With summer just around the corner, I’m not going to lie, I’ve been super excited.
I’m sure if you’ve been following our articles for a while you’d be able to tell, because I’ve been writing about quaint little beach towns a lot lately.
Just last week I wrote an article about the best restaurants in Brewster, MA, and it got me SO excited for the upcoming season.
We’re summer people, through and through.
To me, there is nothing better than listening to live music at a casual little picnic table, swimming in the ocean, outdoor movie nights, playing backyard games, and taking in all of the warm weather and sunshine.
And honestly, call me crazy, but the drinks just taste better in the summertime, too.
A craft brewery is elite when it can be enjoyed in the warm weather with all of your friends and family, especially when it’s located on the shores of the most picturesque place:
Cape Cod.
Believe it or not, the Cape is known for many of its local breweries, all over the island.
Today, I’m going to tell you which ones you can’t miss this summer, and what you absolutely should be ordering when you go to these great local spots.
Barnstable Brewing
485 W Main St, Hyannis, MA 02601
This year round family owned craft brewery has been serving the middle Cape for years!
Here, you can sip on the freshest craft beer, made with love from the best local ingredients.
In the wintertime, sip on your favorite brew indoors, or wait until the summertime to enjoy the bustling outdoor patio while munching on some light snacks.
Some of my personal favorite brews here are the Jesuit Juice New England IPA (6.5% ABV) and the Cape Crusher Helles Light Lager (4.9% ABV).
Come and stop by for some delicious local beer!
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Hog Island Beer Co.
28 West Rd, Orleans, MA 02653
Ever been to a former jail turned brewery?
I bet not.
But here, there’s a first for everything!
Hog Island Beer Co, the outermost brewery on Cape Cod, is located in a historic home that houses delicious beer and good food.
This picturesque spot is located on Little Pleasant Bay, overlooking the famous Nauset Light Beach.
Captain Kidd was rumored to have buried treasure on the shores of this island, and locals will tell you that the treasure is the brewery in and of itself.
Their beer is available on a rotating draft basis, but my favorites are the White Shark Wheat, Far Out Stout, and Nauset Haze.
Come for the beer, stay for the live local music and amazing vibes!
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Cisco Brewers
5 Bartlett Farm Rd, Nantucket, MA 02554
I know, I know, Nantucket isn’t on the mainland.
Who cares?! It’s still considered the Cape.
Perhaps one of the most famous breweries in Massachusetts is commonly known as the “happiest place on earth,” because even though it’s a bit difficult to get to, it’s even more difficult to leave.
Nantucket is the flagship brewery, but it is also one of many locations of this popular brewery that’s loved by people of all ages all around New England.
Here, my favorite brews are the Whales Tail Pale Ale (5.6% ABV), the Orange Stingah DIPA (8.0% ABV), and any of the craft cocktails made by their distillery, Triple Eight, that are usually in stock at all Cisco locations!
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Devil’s Purse Brewing Co.
120 Great Western Rd, South Dennis, MA 02660
Home of the famous Handline Kölsch, the Devil’s Purse brewing Company is a staple of South Dennis, and all of Cape Cod.
Their outdoor beer patio is open 7 days a week, and they also occasionally have standing room inside of the brewery!
Sip on a cold glass of beer while enjoying one of their frequent food trucks or snacks available for purchase, or on a day when the food trucks aren’t available, feel free to bring your own food!
As previously mentioned, the Devil’s Purse Brewing Co. is known for their Handline Kölsch, a truly authentic kölsch brewed with vanguard hops, offering a modern spin to a traditional product.
“Approachable to all party guests, traditional to appease beer purists,” is the motto they live by with this delicious brew.
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Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery
876 E Falmouth, State Rte, East Falmouth, MA 02536
With two locations, one on the Vineyard and one in Falmouth, Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery is a name that’s known well all over Massachusetts.
As the story tells, Bartholomew Gosnold was looking for something for his shipmates to drink, when he came across… a mermaid??? Chasing her, he stumbled on a field of grapes, and brewed beer out of it.
He never did see the mermaid again, and died wondering whether or not he had seen her at all.
Classic.
In any case, the beer at Bad Martha is brewed exactly as it was that day, with grape leaves.
And it’s delicious.
So delicious in fact, that this great place is now a majorly famous Cape Cod staple.
Here, you should try the Mojito Seltzer (5% ABV), Mischievous Mermaid IPA (7.7 ABV), and the Big Bad Belgian Quad (10.3% ABV), all while enjoying some charcuterie and artisan pizzas.
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Offshore Ale Company
30 Kennebec Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
As Martha’s Vineyard’s only year round brewpub, Offshore Ale Company is serving delicious food and brews for lunch and dinner daily.
With award winning craft beers, Offshore Ale Company is giving Martha’s Vineyard a year round sense of community with its delicious food, community events, and more.
Try one of their delicious refined seafood entrees, pizzas, and more, all while enjoying a pint of your favorite cold beer on their outdoor patio.
Here, I recommend their flagship Amber Ale (5.3% ABV), Beach Road Nut Brown (4.8% ABV), and the Steeprock Stout (4.6% ABV).
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Aquatic Brewing
661 Main St, Falmouth, MA 02540
Right in Falmouth is the local brewery and taproom that is known and loved across all of Cape Cod.
With light snacks and a rotating food truck, weekly events including a 5K fun run each Sunday, and a dog-friendly taproom, this great place is about to become you and your family’s new favorite spot when on Cape Cod.
Their draft list rotates frequently, but I recommend trying the Hibiscus Shrewd Saison (5.2% ABV), Harbor Hopping India Pale Lager (6.8% ABV), and their Gyre Double New England IPA (8% ABV).
Naukabout Brewery
13 Lake Ave, Mashpee, MA 02649
This small batch lakeside brewing company features live music and fun for the whole family, each and every day of the week.
They’re known for providing a variety of experiences among their patio and taproom, so everyone can kick back with their favorite beer, enjoy life, and be themselves.
They also feature ticketed events, including famous comedians, musicians, and more.
Some of my favorite beers here are the Nauk Out NE Pale Ale (5.5% ABV), S’Mores Pastry Stout (5.8% ABV), and Bock, Paper, Scissors Maibock (5.7% ABV).
Enjoy these brews among some delicious brewery bites, and you’ll be smitten!
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Tree House Brewing Company
98 Town Neck Rd, Sandwich, MA 02563
If you think you recognize this name, it’s because you probably do.
Tree House Brewing has, time and time again, been named the best beer in the country, and for a great reason.
The Sandwich location isn’t the flagship, but it brings a taste of Central MA down onto The Cape and all of its local residents.
Plus, it gives the people of southern MA the opportunity to taste this great beer, live at the source.
Here, you should be drinking the Julius American IPA (6.8% ABV), New Day Double IPA (7.9% ABV), and Nomad Czech Lager (4.8% ABV).
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Provincetown Brewing Co.
141 Bradford St, Provincetown, MA 02657
This new taproom is located in the heart of the end of Cape Cod, in none other than the iconic Provincetown.
This great spot was founded on the passion for building a strong community, and brewing delicious, quality craft beer.
With local events, shows, and more, there’s never a dull moment at this community oriented, popular spot.
Some of my favorites here, among delicious freshly made food, are the Bearded Mistress IPA (5.7% ABV), Crandaddy Sour (4% ABV), and the Asphalt Glitter coffee stout (5.1% ABV).
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Cape Cod Beer
1336 Phinneys Ln, Hyannis, MA 02601
Last but certainly not least is Cape Cod’s original craft beer.
This year round taproom offers pints both onsite and to go, an indoor space, and an outdoor beer garden.
They also feature a resident food truck, so you can grab a bite to eat while hanging out all day, drinking your favorite beers and taking in the community oriented events that this brewery is known for putting together.
The beer is also self distributed at 500+ nearby packies, within 50 miles, so if you’re craving your favorite brew, odds are your local liquor store has it in stock!
My favorites at this location are the Big Dipah (8.6% ABV), Nox Atra imperial stout (8.5% ABV), and the Cape Cod Summer (5.5% ABV).
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Other Things To Do:
- Want another great beer experience? Check out the Cape Cod Brew Bus (multiple locations)!
- In the mood for something other than craft breweries? You’ll love all of these amazing wineries on Cape Cod!
