Some restaurants have been around for decades, but this one has been feeding hungry travelers for more than 300 years.
Dating back to 1696, this historic Massachusetts inn started welcoming guests long before cars, highways, or Cape Cod vacations were a thing.
Today, you can settle in for homemade classics, fresh seafood, hearty comfort food, and a meal served inside a building packed with stories.
If that sounds like your kind of dinner stop, here’s what you need to know before grabbing a table at one of Massachusetts’ oldest dining spots.
Where Is It?
The Old Yarmouth Inn is located at 223 Route 6A in Yarmouth Port, on the northern side of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
You’re about a 10-minute drive from Hyannis, roughly 40 minutes from Plymouth, and around 1 hour 15 minutes from Boston, depending on traffic.
Route 6A, also known as the Old King’s Highway, makes the inn a great spot for exploring Cape Cod’s historic villages and beaches.
About
The Old Yarmouth Inn is a longtime Cape Cod restaurant known for serving American classics in a cozy, historic setting.
Despite the name, this isn’t a place where you book a room for the night, so come hungry rather than carrying a suitcase.
The menu covers everything from seafood and steaks to pasta and comfort-food favorites, making it a great pick when your group can’t agree on what to eat.
You can start things off with jumbo chilled shrimp, baked clams, New England clam chowder, crab fritters, baked onion soup, or lobster bisque.
Then dig into entrées like boneless short ribs of beef, scallop risotto, honey-Dijon marinated steak tips, chicken Milanese, or jumbo shrimp scampi.
If you’ve somehow managed to save room, there’s crème brûlée, key lime pie, flourless chocolate cake, or ice cream waiting for dessert.
Beyond the food, one of the big draws is the setting itself.
The centuries-old building offers a mix of dining spaces, including the cozy Red Room, a stylish dining room with large windows, and a patio that opens seasonally.
There’s also a tavern where you can grab a drink or settle in for a more casual meal.
Whether you’re stopping by for dinner or celebrating something special, the Old Yarmouth Inn delivers a relaxed and welcoming dining experience.
History
The story of the Old Yarmouth Inn stretches back to 1696, making it one of the oldest restaurants on Cape Cod.
It was originally a stagecoach stop, providing food and overnight lodging to people traveling from Boston or continuing toward Provincetown.
That made its location along what is now Route 6A especially important, since the road was a major travel route through the area.
By the 1870s, travel through the area was changing as rail service reached Provincetown and stagecoach travel began to fade.
Still, the Old Yarmouth Inn remained part of the community, continuing to operate as an inn and tavern.
Another major shift came in the 1940s, when the main dining room was added, and the business began focusing more on dining.
That direction continued over the years, and in 2007, overnight stays officially ended, turning the inn into the full-time restaurant it is today.
That long history is a big part of what makes eating here so memorable.
You’re sitting inside a building that was welcoming travelers more than three centuries ago, long before Cape Cod became one of New England’s most famous vacation destinations.
Know Before You Go
Hours and Reservations
The Old Yarmouth Inn is open Thursday through Tuesday from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. and closed on Wednesdays, with takeout available from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome when space is available, or you can make a reservation for groups of up to 10 people.
The restaurant is also open on most holidays, but it’s best to check the inn’s official website or call ahead before visiting.
Best Time to Visit
The Old Yarmouth Inn is a great year-round dinner stop, though summer brings the biggest crowds to Yarmouth Port.
If you’re planning a visit during the busy season or around a holiday, making a reservation is a smart move.
It’s also worth allowing extra driving time, especially on July and August weekends when traffic tends to be heavier.
Parking and What to Wear
You’ll find plenty of parking behind the restaurant, which is convenient if you’re driving along Route 6A.
Dress is generally casual, so you don’t need to break out your fanciest vacation clothes for dinner.
Things to Do Nearby
There’s plenty to explore nearby if you want to spend the day in Yarmouth Port before heading to dinner.
A 5-minute walk will take you to the Edward Gorey House, the former home of illustrator and author Edward Gorey from 1979 until he died in 2000.
Just across the street, the Captain Bangs Hallet House Museum gives you a look at Yarmouth’s maritime past inside a sea captain’s home dating back to around 1840.
You can also explore the Old King’s Highway itself, where you’ll pass historic homes, churches, museums, shops, and galleries along the way.
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