Guidebook for Provincetown

Michael & Christopher
Michael & Christopher
Guidebook for Provincetown

Food Scene

Decent food and a very atmosphere make this one of Ptown's most popular destinations for a casual meal and a drink. Have a "Frosé" out in the back yard bar and enjoy the lovely bay view.
79 recommandé par les habitants
The Canteen
225 Commercial St
79 recommandé par les habitants
Decent food and a very atmosphere make this one of Ptown's most popular destinations for a casual meal and a drink. Have a "Frosé" out in the back yard bar and enjoy the lovely bay view.
Everyone has an opinion about the best coffee in Ptown. We happen to prefer Kohi (and their coffee bar outpost at Spindler's, which is closer to our place on Pearl Street). The best cappuccino in town, with the sweetest (and cutest) baristas.
22 recommandé par les habitants
Kohi Coffee Company
199 Commercial St
22 recommandé par les habitants
Everyone has an opinion about the best coffee in Ptown. We happen to prefer Kohi (and their coffee bar outpost at Spindler's, which is closer to our place on Pearl Street). The best cappuccino in town, with the sweetest (and cutest) baristas.
These guys also own Kohi, so the coffee and pastries are perfect, and the brunch and dinner items are equally delicious, fresh, and inventive. The upstairs cocktail bar patio is a great spot to have an early evening drink.
24 recommandé par les habitants
Spindler's
386 Commercial St
24 recommandé par les habitants
These guys also own Kohi, so the coffee and pastries are perfect, and the brunch and dinner items are equally delicious, fresh, and inventive. The upstairs cocktail bar patio is a great spot to have an early evening drink.
Our favorite place for a quiet dinner for two, even if you choose to sit at the bar. It's delicious, and the staff are wonderful. Definitely call ahead for a reservation. NOTE: This place has been closed due to the pandemic and may not open again until 2022.
18 recommandé par les habitants
Joon Bar
133 Commercial St
18 recommandé par les habitants
Our favorite place for a quiet dinner for two, even if you choose to sit at the bar. It's delicious, and the staff are wonderful. Definitely call ahead for a reservation. NOTE: This place has been closed due to the pandemic and may not open again until 2022.
A veritable institution, Squealing Pig is ideal for those who prefer a raw bar, beer and burger type of atmosphere, and they offer so much more than that. Best of all, they serve food later than most restaurants in town.
34 recommandé par les habitants
The Squealing Pig
335 Commercial St
34 recommandé par les habitants
A veritable institution, Squealing Pig is ideal for those who prefer a raw bar, beer and burger type of atmosphere, and they offer so much more than that. Best of all, they serve food later than most restaurants in town.
Inventive mixologists and equally creative food pairings make this a fun place for dinner or drinks for two or a small group. It can be pricey and hard to get a table some nights, but worth it.
33 recommandé par les habitants
Strangers & Saints
404 Commercial St
33 recommandé par les habitants
Inventive mixologists and equally creative food pairings make this a fun place for dinner or drinks for two or a small group. It can be pricey and hard to get a table some nights, but worth it.
We've tried a lot of pizza in Ptown, and nothing is as good as a slice of pepperoni or cheese pizza at Spiritus--especially at 1:30 AM after the bars and clubs close, when this becomes the post-bar place to see and be seen, with a lively and friendly atmosphere that spills out onto the street.
36 recommandé par les habitants
Spiritus Pizza
190 Commercial St
36 recommandé par les habitants
We've tried a lot of pizza in Ptown, and nothing is as good as a slice of pepperoni or cheese pizza at Spiritus--especially at 1:30 AM after the bars and clubs close, when this becomes the post-bar place to see and be seen, with a lively and friendly atmosphere that spills out onto the street.
One of Ptown's several Italian restaurants (including Sal's, and yes, they have a history). Ciro & Sal's is tucked away amid art galleries on an unpaved side street. The warm, cozy space is reminiscent of an old British pub, and the food is reliably good, if somewhat predictable, Italian fare. A great spot for a romantic dinner in a part of town that's quieter and less crowded.
22 recommandé par les habitants
Ciro & Sal's
4 Kiley Ct
22 recommandé par les habitants
One of Ptown's several Italian restaurants (including Sal's, and yes, they have a history). Ciro & Sal's is tucked away amid art galleries on an unpaved side street. The warm, cozy space is reminiscent of an old British pub, and the food is reliably good, if somewhat predictable, Italian fare. A great spot for a romantic dinner in a part of town that's quieter and less crowded.
It's part of the ritual of going to the beach: stop at Relish on the way to get your sandwich, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and maybe an indulgent cupcake, cookie, or brownie for later. There's a reason it's on most people's itinerary.
20 recommandé par les habitants
Relish Bakery & Sandwich Shop
93 Commercial St
20 recommandé par les habitants
It's part of the ritual of going to the beach: stop at Relish on the way to get your sandwich, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and maybe an indulgent cupcake, cookie, or brownie for later. There's a reason it's on most people's itinerary.
Would you believe an entrepreneur--his name is Scott--has made a successful business by selling only one thing? Welcome to ScottCakes, where you get your choice of a small or large version of the signature vanilla cupcake with pink icing. That's it. Trust us--you'll be hooked on it, and it will be clear why Scott's business continues to thrive.
ScottCakes
353 Commercial St
Would you believe an entrepreneur--his name is Scott--has made a successful business by selling only one thing? Welcome to ScottCakes, where you get your choice of a small or large version of the signature vanilla cupcake with pink icing. That's it. Trust us--you'll be hooked on it, and it will be clear why Scott's business continues to thrive.
If you need more variety than ScottCakes and you are particular about your baked goods, head to Connie's. You won't regret it. (Well, maybe you will.) In addition to a delicious range of pastries, pies, cakes, muffins, scones, and the like, Connie prepares sandwiches and breakfast items, too.
11 recommandé par les habitants
Connie's Bakery
205 Commercial St
11 recommandé par les habitants
If you need more variety than ScottCakes and you are particular about your baked goods, head to Connie's. You won't regret it. (Well, maybe you will.) In addition to a delicious range of pastries, pies, cakes, muffins, scones, and the like, Connie prepares sandwiches and breakfast items, too.
The latest restaurant to occupy this beautiful historic property, Mistralino offers up delicious Italian and Italian-American fare with style and personality (note: the portions are on the larger side). Plenty of outdoor seating in the summer season makes it a great gathering spot for groups or a romantic dinner for two. There's an intimate bar upstairs if you're dining solo. The staff are all friendly and fun. Be sure to check out the plate-covered walls in the house's various rooms.
Mistralino Ristorante
133 Bradford St
The latest restaurant to occupy this beautiful historic property, Mistralino offers up delicious Italian and Italian-American fare with style and personality (note: the portions are on the larger side). Plenty of outdoor seating in the summer season makes it a great gathering spot for groups or a romantic dinner for two. There's an intimate bar upstairs if you're dining solo. The staff are all friendly and fun. Be sure to check out the plate-covered walls in the house's various rooms.
A great spot for a delicious brunch in the East End! The menu is diverse, but tends to focus on flavors and dishes from California, Texas, and Mexico.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Yolqueria
401 1/2 Commercial St
9 recommandé par les habitants
A great spot for a delicious brunch in the East End! The menu is diverse, but tends to focus on flavors and dishes from California, Texas, and Mexico.
This is, hands-down, the best restaurant in Provincetown, especially for Italian food. The service is as good as the food and cocktails. In good weather, get a table outside if you can, but really it won't matter. If you're nice, you might get a free appetizer or extra glass of wine.
29 recommandé par les habitants
Sal's Place
99 Commercial St
29 recommandé par les habitants
This is, hands-down, the best restaurant in Provincetown, especially for Italian food. The service is as good as the food and cocktails. In good weather, get a table outside if you can, but really it won't matter. If you're nice, you might get a free appetizer or extra glass of wine.

Parks & Nature

Whether you rent bikes or bring your own, choose a sunny afternoon and take them for a spin on the trails. It's an exhilarating ride through a beautiful landscape of sand dunes and forest, and a fun way to burn off those extra calories. It's also a fun activity to do before or after a day at Herring Cove or Race Point beaches.
33 recommandé par les habitants
Bike Trails Cape Cod National Seashore
Province Lands Road
33 recommandé par les habitants
Whether you rent bikes or bring your own, choose a sunny afternoon and take them for a spin on the trails. It's an exhilarating ride through a beautiful landscape of sand dunes and forest, and a fun way to burn off those extra calories. It's also a fun activity to do before or after a day at Herring Cove or Race Point beaches.
If you're a gay man, this is "the beach." Park your bikes along the fence at the main entrance, then follow the paths toward the left end of the beach (where the dunes are). It's a hike, and you will get wet, but the view is spectacular and, before you know it, you'll be up against the dunes with hundreds of other guys having a great time. (If you're driving or aren't up for the adventurous walk, you can continue past the bikes until you reach the parking lot, which will be on your left. The parking lot and public facilities abut the main public beach area, which is family-friendly and accessible.) Unofficially, the more remote part of the beach is clothing optional but, as it's a national park, you do so at your own risk. What to bring: sunscreen, umbrella, blanket, towels, sandwiches, water, canned rosé, and a good book. Most guys leave around 4:30 to head to Boatslip for Tea Dance, so the best time to go is between 12-5:30.
123 recommandé par les habitants
Plage de Herring Cove
Province Lands Rd
123 recommandé par les habitants
If you're a gay man, this is "the beach." Park your bikes along the fence at the main entrance, then follow the paths toward the left end of the beach (where the dunes are). It's a hike, and you will get wet, but the view is spectacular and, before you know it, you'll be up against the dunes with hundreds of other guys having a great time. (If you're driving or aren't up for the adventurous walk, you can continue past the bikes until you reach the parking lot, which will be on your left. The parking lot and public facilities abut the main public beach area, which is family-friendly and accessible.) Unofficially, the more remote part of the beach is clothing optional but, as it's a national park, you do so at your own risk. What to bring: sunscreen, umbrella, blanket, towels, sandwiches, water, canned rosé, and a good book. Most guys leave around 4:30 to head to Boatslip for Tea Dance, so the best time to go is between 12-5:30.
If the gay men's beach scene isn't for you, or if you just want something different, Race Point is big, beautiful, has a parking lot, and is very family friendly. This is also great beach option if you're on a bike ride through the Trails and want to take a dip to cool off.
121 recommandé par les habitants
Race Point Beach
121 recommandé par les habitants
If the gay men's beach scene isn't for you, or if you just want something different, Race Point is big, beautiful, has a parking lot, and is very family friendly. This is also great beach option if you're on a bike ride through the Trails and want to take a dip to cool off.
The pool here at the Ptown Inn is free to use, so for those days when you aren't really into the beach experience, get here before 1:00 to snag a chair by the pool and make a day of it. There's a grill and a bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails. this option is definitely good for families, as well, as there are a lot of children of all ages. Chairs become harder to get the later in the day you go, and the bar closes around 5.
24 recommandé par les habitants
Provincetown Causeway
24 recommandé par les habitants
The pool here at the Ptown Inn is free to use, so for those days when you aren't really into the beach experience, get here before 1:00 to snag a chair by the pool and make a day of it. There's a grill and a bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails. this option is definitely good for families, as well, as there are a lot of children of all ages. Chairs become harder to get the later in the day you go, and the bar closes around 5.

Arts & Culture

You may have noticed that our next-door neighbor is the Fine Arts Work Center! A fabled Ptown establishment that reminds us of one of the ways this town became what it is today (hint: it was an artists' colony). In the summer months, cohorts of writers, painters, sculptors, and photographers arrive to hone their craft and be inspired by Provincetown. Thursdays are free open studio nights, and there are free readings and other events every night of the week.
Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown
24 Pearl St
You may have noticed that our next-door neighbor is the Fine Arts Work Center! A fabled Ptown establishment that reminds us of one of the ways this town became what it is today (hint: it was an artists' colony). In the summer months, cohorts of writers, painters, sculptors, and photographers arrive to hone their craft and be inspired by Provincetown. Thursdays are free open studio nights, and there are free readings and other events every night of the week.
Provincetown has been an artists' haven for over 100 years, and the PAAM--like the Fine Arts Work Center--is a revered institution that keeps that flame alive. It's one of the premier arts institutions on Cape Cod.
55 recommandé par les habitants
Provincetown Art Association and Museum
460 Commercial St
55 recommandé par les habitants
Provincetown has been an artists' haven for over 100 years, and the PAAM--like the Fine Arts Work Center--is a revered institution that keeps that flame alive. It's one of the premier arts institutions on Cape Cod.
Housed in its renovated and restored historic building (formerly a church), the Ptown Library is another important link in the town's artistic heritage, and is a hub of literary arts activity, especially during the summer season. The Library also hosts the annual Provincetown Book Festival each September. It's worth a visit to see the building alone--especially the mezzanine, where you can get a good view of the half-scale replica of the schooner Rose Dorothea, which sits amid the children's books and play area. The views of the harbor from the reading room on the mezzanine are also beautiful year-round.
30 recommandé par les habitants
Provincetown Library
356 Commercial St
30 recommandé par les habitants
Housed in its renovated and restored historic building (formerly a church), the Ptown Library is another important link in the town's artistic heritage, and is a hub of literary arts activity, especially during the summer season. The Library also hosts the annual Provincetown Book Festival each September. It's worth a visit to see the building alone--especially the mezzanine, where you can get a good view of the half-scale replica of the schooner Rose Dorothea, which sits amid the children's books and play area. The views of the harbor from the reading room on the mezzanine are also beautiful year-round.
If you're feeling like a quiet night or if the weather is (sadly) not exactly beach-friendly, the Water's Edge Cinema has two or three films on offer at any given time, almost always first-run. Water's Edge is also one of the locations used for the annual Provincetown International Film Festival.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Waters Edge Cinema
237 Commercial St
14 recommandé par les habitants
If you're feeling like a quiet night or if the weather is (sadly) not exactly beach-friendly, the Water's Edge Cinema has two or three films on offer at any given time, almost always first-run. Water's Edge is also one of the locations used for the annual Provincetown International Film Festival.
One of the hubs of Ptown's theatre scene, including musical performances and film screenings. Check their calendar for the latest listings and upcoming acts. Art House also hosts a lot of events during annual theatre and film festivals.
12 recommandé par les habitants
The Art House
214 Commercial St
12 recommandé par les habitants
One of the hubs of Ptown's theatre scene, including musical performances and film screenings. Check their calendar for the latest listings and upcoming acts. Art House also hosts a lot of events during annual theatre and film festivals.
A relative newcomer to Provincetown (there's another first-run bookstore in the West End as well as a used bookstore), East End Books has quickly established itself as a literary hotspot, with an excellently curated and well-stocked collection of hardcover, paperback, and digital selections across a broad range of genres. If you need a good read, go here first. Ask for Jeff, the owner, if you need a good recommendation or have any questions, but pretty much anyone working here is bound to be helpful.
East End Books
389 Commercial St
A relative newcomer to Provincetown (there's another first-run bookstore in the West End as well as a used bookstore), East End Books has quickly established itself as a literary hotspot, with an excellently curated and well-stocked collection of hardcover, paperback, and digital selections across a broad range of genres. If you need a good read, go here first. Ask for Jeff, the owner, if you need a good recommendation or have any questions, but pretty much anyone working here is bound to be helpful.

Shopping

Across the street from Spindler's, Utilities is a great place to pick up something for your home or a thoughtful gift. They offer a great selection of merchandise, ranging from low-cost to high-end.
10 recommandé par les habitants
Utilities
393 Commercial St
10 recommandé par les habitants
Across the street from Spindler's, Utilities is a great place to pick up something for your home or a thoughtful gift. They offer a great selection of merchandise, ranging from low-cost to high-end.
This is one of the best places for body-conscious men's clothing: swimsuits, shorts, tops, etc. A helpful staff as well.
ST33LE
184 Commercial St
This is one of the best places for body-conscious men's clothing: swimsuits, shorts, tops, etc. A helpful staff as well.
An upscale but not completely out-of-reach men's clothing shop with excellent service. Preppy but not fussy.
Henry & Company
210 Commercial St
An upscale but not completely out-of-reach men's clothing shop with excellent service. Preppy but not fussy.

Essentials

Far Land is a Ptown mainstay and favorite for essentials and prepared foods, fresh sandwiches, pastries, salads, beer, wine, and some liquor. It's just around the corner, and we go there all the time. They also have a location (with a smaller selection) at Herring Cove Beach (adjacent to the parking lot).
52 recommandé par les habitants
Far Land Provisions
150 Bradford St
52 recommandé par les habitants
Far Land is a Ptown mainstay and favorite for essentials and prepared foods, fresh sandwiches, pastries, salads, beer, wine, and some liquor. It's just around the corner, and we go there all the time. They also have a location (with a smaller selection) at Herring Cove Beach (adjacent to the parking lot).
If you find yourself strolling the East End, stop in to Angel Foods and browse around. It's a great place to pick up some nibbles to have with your sunset glass of wine or cocktail, as well as a place for fresh and interesting ingredients if you plan to cook at home. They also provide a range of standard essential groceries.
27 recommandé par les habitants
Angel Foods
467 Commercial St
27 recommandé par les habitants
If you find yourself strolling the East End, stop in to Angel Foods and browse around. It's a great place to pick up some nibbles to have with your sunset glass of wine or cocktail, as well as a place for fresh and interesting ingredients if you plan to cook at home. They also provide a range of standard essential groceries.
Our preferred wine and liquor purveyor in town, and you'll see why the moment you step inside. The friendly and knowledgeable team have put together a lovingly curated selection of wine, beer, and spirits, along with a selection of gourmet cheeses, meats, and snacks, in a beautifully renovated storefront that evokes Ptown's earlier days.
12 recommandé par les habitants
Perry's Fine Wines & Liquors
1 Tremont St
12 recommandé par les habitants
Our preferred wine and liquor purveyor in town, and you'll see why the moment you step inside. The friendly and knowledgeable team have put together a lovingly curated selection of wine, beer, and spirits, along with a selection of gourmet cheeses, meats, and snacks, in a beautifully renovated storefront that evokes Ptown's earlier days.
Let's be honest: even on vacation, a mainstream grocery store is handy. Conveniently located a reasonable walk, bike-ride, or drive from the center of town, this is a full-sized Stop & Shop supermarket with a pharmacy/drug store inside.
265 recommandé par les habitants
Stop & Shop
474 Station Ave
265 recommandé par les habitants
Let's be honest: even on vacation, a mainstream grocery store is handy. Conveniently located a reasonable walk, bike-ride, or drive from the center of town, this is a full-sized Stop & Shop supermarket with a pharmacy/drug store inside.

Drinks & Nightlife

A friendly place to meet for drinks any night of the week. The porch is where most guys gather, but there are two bars to choose from, one of which hosts a popular piano music night. Downstairs is Club Purgatory, which hosts a twice-weekly underwear party that's sometimes packed to capacity, as well as the weekly themed "Fag Bash" dance party.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Gifford House Inn
9 Carver St
9 recommandé par les habitants
A friendly place to meet for drinks any night of the week. The porch is where most guys gather, but there are two bars to choose from, one of which hosts a popular piano music night. Downstairs is Club Purgatory, which hosts a twice-weekly underwear party that's sometimes packed to capacity, as well as the weekly themed "Fag Bash" dance party.
One of Ptown's classic, legendary queer nightspots, it's actually three venues in one: Little Bar, Macho Bar, and the main House, which itself has up to six bars operating indoors and outdoors during the high summer season. A fun place to finish up a night on the town. Little Bar is a friendly pub without dancing, and Macho Bar (upstairs) is more of a men-only affair with adult film on the TVs and a more sexual vibe.
38 recommandé par les habitants
Art House
6 Masonic Pl
38 recommandé par les habitants
One of Ptown's classic, legendary queer nightspots, it's actually three venues in one: Little Bar, Macho Bar, and the main House, which itself has up to six bars operating indoors and outdoors during the high summer season. A fun place to finish up a night on the town. Little Bar is a friendly pub without dancing, and Macho Bar (upstairs) is more of a men-only affair with adult film on the TVs and a more sexual vibe.
Located just across the street from Gifford House on Carver Street, Shipwreck is attached to the upscale Brass Key Inn. Shipwreck provides a cozy (with a fireplace inside and fire pits outdoors on the patio), one bar inside and one outside (in good weather). Ample seating in a crisp, stylish space that's ideal for groups to socialize and make new friends. The scene is much more preppy and slightly more reserved than many Ptown establishments, but as the night goes on it's possible to run into anyone here. The bartenders are super-friendly.
22 recommandé par les habitants
Shipwreck Lounge @ Brass Key Guesthouse
10 Carver St
22 recommandé par les habitants
Located just across the street from Gifford House on Carver Street, Shipwreck is attached to the upscale Brass Key Inn. Shipwreck provides a cozy (with a fireplace inside and fire pits outdoors on the patio), one bar inside and one outside (in good weather). Ample seating in a crisp, stylish space that's ideal for groups to socialize and make new friends. The scene is much more preppy and slightly more reserved than many Ptown establishments, but as the night goes on it's possible to run into anyone here. The bartenders are super-friendly.
Harbor Lounge is a good place to stop for a drink as you start your night out. They don't serve food, so bear that in mind if you haven't had your dinner yet. It's a friendly scene with a chatty vibe. Tables and seating turn over pretty regularly as people move on. Enjoy the views of the harbor, especially in good weather, and take your drinks out onto the pier-like deck and enjoy the waning sunlight and sea breezes (very Instagram-friendly).
30 recommandé par les habitants
Harbor Lounge
359 Commercial St
30 recommandé par les habitants
Harbor Lounge is a good place to stop for a drink as you start your night out. They don't serve food, so bear that in mind if you haven't had your dinner yet. It's a friendly scene with a chatty vibe. Tables and seating turn over pretty regularly as people move on. Enjoy the views of the harbor, especially in good weather, and take your drinks out onto the pier-like deck and enjoy the waning sunlight and sea breezes (very Instagram-friendly).
Owned by jazz singer and actor Lea Delaria, this newcomer has quickly become one of our favorites. The food and drink are good; the back deck is fabulous, and there is nightly entertainment in a stylish setting.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Club Euro
193A Commercial St
7 recommandé par les habitants
Owned by jazz singer and actor Lea Delaria, this newcomer has quickly become one of our favorites. The food and drink are good; the back deck is fabulous, and there is nightly entertainment in a stylish setting.