You might not know it, but there’s a place in Orleans the locals line up to visit which serves up some of the best pizza and seafood on Cape Cod.
Located inside the former Captain Elmer’s at 18 Old Colony Way, The Rock Harbor Grill is that type of place where the owner visits each table, where the wood-fired oven emanates warmth throughout, and where the service is just as warm and inviting.
For most of the year the restaurant opens only at 4:30, and if you pass by it, you’ll see a queue of people waiting to be seated. Why? Because it’s a dependable joint which offers sensibly priced, creative meals and locals brews to back it up.
The Menu at the Rock Harbor Grill
Hearty fare is the backbone of Rock Harbor’s menu – you won’t be leaving hungry after pizzas, meaty pastas, salty snacks and seafood arrives at the table.
One thing is for sure: they do like to use dates. These small, chewy fruits are sweet and dark, like molasses, and can be found in several iterations on the Rock Harbor menu. “Devils on Horseback” are dates stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon – a salty, sweet and rich way to begin a feast. Other must-try snacks include the crispy-fried Brussel sprouts (specials), pretzel breadsticks with honey-mustard-butter sauce, and cod cakes with Boston Baked beans.
A rotating specials menu is the highlight of any Rock Harbor Grill experience. On this menu the chefs demonstrate some loftier notions of food preparation – backing them up, of course, with big bistro-esque flavors. Order the cocktails off this menu with no regrets.
Pizzas are the talk of the town at the Rock Harbor Grille. One of the more unique topping combos is the Stark Crimson Pear, with the aforementioned fruit, olive oil, bleu cheese, caramelized onion, arugula, walnuts, cranberries and balsamic vinegar. The pies are served on spiral holders, elevating them to nearly eye-level and thereby tempting partakers to make room for just one more slice…
While the cocktails are always distinctive, pizza is perhaps best paired with beer, and the Grill has some local brews from the nearby Hog Island and Devil’s Purse breweries.
Ice cream floats and sticky toffee pudding highlight the after-dinner menu, along with some sumptuous dessert drinks.
Gluten free, vegetarian and healthier options are readily available.
Prices at the Rock Harbor Grill
Reasonable, middle-of-the-road prices are the mantra here. Not including tips or drinks, a party of 4 can eat well for under $100. Painting the town red won’t break the bank, either.
Side dishes average around $6, main dishes at $23, pizzas at $15 and drinks at $10.
The Rock Harbor Grill’s Atmosphere
It’s an intimate environment inside the Rock Harbor Grille, but all notions of a quiet meal should be put aside. Locals and tourists line up to dine here in all kinds of weather, so energy emitting from the guests, the service and the roaring oven will weave itself into the experience.
Named after the nearby scenic cove, the Grill features simple marine-themed décor and outdoor seating when weather allows.
By CapeCod.com Staff
