In the night, the Cape shows many faces: the magic of Lower Cape lighthouses piercing the fog to reveal treacherous shoals; convivial banter and quiet music in a fishing village tavern; the elegance of fine dining and dancing at a stylish resort; the intimacy of a quiet stroll along the beaches under the expanse of the Milky Way; and, of course, the energy of live bands and frenzied dancing at the nightclubs that dot Route 28.
As wonderful as it sounds, a Cape Cod evening is good for more than just strolling down to the local ice-cream shop. After the little ones are tucked into bed and darkness settles across the beaches and lakes and ponds, Cape Cod’s wilder side comes out to play. As day becomes night, and dinner crowds become evening crowds, nightclubs and restaurants open their doors to locals and visitors. The Cape has some nightclubs and taverns that are only open for three months of the year, but in that time they pack enough excitement, not to mention paying customers, to last the year. Balancing these hot spots are the more reserved, but equally casual, environs for those looking only to unwind.
From relaxing piano bars to hopping clubs playing the latest pop music to casual bars with a couple of acoustic guitars in the background, there is a lot to cover in such a short time. Some towns are less nocturnally active, satisfied in offering just a few after-dark spots to keep things interesting.
Throughout Massachusetts, bars are required by law to close at 1 a.m., and some close earlier, especially on weekdays or during the off-season. Last call varies anywhere from 15 minutes to a half-hour before closing. Wine and beer are sold only in package stores (the Cape term for liquor stores) and at some convenience stores. Throughout most of Massachusetts, including the Cape, package stores must close by 11 p.m. Many Cape liquor stores close by 10 p.m.
Bring your ID because you will be carded if you look anywhere near 21. The legal blood-alcohol limit in Massachusetts is .08 percent. That’s understood to be about the equivalent of one beer an hour for the average person. If you refuse a breath test for your blood alcohol, your license can be revoked for up to 180 days.
One thing the Cape doesn’t have is an abundance of public transportation. Unlike nightlife in a more urban atmosphere, you won’t find a line of cabs or a subway stop in front of the local clubs at closing time. If you want to try cabbing it, be sure to call ahead and set up a pickup time. However, a designated driver often is the best option for getting to and from your destination.
The cozy, back-roads charm of the Cape requires full attention for drivers, especially as there are few streetlights. With many people riding bikes or walking, even late into the evening, the Cape is no place to drink and drive. In recent years, Massachusetts has stepped up efforts to curb drinking and driving. During summer months, Cape police add dozens of officers to their departments, in part to increase traffic enforcement during the peak season.
For those interested in exploring Cape nightlife, we present here some of the bright spots you’ll find from Bourne to P-town. Listings in this chapter predominantly cover bars, clubs, and restaurants that offer live entertainment. See our Arts chapter for theater, concerts, and other evening activities, and check local newspapers for special events such as dances and dinners sponsored by local churches and fraternal organizations. Because many of the nightspots we mention are also great dining establishments, look for more details on their cuisine in our Restaurants chapter.