Our 5 Fave Clam Shacks
There are a lot of things that are considered quintessential Cape Cod experiences, but there’s nothing more “Cape Cod-ish” than visiting a clam shack. Here are five of our faves in Wellfleet:
Moby Dick’s; Opening May 2nd
With its knotty pine walls, blackboard menus and screened-in porch dining room, we’re surprised Patti Page didn’t mention Moby Dick’s in her beloved song, “Old Cape Cod.” It’s just so beachy! Flip flops are practically part of the dress code, and ordering their classic New England Clambake would be an absolute must if their lobster roll wasn’t one of the best on the Cape. Decisions, decisions!
3225 US-6, Wellfleet; (508) 349-9795
Mac’s On the Pier; Opening May 7th
When a Cape Cod clam shack garners attention from the New York Times, you know it must be something special. Set literally in the sand overlooking Wellfleet Harbor, savoring a cup of chowder and digging into a plate of their gluten-free fried clams is the stuff that vacation dreams are made of. But wait; there’s more! For those seeking an unexpected twist on the usual clam shack fare, Mac’s poke bowls are some the best in the area, and their “famous” burritos are famous for a reason.
265 Commercial St, Wellfleet; (508) 349-9611
Pearl Restaurant & Bar; Opening May 8th
Just across the street from Mac’s is Pearl, a rustic seasonal building with whitewashed walls that give it a seaside vintage vibe. Always a good time and a stellar choice among Wellfleet’s best restaurants, Pearl makes our list because of its happy hour. Offered from 3:00 – 5:00 pm every day that they are open (closed Monday and Tuesday in the spring), happy hour revolves around live music from great local bands and cheap Wellfleet oysters. Discounted lobster rolls are another option on the limited happy hour menu. Having to wait for a table is not unusual – it’s that popular – but it is so worth the wait.
250 Commercial St, Wellfleet; (508) 349-2999
PJ’s Family Restaurant; Opening mid-May
Don’t judge this book by its somewhat humble cover. There is nothing fancy about PJ’s: not the spartan windows where people queue up for to-go food and outdoor dining, and certainly not the indoor dining room, which is simply a place to grab a seat and wait for your food to be delivered on a utilitarian plastic tray. But you’re not here for the atmosphere. You’re here for the lobster rolls, which are so perfectly prepared they’ve garnered attention from the Food Network. By all means, get the four-dollar French fries upgrade. They’re yummy, and you’re on vacation!
2616 US-6, Wellfleet; (508) 349-2126
Wellfleet Beachcomber; Opening May 23rd
The Beachcomber, a.k.a. “The Comber,” doesn’t open until the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, but it’s worth the wait. This beachside bar, which can only be described as an institution, should be at the top of your list of things to do when you’re in Wellfleet. Heralded as one of the “sexiest beach bars in the world” by the Travel Channel, and one of the best bars in America by Esquire, you don’t necessarily go to the Comber for the food. You go for the fun. You go for the live music, so you can dance like no one’s watching. You go for the famed Goombay Smashes. You go because it is so the thing to do.
1120 Cahoon Hollow Rd, Wellfleet; (508) 349-6055