Two words: Lobster roll. Come here and order this. It's not a light meal, to put it mildly. You will want a nap afterwards. But the lobster tastes fresh and delicious, leagues beyond the lobster rolls at the two other popular places I tried in the area. This place is old school cool. One cautionary note: Order a fried clam roll, and you'll be faced with a truly overwhelming quantity of fried clams. Finish the order at your own risk, or better yet, split it with a friend. read more

This is one of the most authentic meals you can have on Cape Cod. It's become my favorite spot for a warm lobster roll and their scallops are amazing. My son loves it here for the diner style seating and the harbor right outside. Highly recommend! read more

This place is a joke on the Cape!!! The food might be good because of the cook but the servers are HORRIBLE..they are rude and have no concept of customer service!!! The place is dirty and not at all well kept. I sat with my disabled mother in law and they literally yelled at us saying that we had to wait to be seated..I couldn't believe the show that they put up for the guests. I have never been so disrespected and humiliated in my life!! Definitely not going back because they don't care about customer service all they care is the money that the tourists are going to spend there. read more

Without exception the BEST clam chowder on Cape Cod. Flavorful with tender clams and sage, this is not for people who like the floury, wallpaper paste with cut up rubber bands. The rest of the menu is delicious and the portions are very generous. A super friendly staff will warmly welcome you and take care of you in this genuine old Cape Cod restaurant. And as a bonus if you time your meal correctly you can stay for the magnificent sunset over Rock Harbor. read more

See all

Been coming here for years, literally. Seafood is fresh and tasty. Only negative, it is small so the wait and no ac so the heat inside

Fantastic food, friendly atmosphere. We had the lobster roll (nuthin' but meat) and the clam plate (fat, creamy fried clams) and we have nothing but good things to say about this unpretentious gem. Go. There. Now. read more

The waitress was a sweetheart ! And did her best to keep up with the holiday crush ... however beyond that ... I don't mind the simple decor or the plastic spoons Ect but the place was stifling hot! No ac, no fans and windows that couldn't be opened? Their famous lobster and shrimp roll were sold out ...Not the best clam chowder on the cape... in fact if you like the non creamy watery type then perhaps it is ... the crab cakes were ok too much breadcrumb way too little crab meat ... prices were expectedly high for the location but not justified for the food quality and the lack of any climate control .... sorry won't be returning read more

The best lobster roll and fried scallops of anywhere around!! Our favorite place - don't let the rustic ambiance fool you!

Delicious lobster roll! It was so good I was holding on to the last bite for dear life. Fresh lobster meat and no filler! It's cash only. There was an older waiting at the door right before it opened only to forget cash. He had to run out to the ATM a few miles out. Poor man just wanted his lobster dinner. On our way out he was back rejoicing over a full plate of lobster. This place is highly recommended. read more

It's small, not particularly comfortable, no frills, and I suppose you'd say charming, but that's not important. They serve absolutely the best lobster roll on the Cape. Simple, all lobster meat with light mayo -- or no mayo if that's what you want. Prepared to order, with fresh, delicious lobster. I've been coming to this place for over 25 years, and I'm still not sure of their lunch hours. They open at 11-ish and close at 2-ish, but I don't care. It's worth it. read more

We've been vacationing on the Cape for a very long time and this is the only place where we will eat fried clams and fried scallops. They are AMAZING. I don't know how the cook does it but they're never greasy. Unless you haven''t eaten for two or three days, get the clam or scallop roll because the platters are too big for a normal human being. We also recommend the she-crab stew. Prices here are about 1/3 less than what you'd pay elsewhere, and the BYOB policy makes for an even more economical lunch or dinner. We love that the place is a throwback to the 1950s and that they don't have air conditioning, a phone or accept credit cards. To us, Cap't Cass is perfect as is. We hope they never change. read more

Sitting on the mouth of Rock Harbor in Orleans, this is a retro- rustic gem. If you like fresh seafood and a casual setting this is the place. Everything is cooked on the premises and delicious. I had a lobster roll, which is available without mayo and with drawn butter on the side, that was piled high, fresh and sweet. I started with a cup of She-crab stew that seemed to be a cross between crab bisque and a Christmas cookie. It was unique and delicious. Their wine list is the largest possible, it features whatever you choose to bring...obviously it's BYOB. This was my second trip and there will be many more. read more

To those people who are whining about broth based clam chowder and the atmosphere, you are missing the point. This is Old School Cape Cod seafood, the way it was for literally hundreds of years. If you're looking for thick, creamy chowder on your tourist adventure from New York and some foo-foo bistro crap, forget it. This is the real deal. That said, it's a gem that is a living museum of how Cape Codders enjoyed seafood 50 years ago. It's never changed and I hope Capt. Cass stays exactly the way it is. It's the OG Cape Cod seafood joint. read more

I guess this is a love it or hate it place. I love it. Been going there for 30 years. Best fried scallops anywhere. They cut them so they are small, but could not be sweeter. Lobsters are smallish, I prefers the fried stuff. Not a fan of the broth based chowder, but love the she crab stew. The place hasn't changed in the 30 years I've been going there and probably the 30 before that, but that's a good thing. There are plenty of trendy places to go. This one is old school. Blue gingham curtains. Same family running it. Gotta love it. read more

Its rare to have a dining experience that feels right out of a movie. Dinner at Cap't Cass felt that way to me. Being from Southern California and going to New England for the first time, I really wanted this kind of Cape Cod meal. The food was really good, way too much for one person. But to be honest, it was the atmosphere and cool location that made it special. The owners of The Ship's Knees Inn recommended this place to us as. He put it in the "clam shack" category. But its more like a tiny 50's greasy spoon-looking place, with a counter and several tables. Our waitress was great, she would be played by Amber Tamblyn in the movie version of this night. I think her mom was the only other person working there, the cook. It was cold outside looking at the harbor, but in here everyone was enjoying this little slice of Cape Cod living. They don't sell beer or wine, so it seemed most tables brought their own. The waitress was very forthcoming with cups, but we were very prepared with our own to go with our wine. I was told they don't even have a phone number. I love that. read more

I'm so sad the original "Cap't" died, however his son now runs Cass. This is the BEST and ONLY place on the cape to go for fried fish (oh...and the lobster rolls are good too!). The menu describes the fish and chips as "the best you will ever have" and I'm beginning to think that's true. The cod fillets are lightly fried and melt in your mouth. The french fries are also above par (I'm a french fry connessier) and your choice of lemonade (homemade and delicious), iced tea, or iced coffee comes free with most meals. Warning: The space is small, but they will do their best to seat large groups. Also BYOB (but they are very friendly about it and will offer plastic cups if you forget) and no airconditioning. The Cap't is also closed on Mondays I believe and only takes cash or check. read more

Despite the tepid fries( that were replaced with piping hot ones) Captain Cass earned 5 stars. The reason, the best fried clam roll I've ever, ever, had! The menu sign said native clams. The plate came heaped with golden brown, almost baby clams that were sweet and tender, no chewy necks or big sand filled bellies. I have no idea how many clam rolls I've consumed in my 74 years, but I know it's a very big number, as a clam roll is one of my go to favorites. And I repeat. THE VERY BEST EVER! read more

Love it! The fish and chips are amazing and the scallops melt in your mouth. True Cape Cod experience. read more

Great place to grab some fried seafood after a long morning at Rock Harbor or even Skaket beach. Their clam chowder is a little lighter than I'm used to; not quite so creamy. The outside is very unassuming and have the classic Cape decor. read more

Had fish and chips. Was just ok. No air conditioning so really oppressive on a summer night . Ordered a Coke and it was warm. Won't be going back. read more

Cute little shack covered with buoys. Great spot for a quick lunch. Bring your appetite because the portions are hearty but the food is great. Fish & chips dish and lobster roll are awesome! read more

Funky, casual, & freshest seafood. The clam chowder has no cream in it & more like a broth. The restaurant prides itself on using no filler in most items on the menu. Very friendly waitress even when she was the only one serving over 30 clients. A real Cape experience. The closest counterpart on the west coast, in my experience, is the Crab Cooker on Newport Beach , CA. read more

Fantastic fish and chips, a CC must. Only open limited hours so have a plan. Lob roll is good too, not too mayonnaisey.

Excellent place for a casual meal! Great service, food & portions! Our three teenage sons/us were very satisfied --- felt like stepping back in time! Highly recommend read more

We love Cap't Cass. The freshest seafood at a reasonable price in a quaint setting next to the harbor. Cash only but well worth it.

Great little place to get really good seafood at a reasonable price. Service was excellent, my two year old loved the staff and food. We will definitely be going back. read more

A hidden gem! This is one of our favorite lobster rolls on Cape Cod. Also must try the deviled crabs. Cap't Cass is BYOB, so pack a small cooler with your favorite bevs! Make sure you check the hours before heading there. read more

Our group of 11 stopped in after a long bike ride from our house in Wellfleet to this fantastic seafood dreamland. The lobster rolls contained no filler at all. Just pure, fresh lobster with a dash of mayo served on a toasted warm buttery roll. All were satisfied with their food as the crab salad and fried scallops did not disappoint. This family run business is very representative of the true spirit of Cape Cod. Our servers where the granddaughters of Cap't Cass himself and provided us a priceless experience. They were engaging and seemed to genuinely pride themselves in the operation they now run in their recently deceased grandfather's name. An all around wonderful experience. read more

Love. Like eating in a 1960s area restaurant. Low tech, great fried food off the beaten path. YUM.

This place has to be a slice right out of history's past! Located within throwing distance of the Rock Harbor fishing fleet at the entrance to a Cape Cod tidal harbor in Orleans. If your appetite yields seafood, and plenty of it at affordable prices, you will not walk away hungry nor broke. The food is cooked to perfection and the portions are very generous as well as the hospitality! If you plan your dining according to a sunset, the view of the sun as it sets over the bay is spectacular. Check for times of operation if your in the vicinity. A posting on the door should list hours of operation. If you enjoy wine or beer with your meal, plan on carrying it in. read more

Went to cap'n Cass with a locals recommendation. Best clams and sea food platter on the cape. Great friendly service as well.

This is just the place you want to stumble across on an afternoon drive around the Cape. In our case, it was rainy weather and we had no destination. From route 6A, we turned down a street to see what Rock Harbor looked like only to find this little gem of a seafood shanty. The inside looks like you're dining in someone's home, with kindergarten-sized stools around a counter, but the simple menu is perfectly executed and the the place oozes with Cape Cod charm. While others commented negatively about the clam chowder, we found it quite tasty (the menu description clearly states that it's broth-based), the lobster in the lobster rolls was super-fresh and the crab roll was delicious. Can't wait to go back next year! read more

OMG! These deviled crabs. These deviled crabs. OMG! Be careful not to miss this little gem. It's not much to look at, they keep odd hours, and don't take credit cards, but has lit-tralee, the absolute best seafood. And do yourself a favor, please, get those deviled crabs! read more

Go to Captain Cass for the freshest fried seafood around. The Chatham scallops are good, as is the Rhode Island style clam chowder which is chock full of clams. The service isn't the friendliest but the fish is good and the location is great. read more

My sister lives near this restaurant and has always liked the food and simple atmosphere here. She consistently brings her many out-of-town guests in for a local seafood meal. However, we just tried to eat lunch here and although the place was only partially filled we were told we couldn't eat at one of the available four top tables because they were being saved for larger parties. This is a small restaurant, but nearly half the tables were empty. The unpleasant waitress tried to seat us at a small two top (the only two top available) which had stools instead of chairs and featured a wastepaper basket to its side and the door to the rest room swinging at the table from behind. Our other option was a stool at the counter. We walked out without eating and my sister and her many guests will never go back. The waitress just cost Cap't Cass some good money and herself a nice tip. read more

A true old Cape place with terrific food, no frills . One of us got the fried scallops which were the best entree we'd had anywhere all week read more

The only reason that this isn't 5 stars is due to the fact that they are a cash only establishment-which is fine. But there's no ATM on site either. Making it very inconvenient to those not in the know. But, that aside... Excellent food. Hearty portions. Best lobster roll I've ever had (also most expensive). Very casual dockside eatery, no AC, not a huge deal as there's usually a breeze. worth the trip! read more

The BEST CLAM CHOWDER if you want real clam chowder instead of the milk, canned clams and cornstarch stuff most places serve. I have been coming to the Cape for 60 years and this is the way clam chowder was: not Howard Johnson or Campbells. Captain Cass uses Steamer Clams. Most use cohog clams. They do not use canned clams. There is a lot of clam juice, a little milk, chopped steamers, potato and seasoning and no cornstarch. The lobster rolls are lobster and mayo, no fillers. Worth every penny. read more

They boast how the their lobster roll ($18.) has no filler. It is stuffed with lobster meat, but it could have used more mayo and some diced celery; that would have made it less dry and tastier, for sure. Roll was buttered & toasted just right, the fries were good, but coleslaw was dry; it too needed more dressing. Atmosphere is authentic old Cape Cod. I will go again and try something else. read more

Local favorite in Rock Harbor. BYOB. Freshest seafood anywhere. Clams and lobster are the best!