Planning a Cape Cod trip and trying to figure out where to eat in Chatham, MA?
Good news… the dining scene in Chatham is genuinely excellent.
The tough part is knowing which spots are actually worth your time when you’ve got kids in tow, and a beach to get back to.
This guide covers the best restaurants in Chatham MA by category.
Kid-friendly lunch spots, casual family dinners, the best pizza in town, and a few date night picks worth the splurge. I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
A few things to know before you go…
Chatham is a seasonal town. Hours shift significantly between summer and the off-season, so always double-check ahead of time.
Reservations matter more than you’d expect… especially in July and August when the best spots book up fast.
Casual Family Restaurants in Chatham
These are the spots that work when you’ve got hungry kids and don’t want to stress about noise levels or a long wait.
Mac's Chatham Fish & Lobster
Mac’s Chatham Fish and Lobster
Mac’s Chatham Fish and Lobster is exactly what Cape Cod family dining should look like.
Counter service, picnic tables with sun umbrellas, an open kitchen, and a menu built around fresh local seafood… including a raw bar and gluten-free fried seafood options that are actually good.
No reservations, easy parking, open seven days a week. This one is a no-brainer for a casual lunch or early dinner in Chatham.
Mac’s Chatham Fish and Lobster
- Address: 1291 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Daily 11am-8pm (8:30pm Fri/Sat)
- Reservations: Not needed
- Parking: On-site, plentiful
- Outdoor Seating: Yes, picnic tables with umbrellas
- Must Order: Local Oysters, Gluten-Free Fried Seafood
- Vibe: Easy-going counter service with a nautical feel
Branches Grill and Café
A Caribbean-inspired spot in the heart of Chatham that consistently uses locally sourced ingredients in every dish.
Everything at Branches Grill and Café is scratch-made, and the jerk chicken is reason enough to go out of your way for it.
Limited outdoor seating… just two or three tables, so plan accordingly.
Branches Grill and Cafe
- Address: 155 Crowell Rd., Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Thurs 11:30am-8pm, Fri–Sat 11:30am-9pm; Closed Sundays
- Reservations: Call (508) 348-1716; walk-ins welcome
- Parking: On-site
- Outdoor Seating: Very limited (2-3 tables)
- Must Order: Jerk Chicken, Fried Codfish
- Vibe: Brightly colored, casual, island vibes
Looking to explore new places on the Cape?
You’ll love these Things to Do in Sandwich, MA with your family.
Del Mar Bar and Bistro
Del Mar Bar and Bistro is one of the liveliest spots on Main Street, Del Mar has local seafood, wood-fired thin-crust pizzas, and an easy atmosphere that works well for families earlier in the evening.
It’s one of the more popular dinner spots in Chatham, so reservations are smart here.
Del Mar Bar and Bistro
- Address: 907 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Tues-Thurs 5-8:30pm, Fri-Sat 5-9pm; Closed Sun-Mon
- Reservations: Available on their website for groups of 6 or fewer
- Parking: On-site
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Must Order: Portuguese Steamed Littlenecks, Filet Mignon
- Vibe: Lively bistro with an elevated family feel
Chatham Filling Station
Owned by veterans of Chatham Bakery and Zia Pizzeria, the Chatham Filling Station is a sun-filled breakfast and lunch spot is one of the best Chatham MA lunch spots you’ll find.
Southern-inspired comfort food, creative eggs Benedict, from-scratch buttermilk pancakes, and a Station Burger on a pretzel roll… all of it good.
It closes at 1pm, so plan your morning around it.
Chatham Filling Station
- Address: 75 Old Harbor Road, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Fri-Tues 7:30am-1pm
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Parking: On-site
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Must Order: Station Pancakes, Station Burger on Pretzel Roll
- Vibe: Vintage diner with a funky, family-friendly feel
Photo Credit: Erin O'Grady
The Chatham Squire
A Chatham institution since 1968. The Chatham Squire is a classic New England tavern with wooden decor, nautical accents, live music, and a menu that nails coastal comfort food… especially the clam chowder and the hot lobster roll.
Open daily until 1am, which makes it one of the most flexible options in town.
The Chatham Squire
- Address: 487 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Daily 11:30am-1am
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Parking: Behind the restaurant
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Must Order: Clam Chowder, Hot Lobster Roll
- Vibe: Cozy, lively, classic New England tavern
Photo Credit: Mark Wlaz
Captain’s Table
A local favorite for over 50 years. Captain’s Table is a breakfast-and-lunch-all-day kind of place on Main Street.
The breakfast burritos are great, the Cape Cod Cod Wrap is a solid lunch pick, and there’s a dedicated menu for young kids.
One of the most relaxed, genuinely kid-friendly restaurants in Chatham MA.
The Captain’s Table
- Address: 576 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Daily 8:30am-3pm
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Parking: Downtown street parking
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Must Order: Breakfast Burritos, Cape Cod Cod Wrap
- Vibe: Relaxed, casual, coastal charm
Red Nun Bar and Grill
Located next to Veterans Field, Red Nun Bar and Grill is a well-liked local spot with American comfort food and a little personality… including a burger served on an oversized English muffin and a Butter Toffee Cake that’s worth saving room for.
Good for families earlier in the evening; it shifts more toward a nightspot as it gets later.
Red Nun Bar and Grill
- Address: 746 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Tues-Sat 4pm-1am, Sun 12pm-1am; Closed Mon
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Parking: On-site
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Must Order: Burger on English Muffin, Butter Toffee Cake
- Vibe: Friendly New England sports bar feel
Photo Credit: Robert Ross
Hangar B Eatery
This one is worth the detour. Hangar B Eatery sits right at Chatham Municipal Airport, which means kids can watch small planes take off and land while you wait for your table.
The breakfast is phenomenal, the menu is creative, and there are solid vegetarian options too.
One heads up: outdoor seating is in direct sunlight, so bring hats and sunscreen.
Hangar B Eatery
- Address: Chatham Municipal Airport, 240 George Ryder Road, Chatham, MA
- Hours: Wed-Sun 8am-1pm
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Parking: On-site
- Outdoor Seating: Yes (direct sunlight)
- Must Order: Pilot’s Breakfast
- Vibe: Relaxed aviation-themed spot and genuinely one of the most unique restaurants in Chatham
Chatham Cookware Café
A beloved café on the Cape since 2000.
Stop by Chatham Cookware Cafe for the famous French Breakfast Muffins before a beach day, grab a gourmet sandwich for lunch on the porch, or pick up supplies for a beach picnic.
It’s one of the best quick Chatham MA lunch spots when you don’t want to sit down for a full meal.
Chatham Cookware Cafe
- Address: 524 Main Street, Chatham, MA
- Hours: Open daily at 6:30am
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Parking: On-site (limited)
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Must Order: French Breakfast Muffins, Daily Soups
- Vibe: Warm, bustling, community-spirited café
Pate's
Since 1957, Pate’s has been an institution in Chatham.
What once started as a hamburger and ice cream stand and grew into one of the best dinner spots on the Cape… prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and a menu that feels special without being stuffy.
Reservations are recommended here.
Pate’s
- Address: 1260 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: 5pm-9:30pm (check website for days closed)
- Reservations: Recommended
- Parking: On-site
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Must Order: Surf and Turf, Tuna Cones
- Vibe: Sophisticated family dining
Mom and Pops Burgers
Mom and Pops Burgers is a East Coast meets West Coast fast-casual spot on the far end of Main Street.
The menu is built around fresh, homemade comfort food… and the standouts are Mom’s Homemade Lumpia and Pop’s Dog.
Kids love it here, and the atmosphere is genuinely welcoming.
Mom and Pops Burgers
- Address: 1603 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Daily 11:30am-8pm
- Reservations: Not needed
- Parking: On-site
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Must Order: Mom’s Homemade Lumpia, Pop’s Dog
- Vibe: Relaxed fast-casual with a fun family atmosphere
Chatham Bars Inn Dining
If you’re staying at or visiting Chatham Bars Inn, there are three distinct dining options on property… each with a different vibe and price point.
These are some of the most well-known restaurants in Chatham MA on the water, and they deliver.
The Sacred Cod
The Sacred Cod at Chatham Bars Inn has a coastal tavern vibe with deep sea blue hues, views of the Atlantic Ocean, and a delicious beverage list.
The menu is a mix of innovative bites and shared plates, with a dedicated children’s menu.
The Sacred Cod
- Hours: Daily 11:30am-10pm
- Reservations: Not needed
- Parking: Valet at Chatham Bars Inn
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Must Order: Sacred Lobster Rolls, Sea-cuterie Board
- Vibe: Leather-accented coastal tavern
Beach House Grill
Perched above the private beach at Chatham Bars Inn, the Beach House Grill is one of the best Chatham outdoor dining experiences you’ll find on the Cape.
Fresh coastal seafood, creative cocktails, and if you time it right… the legendary beach clambake experience that people genuinely rave about.
Beach House Grill
- Hours: 11:30am-8:30pm daily (check website for seasonal hours)
- Reservations: Suggested via OpenTable
- Parking: Valet at Chatham Bars Inn
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Must Order: Lobster Nachos, Clambake Experience
- Vibe: Preppy beachfront dining with a vibrant summer feel
Stars
Stars is the main dining room at Chatham Bars Inn, set against Norman Rockwell’s “Spirit of America” with sweeping views of the Atlantic.
It works for both a scenic family brunch and an intimate dinner. Modern coastal cuisine, tableside preparations, farm-fresh ingredients.
Star’s
- Hours: Seasonal- Breakfast daily 7-11am, Dinner 5-9pm, Sunday Brunch 7am-2pm
- Reservations: Recommended for brunch and dinner
- Parking: Valet at Chatham Bars Inn
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Must Order: Provincetown Scallops, Lobster Bisque
- Vibe: Elegant coastal dining with panoramic ocean views
Where to Find The Best Pizza in Chatham
Chatham has a few solid pizza spots worth knowing about… whether you need a quick slice after a beach day or a casual dinner the whole family can agree on.
These are the ones worth stopping for.
Sweet Tomatoes
Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizza made with fresh ingredients in Chatham’s Historic District.
Sweet Tomatoes Pizza brings serious New Haven pizza energy to the Cape.
Their chunky tomato sauce is the star, and the Clam Casino White Pizza is not to be missed. Simple, no-frills, consistently great.
Sweet Tomatoes
- Address: 790 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun 4pm-8pm
- Reservations: Not needed
- Parking: On-site
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Must Order: Clam Casino White Pizza, Panzanella Salad
- Vibe: Laid-back classic Cape Cod pizzeria
Photo Credit: Chatham Orpheum Theater
Pizza Shark
Pizza Shark operates out of Chatham’s historic Orpheum Theater… grab a slice at the lobby bar or settle into a booth downstairs.
The menu leans into the shark theme with pies named The Great White and Mako-Your-Own.
Fun spot, especially if you’re catching a show.
Pizza Shark
- Address: 637 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Daily 11am-9:30pm
- Reservations: Not needed
- Parking: On-site
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Must Order: The Great White, The Hammerhead
- Vibe: Quirky dining experience inside a historic theater
Photo Credit: Andrew Martinez
Carmine’s
Carmine’s is a Chatham local favorite for classic pizza done right.
From traditional cheese slices to specialty pies like the Buffalo Chicken and the Californian, plus calzones, subs, and salads.
It’s a cozy spot that feels like a neighborhood pizzeria should.
Carmine’s
- Address: 595 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Wed+Thurs 3-8pm, Fri-Sun 12-8pm
- Reservations: Not needed
- Parking: On-site
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Must Order: Classic Cheese Pizza, Chicken Parm Sub
- Vibe: Relaxed, local charm
Date Night Restaurants in Chatham
If you’re leaving the kids with a sitter and actually want a proper dinner out, these are the spots worth booking.
The Chatham Cut
The Chatham Cut is a steakhouse that takes the craft seriously.
Hand-cut steaks, specialty cocktails, brass accents, dark woods, and leather banquettes.
It’s intimate, it’s warm, and it’s one of the best date nights in Chatham. Reservations are highly recommended.
The Chatham Cut
- Address: 1200 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Open for dinner Thurs-Mon (seasonal)
- Reservations: Highly recommended
- Parking: On-site
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Must Order: Premium Hand-Cut Steaks, Prime Rib French Dip Sliders
- Vibe: Sophisticated, intimate, and welcoming
Bluefins Sushi and Sake Bar
Bluefins Sushi and Sake Bar is an innovative Japanese seafood fusion restaurant on Main Street.
The menu covers traditional sushi, creative rolls, and small plates… all made with locally sourced ingredients.
The sake selection is excellent, and the atmosphere is trendy without being stuffy.
Note: No reservations accepted between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so plan for a wait in peak season.
Bluefins Sushi and Sake Bar
- Address: 513 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
- Hours: Tues-Sun 5pm-close
- Reservations: Not accepted Memorial Day-Labor Day
- Parking: Street parking or behind the restaurant
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Must Order: Chatham Lobster Dip, Sushi Rose
- Vibe: Trendy, vibrant, upscale sushi dining
Wild Goose Tavern
Located in the charming Chatham Wayside Inn on Main Street, Wild Goose Tavern has a locally sourced menu with standouts like the lobster mac and cheese and the steak and cheese flatbread.
It’s also home to the only outdoor dining space in downtown Chatham… a big deal in peak summer.
Wild Goose Tavern
- Address: The Chatham Wayside Inn, Main Street, Chatham, MA
- Hours: Daily 7:30am-9:30pm
- Reservations: Recommended via OpenTable
- Parking: On-site
- Outdoor Seating: Yes – the only downtown Chatham outdoor dining
- Must Order: Lobster Mac and Cheese, Steak and Cheese Flatbread
- Vibe: Relaxed Cape Cod elegance
Cuvée
For a truly special night out, Cuvée is one of the only Relais & Châteaux restaurants on Cape Cod.
Chef Isaac changes the menu daily to showcase the best seasonal ingredients, and you can choose between a 4-course dinner or a full 7-course tasting menu. Award-winning wine list, impeccable service, candlelit atmosphere.
This one requires advance planning… it’s open seasonally June through October.
Cuvée
- Address: Chatham Inn, Chatham, MA
- Hours: Daily 5-9pm (June-October only)
- Reservations: Highly recommended
- Parking: Valet at Chatham Inn
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Must Order: Chef’s seasonal menu… changes daily
- Vibe: Sophisticated and elegant fine dining
Finding The Best Restaurant in Chatham MA
Chatham, MA is one of those Cape Cod towns that rewards slow travel… a great meal, a walk along the water, and a stroll through town.
Bookmark this guide before your trip and save yourself the scroll.
Arriving on the Cape early? Here are the Best Breakfast Places in Sandwich MA… perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring.
Happy travels.
