Dining in and around Onset
No one knows the heart of a town like its locals. I was lucky to gather recommendations from Onset residents via our Facebook group on where to eat along with their favorite dishes. If you are visiting Massachusetts, most of the restaurants here are independent, family owned, rather than part of a chain, giving them a unique flair. Enjoy regional faves such as bar room pizza, grapenut pudding, and clam chowdah.
Note: Many Onset Village restaurants are cash only. There are ATMs conveniently located on Onset Avenue. A few establishments are open seasonally or have hours that vary throughout the year. Please check their respective websites for the most up to date information.
Places to Eat in Onset (alphabetically)
Bebo’s Sports Grill
270 Onset Avenue
Known for its friendly atmosphere. Typical pub food, pizza, chicken wings. Daily specials. Game nights, Karaoke, and live music. Pool tables.
Recommended: Late night bar pizza until midnight.
Cape Cod Lobster Rolls (credit cards accepted)
239 Onset Ave
Recommended: The lobster rolls of course!
Note: Often on top 10 regional lists of great lobster rolls, and on a top 25 of the best lobster rolls in America.. Beer and wine served. Open seasonally, check site for hours.
Glen Cove Hotel 1883 Lounge
167 Onset Ave in the Victorian / Gothic building
Weekend Brunch/Dinner
Recommended: Scallop & Bacon Pizza (no longer on menu but may make it upon request), crab cakes, 1883 burger, Cashew Rice (order an extra side!). I have not had brunch here but it has received rave reviews for it. glencoveonsetbeach.com
NOTE: There is Karoake and live music offered in the lounge. See events calendar on their website. Open year round.
Guido’s Ice (credit cards accepted)
197 Onset Ave
Icecream, frozen yogurt, iced coffee, paninis.
Behind the Quahog Republic. Open seasonally.
Marc Anthony's Pizzeria (cash only)
Open Late & Delivery
190 Onset Ave
Recommended: The eggplant parm sub, fried dough, and their pizza is fantastic.
Note: There is no online ordering at this time. You will need to visit or call for pickup or delivery.
Nana's Ice Cream Parlor, And Candy Shop (cash only)
196 Onset Ave
facebook.com/NanasIceCreamOnset
Note: An Onset staple for sweet treats. Be sure to check for off-season hours.
Onset Beach Patio and Grille (credit cards accepted)
182 Onset Ave
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner. Deliver right to your chair on Onset Beach!
Recommended: Cheddar burger, breakfast sandwhiches, rice bowls.
NOTE: Waterfront dining, online ordering, open year round.
Pierview Restaurant (cash only)
201 Onset Ave (across from Marc Anthony’s)
Delicious (and inexpensive) Breakfast and lunch. Despite the name, there are limited waterviews. Super friendly staff.
Recommended: Pancakes, Veggie Omelet, Homemade Cornbeef Hash, French Toast Sandwhich, eggs with biscuits and sausage gravy.
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063614647267
NOTE: Though open for breakfast and lunch only, they have Friday Night Fish Fry events from 5-7pm or until they sell out. This is not highly publicized and mainly locals attend. Best to show up around 5:45pm according to one of the waitresses. Check the website for additional details. Open year round.
Quahog Republic: Waterfront Eatery (cc accept)
197 Onset Ave
Indoor and outdoor seating. There is also a marketplace next door to grab a bottle of water or other essentials as well as an Guido’s Icecream and hotdog stand.
Recommended: The stuffed scallops, crunchy cod, parmesan truffle fries, and one the best Pina Coladas I have ever had.
quahogrepublic.com/waterfront-eatery
Note: There is no online ordering at this time. You will need to visit or call for pickup. Open Seasonally, check site for hours.
Stonebridge Bar and Grill (credit cards accepted)
5 East Blvd
Recommended: Pan seared scallops with risotto. They also have the best bread (ask for extra including the dipping oil!).
Note: waterfront dining options, open year round.
Sumo Fresco (credit cards accepted)
Fresh juice bar
Next to Cape Cod Lobster Rolls
239 Onset Ave
Recommended: Cape Cod smoothie, acai bowls
sumofresco.com (seasonal, check site for hours)
Places to Eat Near Onset
Bailey's Surf n Turf
Of all the local recommendations, Bailey’s came up most often.
Recommended: Encrusted Haddock, seafood bisque. Charles quahogs, Prime Rib Open Sandwich, blackened scallop salad, seafood casserole, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Crab cakes and steak tips. baileyswareham.com
Makepeace Farms
Family owned, featuring fresh local ingredients made to order. Also tour their cranberry bog or visit their gift shop for cranberry themed items.
Recommended: The Thanksgiving sandwich is to die for! Tip - order it on the homemade cranberry bread.
makepeacefarms.com Seasonal - check for hours.
Narrows Crossing
A local favorite! Open for breakfast & dinner. Each seat has waterfront view
Recommeded: Menu changes frequently but locals mentioned - Georges bank scallops in honey/brown sugar bread crumbs, clam & scallop combo (my mom loved this), prime rib, bread pudding with Erin butter sauce.
Ella’s Wood Burning Oven Restaurant
Won several Certificates of Excellence from Trip Advisor
Recommended: Sweet Potato & Littleneck Clam Chowder, wood-grilled salmon, House-made Goat Cheese Gnocchi w/short rib ragout, & roasted butternut squash.
Charlie’s Place
Pizza, burgers, salads, dinner platters (owned by same family who own the famous Cape Cod Cafe in Brockton)
Recommended: The Charlie burger, Sausage Combo Plate, some locals say it is the best bar room pizza around.
Gateway Tavern
Fresh selections from garden fresh produce to hand selected seafood carried off the New Bedford docks.
Recommended: Thai chicken Caesar salad, beer-battered fish & chips, blackened salmon tacos, lobster-stuffed avocado salad. thegatewaytavern.com
Mezza Luna Italian Family Restaurant
My niece, who is a picky eater, gave this the thumbs up as well as locals.
Recommended: homemade lasagna, Veal Al Capone, and what one local described as “the best chicken parmesan on the planet”.
New! Towne Tavern
New hotspot in town. Cocktails, pizza, salads dinner. Get there early.
Recommended: whipped ricotta, chicken and waffles, beer batter fish & chips, and try the waffle sundae for dessert!
Vel’s Restaurant
Family restaurant, sports lounge, Mon - Wed night price specials
Recommended: homemade lasagna, clam chowder bread bowl. velsrestaurant.com
Captain Al’s Restaurant and Tiki Bar
Waterfront dining, overlooks Buttermilk Bay (you can take your boat here). Known for seafood and full Tiki bar; a local favorite.
Recommended: Lobster rolls, seafood platters, signature cocktails.
captianalsrestaurantandtikibar.com Open seasonally, check for hours.
Crane Brook Restaurant
Farm-to-Table cuisine in nearby Carver, Ma.
Recommended: Filet Mignon, Brown Sugar and Bourbon Steak Tips
Cafe Soleil
American, Italian, and French entrees. Locals speak highly of the fantastic food, prices and service. Tip: Small mom and pop place so go early to avoid a wait.
Recommended: Mac & Cheese Casserole, Steamed Mussels & Baked Scrod Dijonnaise
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054236151636
Lobster Pot in East Wareham
Fish & Chips, Fried Clams, Lobster Rolls, Baked & Broiled Seafood Dinners.
Recommended: Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll, Fish & Chips
Mic’s Main Scoop in Bourne
Premium icecream, shakes, and sundaes
Recommended: Canal Cup Shake - Made with peanut butter cup ice cream in a chocolate frosted cup covered in crushed Reese’s cups and topped with a Homemade chocolate anchor, mini-Reese’s cups
micsmainscoop.com Seasonal - check site for hours
Cape Cod Coffee in Wareham Crossing
Try their famous freshly brewed coffee including a special blend for the region called Wake Up Wareham! Open for breakfast, lunch, and special evening events such as whiskey tasting and live music. capecodcoffee.com