The dining scene on the Cape is so delicious and robust, with world-class offerings, we generally don’t need a reason to mark our calendars as a reminder to go out and eat. Yet, this fall there is most definitely a reason to make sure not to miss a week’s worth of special dishes, special offers and maybe even an establishment you have been hoping to check out. From October 18th through the 25th, local restaurants in Hyannis will be participating in the first ever Hyannis Restaurant Week. The Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District, (BID) the organization behind The Long Table, the successful annual event in June that has been presenting a monumental dining experience at a table that extends one long block, has organized local restaurants to conceive and present dining menus at affordable prices which will be offered for the eight days of October’s Restaurant Week.

The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, an institution dedicated and committed to supporting local small business has provided sponsorship for the event which is anticipated to draw crowds from across the Cape and Islands as well as off-Cape. “We look forward to Restaurant Week and celebrating the many unique—and delicious—dining options that Hyannis has to offer,” says Lisa Oliver, Chair, President, and CEO of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod. “Local independent businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the Bank has been dedicated to contributing to their success for more than a century with tailored banking solutions.” 

“In many ways, the Cape is almost as much a foodie destination as a beach destination,” says Elizabeth Wurfbain, Executive Director of the Hyannis BID. “We are lucky to have so many great restaurants in Hyannis, and in such a close proximity, creating a Restaurant Week event has been a natural progression after the overwhelming embrace The Long Table has received from not only the diners, but the businesses as well.” Wurfbain goes on to explain that Hyannis’ Main Street and the downtown area have been dubbed the F.O.O.D. District (Fabulous Owner Operated Dining) which include over 50 restaurants. “Some of these owners have been in business for decades, and some are brand new that are looking forward to sharing their unique dining experiences with patrons. It is a very dynamic and exciting area in terms of food offerings and dining choices.”

For The Long Table event, the local restaurants stake out a share of the long table and provide a unique menu from their establishment. The tradition of Long Table dining is most commonly associated with Siena, Italy where the town gathers for a meal at a long table, and Del Ray, Florida where the concept has also gained popularity. The Hyannis event is evocative of its inspirational predecessors, with elegant courses served to diners who have purchased their ticket for a seat associated with their restaurant of choice. Wurfbain says Restaurant Week will expand on that concept because with eight days of dining specials, diners are unlimited in the choices. “Imagine, more than a full week—eight days, when people can choose from specially created menus to explore several different dining experiences—all at specially priced offers.” 

While the list is growing every day, Wurfbain says that numerous restaurants have jumped aboard this unique dining opportunity which is anticipated to provide and economic boost to all of the surrounding businesses. Local favorites like KKatie’s Burgers, Alberto’s Ristorante, The Naked Oyster, Columbo’s Café & Pastries, emBargo, The Karibbean Lounge, The West End, and The Black Cat will be conjuring up their own special menus for the fall event. “We love that we have various cuisines from around the world interpreting different local ingredients. There’s something for everyone,” Wurfbain says. Adding, “We are also proud of the outdoor dining, walkability and variety of specialty shops, great clothes and services all within a mile.” 

At a time of year, designated as a Shoulder Season, when businesses are enjoying arguably one of New England’s best seasons, Hyannis Main Street BID has leveraged their understanding of what residents and visitors alike are looking for: a reason to mark your calendars, dining out on good food at a good price. 

Julie Craven Wagner is the editor of Cape Cod LIFE.