaurant-Something for Everyone

It was take-out only at PJ’s Family Restaurant. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Author’s Note: During a recent drive heading east along Route 6 on the Outer Cape, the beautifully sunny, breezy day got me pining for those simple, pandemic-free, lazy summer days. Trying to make sense out of everything happening in our communities, around the region, across the country even throughout the globe, is difficult to say the least. During a moment of escape, and while passing by restaurants, galleries, shops, etc, I realized that my usual haste to score a parking space at the beach — and justify $25 daily pass – I’ve skipped out on trying many of those local businesses that make the area special. With that in mind, I’m going to make amore concerted effort to “stop and smell the roses,” and actually stop and support these local businesses I’ve been otherwise driving by for years. While my spending isn’t going to save any business struggling through the pandemic, perhaps it will provide just a tad more hope in a world that needs all it can get.

PJ’s Family Restaurant – Something for Everyone

After sending a complimentary note to”friends I have not yet met” at the Cape Cod Fun Show andCapeCod.com, I received a delightful response challenging the premise of one of my food reviews. The post in question featured award-winning clam chowder that aligned with my palate. For whatever reason, I’ve grown accustomed to the taste of the robust — I like dark roast coffee, Double IPA brews, and relevant to this topic, thick and creamy clam chowder. Yes, my shadow may as well show my daily calorie count. I grew accustomed to the creamy & thick clam chowder versions of the world, and didn’t give other styles much of a thought;broth-based, tomato based, etc. You can imagine challenging that premise got my attention. It didn’t even take that many words, “I much prefer the version at PJs in Wellfleet–thinner and amazing–they open next month and it’s like a national holiday in Wellfleet!”  I had to learn more.

The recognizable sign on the corner of Cahoon Hollow Road and Route 6, Wellfleet. Photo credit: PJ’s Family Restaurant.

According to their website, PJ’s Family Restaurant started in 1971 under John and Dorothy Reeves as a “Dari-Burger restaurant” dedicated to using local, quality products and providing a good value for families.  PJ’s started with the usual summer fare of fried clams, hot dogs, burgers, homemade clam chowder and onion rings, and of course soft serve ice cream. In 1993, the menu expanded to include lobsters, grilled seafood, homemade soups (famous Portuguese kale soup), fried chicken, crab cakes and other specialty items. Multiple generations have worked in the kitchen and at the counter, solidifying a local and seasonal following attracted to the fresh meals at affordable prices. The restaurant is now run by Don and Denise Reeves, along with nephew Brian Reeves.

According to local intel, PJs is also a big fave of food TV star Duff Goldman who went to high school in nearby Sandwich. The restaurant has not strayed from its family-focused roots; just ask what the “PJ’s” stands for? The answer; John Reeves’ grandchildren always called him “Pa John,”  and over time the family has come to think of “PJ’s” as meaning only one thing:  Pa John’s Family Restaurant. 

The highly touted clam chowder to go and the buffalo chicken salad. Photo credit: Ellen Shaw.

Back to my author’s note. Last weekend, I found myself once again cruising Route 6 east, this time with a destination in mind, PJ’s Family Restaurant. The objective was straightforward, try the “thinner and amazing” chowder. Not surprisingly, food-focused road trips have become a new normal family activity. The plan was simple, order take-out and head over to Mayo Beach to sample the goods while watching the bustling harbor life. It was a good plan, the food stayed warm and the beach parking lot wasn’t too crowded. Even the cars in the parking lot seemed to follow a socially distanced, two open spaces for each parked car, pattern.

First glimpse at PJ’s broth-based clam chowder, the 12 ounce kind. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Knowing what to expect, I opened the container to obvious broth that initially looked disappointing. That was until I dipped my spoon to the bottom to stir up what lay beneath the cloudy surface. Bam! My spoon filled with the fresh clams and an evenly diced potato bounty. For that first bite, the chowder was still steaming, sweet and much lighter than expected considering a generous portion of clam chunks. The lack of creamy base was not missed. Oyster crackers were not needed. Though, oyster crackers were used 2/3 of the way towards completion just to extend the chowder-eating experience.I’m no food critic, so all I can say is, I would definitely order the clam chowder again. Thank you Eric Williams for the laying down this clam chowder challenge!

The hidden bounty of PJ’s clam chowder! Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

All soups from PJ’s comes in sizes of 8, 12 and16 ounces and one quart. I opted for the middle portion as my better half had already offered to share the buffalo chicken salad. Good thing, because my mouth was on fire after one of those chicken fingers. Did not expect the heat!Well played PJs, well played.

What is your favorite dish at PJ’s Family Restaurant?

Kream N Kone(s) on Cape Cod

The classic sign of the Chatham Restaurant. Photo credit: Kream N’ Kone Chatham.

Author’s Note: When it comes to “grab and go,” everyone has their “go-to” spot. The “grab and go” culture remains strong on Cape Cod, current pandemic issues aside. This is not surprising as most people want to spend as much time as possible outside, whether on the beach, water, trails or golf course. So strong is the grab and go mentality, that most breakfast cafes, bakeries, bagel places also make available lunch menus in the morning, featuring sandwiches to go. Of course, there are plenty of quality sit-down restaurants – you already know I like those too – but for a warm and sunny summer day, we all just want to grab our outside spot as soon as we can, with all the creature comforts possible. Enter, fried seafood, inside, outside, or to grab and go!

A rotating and local tap at Kream N’ Kone Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Kream N Kone(s) on Cape Cod

If you find yourself cruising down Route 28 along the mid to lower Cape, you will pass by two similarly named, but different seafood restaurants, Kream ‘N’ Kone. Indeed, the peculiar spelling of the name, odd placement of the apostrophe ‘N’ and the vintage signage make it hard to miss. While one would assume the restaurants are part of a franchise, they are actually separate restaurants with different owners and customer experiences. Both restaurants started as ice cream, hot dog, and hamburger restaurants, mixing in seafood entrees soon after. Since both restaurants are known for their fried seafood and lobster rolls, it’s ironic their original signs feature hamburger and ice cream icons, rather than seafood. Enough set-up, let’s get to the tasty, fried seafood and soft serve ice cream! 

A mix of funny and vintage signs line the walls of Kream N’ Kone Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

The Chatham location is casual, with a mix of four person booths inside and about ten six person picnic tables outside on the canopy covered patio. They recently added a “bar top” on the patio, where, if you don’t mind standing, you can still eat outside on a busy night. The parking lot is a good size, and gets larger in the evenings as the nearby professional building empties after 5:00 pm. The ambiance inside is a little too cute, though there are both vintage and more modern, humorous signs that still make me laugh every time. 

Fried clam strip plate, Kream N’ Kone Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

The dining room counter service is what you expect, employees call your number over the loudspeaker when your food is ready to be picked-up. The restaurant usually has four beers on tap, all local (Cape Cod Beer, Devil’s Purse, and Hog Island), with the exception of Bud Light. The ice cream counter service is a separate operation, and closes earlier than most other ice cream shops that line Route 28. As you would expect, the restaurant does a brisk take-out business on Friday evenings (Chatham Band performances at 8:00 pm) and any night the Chatham A’s play a home game (7:00 pm). You can also call ahead and they pick-up the phone!

Wishful and whimsical thinking. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

The fried seafood plates and boats are my “go-to,” the only difference being whether you want onion rings or coleslaw with your seafood of choice and fries (onion rings are of course included). The restaurant may hate this, but we find that unless we are ravenously hungry, splitting a fried seafood basket is still plenty of food. The fried seafood is generous and stacked; all you need is another plate and it would look like two entrees at most sit-down restaurants. Interestingly, they offer a gluten-free fried seafood entrees after 4:00 pm only. 

The vintage sign. Photo Credit: Kream ‘N Kone, West Dennis.

The Dennis location is similarly casual, but with a cruise-ship buffet feel. (I swear, I’m being complimentary!) The bright pink hues of the walls help the large windows illuminate the dining room with natural sunlight. Evenly spaced wooden four-person tables with also wooden backed chairs line the dining room and scream summer vacation. The Dennis restaurant is much larger than its evil twin sister in Chatham. Like the evil twin, they have a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, though the Dennis location wins the prize for outdoor seating with a view. The expansive deck has about a dozen metal tables with umbrellas overlooking beautiful Swan River. 

The outdoor patio overlooking Swan River. Photo credit: Kream ‘N Kone, West Dennis.

The counter service goes the extra mile, as once you place your order, you receive a number, and a server delivers your food to wherever you are seated. The menu items are similar to the Chatham restaurant; fried seafood plates with fries and onion rings, broiled seafood dinner, seafood rolls, salads, and sandwiches. And of course, they offer ice cream (soft serve!), frappes and other beverages. 

The fried scallop plate. Photo credit Kream ‘N Kone, West Dennis.

You cannot go wrong at either location, so on your next vacation to the Cape, stop by both!

Mac’s Chatham Fish & Lobster

The winter season is quieter at Mac’s. Come summer time, a line of people may very well be forming along that walkway. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Author’s Note: There are signs of spring teasing us as the temperatures slowly rise and days grow longer.  My inner skier does not like this in-between winter and spring period, as it’s too warm for snow to fall, but cold enough to keep lawns brown. For me, the NCAA March Madness tournament weeks are the unofficial season transition. Additionally, “Opening Day notices,” whether from seasonal businesses, golf courses or Major League Baseball gets us all excited for spring. Spring (and fall), the so-called “shoulder tourist seasons” on Cape Cod, have only increased in popularity so essentially, spring kicks-off a ten-month marathon of economic activity. Here’s to another great season for all Cape Cod merchants, businesses and community-based organizations. 

The re-designed counter with more selections of entrees, drinks and raw bar. Photo credit Jeff Shaw.

Nine times out of ten, my first destination after a long drive to the Cape is 1291 Main Street, Chatham. That is not the address of our home, but the location of Chatham Fish & Lobster, now a part of Mac’s Seafood Cape Cod. For as long as I can remember, the fish market/fast-fresh restaurant has been located on the lower level of the main building in the plaza diagonally across from Pate’s Restaurant along Route 28 in between West Chatham and downtown. The fish market always enjoyed a “mad-dash” rush around 5:15 pm as the seafood market closed promptly at 5:30 pm, while the fast-fresh restaurant was open until 7:00 pm and was never busy. 

The darkened fish market, open until 5:30 pm daily, in the background. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

In the spring of 2018, David Carnes, former owner of Chatham Fish and Lobster sold the business to Mac Hay, co-owner of Mac’s Seafood, whose restaurants and markets in the Outer Cape were 23-year customers of Chatham Fish and Lobster. As with any ownership change, some customers (well, us) were concerned with potential changes to the menu, quality and preparation. Our family is thrilled that one thing remains the same: all fried seafood, fries, pizza and other entrees remain gluten free. As we have learned over time, most restaurants cannot accommodate many menu items for gluten-sensitive people, unless they have separate kitchens or preparation stations. Those configurations requires extra space and training which has a cost, so most restaurants don’t bother. Thank you Mac’s, for bothering!

A local vibe to the interior decor. The expansive raw bar on the far left. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

While the seafood market side of the business is largely unchanged, the fast-fresh saw a major face-lift. The interior was completely remodeled, with a sleek, new look with a white subway tile wall, illuminated menu boards, and re-purposed “driftwood-style” counter. A fully stocked raw bar captures attention near the expanded seating area. Taps for five draft beers as well as a handful of wines give adults an added order consideration. In the summer, picnic tables line the front patio, as does an actual line of hungry customers, some times all the way into the parking lot! 

A Mac’s-branded tides chart calendar. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

In addition to Chatham, Mac’s Seafood can be found in Eastham (Mac’s Market and Kitchen), Provincetown (Mac’s Fish House) and Wellfeet (Mac’s on the Pier, Mac’s Shack). I’ve been to both Wellfleet locations, which are down the street from one another, but offer a different experience. Mac’s on the Pier is the quintessential clam shack, with picnic bench seating, fried seafood baskets, with views of the harbor. On the other hand, Mac’s Shack is a bustling tavern, which use to be a nautical shop set in a 19th century house, featuring freshly caught seafood, spirited cocktails and close tables. I’ve only driven by the newly established Mac’s Market and Kitchen along Route 6, and have not yet tried the Provincetown location. (When in P-Town, I find myself drawn back to The Canteen and that fun backyard.) 

Hearty to-go dinners of fried scallops and clam strips from Mac’s Chatham Fish & Lobster. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Mac’s story dates back a few generations. The business model is focused on local, sustainable seafood, and the story goes how Mac’s overcame a number of challenges of changes in seafood markets and regulations. To meet increasing demand, Mac’s even mastered overnight cold shipping to reach folks across the country. Whether you are looking for fresh filets to prepare at home, a crunchy fried seafood basket, or a steaming cup of chowder, try Mac’s!