Bookstore & Restaurant

Service was above and beyond! Thank you Molly! Highly recommend the steamed little neck clams in wine/butter/tarragon. Be sure to order extra bread! Why this is listed as an appetizer is beyond me. It is a meal. Be sure to save room for dessert. We had a true, key lime pie and a delightful, biscuit style strawberry shortcake. The restaurant is charming both inside and out, if a bit on the noisy side. Highly recommend!

We have gone to the bookstore a few times in recent years. This last visit to my family we went twice. The first visit I got oysters with a Caesar salad, both were good, I liked the anchovies. The second visit my wife got the fish Ruben which was awesome and I got raw little necks and chowder. All the raw seafood was fresh. The chowder was great and I am very picky with my chowder. My wife also got the vegan bowl our first visit and she said she loved it. The place is very kid friendly and does have a few vegetarian options. Easy spot to hop onto the adjacent beach or playground with a little one. We will come again next time we visit.

We hadn’t been there in 35 years, but still the same. Steamers, oysters, and primarily fried seafood…very good. Broiled bluefish, tuna, etc. would have been welcomed, Drinks good. Beautiful ambience on Wellfleet harbor.

We stopped here one afternoon for an early dinner and were seated on the deck out front. Service was quick, friendly and knowledgeable. Kitchen service was very good. The happy hour selections are perfect. Small plate and good price as well. We noticed other people dining off the menu and everything we saw looked great. Big portions well presented too. We ordered a wide variety of specials. Fried oyster sliders, lobster raviolis, fried clam strips all were delicious. We also got some of the raw wellfleet oysters. They were fabulous. Weather permitting try the Outdoor seating , very nice. Definitely going back! Urban Cowgill Aug 2023

I was excited to try this place given all the rave reviews but… it really wasn’t very good. The chowder is quite thick, but not super flavorful. The other items, hot lobster roll, fish sandwich and mussels were all just okay. I’m all for traveling for good food, but this isn’t it. Best part? The playground next door.

Update: all my previous comments still stand. This time dining from the lower deck, I can say there are glimpses of the water between cars parked across the street. Nice shade on the lower deck. Vegetarian was very happy with the rice and broiled cauliflower dish, so rich in many artfully prepped vegetables. Chicken tenders were plentiful and not greasy. Po' boy oysters again not greasy with toasted roll with greens and sauce. Broiled cod was gobbled up. Friendly attentive staff. Vast views of the harbor from the outside decks. Bring your shades and a brimmed hat if dining outside around sunset. Bring a sweater as the breeze can take on a chill once the sun goes down. Cozy rustic feel inside. Get the famed Welfleet Oysters. Try a cocktail. Food perfectly cooked. Order carefully as some dishes are so deliciously rich so you might not fit dessert. Sharp staff with respect to allergies. Server checked with chef to be sure no allergens were part of the chowder stock.

We drove an hour from Plymouth to Wellfleet for a special dinner and prior to that we stopped in here for drinks. The atmosphere was lively, and the servers were extremely attentive and friendly. We sat outside overlooking the harbor and it was so much fun.

Food was good and a shockingly wide variety, cocktails were perfect, service was friendly and on point. We sat in the bar area and though it was full, it was not loud or uncomfortable. Not a full 5* establishment for me because they have a large sign that makes it clear dogs of any size are not allowed anywhere on the premises, including their outdoor patio. The other letdown was that the attached bookstore, the restaurant’s namesake, is permanently closed. So I guess the current owners aren’t dog people or book people…. 🤷‍♀️

A Culinary Tale from the Enchanted Bookstore Restaurant on the Ocean's Edge "The Bookstore Restaurant is not just a dining experience; it is a voyage of flavors. The Clam Chowder is a treasure, and the Apple Cider a spellbinding potion. If you find yourself in Wellfleet, this is a destination you cannot miss!" These words, penned by Captain 619 all the way from the West Coast, rang in my ears as I made my way to this culinary haven nestled along the rugged coastline of Wellfleet, Massachusetts. In a realm where the ocean kisses the shore and the salty breeze carries whispers of seafaring legends, the Bookstore Restaurant beckons weary travelers and spirited adventurers alike. Here, one does not merely dine; one embarks on a gastronomic quest woven from the very fabric of tales untold. As I entered this wondrous establishment, I was enveloped by the rich aromas of simmering secrets and sweet delights, igniting a sense of anticipation that danced in my heart. The atmosphere buzzed with the lively chatter of fellow diners, each savoring their own culinary adventures. Among the legendary dishes whispered about in hushed tones, the Bookstore Clam Chowder stood as the crown jewel of the menu. It was said to be crafted from the freshest treasures of the ocean, a potion of creamy enchantment that would warm even the coldest of hearts. When the bowl was presented to me, it shimmered like a magical artifact, its surface adorned with a swirl of golden cream, flecked with herbs that spoke of distant shores. With each spoonful, I was transported to a maritime adventure; the briny essence of the clams mingled with the richness of the broth, weaving a tapestry of flavors that sang of the sea. The tender morsels of lobster, red as the setting sun, joined the symphony, infusing the chowder with an opulence that felt almost regal. It was a dish that told a tale of fishermen battling tempestuous waves and mermaids weaving spells beneath the stars. But the journey did not end there, for the Bookstore Restaurant is also renowned for its elixir of autumn--an Apple Cider infused with a common stick, which, upon closer inspection, revealed itself to be a cinnamon wand. As I took a sip, the warmth of the cider enveloped me like a cozy cloak, its sweetness tempered by the gentle spice of the cinnamon. Each drop was a celebration of the harvest, a reminder of crisp mornings and the rustle of leaves beneath one's feet. It was as if the very essence of fall had been captured and poured into my goblet, a potion to ward off the chill and ignite the spirit. During my visit, I had the distinct honor of meeting Carol, one of the owners. Her passion for the culinary arts and her deep connection to the ocean was palpable, as she regaled me with tales of the ingredients sourced from local fishermen and farmers. It was clear that every dish served at the Bookstore Restaurant was a labor of love, a reflection of the land and sea that surrounds it. As I savored these ethereal creations, I realized that the Bookstore Restaurant was not just a place to nourish the body but a realm where flavors wove together the fabric of stories. It is a sanctuary where each dish carries the weight of history and the promise of adventure, inviting all who enter to become part of its ever-unfolding narrative. In conclusion, should you find yourself wandering along the ocean's edge in Wellfleet, seek out the Bookstore Restaurant. Allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of the Clam Chowder and the warmth of the Apple Cider. For within these walls, every meal is a chapter, every flavor a line of poetry, and every sip a step deeper into a world of culinary fantasy.

It's been around a long time, and this is it. With two levels, there are plenty of seats to accommodate many customers. We last dined here long ago, and some things have changed. We sat upstairs for the first time on our recent visit, and the interior looked quite pleasant. I opted for the chicken parm, which was pretty tasty from the inside out. It comes in a pretty significant portion, and thankfully, I was able to finish it all up. I can't imagine how popular this dish is. Our waitress was accommodating throughout the whole evening, and I greatly appreciated it. The next mission is to check out the bookstore.

Solid spot to relax after a day at the beach and enjoy a variety of seafood dishes. Bookstore & Restaurant is a step up from the typical hole in the wall seafood on the beach places but maintains the casual atmosphere. We enjoyed the food here. The Yellowtail tuna nachos were excellent - large portion for the price and the Asian flavors were spot on as were the thick pita like chips that came with the dish. Large enough to be an entree or shared with several people. The fish sandwich featured fresh fish that was quite tasty but very hard to eat. It didn't contain the usual thick batter breading that holds the fish together so the super flaky fish fell a part when you eat it with your hands so I had to go fork and knife. That said it isn't heavily fried so you don't have a greasy mess. The restaurant is quite large so it can accommodate large groups and families with kids. You can have a nicer more formal dining experience inside or relax by the bar or outdoor deck for the casual beach dining experience. Service was okay and the food came out fast. They have a large parking lot as well.

Wow, what a experience. Awesome server, we sat and sat and laughed!! The food was fabulous but the service and company - best in the world. Best fried scollops on the cape. Bonus: they are open in Early April.

Fresh fish well prepared (also a wide, varied menu), veggies not overcooked mush, friendly and efficient service... and water views from one of the two decks. (There's an indoor dining room, too) Lively, happening bar scene (separate from the other dining rooms).

Fabulous service, delicious food, incredible view from the patio. One of our favorite places on the Cape! The shrimp tacos are out of this world and the onion rings are a must to share with the rest of your party.

I have always enjoyed this restaurant in the past but when I went today I was very disappointed. Menu is now very similar to all the tourist trap on Route 6. It is a shame because it is in an awesome location. The staff are friendly and the place is clean. The food is mostly fried and pretty expensive for what it is. Unfortunately, I probably won't be back.

Great views of the Wellfleet Harbor from Mayo Beach. We sat on the upstairs deck and all 4 had seafood. The service was slow and our waitress was not good. So more atmosphere VS good service. The long wait for food gave us time to chat and enjoy the view.

We had a great time there tonight. Something for everyone on the menu. I love a place that takes pride in their cocktails. Beautiful stemware, nice garnish, homemade creations. My oyster po boy was a winner.

Came for lunch after a very successful morning of bird watching. They have outside, inside, upstairs seating e we other a great water view. Staff was very nice and service excellent. the wife started with a Bloody Mary and I had a blood orange Margarita. The margarita was okay, bloody was good. Then the wife ordered the roasted beet salad. Our lovely server brought extra plates without asking. The salad was huge and delicious. Next we had steamers and fried oysters. The steamers were good and the oysters very good. We actually took 6 oysters home for a snack tonight. Very nice place. Sorry no pictures of the beet salad. It looked so good, we ate half before thinking about a picture. It had beets, avocado, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and greens with a vinegarette.

Best lobster roll I've ever had! Service was amazing, location is beautiful sitting outside with a nice breeze! Exactly what vacation should feel like!

We've walked passed this place for years and then we decided to have dinner here. We got there early and by 6 pm the line was on the street. We did not have a reservation - just came about 5:30. The menu is unique. It offers so many fresh choices that it was a touch decision - however I got my lobster roll here. It was big pieces of lobster great portions and French fries. Same price as everywhere but this was the real deal. Service was prompt but not rushed. A great place for late afternoon and then a walk to ice cream on the port. This is a keeper. And the prices were great!

Hopping on a Sunday night - before season has even started! We had to wait to be seated but were made comfortable until a table opened. Had a delicious meal of mussels and appetizers. Great, fresh seafood in a casual setting with fast and friendly waitstaff.

Only tasty food was the clam chowder (which was really good). Everything else awful and expensive. Potato skins burned to a black dusty crisp. Fried fisherman's feast was tiny for $40. If I hadn't got an appetizer it would have literally not been enough food. None of it was seasoned, so the fries and cod were just bad. The crab cake appetizer wasn't really tasty, something less than generic. Swordfish sandwich wasn't anything special either, but had a tasty tartar sauce to redeem it. Waitress was ok. At first I thought she was working people to order more food, but she was just correct, all the portion sizes were tiny. Also didn't get great refills. Restaurant is pretty nice so I guess there's that!

Lovely restaurant, beautiful setting. Excellent Caesar salad, tasty sangria & delicious key lime pie (with fresh whipped cream!). Sirloin steak cooked medium, as requested, but had too much gristle. Would not order that again. Waiter Jamie was very nice, professional. Would definitely go again.

We eat here every summer and it never disappoints. The seafood is great and their house salad with their homemade cranberry vinaigrette is my favorite! I wish I could bottle that stuff and take it home. Love to eat on the upper deck and enjoy the views of the harbor/Mayo beach.

This place has been around since I was a child and I've been going ever since. Nothing beats sitting there for a drink and some great seafood while looking out over the harbor and Great Island

This was our first time here and I was pleasantly surprised that on a Sunday night in the middle of summer they were able to get us seated right away. We sat on the deck with insane winds, but it was the kind of wind where you think you're on a rollercoaster minus the nausea. I decided to get a rum based drink, which was delicious in its tropical goodness. The Oyster Po Boy was also pretty good, it was my first time having fried oysters and the bread helped counteract the fried breading. Later in the night my stomach was quite upset so that is why it was given four stars. Also got a chance to watch the sunset. I would recommend, but would caution against eating all the fried oysters at once, unless you wanna risk an upset stomach!

We came twice in two days. Despite a plan to order both the hot and cold lobster rolls, my spouse went rogue and ordered the caprese croissant. It wasn't bod, but the balsamic reduction is too much and should be rested on the side. Frankly, anything tomato related in august is lovely. The hot lobster roll was good - not phenomenal, but I enjoyed it. Skip the lemoncello cake, it's too sweet. The location is lovely. Nicolina was an attentive server.

Reasonable food in a comfortable setting. The beer list and menu options offer an opportunity to have a pleasant meal. The service is attentive.

We tried the bookstore and glad we did . Usually we go to the nearby beachcomber but it is so hard to get in there The food was excellent the clams were so fresh. There is free parking and a beautiful beach across the street. If you have children there is also a playground and skateboard park next door. Downstairs is a beautiful bar with a nice view of the ocean

Amazing! Lovely service, gorgeous view, and delicious food!! I had the grilled swordfish tacos and they were lovely. My mother swears by the beet salad, and my dad loved the seafood Reuben. My partner had the duck confit sandwich special and it was phenomenal. A real 10/10 place.

This is one of my favorite restaurants on Cape Cod, I go there every year and I always have the Oysters Rockefeller which is Five Wellfleet oysters baked with a blend of spinach, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs and topped with mozzarella cheese! You will NEVER have fresher oysters as these oysters are caught right across the street in the Famous Wellfleet Bay! They are absolutely delicious!

Went with friends. We had a table on the second floor porch and the the view was incredible. The service was friendly and pleasant. I ordered raw oysters- which were fresh and delicious. I also had a bowl of clam chowder- just terrific. Everyone was happy with their food -and what a view! Would happily recommend!

Great view and tasty food. We dined on the top floor because of the view. Excellent spicy Bloody Mary. Seasonal restaurant, had great service and meal in the off season!

I really used to love this restaurant and I still like it but the menu has been made smaller and the prices have gone through the roof. The price for a cup of chowder was way beyond reasonable. I understand that costs have gone up but the level of increase requires better food than what I was served. The house side salad was a generous portion and quite frankly the highlight of my meal. My wife enjoyed the beet salad with a huge piece of over cooked salmon. I want to love this place again and I'm happy to pay more for broader offering. Bring back the Portuguese Stew!!! It feels more like a tourist trap than the local, welcoming and delicous restaurant it used to be.

Service was good, Lobster roll and oysters were excellent. Pitcher of Margs was really disappointing. The ice was already half melted and there was hardly any flavor or tequila in it. Absolutely not worth the $40.

Best lobster roll on my trip. The hot lobster roll was amazing and the potato salad delicious as well. I recommend the hot lobster roll!

After a few years we decided to try it once more. And again it is still worth the visit. The fish was fresh. Everything was caught that day or the day before. We had a wonderful Pan-Cooked Tuna which was moist, Sweet and Sour as if it was maid in Japan. It was idea. We also had orders of fried Shrimp, Scallops, Cod, and Salmon. All we ideal. We even started with salads and an order of Oyster Rockefeller which had garlic, spinach and a flavor of lemon. This was nice to have. The places was packed. We had to wait 30 minutes to get in. It took us 2 and a half hours to eat. The staff was nice. A bit slow at times and they needed some help. But the chef was good and that did help. The place sits right on the water and it is a good view. Maybe ages ago there was a bookstore in it. That store sits a mile away. Such is the location. Enjoy.

Very friendly staff. Nice water views. They make some interesting fish dishes. I recommend the Mexican baked cod. My wife loves their mussels.

Oyster po' boy was good and def loaded with oysters! Chicken tenders were...ok. Very friendly staff here and it's in a great location by the beach with outdoor tables.

On a cool, drizzly and windy day (today), we went for lunch. We were greeted and taken to a table upstairs, right beside a very loud family and occasionally screaming child. To be fair, the entire room was very loud. shortly after we were seated and I put my bag down on the carpeted floor, someone came over and squished themselves between the two tables and started sweeping around my bag. To be fair, it needed it, there was a mess I hadn't noticed before putting my bag down, and apparently the waitress hadn't noticed before she seated us. After a few minutes, I realized I could not sit through a whole meal with the noise and chaos, and told my boyfriend we needed to leave. When we came downstairs, I noticed how much quieter it was, and asked the hostess if we could just sit down there. So we stayed, I ordered a hot orange herbal tea (perfect for a cold day) and had the #vegan "jamaican bowl" which looked colorful, but also looked like it had been put together by someone who took a guess at what a vegan dish might look like. There was little protein in the dish. It basically looked like someone took a plate, put a side of salsa, a side of coleslaw, some mushy but acceptable sweet potatoes, and two full stalks of bok choy cooked on a plate and then stuck some rice with a few peas in the center of it. The bok choy was tasty, but hard to cut with the butter knife I had been given. I probably should have asked for a steak knife. The rice & salsa were ok, but I don't really like raw cabbage, so I skipped the cole slaw. If I were to go to the restaurant again, I would probably order the veggie burger instead. My boyfriend ordered a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich and fries and enjoyed it. Our (second) waitress was good. The overall experience for me was sort of like the weather "blah". PS - Where's the books?

Love the location and food was good, but service was lacking. We sat on the upstairs patio and enjoyed our view. Our server did not seem educated on the menu. We ordered a few cocktails and some appetizers, but one appetizer came out with entrees instead. The steamers were good, but served with unsalted butter. We added our own salt, which made it much more enjoyable and flavorful. I ordered the burger with lobster and it was yummy. Clam chowder was also good and so was the oyster po boy.

We come to Wellfleet every year, but we'd never tried this restaurant. My son was craving mussels, so we got a table. The restaurant was busy, but they seated us within 20 minutes, so that was great. The table was sticky and they don't set the table before seating you. They have no kids' menus or crayons or anything. We ordered the mussels and they were good - the kids devoured them. The portion is large, but the mussels are small. The kids also enjoyed their burgers, though they don't give many fries or much ketchup. I ordered the baked cod - it was boring. I definitely wanted something on the healthier side, but it was not flavorful. My husband ordered the fish sandwich with fries, and they gave him the fish tacos instead, which he just ate because "they were his 2nd choice!" I tried some, and they were tasty. Service was quick, but not friendly. I don't think we'll eat here again, but we might get takeout for the kids.

The atmosphere and service is excellent here. This is our go-to restaurant. I find it funny that people wait for the a/c room. There's always a breeze from the bay. The food is so delicious and the happy hour apps.... don't get me started. What you see in my post are two of the dishes from this menu.

To preface this review, I'm a self-proclaimed food snob that spent 15 years living in Queens, New York City (which has some of the best food in the country). My food standards are VERY high. The Bookstore is SOLID! A friend told me this place has her all time favorite clam chowder, so I had to see for myself. I tried it, and I confirm that it's best New England clam chowder I've ever had! My sister who dislikes seafood also liked it. She ordered a salad, which was so tasty. I'm taking one star away for the underwhelming fish sandwich on rye with Swiss. The fish was good but the sandwich as a whole was as underwhelming. The side of potato salad was fantastic, however. In conclusion, I would encourage anyone to eat at the Bookstore!

We've been coming here since I was a kid and it's been up and down. It's okay, prices the same as everywhere else. Nothing special. It's very loud inside so if you are looking for a quiet atmosphere this is not the place. Went here a few nights ago and it was okay, food was cold, not much flavor. Next time we will skip it and go somewhere else.

Hands down the freshest, most delicious Wellfleet oysters, plus a heaping bowl of steamers! All with a view of the oyster flats across the street. If only I could carry you home in my pocket

One of our go to places on the outer cape, great service and food. Came with a party of 8, 5 minute wait and food came out very fast.

I've been here numerous times. They have great outside and upper deck seating with a water view. The food is consistently good. I tend to bring visitors here because they have a good variety on their menu and outdoor seating. Staff is always friendly. The inside atmosphere is nothing special so sitting outside is preferred. I recently had their beet salad and it was so delicious!! It's definitely worth a try!

Nice view of Mayo beach. Plenty of parking options. Menu is diverse and food is good and servings plentiful. You can't go wrong with the menu - something for everyone. Be prepared to wait during peak hours.

Reading great literature while enjoying - great-tasting vegan burgers and fresh seafood (while taking in a great view) all came together for my husband Dave & me @ the delightful Bookstore & Restaurant in Wellfleet @ the Cape. And to top it off, we experienced GREAT service from the amazing waitress Molly. We recommend the fried clams, scallops, lobster, & baked cod. Everything was tasty, well seasoned, and quickly brought to our table warm and aromatic. It was a treat to sit on the second floor outdoor porch where we enjoyed watching the boats, hearing sea birds, and feeling a refreshing breeze on a warm summer night. Some restaurants stay in your mind as a place to return. Certainly this memorable bookstore restaurant, right across from the beach, is such a place.

We've been coming to the Bookstore Restaurant for lunch for years and always enjoyed it. Today not so much. We ordered a dozen oysters as an app ; they came very quickly and were not cold. They were huge.. but something was not right about them. The shells were green and they just tasted off. Maybe they were opened earlier and had sat for too long? A real turn off. My husband ordered the soft shell crab sandwich, as it is a favorite of his...he said it was just ok. The breading was too thick and the crab was cut up; not served whole. Odd. I ordered the cauliflower tacos which came cold. Beverages were coffee ( awful) and husband had a beer. The bill came to $100!!! We realize prices are up everywhere, but this meal did not warrant that price! Very disappointing; we will not return!

amazing food and amazing waitress!! so friendly and the outdoor dining was perfect. food came out relatively fast and our waitress always checked in on us to make sure our experience was great. strongly recommend the lobster gnocchi... it's all homemade so make sure u get it! don't miss out on this place, you won't regret it!!

Excellent food and service. The establishment was full of locals and tourists and the staff did not skip a beat. You can not beat the view of Welfleet harbor. We are frequent flyers and would highly recommend this great restaurant. Everything on the menu is outstanding.

Mid afternoon lunch in November with a spectacular low tide sun glistening view. Started with a nice Bloody Mary and Devils Purse Ale. Half dozen Wellfleet oysters. Excellent. From the oyster farm in front of restaurant. I ordered chicken wings as I am a wings addict. Great chunky blue cheese. But a bit too much hot sauce. He had an outstanding fish sandwich. Nearby hot lobster rolls looked good. Interior, old fashioned cafe style. Great windows and porch seating when a tad warmer. We were glad we gave this place a try. The snack bar by harbor was closed and this was open. A pleasure for us.

This place is disgusting, before you order walk out to the rest rooms and see how they leave food laying around. Oysters were previously opened and not good. Chicken fingers are low quality. Save your money avoid this place.

For a week down the cape in prime time we were so excited that there was no wait when we arrived for dinner around 7pm. Service was great. We were seated on the upper deck overlooking the water. Food was good, only one complaint which was the vegetables weren't cooked enough and were a little hard however some people prefer them that way. Excellent meal, excellent location!

Overrated and overpriced. Only view of the bay is a parking lot blocking the view. Ordered strawberry shortcake dessert, turned out to be a few sliced strawberries on a buttermilk biscuit. No cake whatsoever and definately not strawberry shortcake. And not worth 10 bucks.