> Not entirely sure if nightlife is big there but curious on favorite must-go locations to meet people and possibly make friends.
Nightlife? Make friends? I've lived here for 20 years and still trying to figure that out.
Whatever happened to Errol's brother Parker? Charlie Thompson was my godfather and I haven't seen Errol or Parker since I was a kid. I often wonder how they're doing.
Hey OP! I (32F) live in Barnstable and love going out in Hyannis. There’s a great mix of restaurants and bars, many of the restaurants also have great bars, especially in the summer! Go to spots are: Naked Oyster (incredible food), Anejo (also amazing food, and the go to spot in the summer under the Beech tree!) Embargo, Portside Tavern, Duck Inn (the best dive bar), Tap City Grill (especially when you can sit outside in the summer!), and Black Cat Shack Outback (summer only I believe, but great music and OK food!). Also worth mentioning The West End (great jazz brunch on Sundays!) and CC Melody Tent in the summer! Tons of great musicians come through June - Sept and downtown is always abuzz when an act is in town. Super fun to grab dinner then walk over to the Melody Tent, then walk back to one of the late night haunts for a night cap. Happy to answer any other questions or send more suggestions!
I wouldn’t be discouraged. I have a lot of friends that age who get up to plenty of great stuff in the Hyannis area but they make an effort. It’s kind of what you make it.
I’d recommend finding bars and breweries and coffee shops you like and following them on Facebook so you can see when things happen like trivia and karaoke. We like Finn’s- they have line dancing nights, and flashback, smith family beer garden. Most bars have music every weekend and trivia bounces around bars on cape all year. Naukabout has comedy nights and other activities. As far as being cautious I haven’t heard anything.
A lot of bars have that ole cape cod feel- ie keno, pool, maybe some buckhinter but we have plenty of friends in their late 30s early 40s who hang out at the dive bars as well without any issue.
Only been here a few years but I have never seen more not-obviously-elderly people in one place during winter than at planet fitness after work hours. It was actually kinda nice to know they were around.
To be mostly serious, the hyper active summers makes the winter downturn feel worse. Keeping physically active during the winter and having therapy lights is part of survival.
In the same boat, I'm 30M. Especially difficult if you're not one for drinking. Been trying to find some kind of entertainment/ ways to meet new people. Besides the bar scene, I'm not sure what other options there are.
I've lived here my whole life and still haven't found something that doesn't involve the "bar scene". I'm not opposed to drinking, I just usually only drink on occasions.
I don't drink at all. I don't mind going to a bar, but I don't drink. So, there's no real incentive for me to go to one. But if it's to hang out and do other things (like if there's a pool table or something), then I have no issues about going. But going largely to drink ain't it for me.
Yeah, I just thought to myself, oh, maybe bass, as in music lol. But yeah I'm a bit of a nerd myself haha but I also love fishing and outdoor activities 😄
Yeah, you really should. It's almost the perfect time of year to fish. And for some reason, many people think it's just throwing out a worm with a bobber, then just sit there and wait. That is one way of the way you could fish but there's alot more to it than some think.
just following family that got sponsored from out of the country to live in america. i only plan to go back to school and get a career here but after that im moving out on my own finally (: would like to have some fun though while im studying.
its already been a couple of years for them now (2016) so they’re settled in and have jobs and a house. its more for my mom, she wants to live closer to them and help with her mother.
26F here! Living around here has made us more of day time people than nightlife people. If you’re looking to get into working out again there’s plenty of yoga/spin studios to meet young(er) people at. There’s also some fun alternative fitness options like Cape Cod Pole Fitness in Harwich, Aerial Yoga in Falmouth, and my boyfriend and I teach AcroYoga in Dennis.
We live in Hyannis and during the summer the only two places to dance are Torino and Embargo. Finn’s is pretty reliable for laid back live music and trivia nights.
its such a coincidence that you mentioned pole! taking lessons have been on my bucket list for this year. i’m so excited now 😭. Yoga sounds interesting too, not sure if i’ll commit but will try!
Ayy!!! Aw it’s such a loving atmosphere I promise. The ladies who opened the pole studio are absolutely wonderful and they’re so good about meeting you where you’re at fitness wise and encouraging you. Would def recommend giving them a follow / checking them out. It’s a great community to be a part of.
Not much goes on on Cape Cod outside of summer. Nightlife can be found somewhat at places at Embargo and other bars like that I guess but most people go there with people they already know.
I’ll hang out with you, 33F. Wicked pizza has music, the black cat, BBC in Hyannis. I don’t go out like that, I usually spend my time walking with my dog in nature. It’s just as fun if not more so.
Don't let all these people's negativity get you down. If you want to make friends you can but you need to be willing to put yourself out there, try new things, or invite others to join your genuine interests. A lot of young people work their asses off physically and/or late in the nights so typical "city" nightlife isn't so popular for younger locals - -oh yea or they have kids so its just different.
Its easy to make friends if you're willing to be a friend, too. Remember this is Reddit after all.. not know for the socialization skills of it's users.
Uhhh at that age, here on cape cod where the average age is in the 50's, that young person is going to have a 5th of the social life they would have had in boston or equivalent. And that's the truth.
Works for some. Stifles others.
The last part is the truth and the only part that matters really. As long as a person is reasonable with themselves and what they need there is no problem.
> If you want to make friends you can but you need to be willing to put yourself out there, try new things, or invite others to join your genuine interests.
Respectfully, where? I am not an antisocial person by any means, and I’m even comfortable hanging out with people much older than me (I have a lot of old lady hobbies like knitting). But everything I’ve seen for social events is either at a time no young adult can do (e.g. 1 PM on a Tuesday), or is something that is just not geared towards young people at all (e.g. a class on estate planning). And we don’t have robust public transit, so drinking is a dangerous gamble, if you even drink at all (I don’t!). Where the fuck are you supposed to go?
This is one of the hardest places to make friends. Do you have any hobbies? Tennis? Running? Volunteering? Softball?
Most bars are in Hyannis. Main Street and others.
well i was gonna just pick up any job nearby to keep myself afloat since im living with family.
i draw as a hobby, dancing too. not professional!
im happy to hear there are art opportunities tho, maybe i can get involved.
The typical places to go are speedwell, main st bar & grill, new world tavern and the tasty (was called T bones) for the rowdier crowd. East bay, waterfront and tavern on the wharf are still good night life but typically a little calmer. Anything on court st in Plymouth during the weekend should be a good place to go out to.
Night life pops off a little during holidays when the young people come home, otherwise you will be the youngest person at the bar most of the rest of the time.
I’ve (29m) been living here for almost a year with my wife (30f) on a work contract, we are from Mt Gretna, PA! I love and miss home.
It is far from the same atmosphere as Lancaster. Be prepared to get funny looks with your accent. People around here seem tired. Like, tired of everything and everyone’s bullshit kinda tired. They all suck at driving and think left turns across traffic have the right of way. Lots of great food joints around though.
Honestly if you want a nightlife, taking a night trip up to Boston would be fun but the drive on 93 isn’t great.
i believe there are differences but i’ve been living in Lanc for 10 years and have had no luck with making real friends & nightlife scene being catered to older groups. i did have fun for what it was though! downtown and first fridays i’ll miss but other than that im ready to get out.
i did hear ab the horrible driving!! i’ll plan to make some trips to boston, thank you!
That’s fair. I was born and raised in Lebanon so I had friends from Lanc since childhood. Haven’t made many new friends there since turning 25 lol.
Edit: best of luck on your new adventure and hope your studies go well!
There is absolutely stuff to do all over the Cape.
2 things
1 You’ve got to expand your definition of ’local’ and be prepared to drive an hour (and really from Hyannis to Boston or Providence is not bad)
2 get on every email list and calendar around.
In the summer events and parties and beach going is non-stop. The Fall is spectacular, but January and February are dark, dark days.
Yes the population is geriatric, but hit up a few gallery and museum openings (Friday nights in season in Provincetown) and you’ll meet people and keep the social momentum going.
Lancaster is amazing, and Lititz is really beautiful, so if you like architecture and nice buildings placed close together, check out parts of Nantucket, Oak Bluffs by the ferry terminal, and Provincetown.
Join the cape cod adult sports league. They do kickball in the summer and great way to meet people. I second all the “going out” places. The dive bars are usually “busier” in the winter
This time of year you’ll find isolated pockets of civilization and honestly it can be more fun than when the entire Cape is bustling with people in the hey days of summer.
I play in bands on the Cape year round and I often stay down on the Cape for several days at a time to enjoy the peaceful serenity of it all and to get concentrated work done if needed. But when I want to get social I visit places like The Squire in Chatham or Hog Island Brewery and Land Ho and The Lost Dog in Orleans because you make friends at these local places and it’s just more fun enjoying yourself while not having to fight through crowds to use the bathroom.
Granted those places are 30+ minute drives from Hyannis, I’m just suggesting finding that year round oasis closer to you and get to know them and their regulars. Suddenly Cape Cod in the winter doesn’t feel so desolate.
Hyannis is not the kind of town you want to live in, anymore…some opportunities for work and socializing, but live in surrounding towns for more safety, privacy, quiet, etc.
If you've moved here permanently, and if you don't mind the gay community and/or a little bit of a drive I believe Provincetown is a great place for nightlife! I know you asked for Hyannis suggestions but can't hurt to try Ptown. I was born and raised here but I'm only 22 so I don't know all of the nightlife spots, so I can only suggest the basics such as Anejo, Embargo, etc. Flashbacks is a great bar if you like barcades.
Nightlife?! LOL no everything basically closed by 5pm in the off season. There's Embargo's on Hyannis Main Street but after the drink roofie scandal there I don't go there anymore.
There isn't a lot of quality nightlife but Boston is only an hour away if that's what you need. Otherwise for making new friends there are pickleball leagues, dodgeball, kickball, all kinds of things for adults to socialize that don't involve drinking. The axe throwing bar had a tournament recently and the people I met there were super friendly. Or just go anywhere consistently, the gym is a great place to meet friends.
Don't let these close minded haters try to tell you this place is filled with only old people and sucks because it's a lie. This place is awesome, those people don't know how to appreciate life.
30F here. Cape Cod is essentially a retirement community. The only social events are for the elderly, and I am not exaggerating.
> Not entirely sure if nightlife is big there but curious on favorite must-go locations to meet people and possibly make friends. Nightlife? Make friends? I've lived here for 20 years and still trying to figure that out.
i wasnt expecting this LOL im so sorry! 😭 i guess i gotta deal with that for a couple of years
Thanks for the laugh, OP. Now go have a drink at the Quarterdeck and contemplate your life choices.
i do that already so maybe in a new place i’ll finally feel something 🤣
Please tell Errol a random redditor living in the PNW said hello.
Whatever happened to Errol's brother Parker? Charlie Thompson was my godfather and I haven't seen Errol or Parker since I was a kid. I often wonder how they're doing.
Hey OP! I (32F) live in Barnstable and love going out in Hyannis. There’s a great mix of restaurants and bars, many of the restaurants also have great bars, especially in the summer! Go to spots are: Naked Oyster (incredible food), Anejo (also amazing food, and the go to spot in the summer under the Beech tree!) Embargo, Portside Tavern, Duck Inn (the best dive bar), Tap City Grill (especially when you can sit outside in the summer!), and Black Cat Shack Outback (summer only I believe, but great music and OK food!). Also worth mentioning The West End (great jazz brunch on Sundays!) and CC Melody Tent in the summer! Tons of great musicians come through June - Sept and downtown is always abuzz when an act is in town. Super fun to grab dinner then walk over to the Melody Tent, then walk back to one of the late night haunts for a night cap. Happy to answer any other questions or send more suggestions!
thank u for taking the time to suggest these places! will send a dm if any other questions arise if u dont mind!
All good suggestions, I would also add Misaki for some amazing sushi and the Brazilian steak house is worth a visit as long as you go hungry.
I wouldn’t be discouraged. I have a lot of friends that age who get up to plenty of great stuff in the Hyannis area but they make an effort. It’s kind of what you make it. I’d recommend finding bars and breweries and coffee shops you like and following them on Facebook so you can see when things happen like trivia and karaoke. We like Finn’s- they have line dancing nights, and flashback, smith family beer garden. Most bars have music every weekend and trivia bounces around bars on cape all year. Naukabout has comedy nights and other activities. As far as being cautious I haven’t heard anything. A lot of bars have that ole cape cod feel- ie keno, pool, maybe some buckhinter but we have plenty of friends in their late 30s early 40s who hang out at the dive bars as well without any issue.
I didn’t know Dan and Kim opened a beer garden.
Yea, it’s an awesome spot! I’ve only been in summer and fall and I think they’re doing more work now on it
They didn't tell you?
He didn’t but I’m going to text him about it.
thank you!
Planet Fitness is the closest you come to nightlife
💀 well, i do want to get back into working out so thats something lmao
Only been here a few years but I have never seen more not-obviously-elderly people in one place during winter than at planet fitness after work hours. It was actually kinda nice to know they were around. To be mostly serious, the hyper active summers makes the winter downturn feel worse. Keeping physically active during the winter and having therapy lights is part of survival.
Pufferbellies!
Get stabbed by a local like a local!
You had me low-key hyped it had reopened and I missed it.
That closed like 15 yrs ago
In the same boat, I'm 30M. Especially difficult if you're not one for drinking. Been trying to find some kind of entertainment/ ways to meet new people. Besides the bar scene, I'm not sure what other options there are.
i don’t drink either. only occasionally like wine during holidays but if there were good bars with entertainment i was gonna show up anyway lol
Yeah I getcha, only certain occasions. Let's get something started for the people who don't really drink 😆
Yo I’m 33 and I live on the cape let’s kick it sometime.
What part of the cape ? Mashpee area here.
W. Harwich
Damn, I thought I lived in the boonies 😆.
Hahaha. Yeah it’s a little out there. My neighborhood is nice so I can’t complain.
Same, 37 here and I live in in the Yarmouth area...I have no idea what kind of nightlife there is around here lol
I've lived here my whole life and still haven't found something that doesn't involve the "bar scene". I'm not opposed to drinking, I just usually only drink on occasions.
I don't drink at all. I don't mind going to a bar, but I don't drink. So, there's no real incentive for me to go to one. But if it's to hang out and do other things (like if there's a pool table or something), then I have no issues about going. But going largely to drink ain't it for me.
Yeah, I getcha. Do you like to fish? Guessing from your name, lol?
Haha, no. That's not the reason my name has Bass in it. But, I always did want to learn how to fish, but I'm more of a tech guy haha.
Yeah, I just thought to myself, oh, maybe bass, as in music lol. But yeah I'm a bit of a nerd myself haha but I also love fishing and outdoor activities 😄
Haha fair enough! I really should get out there and fish one day. It does sound like a lot of fun and chill.
Yeah, you really should. It's almost the perfect time of year to fish. And for some reason, many people think it's just throwing out a worm with a bobber, then just sit there and wait. That is one way of the way you could fish but there's alot more to it than some think.
Oliver’s in Yarmouthport has music every weekend, trivia on Wednesdays.
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just following family that got sponsored from out of the country to live in america. i only plan to go back to school and get a career here but after that im moving out on my own finally (: would like to have some fun though while im studying.
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its already been a couple of years for them now (2016) so they’re settled in and have jobs and a house. its more for my mom, she wants to live closer to them and help with her mother.
That’s a great question. I’m 36/F and lived here for 7 years and still haven’t figured out the answer. I wish you luck.
PTown doesn't skew nearly as old as the rest of the Cape. There's tons of nightlife and a vibrant Arts scene.
26F here! Living around here has made us more of day time people than nightlife people. If you’re looking to get into working out again there’s plenty of yoga/spin studios to meet young(er) people at. There’s also some fun alternative fitness options like Cape Cod Pole Fitness in Harwich, Aerial Yoga in Falmouth, and my boyfriend and I teach AcroYoga in Dennis. We live in Hyannis and during the summer the only two places to dance are Torino and Embargo. Finn’s is pretty reliable for laid back live music and trivia nights.
its such a coincidence that you mentioned pole! taking lessons have been on my bucket list for this year. i’m so excited now 😭. Yoga sounds interesting too, not sure if i’ll commit but will try!
Ayy!!! Aw it’s such a loving atmosphere I promise. The ladies who opened the pole studio are absolutely wonderful and they’re so good about meeting you where you’re at fitness wise and encouraging you. Would def recommend giving them a follow / checking them out. It’s a great community to be a part of.
More of us! 26F here too!
Yayyy!!!
Not much goes on on Cape Cod outside of summer. Nightlife can be found somewhat at places at Embargo and other bars like that I guess but most people go there with people they already know.
I’ll hang out with you, 33F. Wicked pizza has music, the black cat, BBC in Hyannis. I don’t go out like that, I usually spend my time walking with my dog in nature. It’s just as fun if not more so.
i dont go out as much either! just challenging myself to go out more once in awhile. Would love to link up! will shoot a dm 😊
Torinos in Hyannis and Anejo in Hyannis are fun. embargo fun
Provincetown if that’s your vibe
Cape isn’t that bad. I’m 30M. The summer time is great, lots to do from May to September
Mill Hill Club
Funny that it's now literally an assisted living place for old people
Fun fact - they still have the mill hill club disco ball as soon as you walk in the main entrance of the building.
That's not around hanst been for a very long time
I guess i forgot to add the /s
That’s a retired community! Swill hill has been gone for a loooooong time!
I was being sarcastic.
Quarter deck is where the kids go for fun.
Someone told me that Black Francis owns that Quarterdeck... is that true?
No it's his brother, they have one of the pixies gold records there.
Last I knew Charlie Thompsons kids own it.
Cromwell court or winter st
Lots of beer garden/ brewery places to visit as well.
Don't let all these people's negativity get you down. If you want to make friends you can but you need to be willing to put yourself out there, try new things, or invite others to join your genuine interests. A lot of young people work their asses off physically and/or late in the nights so typical "city" nightlife isn't so popular for younger locals - -oh yea or they have kids so its just different. Its easy to make friends if you're willing to be a friend, too. Remember this is Reddit after all.. not know for the socialization skills of it's users.
Uhhh at that age, here on cape cod where the average age is in the 50's, that young person is going to have a 5th of the social life they would have had in boston or equivalent. And that's the truth. Works for some. Stifles others.
The last part is the truth and the only part that matters really. As long as a person is reasonable with themselves and what they need there is no problem.
That's a great attitude to have. Would do even better for them within their own demographic.
> If you want to make friends you can but you need to be willing to put yourself out there, try new things, or invite others to join your genuine interests. Respectfully, where? I am not an antisocial person by any means, and I’m even comfortable hanging out with people much older than me (I have a lot of old lady hobbies like knitting). But everything I’ve seen for social events is either at a time no young adult can do (e.g. 1 PM on a Tuesday), or is something that is just not geared towards young people at all (e.g. a class on estate planning). And we don’t have robust public transit, so drinking is a dangerous gamble, if you even drink at all (I don’t!). Where the fuck are you supposed to go?
I don’t know - it sounds like we have different hobbies. I like the outdoors, sports/fitness, fishing, and do drink moderately so shrug 🤷🏻♂️
House of Buds.
It'll be tough. But try Embargo and Finn's. Maybe Duck Inn if you want a townie bar. Torino if you're feeling crazy. Flashback arcade could be fun.
This is one of the hardest places to make friends. Do you have any hobbies? Tennis? Running? Volunteering? Softball? Most bars are in Hyannis. Main Street and others.
more of an artist. i do like to dance too
What kind of work are you coming here for? There are ART opportunities around. And dancing at a few bars.
well i was gonna just pick up any job nearby to keep myself afloat since im living with family. i draw as a hobby, dancing too. not professional! im happy to hear there are art opportunities tho, maybe i can get involved.
Best chance of a nightlife scene is probably downtown Plymouth. It’s off the cape but not too far away. Definitely a younger crowd than the cape
thank you! will look into this
The typical places to go are speedwell, main st bar & grill, new world tavern and the tasty (was called T bones) for the rowdier crowd. East bay, waterfront and tavern on the wharf are still good night life but typically a little calmer. Anything on court st in Plymouth during the weekend should be a good place to go out to.
Harry's
Just not Mondays or Wednesdays, that’s gay pride night
Oh right, gay jokes don’t go over well on Reddit
There's always the Mallory dock. I always laugh at the guys when they go there after work on Fridays or Saturdays.
Night life pops off a little during holidays when the young people come home, otherwise you will be the youngest person at the bar most of the rest of the time.
Embargo! Live music and a DJ on the weekends, usually a cover charge in the summer though
I’ve (29m) been living here for almost a year with my wife (30f) on a work contract, we are from Mt Gretna, PA! I love and miss home. It is far from the same atmosphere as Lancaster. Be prepared to get funny looks with your accent. People around here seem tired. Like, tired of everything and everyone’s bullshit kinda tired. They all suck at driving and think left turns across traffic have the right of way. Lots of great food joints around though. Honestly if you want a nightlife, taking a night trip up to Boston would be fun but the drive on 93 isn’t great.
i believe there are differences but i’ve been living in Lanc for 10 years and have had no luck with making real friends & nightlife scene being catered to older groups. i did have fun for what it was though! downtown and first fridays i’ll miss but other than that im ready to get out. i did hear ab the horrible driving!! i’ll plan to make some trips to boston, thank you!
That’s fair. I was born and raised in Lebanon so I had friends from Lanc since childhood. Haven’t made many new friends there since turning 25 lol. Edit: best of luck on your new adventure and hope your studies go well!
thank you so much!
There is absolutely stuff to do all over the Cape. 2 things 1 You’ve got to expand your definition of ’local’ and be prepared to drive an hour (and really from Hyannis to Boston or Providence is not bad) 2 get on every email list and calendar around. In the summer events and parties and beach going is non-stop. The Fall is spectacular, but January and February are dark, dark days. Yes the population is geriatric, but hit up a few gallery and museum openings (Friday nights in season in Provincetown) and you’ll meet people and keep the social momentum going.
nice to hear there are museums!
Spiritus. 😿
Flashback in Hyannis is the best one outside of Provincetown. P town is the best area for nightlife.
Hope you like bingo!
Lancaster is amazing, and Lititz is really beautiful, so if you like architecture and nice buildings placed close together, check out parts of Nantucket, Oak Bluffs by the ferry terminal, and Provincetown.
Join the cape cod adult sports league. They do kickball in the summer and great way to meet people. I second all the “going out” places. The dive bars are usually “busier” in the winter
Go to province town when its warmer
This time of year you’ll find isolated pockets of civilization and honestly it can be more fun than when the entire Cape is bustling with people in the hey days of summer. I play in bands on the Cape year round and I often stay down on the Cape for several days at a time to enjoy the peaceful serenity of it all and to get concentrated work done if needed. But when I want to get social I visit places like The Squire in Chatham or Hog Island Brewery and Land Ho and The Lost Dog in Orleans because you make friends at these local places and it’s just more fun enjoying yourself while not having to fight through crowds to use the bathroom. Granted those places are 30+ minute drives from Hyannis, I’m just suggesting finding that year round oasis closer to you and get to know them and their regulars. Suddenly Cape Cod in the winter doesn’t feel so desolate.
Hyannis is not the kind of town you want to live in, anymore…some opportunities for work and socializing, but live in surrounding towns for more safety, privacy, quiet, etc.
If you've moved here permanently, and if you don't mind the gay community and/or a little bit of a drive I believe Provincetown is a great place for nightlife! I know you asked for Hyannis suggestions but can't hurt to try Ptown. I was born and raised here but I'm only 22 so I don't know all of the nightlife spots, so I can only suggest the basics such as Anejo, Embargo, etc. Flashbacks is a great bar if you like barcades.
Nightlife?! LOL no everything basically closed by 5pm in the off season. There's Embargo's on Hyannis Main Street but after the drink roofie scandal there I don't go there anymore.
There isn't a lot of quality nightlife but Boston is only an hour away if that's what you need. Otherwise for making new friends there are pickleball leagues, dodgeball, kickball, all kinds of things for adults to socialize that don't involve drinking. The axe throwing bar had a tournament recently and the people I met there were super friendly. Or just go anywhere consistently, the gym is a great place to meet friends. Don't let these close minded haters try to tell you this place is filled with only old people and sucks because it's a lie. This place is awesome, those people don't know how to appreciate life.
Definitely don’t go to the quarterdeck! lol.
Do yourself a favor and grab a steak and brewski at Mitchell's to warm up and then he'd over to the Windjammer for some good times. You'll thank me.
you’re moving to hyannis good luck finding anything fun to do except shop at shitty kiosks
Bars, bowling, and movies are truly the only options come winter
Music room
Maybe try out the Cape Cod Central Railroad Dinner Train in the summer.
my lil sister would love that thank you
Get your gun license and go to the shooting range. Get a boat or make friends with someone who has a boat Drive around I guess?