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Front Street Restaurant
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
26 reviews for Front Street Restaurant
Review Highlights
"I had key lime pie and she had the chocolate cassada (sp."
(in 2 reviews)
"P-town, however, couldn't be more charming as a digestif."
(in 3 reviews)
"...great way to wrap up our first visit to Ptown with a great..."
(in 3 reviews)
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Bruce S.
Shelton, CT
10/16/2011
It starts with Cindy who seats you. She is AMAZING!
Last night out wait person was Jodi. She is AWESOME!!
The ambiance: MAGICAL!
The food: spectacular!!!!!
This place is a treasure.!!
You MUST go to Front Street!
Best restaurant in Provincetown!!!!!!! -
Review from Lisa N.
Provincetown, MA
Updated - 6/1/2011
I just love it here! And after having my first dinner of the season, so happy to report that my ol' standby is still a standout.
My only thing to whine about is the risotto with lemon and fried artichokes is only on the special menu (for 2 weeks I think).2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/11/2010
When friends called to invite me to join them for dinner at Front St., I paused for a second as I… Read more »
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Review from Gary P.
Provincetown, MA
10/13/2011
Front Street is one of my favorite restaurants in Provincetown. As the Innkeeper at the Revere House in Provincetown, I always recommend to my guests as well to go to Front Street. Excellent flavor and plentiful portions make this restaurant a must when you are here in Provincetown. Gary Palochko, Owner of the Revere Guest House Provincetown
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Review from Ishak K.
El Cerrito, CA
7/11/2011
Service was great, the decor didn't quite do it for me. It's okay to be shabby, but I expect some chic to go along with that. You know, you could invest in some decent restroom fixtures, etc. to create some ambience. The wine list is rather unimpressive offering jacked-up prices instead of rare finds or interesting performers.
We arrived a bit early, and I ordered a Pernod at the bar. I'm not a huge Campari fan, so I went with my favorite French appertif. The bartender had to reach way in the back to find a hidden bottle. I commented that I was excited for our meal, and he just kinda looked at me and shrugged. I knew right then, that this place may be a tad over-rated.
We casually ate our Brazilian filo-pork and Clam Oreganato appetizers and I definitely felt the flavor profiles were shallow, salt and lemon. I know the clams I ordered were breaded, but they were overcooked and chewy.
The menu is quite expansive featuring 5 or 6 veal dishes. Surely, a specialité de maison, right? I did enjoy my Saltimbocco but mostly because of the linguine and cheese that accompanied. The veal lacked flavor and was probably a tad overcooked as well. My wife's lobster dish was a chef's special, but it lacked freshness as well. I guess the only consistent aspect to the experience was that everything came out a tad well-done from the kitchen, including the chocolate cake desert. The syrup originated from Hershey, PA while I would have preferred Maglio.
So, overall, I feel that this well-regarded P-town institution is not into it for the love anymore. The food masked rather than revealed top-notch ingredients. I guess that I am becoming that pompous Bay Area foodie-toolio that my wife and I usually find embarrassing. I just prefer an establishment that is pure in its intentions rather than just skates by on past reputation or neighborhood. P-town, however, couldn't be more charming as a digestif. -
Review from Joe A.
Philadelphia, PA
7/16/2011
We ate at Front Street for the first time last week. We called for a reservation for two and were told that we had to come fifteen minutes earlier than we wanted because the table was committed later in the evening. This was okay because we were hungry and it is the job of Maitre' ds to fill the tables and turn the restaurant over.
Our server was friendly and helpful. We ordered a Caesar Salad and the white bean and artichoke Brushetta. The service brought extra plates for sharing. We spit a half bottle of Pinot grigio which was nicely chilled.
We both ordered ravioli; wild mushroom for my partner and butternut squash for me. Both were delicious with a good sized portions.
We didn't have dessert because the portion size was quite good. I saw some comments about the decor, which I found to be pleasant, a bit 70's but nice. Overall a good experience. -
Review from Heather R.
Vineland, NJ
10/1/2011
We have been eating here while on vacation for about 15 years. I am always tempted to eat here twice during my stay. Service and food are always excellent. I love the dark and cozy atmosphere. I have to give kudos to a place that delivers such consistent good service and delicious food. This place holds many fond memories of wonderful vacations in an almost magical town.
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Review from Dr O.
Truro, MA
8/12/2011
We own a home in Truro and are in the area year round. We eat out very often and have gotten to know many of the local restaurant owners and staff. Never had we a more sour, distasteful experience than at Front Street.
We made many attempts to communicate the issues to the owner and we were summarily stonewalled and dismissed by the hostess. We believe the hostess was certain she was caught lying. She would not risk a conversation with the owner because she would have been proven grossly incompetent.
Horrible experience, we will never return. -
Review from Kimberly S.
Tucson, AZ
6/16/2011
My wife and I came in thurs night following our wedding. We had read the good reviews and were looking forward to a great celebratory meal. We were seated promptly and brought our water and bread quickly. We then ordered our meals and asked what wine our waitress recommended. She recommended one for my meal of rack of lamb and for my wife's meal she said she did not like to follow the standard matching wine with food. Just drink what we like... we ordered calamari for an appetizer as well. Our salads come out but no calamari. We eat them and a busser takes the empty plates. The waitress whizzed by our table a couple times in the following 20min. Then comes with our dinners. At this point I bring up the missing calamari. She says she forgot to put the order in. She apologizes and asks if we still want it. Can't say I want my appetizer following my meal. We tell her no. She comes back to the table and proceeds to snidely tell me the next time we come to this restaurant or one like it, the appetizer comes before the salad. WOW, had she not told me I never would have known! (Please pick up on the sarcasm). Being that we have gone to much nicer restaurants than this one, I am pretty sure we know when the appetizer should come. Even going to Applebee's the appetizer comes before the salad... and they even remember to put the order in.
Now, the three stars are for the food. If they gave an option to rate the service separately I would give 0 stars for that and 5 stars for the food.. The wife had the most amazing gnocchi either of us has ever had. My lamb was cooked perfectly and was great. A little heavy on the rosemary however.
Next was the waiting with our plates in front of us another 20min for her to pack up the leftover gnocchi. After she did this I asked if we could order desert. She said of course and walked away. Meantime I can see into the kitchen area via a mirror where I see our waitress eating. She remains there for 15min. Then wipes off or table and leaves again. Still have not ordered desert. 5min later she brings desert menu's. She leaves again. Finally we get to order. The deserts were amazing as well. I had key lime pie and she had the chocolate cassada (sp).
If this waitress really thought so highly of her place of employment she would have not served us like we were at some one star restaurant. In total we were there from around 8:10pm until 10:20pm. Way too long for the two of us. Had we gotten our appetizer it could have taken up some time. The place was not overly busy and for its size and number of servers there should not have been any delays.
My recommendation is go here for the food but, if you get an older waitress prepare for sub-par service. Also, for servers out there. When a couple comes in and they look young do not assume that they will not tip or even that they are as young as you think they are. We have always made it a point to tip well for good service. We look 10 years younger than what we are and when we get treated as such, you will get tipped as such. -
Review from Bryan J.
New York, NY
7/31/2010
Not THE best restaurant in Ptown, but definitely one of them. We've been here once or twice for the past four years of coming to the Cape and our food has ranged from blah to amazing - most of it's really delicious, particularly their specials. The menu itself obviously isn't too exciting, but like with most other nice restaurants, the best dishes are so often the specials.
Last night we had an amazing zucchini blossom stuffed with mozzarella cheese that, although lightly fried, was so scrumptious. I also got the lobster fettucine which was also fantastic and had giant hunks of well-prepared lobster. The food is never really the issue with Front Street....
...which brings me to this: If you have a party of four, you'll probably be directed to the front dining room, where your table will touch your neighbor's. This can be fun if your dining neighbors are classy and considerate. However, if they're loud, obnoxious and rude, you're kind of screwed for the evening. This set-up turns into community-style dining, which is a giant gamble in a tourist town. So often I glance around this dining room and see irritated looks on uncomfortable diners' faces. Luckily, must of the time we've gone, we've been seated in the back dining room, which features high-backed booths and more private tables. -
Review from Peter S.
Truro, MA
6/15/2011
Our first time at Front Street has us planning to return soon. Very friendly and welcoming waitstaff and cozy atmosphere have you feeling right at home. There's an amazingly warm feel in this below-street-level bistro. We both had a "lobster scampi" special and had different reactions. I found it really heavily dressed in lemon, but still enjoyable, while my bride found hers absolutely perfect in every respect. The dish is a continental take on lazyman's lobster and has an ample representation of fine, fresh Cape Cod lobster keeping company with a wonderfully al dente assortment of vegetables (young green beans, zucchini, & carrots).
A very good house salad comes with the entrees, along with nice crusty bread.
The breadth of the menu has us wanting to try many more of their offerings. Reservations are a must b.t.w.
Parking is "on your own" - MacMillan Wharf & a two-block walk worked fine for us. Lots of good window shopping to and from ;-)
We look forward to encores... -
Review from Bryan S.
Roslindale, MA
5/19/2007
Front Street has been in Ptown for eons. They offer 2 menus - one is Italian and the other is American cuisine, heavy on fresh seafood. I go to Front Street for one dish only - their signature tea smoked duck with green peppercorn sauce. It is my favorite meal in the world!
Service is always A+... they can be a little snooty and arrogant at times, but who cares, it's well worth it to put up with their high drama to get at that duck!Listed in: The Best of Ptown
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Review from Nick H.
8/4/2009
Front Street is exactly the type of dimly-lit hidden restaurant one seeks when visiting a new town. Fortunately, I've known about this place for a while and visited Provincetown many times.
This was, however my first visit and based on one try I'd say this place ranks right up there with the top echelon of eating in this area.
We shared lightly-fried calamari and mussels bianco (both recommended and very respectable) and ordered fresh sea bass a la Korean bbq with mashed, veg, and cucumber kimchi (the main event). Topped all that off with a reasonably-priced Sancerre.
Overall, the menu leans heavy on Italian and seafood, which is very welcome and I'll be back to sample something in their regular repertoire. -
Review from Crystal T.
New York, NY
8/20/2009
It was our first time in Ptown so we listened to every word of advice we stumbled across from strangers and friends throughout the week. Some eat at Front Street every night while in Ptown, some twice and all at least once. That being said, make a reservation!
The regular menu has a lot to offer and on top of that there's another menu of specials that gives you even more to choose from. I think we all ordered from the specials even though 'seviche' was arguably spelled wrong (I looked it up and that spelling is actually acceptable too). David was an absolutely wonderful waiter and it was a great way to wrap up our first visit to Ptown with a great meal. -
Review from Boston R.
Milton, MA
9/7/2011
If you are not looking for this place, you won't find it! It's "under" Commercial. But look past the location and you'll find a packed restaurant. The menu is typical Italian, but the specials were a lot more creative. Dinner was great.
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Review from John K.
Tustin, CA
6/9/2007
There are so many fine restaurants in Provincetown. This should be on your list. Not necessarily the first on your list or all others will pale in comparison. This is you opportunity to eat fresh seafood as it was meant to be prepared. You'll come back again and again.
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Review from Meredith S.
Albany, NY
9/1/2009
Dinner here was a lovely way to start a weekend on the Cape. Delicious fresh food, a nice ambiance and delightful company made for a great meal. I enjoyed a pasta dish with goat cheese and fresh veggies, while my boyfriend enjoyed the duck special. The restaurant was warm and inviting which was nice on a rainy Saturday night. I'd certainly dine here again.
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Review from Tim S.
Quincy, MA
8/26/2011
I will preface this review with the fact that this is my favorite restaurant in town and I have had many great meals here. Last night was the first bad meal I have had here. I started off with a martini. Front Street has the worst pour in town, always have. The martini glasses are tiny to begin with, and then to have a half inch remaining at the top of the glass is sin. Next came the goat cheese and tomato bruschetta, ok, a little bland and soggy. My entree was tea smoked duck in a green peppercorn sauce for $36. This is the speciality of the house. Mine was overcooked, tough and dry. The bartender, server and host all asked me how the duck was and I explained I was not happy. Each and every one said " sorry about that" . Not one offered to get me something else. Very unprofessional and rude, considering they see me there all the time. I will be back, of course but will order my tried and true entrees.
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Review from Heidi W.
Somerville, MA
9/20/2009
Front Street was recommended to us by the wonderful staff at our guesthouse, who don't recommend any restaurant they don't personally enjoy eating at themselves. This newer, modern, Italian restaurant is a nice addition to the mix of Seafood and modern American fare on Commercial Street.
I strongly recommend reservations as the restaurant is tiny, and can fill up quickly.
The menu changes every 1-2 weeks contingent upon what is currently in season. It also includes a steady handful of classic s that are always available, including an incredibly tasty Gorgonzola Stuffed Filet Mignon.
The wait staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and gives attentive, quality service without hovering. The small, intimate space feels warm, inviting and cozy.
Make Front Street a stop for a great, upscale dining experience on your Ptown trip. -
Review from Pepe V.
Provincetown, MA
5/3/2011
You definitely need a reservation, but its worth to try it. I love lamb and the one here was outstanding. Friends of mine told me about the place. Its an easy location, right on Commercial street. We went there awhile ago with some friends and we weren't disappointed.
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Review from H H.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2011
the rack of lamb was perfectly prepared, but I wasn't particularly thrilled by the white bean and artichoke crostata.
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Review from Tony V.
Manhattan, NY
12/31/2010
Excellent ! TheTea Smoked duck is one of the Cape's truly great meals.
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Review from Paul G.
Boston, MA
8/26/2009
Front Street is a great place and I highly recommend eating here. Reservations can be tough in the summer, so book as far in advance as you can. My partner and I dined here early before the Alex Mapa show at the Crown and were very impressed. We were both craving Italian and Front Street hit the mark. There are two menus - continental and a traditional Italian menu. Our waitress was really pleasant and helpful, the food amazing, and the ambiance cozy and romantic. Despite being early (6pm) we were not rushed out to accommodate late reservations. I had the pasta fagioli and chicken parm. My partner had a very fresh lasagna. Excellent moderately priced wine selection and deserts. Highly recommended.
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Review from Lisa F.
Provincetown, MA
3/10/2009
Definitely make a reservation in advance. We have been a fan of this restaurant for years, one of the most consistant in P-town. The food is always quality and the service is generally way above average. However, if you are looking for a quieter atmosphere this may not be your better choice.
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Review from HERE N.
Boston, MA
9/22/2009
I like this place but the portions were smaller this year :( also the bread basket was kind of lame this year as well. Bummer ... not bad but just kind of disappointed.
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Review from Hao L.
Mountain View, CA
12/14/2008 6 photos
I started my first visit to Provincetown with dinner here with my friend Spencer Quest. After leaving San Jose at 6:30AM on July 13, 2008 and flying Northwest through Minneaplis, I finally arrived in Boston at Logan at 5PM, picked up my rental car, and drove the 2 hours into Provincetown, looking forward to a nice dinner with a friend at Provincetown's best restaurant. The name Front Street refers to the former name of Commercial Street, and is itself a common name for harborfront streets in New England. The restaurant was previously owned in the 80s by Howard Gruber, who played JFK in John Waters' "Eat Your Makeup" (1968). It is now owned by chef Donna Aliperti and her partner, Kathy Cotter, the sous chef and pastry chef. The restaurant is housed in an old Victorian building. Down the stairs, I proceeded our table in the back, amidst the brick walls, low ceiling, and basket lighting. I started with seared foie gras and nectarines brulee, $15.95, served on toasted brioche with brown sugar glazed nectarines. Wonderful. For my entree, I had the Adobe grilled soft shell crab, $32.95, whose Puerto Rican Adobo consisted of citrus, fresh herbs, garlic, oil, and a touch of rum. For dessert, I had the caramelized key lime pie, 8.50, with a raspberry mango coulis. Total bill for two was $102.97. Average meal is about $47.00. Service is excellent. A wonderful meal, and so reservations are a must accordingly. I look forward to going back.
Listed in: My 1.5 days in Provincetown
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Review from philip B.
Morris, NJ
8/22/2009
Had dinner here last night, and if they could just get over themselves, it would be a fine place to dine. They behave as if WE should be grateful that they're serving us, as opposed to THEM being grateful for their customers. Waitress did her job well, but with the warmth and cordiality of an android, hostess sat half our party in one room and half in the other (yes, we had a reservation!), and the primary interest was turning the table. Food was good by P-town standards, but the hassle and attitude are uncalled-for and detract from what would have otherwise been a pretty good meal.
