Ebb Tide Restaurant

I just don’t know where to start. I love this place. Service is great, food is awesome and atmosphere is outstanding. It IS Cape Cod.
The chef, Paul, makes the BEST CLAM CHOWDER on the Cape, but recently I had his lobster bisque and now I have a dilemma as to what to order. The seafood is awesome and the Prime Rib even better.
You would miss a «Cape Cod Treasure» if you didn’t try the Ebb Tide while on the Cape

Have been going with our family each year we visit the Cape for the past 10(?) years. Restaurant-​wise, it is a highlight of our stay and it is among our favorite restaurants! Is it the best food on the Cape? I am sure it is not. But it is very, VERY good and our experience there has always been enjoyable.
The Ebb Tide is a throwback to old-​style Cape dining. It a lovely, well-​kept and charming place that is warm and inviting. My children count it among their favorite restaurants anywhere (they are now 18 and 15.)
Before I go on, let me enumerate some highlights of a dinner at The Ebb Tide:
–their dinner rolls which are excellent — warm, soft and pillowy. When I think of the Cape, I think of these simple, tasty dinner rolls.
–the palate-​cleanser «intermezzo» served between first and second courses (my boys and their cousins first learned what an «intermezzo“was at The Ebb Tide and we now look forward to it every time we visit. Early visits provided a lemon granita, now it is a small ball of raspberry sherbet served in a unique shot glass made of ice. It is very cool!!)
–lobster fritters! Oh, Mama! Are these good! We tried these on the recommendation of our server, John. They were outstanding! Huge chunks of lobster meat in a tasty batter served over a pool of some type of sauce (don’t remember exactly what it was, but we all wanted to lick the plate clean!)
This year I changed up the entrée from seafood and went for steak tips. They did not disappoint and were among the best I’ve had — served in a sweet, caramelized Southern Comfort glaze, over creamy mashed, along with a side of mixed veggies. A simple yet fantastic meal!
Our service, too, over the years has been excellent. Stacey, our longtime server, moved on this year and was ably replaced by John, who was outstanding! He could not have been more accommodating and professional.
A few quibbles: their drinks, though very good, could be more generous; their wine list more extensive; and the prices are a tad on the high side. Also, the men’s room is so small, I had to go outside to change my mind! (an old joke… but it is an unusually small men’s room with odd sink/​door placement. You’ll see, gents :-)
Overall, the food and our experience at The Ebb Tide has been very dependable and very, very enjoyable each and every year, and we hope to return for many, many more years!

Over priced for fancy presentation and average quality and taste. We had prime rib and duck. The prime rib was good, but far from the best we’ve ever had. The duck was again good, but a bit over cooked. The dinner rolls we hard and cold. It was a convenient location for us, but I wouldn’t go back.

The best New England Clam Chowder ever. 2^nd place is Lobster Pot. The food is very good but a bit pricey however very worth the money

Outrageously overpriced for really horrid food. The vegetables were cooked to death, the fish watery, just general roadside-​diner fare but at seaside prices. Clearly, this place is pitched at the passing, summer crowd with no regard to culinary quality. The ambiance and location are about the only positives.

If you want staid, poorly done, expensive and uninspired read on.
We went to the Ebb Tide because we were right next door and tired from a long day of travel. My elderly mother in law also has some fond memories of the place and was interested in the «early bird special». What they have on the on line menu is not what you get. It is 29.00 for a super large meal and everything is the same price. If your appetite is small you are pretty much out of luck. No sandwiches or lighter fare, as you see in the online menu. The captain table dinner is a three course price fixe, which is a value compared to the ala carte, although I would not call it an early bird special.
I had a caesar salad 8.95 and lobster ravioli 17.95 from the appetizers. The Caesar salad was completely drowned in dressing and nothing looked that fresh I turned it around for a garden salad which was much better, which was not good. get your dressing on the side! The lobster ravioli while a bit ponderous in the sauce had a pretty good portion of lobster and I would say was serviceable to the low end of good.
In general I think this is very overpriced food with pretty low quality. An old restaurant riding on there laurels servicing no-​discriminating palates. I would go to the ocean house and feel like there was a reason to spend that much money. As well as getting a better view.
That said, the space is nice in an old world kind of way seemed clean and well kept and our waitress was the sweetest that you could imagine. She was friendly attentive and she had the most endearing little curtesy dip when she delivered things to he table. If I were giving stars on her service alone it would be a five! She saved what could have been miserable! I am beside myself that I cannot remember her name because she deserves the recognition.

Our family has been eating here for a number of years while on vacation The Filet Mignon is usually very good and our kids like the deserts. The wine choices are nice. The atmosphere here is mostly older and sometimes a little snobbish for our tastes even though we frequent many a fancy restaurant.

While on vacation during the Summer of 2014 we ate here a few times as usual. We decided to bring our two year old to diner with us one night (5pm). The first thing we did was ask at the door if we can bring him since we are rational people and understand the no kid rule at some eateries. Two people responded that it was fine and helped us get settles with a high chair etc. About 45 minutes into our experience our child started giggling a lot and laughing at anything that happened. Now two year olds are tone deaf so everything is louder than normal and our child was no different — Laughing away. About 5 minutes after our dinner was served the head waitress came over and asked us to leave.

Seeing that we had just been served our food they offered to push our child around outside in the stroller until we ate. Since this person was a total stranger we did not feel comfortable accepting the offer and said we would try to eat quickly. The head waitress re-​stated that we need to leave. To avoid a scene my wife went outside with our 2 year old while I sat and let my older son finish his meal. The waiter then came over and took my wife’s meal away (almost untouched) but instead of wrapping it for her they tossed it out. The restaurant then insisted on charging us for her dinner ($ 45) even though I explained that it was never wrapped they said there was nothing they could do. The head waitress was abrasive and not social. Our youngest child was laughing a lot and we did have some older patrons come over and state how they loved the belly laughs because it was such a happy sound. We can understand some patrons might have felt the opposite as well but we only had one table next to us in the front room and we know they did not complain.

It wasn’t the fact that we were asked to leave right after we received our meal. It was the way they handled the entire incident — unprofessional and not understanding. At least wrap the food or take a small percentage off the bill for what was tossed out. Not much to ask. And they didn’t even give my older son the ice cream he was supposed to get with his meal — I had to ask for it twice after the check came. Some things are important to kids.
We will not eat here anymore and after telling our story to other patrons who frequent this restaurant we have unfortunately heard a number of stories regarding poor service.

Too expensive, the service was mediocre. We only went there because the are across the street from our resort. Not really what we expected.

Medium-​rare does not mean a charred hockey puck burger. My wife ordered a lobster roll that had bad lobster meat. Good thing for the expired Sam Adams summer ale and the good service or I would give it 1 star. Not sure why my friend recommended this place. I will not return.

Mediocre food at high prices.
This was the second and last time here. I had the swordfish which was tiny and dry. my wife had scallops over a wet bed of spinach which turned them into mush. My Father in-​law had stuffed salmon as he described as adequate and mother and his wife another okay dish. As Robert D said blah vegetables and salad. The only thing that was good was the cranberry bread.
We would have definitely mad a big complaint if my wife did not know the waitress and did not want to offend her. Waitress was excellent.
If dinner was $ 50 I wouldn’t complain but $ 225 w/​o tip there are many better choices on Cape.

Maybe the impending end to our vacation was clouding my judgement — I know as dinner came to a close, the wine certainly was — but our family trip to the Cape was concluded perfectly at Ebb Tide the night before returning to Boston.
My husband’s family and I came to the restaurant as a final outing in a week-​long trip to the northeast. We had obligatorily stuffed ourselves on local seafood meals daily, so one would think that by the time we rolled into Ebb Tide Restaurant, we would be seafood-​sick, local fish connoisseurs. Instead we were looking for one last hurrah of local fare, with as much Cape Cod flair possible.
Ebb Tide fit the bill and left us impressed. The staff was extremely (yes, extreeemely) friendly and the décor inside matched the classic North Atlantic beach style of the building.
Even the appetizers were bafflingly delicious. Selection of local catch complemented the variety of wines and the desserts — which should not be offered because you will consume all the appetizer, your soup/​salad and every bit of your meal — were guilt and sugar coma inducingly satisfying.
After eventually waddling back to our hotel and falling into a stupor of caloric bliss, the next day I was still mulling over how I was able to find such pleasure in the previous night’s meal. Again, maybe the vacation had seeped into my bones and I was not my usually cynical self, but who cares? The experience was great, memorable and delicious.

My friends and I (all professionals between 25 – 35 years old) went to The Ebb and Tide on a Friday evening at 8pm. The restaurant was almost empty with the exception of two other tables. We were seated right in front of the swinging kitchen door which was annoying to say the least. Our waitress was very nice, but completely inexperienced and could not make any recommendations or answer any questions regarding the food, which in the end, contributed to our disappointment. We ordered a lot of different items off the menu. Appetizers: the lobster fritters and crab cake– good. The lobster ravioli was small and cold in the center. The calamari was small and came with no dipping sauces. The quantity/​quality of the apps did not justify the price. For entrees we got sautéed lobster, lobster pie, diver scallops, the seafood sampler, and lobster quesadillas. These were sub par at very very best and we were all unhappy. We also shared a lobster Mac and cheese which was literally Kraft or velveeta processed dish with pieces of lobster stuck in it. Awful. The only thing I liked was that they gave us a lemon sorbet between courses. Finally, when the bill arrived, we were all figuring out what each couple owed, etc. and the waitress was standing 3 feet away just staring. I bartended and waitressed all through college and I never stood over my tables as they configured my tip– which– because we knew the crappy food was not her fault– we left her more than an adequate tip, even though she should probably not be working in something more than a café or something a little less involved. We were suspicious when we saw only senior citizens exiting the restaurant and also that it was 8pm on a Friday and the place was empty. The music playing also sounded like we were in an elevator. Do not come here if you are younger than 65 and are looking for an authentic/​fresh and fairly priced dinner experience. I guess you can’t win em all…

Without question, Ebb Tide is for the older crowd — but it’s still a good place for everyone. We’ve been many times and have seldom been disappointed. During our visit last week, we started with clam chowders, french onion soup and salads — all were great. They bring you sorbet before the main course — which no place does anymore, so it’s kind of cool. Entrees in our group included 2 seafood fettuccines, prime rib and steak tips. All were excellent! We were too full for dessert and just had coffee (which they give you a whole pot to share). Service was very good and friendly. The prices are on the high side, but it’s worth it.

Good place for a date. Nice restaurant right near the beach. The wait staff is very polite and professional. The food was very good as well, though it can be pricey. I would recommend their prix fix menu where you can get a great 3 course meal for $ 26. I had a great bowl of lobster bisque for the first course which was nice and rich. For the main course I had the swordfish which was broiled to near perfection. And lastly they offer a wide variety of desserts to wrap the meal up. I would go back here again as long as the prix fix menu is still available, otherwise I’d find it overpriced.

If you’re staying across the street or walking distance this is a no-​brainer given the convenience. If you’re choosing between eating here and someplace like Port, I’d recommend you head into Harwichport.
Ebb Tide is one of those old Cape Restaurants that’s been around forever and attracts a bit of an older crowd. Here’s the rundown on the grub:
— lobster ravioli — awesome
— calamari app — solid
— lobster mac and cheese — not a good judge, but the table liked it
— swordfish ebb tide — decent, but not mind blowing
— some scallops dish — mediocre
— dessert options were weak
Staci was an awesome server.

I have been to the Ebb Tide twice… both times I have been SO pleased with the food! The last time I went (last week) I ordered the scallops baked in sherry & breadcrumbs (AMAZING!)…and it came with delicious squash and garlic mashed potatoes and a salad before dinner. I also ordered an Ebbtini, and it was great drink! My favorite perk of this place is that they give you intermezzo (sorbet, to cleanse the palate) between your salad/​bread and entrée. The two types of bread are warm and scrumptious.
Our waitress was very nice, and asked us if we needed anything the perfect amount of times.
The décor is fabulous… the theme is blue (perfect for a classy Cape eatery).
We have gone on a Monday night (not crowded) and Wednesday night (crowded.short wait).
If you like seafood or steak, I’m sure you will love Ebb Tide!

If I wanted nursing home food I’d just go to a nursing home!
This strangely established eatery takes the dull and boring to a whole new low. I can see why elderly love it. The same menu items in the same expected cooking styles linger on the menu like a bad taste in your mouth.
If you’re aiming to please granny go here. If you’re looking for new and delicious seafood flavors don’t!
I’ll never go back!

I might be biased towards the Ebb Tide since I used to work here as a waitress in college, but the positivity is for good reasons!
First and foremost– it is a friendly family-​run restaurant. The McCormick family has owned an run the place for two generations (since the 1950s) and they are transitioning to a third! They all live in houses in the neighborhood and they love their loyal customers.
The décor looks like grandma’s dining/​living room with a nautical theme spin, but it makes the place that much more welcoming! Captain Caleb Chase is infamous to the area, so you will find many portraits and references towards this popular sea captain (try the martini!).
As for the food. Y-​U-​M! They have the best seafood on the Cape, hands down. Their Lobster Fritter appetizer is to die for– lobster chunks dipped in a special batter, fried, and served over lobster bisque– what! Anything ‘stuffed’ is also delicious. They make their own seafood stuffing with a family recipe. I’ve had the stuffed sole, baked stuffed lobster, and stuffed salmon and they are all mouth-​watering good!
Yes, you will spend some money here, yes it is old-​school Cape Cod, and yes the wait-​staff is young. But what you pay for is a comfortable atmosphere, good food, and great service. I worked here and lived here for 3 summers of my life, and I will continually go back to the Ebb Tide Restaurant!

You’re kidding? One star? I am sorry you had a bad experience — but we have eaten ther many times over the past 3 summers and loved every nostalgic «old school» seafood bite.
Our daughter enjoyed the crandberry shrub intermezzo. (Funny what kids will like.) and the butter curls and bread.
The salad dressings are all house-​made and the Champagne Vinaigrette is delicious, as are the yummy cranberry-​orange bread (almost cake like) squares — served with the aforementioned butter curls.
Seafood and Veal dishes here ROCK!
I love Ebb tide. Attentive stff, Blue Captains Chairs and the gift shop next door, too.

My wife remembered this place nostalgically as «old Cape Cod,» and Grandma-​in-​law was excited to go here for birthday supper. It cost $ 200, with tip, for three adults and two kids to have dinner, with a couple of drinks and no dessert. The vibe: hushed tones of «let’s behave, it’s fancy» coupled with tacky, naïve service. The food: yech. Overcooked, over-​sauced, over-​stuffed seafood. Plain veg. Uninspired «classics» menu. Rolls so pale you wonder how long they saw the inside of the oven. Yech. The décor: 1972 is almost new again — the squared-​off, electric blue vinyl-​upholstered wing chairs are totally hip, completely unintentionally. The emotionally penetrating portraits of salty sea captains, with the faces spotlighted to make them more intense, could be featured (with heavy irony) at an arch Loisida hipster joint. (We kept waiting for the eyeballs to move, a la Scooby Doo.)
The verdict: avoid at all costs. You can do much better on the Cape these days.