“Relaxation” is a word that comes to mind when most people think of a Cape Cod getaway. And, one relaxing activity that’s one of the best things to do on Cape Cod is enjoying a craft brew at a local Cape Cod brewery.
Locally made beers are featured in lounges, bars, and restaurants in every town. But for the freshest taste, we recommend that you go to the source. Here are the best breweries on Cape Cod and some Cape Cod brewery tour options as well.
Best Cape Cod Breweries in the Upper Cape
The Upper Cape — which includes Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, and Sandwich — boasts several excellent spots for enjoying a craft beverage. Be sure to explore them yourself!
Aquatic Brewing Co.
Located in Falmouth, Aquatic Brewing Co. offers a variety of brews, including ales, IPAs, lagers, and stouts. Patrons can enjoy light snacks on-site or bring their own food, whether it’s delivery or takeout from a nearby restaurant. Occasionally, a food truck is also available.
The taproom features minimalist decor, with a long bar dividing the seating area from the brewing equipment. Stools are positioned along the walls and around a few high tables. The venue is pet-friendly too, provided that dogs remain leashed and well-behaved.
Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery
Bad Martha Farmer’s Brewery operates a 15-barrel system to cater to its on-site brewing needs at the East Falmouth tasting room and for distribution. And, it features a beautifully landscaped outdoor beer garden and patio, complete with an extended pergola, all of which is perfect for enjoying live music and games.
To drink, the brewery has a variety of beers on tap and a line of hard seltzers. Non-drinkers and designated drivers can enjoy a selection of nonalcoholic beverages as well. Meanwhile, guests can pair their drinks with charcuterie, cheese plates, and crudités; and the tasting room serves specialty artisan pizzas and other hot dishes.
Naukabout Brewing Company
In Mashpee, Naukabout Brewery Company is dedicated to providing memorable experiences. The word “naukabout” means “doing what you love to do when you’re finished doing what you have to do,” and the 6,000-square-foot taproom and patio embody this philosophy.
Naukabout is an excellent spot to unwind, especially in the outdoor area. The patio seating adapts with the seasons, featuring picnic tables with umbrellas or other canopies when it’s warm and heated igloos when it’s cold.
Additionally, the brewery enjoys hosting a variety of events, including frequent live music. You can organize family gatherings, movie nights, themed music nights, sporting events, and lawn games.
Tree House Brewing Company
While Tree House Brewing Company was founded in Charlton, Massachusetts, it also boasts a taproom in Sandwich. Reservations are required in advance to manage the number of visitors, ensuring a top-notch experience for everyone.
Guests can enjoy draft beer along with a wide selection of to-go options, including beer, seltzer, and cold brew coffee. The back deck and gravel patio offer stunning views of Cape Cod Bay, and there’s even a sandy beach for a leisurely stroll. If the weather turns unfavorable, ample indoor seating is available to keep you comfortable.
Awesome Mid-Cape Breweries
The Mid Cape region offers numerous spots to enjoy a fresh brew. Check out the brewery taprooms located in Hyannis and South Dennis for a delightful experience.
Cape Cod Beer
Founded in 2004, Cape Cod Beer has an intriguing history in Hyannis. The building it occupies has a long brewing legacy, previously housing Cape Cod Brewhouse, Hyannisport Brewing Company, and Hyport Brewing Company. Beth and Todd Marcus took over to establish Cape Cod Beer.
The brewery has since expanded, producing around 12,000 barrels annually, with its beers available in bars and restaurants throughout the Cape. The taproom and beer garden feature simple decor and offer a variety of IPAs, fermented pale ales, ciders, wines, and cocktails.
On top of that, food trucks provide tasty menus year-round, and the venue hosts live music regularly. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of games, including cornhole, foosball, and board games.
Barnstable Brewing
Barnstable Brewing has been a family-owned staple in Hyannis since 2017. Founded by Ann and Peter Connor after Peter’s victory in Samuel Adams’ Come Brew With Us contest, the brewery benefits from the expertise of their son, Mark, who studied at Doemens Academy in Munich, Germany.
The brewery offers a rotating selection of beers, ensuring that there’s always something new to enjoy in the taproom. A seasonal favorite is the Coffee Vanilla Milkshake IPA. The Connors’ mission is to craft fresh, handcrafted beers for both Cape Cod residents and visitors.
Finn’s Craft Beer Tap House
Situated in Hyannis, Finn’s Craft Beer Tap House is an excellent brewpub offering a variety of local beers, ciders, seltzers, wines, and craft cocktails. Guests can enjoy one of its Famous Flights, featuring five, 5-oz. beer samples. Additionally, Finn’s provides nonalcoholic beers, ensuring that everyone can partake in the taproom and outdoor patio ambiance. The menu includes flatbread pizzas, sandwiches, and other delicious food options too.
Devil’s Purse Brewing Co.
Dedicated to producing exceptional handcrafted beer, Devil’s Purse Brewing Co. is a small craft brewery located in South Dennis. The brewery primarily focuses on American-style beers with strong European influences, utilizing only the finest ingredients.
A notable offering from this Cape Cod brewery is the Handline Kolsch, inspired by the traditional beer from Cologne, Germany, which was created as an alternative to lager. Visitors can enjoy a draft on the outdoor picnic tables or pick up a can to go.
Best Breweries in the Lower & Outer Cape
Although breweries are sparse from Brewster and Harwich to Provincetown at the tip of the Cape, the two establishments in the Lower and Outer Capes are definitely worth visiting.
Hog Island Beer Co.
Hog Island Beer Co. in Orleans draws its name from the uninhabited Hog Island in Little Pleasant Bay. This island offers views of Nauset Beach and the dune shacks along the coast. Legend has it that Captain Kidd buried treasure in the area, and the brewery’s owners have even embarked on treasure hunts themselves.
Reflecting its local roots, many of the brewery’s beers bear names inspired by the area, such as Nauset Haze, White Shark Wheat, and Far Out Stout. Patrons can enjoy their beverages indoors or at the picnic tables in the expansive outdoor area.
Provincetown Brewing Co.
Situated in the heart of Provincetown, Provincetown Brewing Co. is dedicated to fostering a sense of community. Each high-quality craft brew supports a cause or organization important to the team, ranging from conservation efforts to LGBTQ+ rights, with a portion of sales benefiting these causes.
The taproom features trendy and eclectic decor, setting it apart from other Cape Cod breweries. Guests can enjoy drafts on-site or take cans to go, with a food menu that includes salads, sandwiches, and various plates. The patio is also pet-friendly, welcoming furry companions.
Fantastic Cape Cod Brewery Tours
While enjoying a scenic drive on Cape Cod is a delightful aspect of visiting its breweries, safety is paramount. To ensure a worry-free experience, consider hiring a designated driver. You might want to book a brewery tour with one of these reputable companies.
TapTastings
Based in Mashpee, TapTastings provides door-to-door craft brew excursions. If your pickup location is within a 10-mile radius, you can tailor your Cape Cod brewery tour. Select up to three breweries, ranging from Aquatic Brewing Co. to Provincetown Brewing Co., for groups of up to 13 guests.
Additionally, the operator offers tours to wineries and distilleries. You can create a mixed itinerary that includes coffee houses, ice cream shops, and restaurants as well. TapTastings handles all the reservations and provides details about the beverages likely to be available at each stop.
Cape Cod Brew Bus
From Hyannis, City Brew Tours Cape Cod offers an immersive dive into the local craft beer scene. Its guided tours provide exclusive access to some of the best breweries in the area, including behind-the-scenes looks and tastes of various craft beers. The knowledgeable guides share insights into the brewing process and the history of each brewery too, making it an enriching experience for all participants.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a casual drinker, these tours offer a fun and educational way to explore Cape Cod’s vibrant brewing culture. Plus, you get to enjoy luxury transportation and curated food pairings for the ultimate memorable outing.
Stay at the Best Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast
Candleberry Inn serves as the perfect hub for visiting the breweries listed here. Nestled in Brewster, our bed-and-breakfast is centrally located, making every brewery on Cape Cod accessible within a one-hour drive.
Following your brewery adventures, unwind in one of our luxurious rooms, each offering access to top-notch amenities. Book your preferred room or suite for an unforgettable Cape Cod getaway.
