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Scargo Cafe
Categories: Restaurants American (Traditional) Restaurants Seafood American (Traditional), Seafood [Edit]
799 Main StDennis, MA 02638
(508) 385-8200
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
28 reviews for Scargo Cafe
Review Highlights
"try to the grapenut custard."
(in 3 reviews)
"I'm on the cape three or four times a year."
(in 13 reviews)
"I am happy to hear that Scargo Cafe is open year round."
(in 3 reviews)
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28 reviews in English
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Review from Carmen I.
Washington, DC
10/10/2011
I wish I could award 4.5 stars. While on our honeymoon, locals recommended we check out the Cafe for lunch and we were very pleased that they did.
The food was delicious (although one dish had too many flavors going on); service was friendly, helpful, and mostly efficient. Some vegetarian options (portobello mushroom with caramelized onions). Good portion size and tasty sweet potato fries. The grapenut custard (of which we had never heard) was a real treat.
Parking available. Easy to find off of Route 6. -
Review from Laura H.
Hatfield, MA
I have no idea why this place did not have 5 stars. I was coming off of a morning of kayaking on Scargo Lake and I had been at Scargo Cafe before, so knew it to have good food. I had forgotten how low key elegant the place was. Even though I was clearly wearing yak attire, I was welcomed as warmly as if I had dolled up. All of the wait staff were friendly in a way that you knew it didn't just go along with the job.
Was tempted to go with the summer time watermelon salad. But opted for the Waldorf Wrap. This ended up being seriously huge and I had to bring half home for dinner. Prices are very reasonable, bottomless ice tea - I recommend bringing one of the schooner glasses home with you (which I did). It just has such a nice weight to it and will delight me over and over again when I have my own ice tea in it, as I remember a wonderful time on the Cape. -
Review from Christine C.
Millis, MA
7/22/2011
When I went recently, the flavors were wonderful. The apps were delicious and beautifully prepared. The only downside, my rack of lamb was overcooked and tough. I'm hoping that it's a fluke and the chef was just off his game that night.
The drinks on the deck was nice and relaxing! -
Review from Julia N.
Cambridge, MA
9/8/2011
Atmosphere if you are seated to the right is lovely. (Come in main door and are taken to the right). To the left its not as nice. The food is okay. Nothing special at all. Service is the same. Overall its sort of not really worth the visit, as the blah, uninteresting food DO NOT equate the prices $$
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Review from Lizzie M.
Bellingham, MA
9/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
We LOVE this place, Good food, Good Spirits, GREAT SERVICE FROM BETSY! We go year round, like sitting at the bar, and have NEVER been disappointed. Love the specials, Sesame Chicken app, Spinach Chevre Salad , Filet Trio Arabica, and the Panko Crusted Scallops.
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Review from Brigid M.
8/2/2010
Three stars is pretty fair (and a trend) for Scargo Cafe. Its like that really good looking guy who at first seems perfect and then he opens his mouth and you instantly hate him. Just like that.
Scargo is one of the Nana's haunts and I'm pretty sure she gets a coupon/deal through her tricks. And, as I have stated previously in my reviews, I go where the Nana goes. Every time we've gone there I've been underwhelmed. Their homemade edamame hummus? Bland. Roasted beet salad? No big deal. Scargo does have a prime spot on 6A across from the Playhouse, so it scoops up business from all the older biddies before/after the shows. Other than that I'd say the clientele is a mix of tourists and deal-seekers like my kin.
My most recent trip here actually bothered me a lot. There for a lunch in the bar area, one of the bartenders (an middle aged woman) was having trouble changing the channel. Instead of grabbing someone who knew better or figuring it out quietly she was screaming rudely. Now I can be pretty obnoxious myself but this lady had me beat hands down even compared to my glory days. After being in the sun all day and not enjoying the meal in front of me, I was done.
As Amanda B. said, the menu really does look great. The specials too. But it just doesn't come through in the meal and Scargo ends up being overpriced considering that the quality is not up to par. Depending on the time of day you're better off venturing further down 6A for a more satisfying meal. -
Review from Jillian Q.
East Watertown, MA
6/23/2010
I was part of a party of seven that dined here on a Friday night. Our waitress was very nice, the service was quick, and she was honest with her opinions on certain menus choices. It's interesting that Scargo's menu has a semi-Asian influence to it. The "summer sangria" drink special did come in pitcher size (plus) but it was practically impossible for the waitress to pour and a lot of it got on the floor (minus). As far as sangria goes, it was decent but not my favorite (slightly tasteless).
For apps we got the edemame hummus, friend chicken, and sweet potato fries. Every single one was delicious. I really enjoyed the sauces that came with the chicken and the fries. The edemame hummus was fantastic (it is two of my favorite things combined but I was concerned how it would turn out). It's served with delicious pita chips and veggies. I am still thinking about the hummus today!
I had the tenderloin steak as my entree. It came with a portabello mushroom, goat cheese, and sauteed spinach. I asked for the parmesan risotto instead of potato and I was so glad I did - it was lovely. Others at the table who ordered seafood (halibut, scallops, and haddock) all enjoyed their dishes. My friend who ordered a chicken/pasta dish did not like his at all. My husband was not a fan of his steak either (even though we got the same one but he said his piece just wasn't good).
Only two of us wanted dessert, so I ordered a lava cake and they put a candle in it for my birthday. It was incredibly yummy. The prices were not out of control here either. I really enjoyed my meal and would definitely go back. -
Review from Mark K.
Raleigh, NC
7/3/2011
Dined here on vacation last summer - Service was good, food was great, my slice of swordfish was huge! What more could you want! Highly recommended based on the experience.
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Review from Jackie H.
Quincy, MA
7/26/2010
After trying to wait oh so patiently at one restaurant which had an hour and a half wait - but the stomach didn't like hearing those words - We ventured to another place a short distance down the road only to find that the tiny little restaurant was packed beyond capacity. Discouraged and with tummy's rumbling Myself, my mother and my boyfriend headed toward Scargo Cafe. (I have to admit, after reading a handful of reviews I was really nervous to eat here; but my stomach was growling and I wanted food STAT! The wait was 30 minutes - not bad a for a Friday night in the Cape.)
After putting our name in at the hostess stand we ventured to the bar to see if we could grab a drink or to look for possible seating. I was very surprised at how small the bar was! it was miniature like. And after taking a glance over and realizing there wasn't an open table, we headed into the main foyer, and sat in the big comfy brown leather chairs next to the fireplace.
The lighting was a bit dark, but could still read our menus without having to place under the small lamp provided on the tables.
For starters I had a cup of clam chowder - there were barely any clams, but the soup was nice and thick and the little crackers they were made up for the lack of clams. For the main course I ordered the Lobster with pea risotto and loved it! There was a decent size amount of lobster including the tail and claws. The texture was great and the flavor of peas was present, but not overwhelming.
My boyfriend ordered the Petite Filet Mignon with piped parmesan potatoes. Before I could ask how it was, he finished it off! Literally scraped the plate clean!!!
My mom loves scallops. And orders them whenever she is out at a restaurant so she saw and ordered the Panko Crusted Scallops. They are flash fried in a crunchy Japanese style bread crumbs with aromatic rice. Now let me remind you that she ALWAYS leaves with a doggy bag, but, she too ate the entire thing!!! Craziness
Had there been room for desert I wanted to try the lava cake, but couldn't find space for it.
I am happy to hear that Scargo Cafe is open year round. I will definitely make another trip. And when Winter comes, I won't mind the wait. I'll be relaxing and trying to warm up in one of the big comfy brown leather chairs next to the wood-burning fireplace. -
Review from Bob H.
Hoffman Estates, IL
8/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
We stared off with the oyster's Scargo that were very good and we had the Lobster Risotto with sweet peas and it was wonderful. Big enough to share. We had a rather loud couple nearby but could not fault the restaurant for it. They just , well, talked VERY LOUD! Our waitress was a lovely Russian girl and when I asked if she was a spy she answered yes. Guess she may not be there next time after this posting!
PEACE -
Review from Bob C.
Newtown, CT
6/8/2011
Four plus! Really nice sized restaurant, tables are spread out so you can enjoy some privacy. The service when we went was terrific...Matt helped with directions, our hostess was great and our waitress was friendly, helpful and attentive.
The meals ranged from good to great depending on the dish. the ambience was relaxing and stylish.
This was a nice surprise. Well worth the visit! -
Review from Jason B.
6/15/2009
The Scargo is a nice spot in Dennis for a casual, yet upscale meal. It's a cloth-napkin menu with paper-napkin dress codes. Expect a crowd at the usual times, but a seat at the bar is usually not a problem.
Service is great, the same waiters and waitresses have been working here since time began, and they know their menu and how to please a customer.
The drinks are generous, and they have a GREAT selection of 22oz craft beers in bottles. Try their raspberry lambic, it's EXCELLENT.
I had the grass-fed, organically raised steak special - it was just right, of course a little tougher because the cow it came from hadn't been force fed corn and drugs, and it had been allowed to roam around freely, so the level of intramuscular fat was lower. But it had a great, complex flavor, gamy without being over-the-top, smoky and meaty, with the right amount of char.
I was very happy to order this, and even happier to eat it. The chef did it right.
The TVs are unobtrusive for watching the Sox, and all in all it's a comfortable place. Worth a look! -
Review from Rich B.
Cincinnati, OH
6/29/2011
This place was recommended to us by an older lady at our hotel. The food was good but pricey. They service was great. In fact then best we have had since we've been here. The crowd was definitely older and most looked like they were attending a play across the street. I couldn't give it 4 stars mainly because of the price/value relationship. The food really was good...if price is not in your equation.
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Review from Amanda B.
Harwich, MA
3/3/2010
Totally worth noting that the menu LOOKED great, and Scargo gets major points for
1. being open year round
2. having a fab craft beer list (scored gray lady in middle of winter)
3. being a legitimately cozy place.. dark, lots of nooks
The food itself, I discovered varies from really great to very meh. To start, we chose the tobiko oysters and wedge salad. The wedge came with fresh bacon, a little too much dressing for my taste, but good blue cheese as well. The tobiko oysters were on Dennis oysters, which are a little saltier than their wellfleet cousins. They were topped with a little seaweed salad and tobiko, and overall were an interesting taste, though I'd have liked a little more difference in texture.
For dinner,we chose the steak frites and the shortribs, with sour cream mashed sweet potatoes and cabbage. The steak was done perfectly, medium rare, with a generous amt of blue cheese crumbles. The frites were in house chips that were awesome- garlicky, a little weightier than normal chips, and perfect with the meat. The short ribs were really disappointing. The accompanying sauce was far too salted. The cabbage was almost pickled, it had so much salt, rendering the sweet potatoes the only redeemable portion of the meal.
That said, it would have been a small failing, as it was such an obvious dish to return to the kitchen, had our server Karen not chosen to mysteriously disappear at this juncture. Service was actually lovely in that she was so nice, however, her timing was way off. Drinks arrived and there was great length after that before our order was even taken. From the time dinner was served, we didn't see her for another 35 minutes, and only then because we'd asked another waitress to find her. At that juncture she asked me about my meal, which had been obviously untouched, and I relayed it was too salty. We were a little surprised it still appeared on our bill, but such as it is.....
Again, every other dish was really great, and when we received service, it, too was lovely. So.... much like all things on Cape Cod, this is mostly about managing expectation. In wintertime.... this is a great space. During the season, I'd likely go elsewhere. -
Review from Nina P.
8/9/2009
Shame Shame - you redecorated and forgot to care about the menu!
A once notable stop on a vacation to the cape has become less then stellar post remodel. One might think all their profits were spent on a new bar rather than retaining a good head chef! Attention to detail by wait staff was sad at best. Menu items that were once yearly winners became flavorless mush!
Unfortunately, the changes were enough to make these regulars scratch this eatery off of their list of places to visit.Comment from Peter T. of Scargo Cafe 2/7/2010
Sorry your most recent visit was less than stellar. Since… More » -
Review from keith s.
Mansfield, MA
9/23/2010
If you go here.....try to the grapenut custard..TOP NOTCH....I usually have the sesame chicken, salad, and then my grapenut custard....service is excellent....
Food is a bit pricey for the quality..... -
Review from Bill D.
Medfield, MA
8/8/2008
My wife and I passed by for years and finally stopped in for dinner. We were a little early for dinner just coming from the beach. We were warmly greeted and told the hostess we'd like to eat at 6:30. We want to the bar which great place for a drink with a wide range of 'house' drinks and beers. If you want there is a small outdoor seating area for drinks that you have to wander around to find the door. The menu was the typical cape seafood prices $12-18) with a good amount of interesting entrees. The only downside was it tended to be an older crowd 50-60+
The waiter was friendly and prompt without hovering. The other waitstaff would also help out by checking in with you to make sure your needs were met if your server was busy.
The menu had the typical seafood plus several other specialties such as a pepper coated steak. The portions were large so we skipped desert.
It is a place you'd go back to - definitely for drinks - but only once a year. -
Review from Stacie G.
Atlanta, GA
2/7/2011
This is a nice place to go for a nice meal with a small group of friends, or a good place to take visiting in-laws. They have a nice assortment of Cape Cid fare with seafood and the like, but also some things for those of us that are not fans of fish. I had the peppercorn burger, that was delish, although maybe a tad burnt...or was that the peppercorns? My mother swears by the grapenut custard too - definitely a favorite for dessert. You should go dressed a little nicer than if you were to go to Seafood Sam's or the like, and definitely expect to pay a little more for the food. Service is hit or miss dependent on the waiter / waitress, which I guess you would find anywhere, but I would expect consistency from a classier place like Scargo. Overall a good place to go if company is in town of for the parent's birthday dinner.
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Review from Shin e.
Saint Louis, MO
8/21/2010
Here's a pretty apt summary: if you're 20-something, it'll be a pleasant experience. If you're 80-something, Scargo Cafe will be a fav. We went for my grandmother's bday since this is her favorite place. I think I was a bit put off by the overly refined atmosphere -- Cape Cod restaurants are generally laid back and this place is not. I wore a pair of casual slacks and a T-shirt and was under-dressed.
Anyway, onto the food. I enjoyed the sangria, ordered at the bar while we worked our way to the top of the waiting list. As a side note, the Cafe reserves only 20% of their restaurant's capacity (what?!) so either book early or arrive early to get your name on the list. We waited only 10 minutes and then got seated in a quiet side room. The volume in the room steadily increased as a couple large parties were seated. We had to raise our voices to be heard. My salmon with mango salsa was good though the risotto was overcooked. My grandfather's seafood pie (goes by a different name) was very good, he said. I can't remember what my grandmother ordered. The chocolate lava cake they served for dessert was extremely good.
I'll return if we go for an event like a birthday. It's not my choice otherwise. It didn't live up to its reputation. -
Review from Matthew B.
Stockholm, WI
2/16/2010
Pretty nice, upscale meal, especially for a touristy area. The prices reflect the nature of the area, but the food is pretty good, which is not necessarily to be expected.
I very much recommend the Baked Appetizer Sampler, especially if you are a fan of shellfish. I took the steak burger with bleu cheese (nice and rear), and both of us were happy with the results.
To me, three stars is perfectly fine, and we were both surprised with the restaurant. The price of the menu is really what brought the rating down, since the fare isn't particularly unique. However, Scargo is definitely a solid choice if you do not know of anywhere else to go in the area. -
Review from John M.
Mashpee, MA
1/29/2010
Scargo Cafe on route 6A Dennis is always a reliable spot. However, it should be noted that they have mass emailed their clientele and "hinted" that it would be a good thing if complementary posts were made online about the restaurant. The owners enjoy the marketing side of the business and they are good at it. But, for a while, I'd take any ratings or comments with a grain of salt. As an aside, I'm curious about their introducing sushi on Monday nights. They referred to the startup as offering authentic Japanese sushi. I can't understand how you can deliver "authentic" with a guy named "Jimmy" and a portable-roll-into place, once a week, fresh fish system for top quality sushi. I sense a little slight of hand on the sushi side of their marketing. I hope to read posts and opinions from others soon on this subject.
Following the comment by Peter, one of the principals of the Scargo Cafe, we took the time to exchange emails to discuss my remarks. This alone is reason enough to be comfortable that the restaurant is in caring hands and they work hard to deliver results on all levels. They have over two decades of developing the finer points of true entrepreneurship. Anyway, the most important point we wanted to hash out was his use of the word "authentic" to describe Monday night sushi service (which has ended and may return in the Spring). We both agreed, had Peter used the real name of the chef rather then a nickname, his experience could have been verified. And, happily, it turned out the chef is long experienced and presently active as an entrepreneur himself in the sushi business on Cape Cod. If Scargo does re-engage this chef in the Spring we will be sure to visit.Comment from Peter T. of Scargo Cafe 2/7/2010
Thanks for the review. I wanted to address your "curious"… More » -
Review from mike r.
Buzzards Bay, MA
12/5/2009
1st time here Thurs night and can't believe I have never been before. Very cozy spot on a cool winter eve. Fireplaces going and a happy crowd enjoying dinner and drinks. Just had a nightcap after dinner at Chapin's but will defintely come back for eats. Everyone's chow looked tasty, lots of Asian items being eaten. Comfortable and well decorated for the season, a charming place except for the business dame sitting next to us yaking on her cell and texting on the crackberry at the same time. I mean, honey, Starbucks is just down the road, go be with your people.
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Review from Mitzi C.
San Francisco, CA
8/26/2008
Had dinner here my first night ever in Cape Cod. We started out with a drink at the bar (since the wait was over an hour) -- drinks were good. For dinner, I ordered the lobster bisque to start, which was not a creamy bisque but more spicy and had little pieces of lobster on top. Bisque was fine, but not the best bisque I've ever had. For my entree, I had the surf and turf special, which came with grilled shrimp (which were pretty tasteless) and lime-marinated steak (which was not bad). No one at my table seemed to love any of their entrees, unfortunately, which was too bad since we were starving when we finally sat down. The entrees were fairly interesting though.
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Review from Dave C.
Long Beach, CA
5/12/2010
It's a nice place to go for lunch or dinner. They cater to most crowds but they are definitely popular with the old set. That's Ok, 'cause I'm old, too. It looks like a sea of gray if you go too early for dinner. That being said, we've always enjoyed the food and service. Very friendly people. We have a small child and they are helpful and friendly to children. I'm on the cape three or four times a year. Scargo is always one of my stops.
Comment from Peter T. of Scargo Cafe 5/18/2010
Thanks so much for the wonderful comments... like any great… More » -
Review from Jan A.
South Salem, NY
9/9/2008
One of the reliable old favorites for the Cape - the food might not surprise you too much, but you won't be too disappointed either. Very professionally done, interesting selection of appetizers and entrees, generally a good wine list. They recently changed from salads coming with the entree to separate pricing and so of course it's a bit more expensive than it used to be.
Dinner comes with a nice loaf of bread, self-sliced. Thankfully, they have started to take reservations for parties of any size.
It's great they are open full season. If you're a cape resident, get the member card - based on your spending you'll get a coupon towards future meals, and extra points if you go when it snows. -
Review from sunny g.
Boston, MA
6/8/2009
This place is a fun stop for a casual Cape Cod meal. The menu offers a nice selection of food and everything tasted good. I enjoyed my experience.
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Review from Randy F.
Yarmouth Port, MA
2/6/2010
I just don't get it! It must be the marketing, but the food is just ordinary and you are paying premium prices. Not great service, very average food. I guess the atmosphere is good, but I'm not in love with the porch area. the huge new bar shows where their head is..it's a money maker especially while you are waiting, waiting for your table. My advice is to seek out a much better value just down the road.. Olivers. I like the Lost Dog Pub as well, but I would say Scargo and Olivers are on par with Olivers getting the nod for a much better value.
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Review from m b.
Boston, MA
3/29/2010
this is 3.5 stars, but i gave it a 3 on here bc its not on par with the 4 star reviews ive given. this place is conv located when we go to the cape, so weve had a chance to go there a few times. i like the atmosphere, but lots of old people which can be a little annoying. we were just there, and they had the fireplace (real, not gas!) going- so that was a plus! we ordered new eng clam chowder, sweet potato fries, and a maple scallop special. almost forgot- a lava/raspberry cake dessert too! we had a waitress that had served us before- and while shes ok- its not a spirited approach she takes. she forgot to bring us bread- which is annoying bc then ya gotta ask for it. i waited too long to finish this review, so im gonna leave it be for now. suffice it to say- if youre on the cape & near this place- it can be pretty good, but i wouldnt recommend a special trip to go there. oh wait!- i did remember one detail real quick- the main dish we ordered- maple scallops- was NOT served as listed on the menu!- i hate that!!- it was supposed to have candied walnuts on top- and was part of the reason why we ordered the dish- but it arrived without the walnuts! ugh! ps- they have some decent premium beer selections! pss- clam chowder good but not great!- i like when places have some stand-out items, and generally speaking i dont think this place accomplishes that.
