8 Breweries on Cape Cod For Beer Lovers
While Cape Cod is a bit behind the rest of the state in some ways (reliable and fast internet, anyone?), we did not miss the microbrew train. Breweries on Cape Cod have steadily been popping up over the last couple of decades, and they do not disappoint.
Whether or not you’re a beer fan, the yummy snacks and laid-back atmospheres of these breweries make them worth a visit! In no particular order, here are eight breweries on Cape Cod.
Cape Cod Beer
Cape Cod Beer is the O.G. brewery on Cape Cod! I remember drinking endless glasses of Cape Cod Red the summer I turned 21. That was long before they had a facility of their own and just one or two different brews.
Now they have a wonderful place right in Hyannis with a taproom and beer garden complete with picnic tables and board games. They host events like Yappy Hour (for you and your dog!), Love Local Christmas Fest, live music, and guided brewery tours.
My Brew Picks: I already mentioned Cape Cod Red as one of my favorites back in the day, which still holds today. It’s a slightly malty American Red Ale with a lightly spicy hop profile that I would drink more of if I could. Another brew worth mentioning is Cape Cod Summer, their Bavarian-style Hefe-Weizen that truly is summer in a glass.
Food: In the summertime, they have a pop-up kitchen serving BBQ and a food truck serving the Cape’s freshest seafood.
Address: 1336 Phinneys Ln, Hyannis
Check their website for more information on events and all their beers, including seasonal beer release dates.
Naukabout Beer Company
Naukabout (pronounced like knock-about) has a 6,000 square foot beer garden and taproom in Mashpee, where they host regular events like live music, movie nights, and sports-watching parties.
My Brew Picks: This might be a little off-base for this post, but I love the house-made rootbeer (pictured above – that is not a child drinking!). Naukabout wins the beer-naming competition in my book with names such as Millie Vanillie or Salmon Pants. Then there’s Y’all Open, Virtual Hair Cut, and 6 Feet Away. Relevant and on point!
Food: Their menu includes light snacks, soups, and sandwiches, including lobster rolls. A highlight of the snacks is the Bavarian pretzel bites served with cheese dip infused with their very own Coastal Gold brew.
Address: 13 Lake Ave., Mashpee
Check their website for a schedule of events and a list of all their beers.
Aquatic Brewing
The most recent brewery to open on the Cape, Aquatic Brewing, is quickly becoming a must-visit spot. Co-owners were students at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and experienced homebrewers. They opened in September 2020 for take-out only since the state still had social distancing restrictions in place. Since they are still a fledgling establishment, they only have indoor seating for now, but well-behaved dogs are allowed to join you!
My Brew Picks: I know this won’t be a popular pick, but I love the Pie in the Sky Coffee Oatmeal Stout because of the partnership with Pie in the Sky Bakery and Cafe to make the brew. Pie in the Sky is one of my favorite places to stop in Woods Hole.
Food: They offer light snacks for sale and have a rotating selection of food trucks that park nearby most of the time. However, Aquatic Brewing does allow you to bring outside food in to eat while you enjoy their beer. Get take-out (or delivery) from local restaurants such as Anejo Mexican Bistro or Pickle Jar Kitchen down the street from the brewery.
Address: 661 Main St., Falmouth, MA
Check their website for their current beer list.
Read More: Best Things To Do in Falmouth
Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery
Bad Martha’s Falmouth location is their second spot on the Cape and Islands – the first is on Martha’s Vineyard (scroll down for more on that). In addition to their tasting room, they have lawn games and live music to entertain you while you drink and hang out. They also host a regular Pups and Pints night!
My Brew Picks: I have not tried any of Bad Martha’s beers yet, but after looking at the online taproom menu as of the publish date (if I could), I would try the Honey Helles Lager and the Vineyard Summer Ale. The latter is brewed with wild Vineyard grape leaves, which is a unique Bad Martha recipe!
Food: They offer cheese plates, charcuterie boards, and specialty artisan pizzas.
Address: 876 E Falmouth Hwy, Falmouth
Check their website for an up-to-date taproom menu and schedule of events.
Hog Island Beer Co.
Fun fact. This brewery is named after Hog Island, an uninhabited island located on Little Pleasant Bay in Orleans. While you’re there, you can catch live music in the beer garden. You might even be able to catch a performance by G. Love, a resident of the area! They also offer 30-minute tours that end in a three-beer taste test.
My Brew Picks: Local ciders are rare, so I have to go with the Shoal Hope at Hog Island. However, before my wheat allergy surfaced, I did enjoy the White Shark Wheat!
Food: Enjoy food from the extensive menu at the adjacent restaurant, The Jailhouse Tavern. They serve various dishes, including those that cater to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free eaters. Yay for me!
Address: 28 West Rd, Orleans
Check their Instagram for updates and their website for more info.
Barnstable Brewing
Pretty new on the scene, family-run Barnstable Brewing opened up in 2017 right next to my favorite soft-serve ice cream place, Par-Tee Freeze. With a tasting room, beer garden, and Hyannis location, you can’t lose! Also, as a result of social distancing orders, they were able to expand their outdoor seating area!
My Brew Picks: Since I’m a blue-blooded New Englander (and when I could still drink beer), I always drank the local seasonal favorites. First, a blueberry beer for summertime, which would be Barnstable Brewing’s, Blueberry Ale. Then, I’d switch a delicious pumpkin beer in the fall, which Barnstable Brewing serves up with the Wobbly Jack.
Food: Mom and Pop’s Burgers (the burger joint down in Chatham) has a food truck that parks at the brewery on a regular basis. Plus, some other food trucks stop by, too.
Address: 485 W Main St, Hyannis
Check their website for more information and Facebook for food truck updates.
Devil’s Purse Brewery
What they call a devil’s purse, I grew up calling a mermaid’s purse. It’s actually an egg case for skates (or sharks), and they are commonly found washed up on the beaches of Cape Cod. I definitely collected them when I was little while fantasizing about swimming with mermaids.
Compared to the others on this list, the only downside to this brewery is its location, which is a sort of warehouse district. I’ve been to similar warehouse breweries out in California with no outdoor seating or ambiance to speak of, and Devil’s Purse greatly surpasses them. The quality of the beer totally makes up for it.
My Brew Picks: The Handline Kolsch was always my go-to. It’s also their signature brew, so go figure! It’s citrusy but also kind of warm and spicy – it’s hard to explain! Other than the Kolsch, I would love to try their Hen & Chickens Double IPA – it’s an 8% beer! Also, the Shiso & Berry because it’s pink (pictured above), and how often do you come across a pink beer?
Food: Another spot with an exceptional food truck! Sunny Side Down regularly serves dishes from their comfort brunch menu.
Address: 120 Great Western Road, South Dennis
Check their website for more information and Facebook or Instagram for food truck days and times.
Provincetown Brewing Company
I may have saved the best for last! Provincetown Brewing Company practices Draftivism or recreational activism! This means they donate 15% of profits to more than a dozen progressive causes and organizations ranging from LGBTQ+ inclusion to local conservation to immigration. This alone should make you want to give them your money!
Of course, they host regular events such as trivia nights, Ru Paul’s Drag Race viewing parties, and other LGBTQ+ themed parties.
My Brew Picks: I love a good flight to really sample what a place has to offer, and PBC serves flights of 3-7 beers! I would definitely put the Double Rainbow IPA and the Golden Hook Ale on a flight.
Food: Their extensive Cuban and Mediterranean-themed menu includes sandwiches, salads, shareable plates, and desserts.
Address: 141 Bradford St, Provincetown
Check their website for more information.
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