The words “Cape Cod” may call to mind images of gourmet seafood dinners on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, but there are plenty of places to chow down on delicious dishes for cheap—here are some of our favorites.
Corner Store (Chatham)
This counter-serve joint, which lets you build your own burritos (even for breakfast!) is a favorite amongst locals. You can also grab a grilled panini with eggplant, turkey, Italian salami, or your choice of other fillings.
Far Land Provisions (Provincetown)
A gourmet deli and grocery, Far Land Provisions doles out bagels and egg sandwiches for breakfast, and light fare for lunch, including sandwiches and soups. And yes, of course, they also have lobster salad rolls.
Mom & Pops Burgers (Chatham)
Craving a juicy burger after a long day at the beach? Mom & Pop’s takes the grilled classic to the next level with specialties like the El Dyablo Burger, with hot habanero cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, avocado, shishito peppers, and Mom’s sauce, and the Naughty El Dyablo Burger, with ghost pepper cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, avocado, pickled jalapeño peppers, shishito peppers, and Mom’s sauce.
Dog House (Dennisport)
Not a burger person? The Dog House is all about the summertime staple. They serve it up with toppings that include chili, sauerkraut, and cheese. The restaurant’s specialty is the Junkyard Dog, a toasted sub roll with hot dog pieces, sauteed onions and peppers, bacon, and cheddar and jack cheese. They also offer other options, like fish tacos, crab cakes, and clam strip rolls.
The Knack (Orleans)
An unassuming roadside stand, the food at The Knack is a classic beach town. They have burgers, hot dogs, lobster rolls, clam rolls, soft-serve ice cream, and milkshakes to wash it all down. Grab your food, grab a seat outside, and savor the delicious Cape Cod weather along with your fries.
Box Lunch (Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown, and N. Eastham)
With four locations on the Cape, Box Lunch is a tried-and-true, no-frills local chain that began in the fishing village of Wellfleet. With a dedicated children’s menu for “KIDwiches”—which have fun names like Piglet and Mini-Moo—plus “Rollwiches” for the grown-ups with seafood, deli meat, and veggies, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite on a hot day.