The Dining Scene in East Dennis, Massachusetts

East Dennis has about 2,700 people, with most of the community's homes sitting in an area between the Old King's Highway and Setucket Road. The main road between these two major veins is East-West Dennis Road, which is flanked by various residential neighborhoods.

The intersection East-West Dennis Road and the Old King's Highway meet is the community's de facto downtown where you'll find a bank, a shopping center, and a few other businesses, making it an area that most locals will occasionally visit.

This section of East Dennis is also home to most of the community's dining options, and you'll be surprised by the quality of these restaurants once you buy a home in this area.

Here's a look at the dining scene in East Dennis, MA.

The Marshside

Perhaps the most scenic location to enjoy a meal in downtown East Dennis is The Marshside, which, as its name suggests, sits on Sesuit Creek's shores and overlooks Keegan Marsh. You can even sit on the outdoor patio and admire clearer views of the water if you wish.

The menu at The Marshside focuses on seafood, including their famous seafood stew. Other items available at this restaurant include New England clam chowder, burgers, a lobster roll, steak, fried clams, a seafood platter, and scallops. 

The Marshside is a favorite with locals because of its excellent atmosphere and diverse menu, so check it out when you're in the area.

Lost Dog Pub

On the south side of the Old King's Highway is the Lost Dog Pub, a small eatery with an extensive beer list and some of the Cape's best pizza. You can build your own pizza with the available ingredients, or choose one of the specialty pizzas they have ready to go.

Other items on the menu include salmon, scallops, cod, chicken, ribs, burgers, and fish and chips. There's also a kids' menu if you head down with the family and a patio for outdoor dining in the summer. 

The Lost Dog Pub is open late every night and develops a classic pub atmosphere as you get further into the evening, making it a must-visit if you're up for a few drinks on the weekend in East Dennis. 

Grumpy's Restaurant

You'll get to know Grumpy's quite well while living in East Dennis because it's the community's go-to breakfast spot. This restaurant opens every day of the week at 6:00 AM, serving breakfast and lunch from its diverse menu all year round. 

For breakfast, you'll find all of your favorites here, including bacon and eggs, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, eggs benedict, omelets, and fruit. Grumpy's is a multi-time winner of the Cape Cod Reader's Choice Best Breakfast Award, so you know you're getting quality on every visit.

At lunchtime, Grumpy's Restaurant has an entirely different menu that features various sandwiches and wraps, burgers, and seafood. Soups and salads are also available, and you can choose between fries, onion rings, baked beans, and coleslaw as your side.

The Otherside

The Otherside has the same owners as The Marshside and sits on the other side of the parking lot, but the two restaurants provide a much different experience. 

That's because The Otherside focuses mostly on pizza and baked goods, so they don't have a full menu of options. If you're looking for a muffin or pastry for breakfast or a pizza later on in the day, however, The Otherside is an excellent choice and a place that's well worth a visit in East Dennis. 

The Ice Cream Shops

You might be surprised to learn that although this section of Dennis only has a few restaurants, there are two ice cream shops within walking distance of each other. If you're heading out for a quick dessert, downtown East Dennis has options for you.

Ice Cream Smuggler sits on the Old King's Highway beside the Sesuit Filling Station. All of their ice cream is homemade on-site, and they have a selection of cakes and pies, as well. The venue is open from lunchtime until 9:00 PM every day of the week in the spring and summer and has dozens of flavors from which to choose, making it a favorite with locals.

Around the corner from Ice Cream Smuggler, beside the Lost Dog Pub, is another dessert place called Sweet Spot. This shop is a little different because they don't make their ice cream. Instead, they sell the famous Gifford's brand, but they have about 15 flavors available on any given day and stay open later in the evening than Ice Cream Smuggler.

You can't go wrong with either one of these ice cream shops; it all depends on what you're looking for on that particular night.

Get Out and Enjoy East Dennis

Now more than ever, it's important to support local businesses as they struggle through these uncertain times. By enjoying some of the outstanding cuisine available in this small section of East Dennis, you can do your part to ensure they can stay open next year while giving yourself a meal at some of the Cape's best restaurants. 

Get out there and experience East Dennis's dining scene because there's a lot of diversity in this tiny section of Cape Cod.