Black Cat Tavern

We came for a late lunch and were not disappointed. The wait staff was friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. They were easily able to explain how dishes were prepared and adapted to food allergies without trouble. The sesame tuna was amazing as were the baked cod and fried shrimp. Sitting outside was very nice and we enjoyed overlooking the harbor, but it would have been nice if more of the indoor motif was present outside. Overall, I definitely think we will make a trip to the Black Cat on future trips to the Cape and we thank them for their hospitality. X

First time visiting on a very busy summer Saturday evening. Grateful we had a reservation with our large party (learned later that they only take reservations for parties of 6 or more). The seafood dishes were delicious, full of flavor and plentiful! The service was very good. The atmosphere was nothing special among a very packed restaurant.

Well the service was excellent. But… We had a very disappointing dining experience in Hyannis by the port. The food was well below average, with two dishes left completely untouched. Prices were high, and yet the quality fell far short. For comparison, the same day we had lunch in a modest village spot with little reputation: it cost half as much and delivered twice the taste. The clam chowder was especially bad. It had a strange smoky flavor and an unpleasant foamy texture. The only advantage was that it was not overloaded with potatoes, but that did little to redeem it. The three main courses we tried were also below average. The mussels were the worst offender: they arrived with a soapy taste and were so tiny and flavorless but with sausages!!! It takes skill to make fresh mussels taste this bad, and somehow they managed it. The fish and chips were mediocre at best. The cod itself was of decent quality, but it was buried under a poorly made, heavy coating that ruined the dish. Overall, the experience was disappointing from start to finish. Hyannis has plenty of options, and this one is simply not worth it. The combination of high prices, poorly executed food, and lackluster flavors makes this a place we will not return to and cannot recommend.

The food delicious and service was very pleasant. We sat outside but inside had a great nautical theme going. Surprised to see previous mixed reviews - glad we went and would/will return! Right near the pier too so easy for pre/post boat meal.

Beautiful spot with friendly staff. Views of the harbor and very cozy dining inside. My husband and I ordered the clam chowder followed by their special for the evening of fettuccine, scallops, lobster, and shrimp, and topped it off with carrot cake for dessert. Everything was very delicious!

Everyone liked their meals. Service was great. Big cat double stack was enormous. Fried scallops and skinny fries were perfect. Blacked dayboat cod over risotto was delicious with the perfect amount of spice. Tostada and tacos were great.

The Black Cat Tavern is back for the season, and it was great to see the staff and regulars reconnecting! The atmosphere was lively, and our server, Kerrin, took great care of us. We started with a bowl of their famous clam chowder, and I have to say—it’s the best I’ve had since coming to the Cape. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. My boyfriend loved the calamari. For the main course, we got one of each lobster roll (cold with mayo, and hot with butter), and the portions were huge! I also had the bourbon and fig, which was a perfect pairing. We were so full that there was no room for dessert! Overall, an excellent experience with great food, generous portions, and a welcoming vibe. Can’t wait to come back!

Had the Seafood Scampi and clam chowder as recommended by the waitress. The scallops in pasta were very tasty. Food was good but could've been a little better for price IMO. But service and atmosphere were great. Nice place.

Maddie our waitress was amazing! We had such a great experience. We made a reservation in advance and were seated promptly. We sat outside and had a great view of the water. We had lobster, fish, soup and grilled cheese! Everything was full of flavor and the seafood was so fresh. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. Parking was a pain, but that's the cape. When we return, we will be back!

No confusion here haha. Owner's reply is funny. Educate yourself on the difference between a cash discount and a surcharge before ripping off customers and putting staff in bad spot. Just raise your prices and build the cost of doing business into your menu. Bad expectation setting. Cheap. Wont return

9/19/24 On vacation! I had the Burger and fries, my wife has a Burger, fries, onion rings, a friend had the lobster bisque and turkey wrap, his wife had the Clam chowder, Sole with cheese and fries. Everything was excellent. We were able to get one glass and one mug.

We had a great patio dinner in late September, the Black Cat deserves much better reviews than I have seen here. Blackened swordfish was delectable with a creamy sauce and so rich. Has been ordered the shrimp scampi and when the seafood the scampi arrived, the server owned the mistake and gave it to him for the shrimp price. It had huge chunks of lobster in it and he was thrilled. I also had a side of grilled asparagus to go with my scampi, I ordered it after the fact when I saw the dish had no greens. And was very happy with it even if it was late. I had one craft cider and then I had to have another craft cider, it was so good. No dessert, we were completely stuffed with no leftovers but would absolutely recommend the black cat tavern.

Some locals recommended we have dinner here, & it was a great tip. All outdoor seating near the water, so pretty! The service was great, I needed help finding gluten free options & one of the servers provided me with a handwritten multi page list of options, including things they can make thats not on the menu. Therefore, I ended up with a delicious plate of grilled scallops. My wife had the fried oysters. I took a bite & it was the best fried oysters I ever tasted & I hate them. Clam chowder was delicious too. Considering the location, it could be a serious tourist trap. But it wasn't! Huge portions for the price, I would return.

It was our first trip to the area. Not much was open in November 2024. The black cat tavern was a really nice place for lunch on this chilly day. The restaurant was clean and the staff were very friendly. The chowder was really good. We would definitely go back.

Had an hour to kill before picking someone up at the ferry , I see a sign saying " award winning clam chowder " I sat on the porch and ordered a bowl of chowder and a coffee . Took a while for the two hostess standing there find a waitress to take my order . I thought the chowder was small for a bowl, but looking online a bowl is 8 to 12oz so there good . The chowder was mediocre at best , definitely not award winning but hot and ok. Ordered a 2nd cup of coffee and waitress didn't bring me any cream . They serve the cream in a little plastic cup , enough for one coffee. All in all it was ok , definitely wouldn't spend $20 on chowder and coffee there again .

Food, excellent. This place was great, a total must visit if you're a tourist. The servers were doing their best because the place was jumping. They also provided my wife with this tiny receipt that was a hand written Gluten-free menu, she died of laughter but was very grateful! I think you guys should just print some GF menus up on printer paper & take it to Staples & have a few laminated. And tell the servers to let guest know there's a gluten-free menu available upon request. This would have saved my wife time from mulling over her options on the regular menu. Overall, this place was great. Lots of food for your money.

We were so excited to try The Black Cat Tavern when visiting the Cape! It was recommended by a friend and did not disappoint. Here is what we had and how I would rate: - Cesar salad (7/10) - Clam chowder (8.5/10) - Fried seafood platter (10/10) Their Claim chowder was very thick and creamy (which I love) and their fried seafood platter was delicious. From the fries to the fried scallops, it was so tasty and just the right amount of batter for the fried seafood. Overall, definitely check out this spot if you're in the mood for delicious, no-frills seafood! :)

When you go to cape cod, there are a plethora of places to get a lobster roll, but if you want get THE BEST, look no further than The black cat's lobster roll! So fresh and so tasty! The martinis were great! Service is so warm and friendly! I brought my dog with me and they brought him a fresh water bowl and gave him lots of belly rubs, which he loved! It's right by the bay, so you can feel the nice breeze on a hot summer day. The interior is gorgeous and timeless! Will be back for sure!

4 of us arrived around 1:00 on a Wednesday and there were a few tables outside and plenty inside as well as at the bar. SERVICE:We sat at the bar, and Uros took very good care of us. He is pleasant, attentive and ensured he checked in on us throughout our meal. FOOD: The fish and chips were excellent. Flacky fish, thin, crispy fries and yummy cole slaw. The cornmeal cod was ok, not quite melt in your mouth texture. $29, it would have been better if accompanied by some type of rice or potato. It was a pretty presentation. BAR: Comfy seats, beautiful wooden bar. After we left I realized I was charged for a more expensive wine than I ordered, but that is on me for not catching it before settling up. First pour was the end of the bottle and a bit short, second glass was an average pour, $13 for La Crema. ATMOSPHERE: Indoors and outdoors are very inviting. Indoor decor is pretty cool. Parking can be a bit hairy. There is free valet parking, but it shares a lot with the ferry parking and was a bit confusing to navigate where we needed to go, as the first lot was full and was tight driving to the adjacent lot. They were able to accommodate us after the second try. Friendly attendant.

the black cat is great if you like chowder. i've been a few times and think the food is decent, and only needs a few tweaks and improvements to get to that 4 star mark in my book. the first would be to include mignonette with the oysters. the second would be to make their own croutons as the ones they have left more to be desired. i also think the grilled chicken was more akin to deli chicken, so having a different type would be more suitable for the salad. speedy and attentive service, and being right by the harbor is nice.

3.95% credit card service fee. They DON'T tell you this until you go to pay (or get your receipt and check the price). If you're lucky you'll notice it on the little card in the plastic holder on the table. Quahog was grainy, like it wasn't cleaned proper. Oh yeah and the shrimp was like rubber. Looks like they're getting ready to lose all their seasonal customers! What. A. Rip.

Just a good place to go especially when the area isn't mobbed by the out of town crowd. Service is good, food is good.

The clam chowder is a MUST! It was DELICIOUS!!!!!! The French fries were SO natural & delicious! We loved the oysters & the chicken tacos!!!!!! The service was great & the view was quite nice. This place is a MUST!

We had seven for a reservation. We arrived, they seated us immediately. I asked for lemon with my water. That was the only thing we didn't get. I had the Giant Black Cat Lobster roll with sweet potato fries and a bowl of homemade clam chowder. The chowder was excellent. The size of the bowl was intimidating. The soup tasted like its ingredients, but better. This was the best lobster roll I have had outside of Maine. The sweet potato fries were great. Those and the regular fries were of the shoestring variety. They were crisp and tasty. We also ordered the Buffalo cauliflower. It was really good. Perfect heat level and blue cheese sprinkles topped it off. Nice presentation. While we waited (not very long), we deciphered the nautical flags hanging around the dining area. It spelled out Black Cat Tavern and Cape Cod, MA. The serving team stood there watching us figure out the code and they said they hadn't realized that they were in code. They were fascinated. My son got shrimp scampi. Also good. My wife got the seafood casserole. She loved it and said it wasn't "too fishy." The Newburg dip was excellent. One party member ordered a gluten free bacon cheeseburger and she was thrilled about how good it was. The fish tacos were a hit. The serving staff were knowledgeable, friendly and polite. Great place! Highly recommended!

I've been going to The Black Cat for years--their clam chowder is truly one of the best on the Cape. My last visit left many things to be desired, though. First of all, there were two dirty cups on the table when we sat down that had about half a glass of water in them from the previous patrons, which a waiter just poured more water into when we sat down. We had to request multiple times for the glasses to be replaced. Our waitress Lily was lovely and very understanding, however it was still a very annoying situation. I ordered the bowl of clam chowder and the crab cake sandwich. The crab cake sandwich was perfectly done, with just the right amount of spice. It's a new favorite of mine here! I don't know if we just caught them at a bad time (we went for an early dinner) and they weren't in the swing of things for a dinner rush, but it was certainly an outlier from the rest of my visits here.

First time coming here and we will definitely be back . They had live music. I got the fried seafood platter and it was really good.

I had the lobster bisque and the blackened cod. The cod dish was absolutely fantastic absolutely no notes, would order again! I do wish that you could get a smaller portion of the bisque it was pretty good, nothing remarkable but tasty. I would definitely go back!!!

Was visiting the area from NYC and the food was delicious. Sitting outside, you feel a warm breeze and get a nice view of the water and ferries coming and leaving the port. My favorite was the refreshing and flavorful watermelon and feta salad. The crab cake in my crab cake sandwich was fresh and well seasoned. My friend got the shrimp roll and gobbled it up quickly! The food was fresh, hot, flavorful. The service was great and valet parking service was free. I'd go back.

This popular yet quick & easy restaurant was the perfect place for us to go for a larger party that included kids. You should make reservations because it gets really busy for dinner with wait times up to 2 hours during certain days of the week/ weekend. We had an exceptional time & the food & service was truly flawless. We couldn't have asked for a better time out in the patio for our early dinner. The covered outdoor space is also great to take in the scene, boats, storefronts etc. really cute ambiance.

Great ambiance and service. The lobster roll was very good (warm/buttered) and the whole belly clams were delicious. Highly recommend.

Let's start with the good: Great customer service, friendly staff and kid friendly place! The space is really comfortable and laid back, lots of outside seating. Their french fries are McDonald's level good and the drinks we had, the bushwhacker and frozen strawberry, were great. Now the not so good: Food was just ok. The fried fish that comes with the fish and chips was really sad, under seasoned, definitely needed salt and was a combination of wet/soggy (the fish had a lot of water) and greasy. Overall, this is a beautiful hangout spot for drinks and relaxing but the food has much room for improvement.

Great spot in Woods Hole on the water. Food was very tasty and service great. Prices were competitive with other establishments in the area.

We been here multiple times in the last couple years and the food is very good. The atmosphere and staff are great. They have a lovely outdoor area. I recommend the swordfish or the seafood scampi!!! Definitely have chowder too! Yum!

Delicious fast service. Buffalo Cauliflower delicious and fish and. CHips may have been the best I've had in a looong time.

Amazing food! Weight staff was awesome! Right on the harbor it was absolutely beautiful. Love this place.

Very good. We were there on a Friday night, so they were busy. There were only 2 of us and it looked like we were going to get seated right away but there was some confusion and the next thing we knew, it was a 30 minute wait. It was a nice night, so no worries and our buzzer went off about 10-15 later anyway. Worth the wait regardless. I love a great atmosphere (which they have), great food and drinks (check) but to me the thing that can make or break a dining experience the most is the service. Our server, Maggie (Margaret), was a delight. Friendly, warm smile and on her game. Made our evening. The drinks were well made and a semi-decent beer selection (a few locals which I also like to try). We started with the stuffed quahog, which was good and the the chowder (very good). Our entrees were the baked sea scallops (a ton of scallops and good) and the lobster cake sandwich (like a crab cake only better). Stop in, you will enjoy.

There are 3 different parts of this restaurant to choose from and all of them are outstanding. The Shack outback is my personal favorite. Staff is attentive and consistent. Food was great portions and delicious. Lots of drinks to choose from as well. We will be back soon.

We had a really good experience. The restaurant was busy but our party of 5 was able to be seated without a reservation. We had oyster po boy, cup of chowder, wedge salad, buffalo chicken wrap. Seared tuna tacos, and a grilled chicken garden salad. All were really tasty. Drinks were delish too. Would come back the next time we are in the cape.

Had the best lobster roll here!! It was fantastic & the service was great! Highly recommended!

Second time there food was perfect. Service was decent, as they were trying to cut a table off not sure if it was due to the loudness of them as we sat near them and they were yelling along with two little one running around. It was a bit chilly inside but understandable with how hot it was outside.

Bar was great - not too loud. Started off with a fantastic NEIPA, The Cat's Meow (rated a 93 on beeradvocate.com) - I think I whiffed it down in 10 minutes (unusual for me). Clam chowder was the best I've ever had I think because of the fresh spices and everything chopped finely (no large chunks of potatoes). Side salad was good also. I was a bit disappointed with the seafood casserole as it only had 3 little shrimp, 4-1/2 little scallops and a small piece of haddock. However, the vegetable medley was outstanding - zucchini, carrots, broccoli, onions with balanced seasonings. Baked potato was fully cooked too (many times they are undercooked). They also serve a side order of a lobster-bisque-like sauce - very nice. Bar service was outstanding. Will definitely be back.

Let me say that that the Black Cat has been a long standing favorite of mine. I was very disappointed in the fact that all three bartenders were eating at the bar...sorry but, total turnoff to have your bartenders chomping while we're ordering our drinks. Just some feedback...

What a beautiful spot. I really enjoyed the nautical theme of the restaurant. There were a lot of great food options some very fairly priced. I enjoyed my tomato soup and turkey wrap while my husband got the tuna tacos.

Great lobster roll and fish and chips. So much lobster in the roll. We go every time we are in Hyannis.

This is a great casual place! They have outside seating, an indoor dining room , and great seating in the bar area. The restaurant is across the street from the Steamship Authority in Hyannis. We love eating on the high tops in the bar. The staff is great and attentive. The food is excellent - flavorful and fresh. The clam chowder is good - not too thick and plenty of clams. I had a porterhouse steak special. It was delicious - I asked for medium rare and it was medium rare! They have valet parking available. This is a great place!

We Enjoyed the tacos and the service was fantastic. Very nice ambience. This place reminded us of an old rustic Cape Cod New England restaurant.

Very good seafood ( I LOVED fried scallops in the seafood platter), big portions, friendly staff and quick service. We were said that the line is about 30 minutes but got seated in 2 minutes instead . The place is busy but pretty chill. The metered parking is right in front of the place!

Food was good as it always is. We had a very good time. Our server was great and we love the atmosphere! They were very busy but we waited only about 15 minutes. Only downside is they are a bit pricey.

Fish and chips were good. Big portion too with fries that were slender. If that makes sense. Cod was good. Didn't come with sides but had a sprinkle of veggies and enough flavor for itself. Clam chowder was the best we tried during our vacation. Was originally going for lobster cakes as meal but waiter suggested the lobster quesadilla instead... and it was light but tasty. Got a chicken shrimp stir fry to go, as well as another bowl of that chowder. Great first vacation dinner.

I would drive to the Cape from Boston in peak season just to have their lobster roll. They offer it New England (cold) and Connecticut (hot) style. Its a good portion and the lobster is delicious. It fittingly comes with cape cod chips. This place is a great fit for almost any group, inside is a little higher end with nautical decor but outside comes in 3 flavors from nice to what they lovingly call the "shack". Beyond the seafood (lobster roll, crab cakes and shrimp tacos are all a big hit in my family), the cocktail list is absolutely to die for. Peanut butte or Oreo mudslide? Yummm! There painkiller is one of the best I've had. Overall, would not miss this spot in Hyannis and would travel far to enjoy it!

My wife and I ate here on September 7th after going on a Whale Watch. Had some apps and two lobster rolls. The service was excellent and the food was well prepared and served. When my bill arrived I noticed a charge for "non cash" item on my bill. I questioned my server and was told there was a charge for not paying in cash. Complained that I was not advised of this and that in 2023 most everyone uses cards or cell phones to pay- NOT CASH. So the owner of this clip joint knows they will get about an extra 4% of almost everyone's bill. Will they next ad a surcharge for their electric and water bill also??? Don't go here until they stop ripping off their customers with this ridiculous gimmick.

We wanted to stop for a quick lunch near Hyannis Harbor. The Black Cat is across the street, with plenty of outdoor seating. The covered porch at the street level was lovely. We had a cute table for two. We both ordered the clam chowder, which was tasty (it was thicker than I favor, but the taste was good, and it came in their mug). We shared a Chicken Ceasar wrap, which also was good. We just needed a light lunch today because we have bigger plans for dinner, but this place hit the spot. Setvice was good.

Stopped in here recently to sit in the bar area and grab a drink while walking around on a cloudy afternoon. We have a black cat a home so as soon as we saw this place on the map, we knew we had to check it out. There are two side by side buildings that are both Black Cat. Apparently one is the tavern with a dining room and the other building is more of a patio with a walk up window. The walk up window is also where the merchandise is sold. We enjoyed friendly service from the bartenders on the tavern side as we sat at the bar. I love the cat art! We didn't order food as we'd just eaten at another spot everything we saw being delivered to tables looked amazing! We look forward to visiting again and trying menu items.

Our server, Bori, was wonderful and the hostess was as well. I had a great lobster roll. Everything was as expected, with one exception: a manager named Chris. When I arrived with my wife and 3 children, one a baby in a stroller, the first words out of his mouth when I spotted our table on the patio (my parents were already seated" was, "you can't bring that in -- You'll have to leave it out here." I responded with "I'm not leaving my baby on the sidewalk" and proceeded toward our table. He huffed like a petulant child and said "well you figure it out then and you can't block the walkway". I put the baby's stroller around the table as if she's part of the family, and was sure to keep her out of the walkway like I have at every restaurant I've ever been to as a parent. He then looked at my wife and said "I can't deal with him right now". My wife told him we could just leave if he'd like and he just gave her a snarky look as he walked inside. Honestly, I was blown away by this kind of treatment. Fortunately, the staff was blown away too as about 5 of them profusely apologized for their managers behavior and agreed that it was ridiculous. Frankly, the guy's lucky my kids were there or I would've taught him some manners.

Love the atmosphere! Very nautical. Service was quick and food was delicious. A pit pricey but worth it. Recommend the clam chowder!

The best Lobster Roll Sandwich I have ever eaten and I have been all over New England. Maine for sure and this restaurant absolutely has the best lobster roll. The restaurants on Nantucket couldn't compete. Their clams and chowders are yummy as well. We are here for several days and we are enjoying all our meals. Their scallops were tasty.

I haven't been to this restaurant in quite a few years and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the quality of the food and service has maintained. I had a wonderful dinner with a very friendly and knowledgeable waiter named Anton, who recommended several dishes and drinks, all of which lived up to his recommendations. They made an off menu salad for me, which was a Caesar salad topped with fried clams and it was fantastic, and came with a very healthy portion of clams. I can't wait to go back.