OTHER RESTAURANTS... TAKE NOTE!!! As new residents to Cape Cod in 2017, we've been to Baxter's only twice. Food was A+ during our first visit - hot, fresh, and the best scallops and broiled scrod my husband and I and ever tasted!! A slight downgrade to an A- on our second visit, only because the incredible seafood bisque had to be sent back for being on the cold side. MOST IMPORTANTLY: THE STAFF... THEY DON'T GET ANY BETTER!!! Both times, a gentleman named Dan greeted us as we approached the ramp entrance. He treated us as if we were old friends! This guy seemed genuinely happy that we had arrived, even engaging us in enthusiastic conversation! He let us know that we could have our choice seating - any table (indoors or out) or bar spot we'd like. -------- NEXT, we were greeted by our waitress (Jackie on Visit #1, Kristin on Visit #2.). BOTH were consistently pleasant, always smiling, and relentlessly accomodating... And my husband and are not the most passive of guests!! :) True, our wallet was well-depleated upon departing, but (here he is again), as we left, Dan made us aware that our business was appreciated, in a way that made us feel that we were somehow members of the Baxter's Boathouse Family! We chatted for nearly 5 minutes!!! THE MORAL OF THIS STORY: Restaurants can provide great food (as Baxter's does), but the comfort level as set by the "front-of-house" employees is what "makes" the experience! THANK YOU, DAN! THANK YOU, JACKIE! THANK YOU, KRISTIN! Because of you, we'll be back on 4th of July Weekend - with our entire posse of visiting relatives!! (Don't worry... They're all over 21!!! :) ) read more

Visited here on a day trip from the Boston area with family. The seafood here was very fresh and delicious. I had a fried seafood platter with clams, shrimp, scallops, and haddock. The seafood was fried in a light batter that was not at all greasy. The scallops were especially tender and even slightly sweet. Service was fine (seemed like summer season waitstaff, but nonetheless capable) and what you would expect at a waterfront restaurant that surely draws in people just for the great harbor view. If in the neighborhood, I'd go again for some great seafood. read more

The view of the harbor is awesome and worth 4-5 stars, the food is just your average fried seafood, fries, coleslaw type of place. I'd certainly go again if ever in the area and hungry, but I wouldn't make a special trip. You can find places like this all over the Cape, frankly. It's just the usual one doesn't sit right on the water or have a piano bar attached. Seemed most of the patrons were carrying out while we were there, and this was in August when it should have theoretically been prime season. Nothing special, but nothing disasterous either. read more

Went there on July 13th, had a hankering for a lobster roll and my daughter was coming off the Nantucket high-speed ferry so it was convenient. As said by others, very expensive, $19.99 for a lobster roll - given all the news reports about the glut of Maine lobsters, I didn't think it would be that much money. While the lobster meat was tasty, w/ very little mayo (my preference) and celery, I wasn't a fan of the roll. It was the big bulky hot dog roll, and it wasn't grilled. I'm a fan of the flat sided hot dog rolls, and it should be grilled. The fries tasted fresh and clean. So to me, it's good, but not great, esp for the price. read more

Best grilled scallops and shrimp we have had here! The wait staff was great. The food was great. The beer was great. The view was great. We went later in the evening and were able to literally sit on the dock and enjoy the evening bay view! read more

I went to Baxters this weekend. I ordered the broiled seafood dinner. It was the most uninspired meal I have had in a long time. The food was soggy and tastless - really bad. My entree was about $25, so it wasn't cheap either. I also got their seafood bisque, which tasted like fishy glue. Very bland - like what you would expect in a hospital. My sons got french fries with their meals and they tasted like cardboard. Very disappointing... I feel like they haven't updated their menu in thirty years. The view was great, but not worth the lousy food. I also like how the place is decorated. It is stiill probable a good place for drinks. read more

The view is nice but since I don't eat seafood, I ordered a grilled chicken salad. This consisted of a chilled dry piece of chicken on a bed of lettuce with a packet of Kens dressing that cost just shy of $20. I've never had a grilled chicken salad where the chicken wasn't freshly grilled before. My husband got a lobster slider that came with a cup of chowder, a quahog and French fries for $26. Everything is served on paper. There are better waterfront restaurants in Hyannis. We won't be back. read more

Checked it out based on a friend's recommendation and picked up some lunch for my girlfriend and myself. I had the fish and chips and my girlfriend had the boathouse burger. The fish was not fresh at all and was undercooked. Fries were really dry and probably just reheated from the day prior. Couldn't eat the food. Not worth the $17. My girlfriend had a few bites of the boathouse burger and could not finish it. The burger patty was under-cooked and of low quality. Not worth $11 Pros:: Location is nice with plenty of parking. Conclusion: Food is of low quality and is overpriced. read more

#1 Know what you're walking into. I think Baxter's knocks it out of the park. Yes, it is order, self seat and pick up on paper plates, but the family watched the boats come in and out. The kids loved their dishes, the wife and I both got the grilled shrimp and scallop skewers and for those of you who complain about the serving it was DOUBLE of what you get for $20 at to of the harbor restaurants that are next to each other.. (hint). I got the blackened,she got the grilled. The blackened is definitely better with a kick. As for the kids dishes, okay, deep fried clams and scallops and grilled cheese. They were all hearty enough and filled them up. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Again, know the audience and the place and this place hits its niche dead on! But if you're looking for a full serve dinner swim across the harbor. They'll take your name. read more

They'd get 5 stars if the prices were not so high. Seafood bisque was sooooo good. Big chunks of lobster, shrimp, and small sea scallops (or very large bay scallops) Fish and chips were very good but small order for the money. Lobster crab cake tasted more like a stuffie (AKA stuffed clam) than a crab cake. Good, but different. The key lime pie was also great. Being hungover and fishing in rough seas all day and ready to chum, the bisque actually settled my stomach. It was somewhat rich and very creamy. Lighter than I'm used to having in a good way. At first, I was a little thrown off by the paper cup they gave me on a flat plate, being considered a bowl. But the taste made up for the presentation. read more

Very rude service. There was an issue with being charged twice. When I asked for the receipt of the refund, the daughter of the owners muttered under her breath telling me that it wasn't possible and wouldn't do anything to diffuse the situation. She was extremely rude. After I got my food, I overheard her telling the entire kitchen staff about me. Speaking ill of a customer who simply wants their receipts to reflect what they should have been charged? While the customer is still in the restaurant? Also, when I finally got around to eating my fish, it was very dry. I don't think I'll be coming back for rude service and dry fish. read more

Not a better restaurant in Hyannis if you want fantastic fresh fish, friendly service and a view to boot. Our server Jean was extremely friendly and attentive although the restaurant was extremely busy. Fish n chips and the scallops platter were generous portions of extremely fresh fish and was out of the kitchen in amazing time. Delicious frozen drinks as well which Jean was happy to replenish for us whenever our cups emptied. Couldn't recommend this place enough to locals or tourists alike. The prices are a little high but nothing out of the ordinary for cape cod fried seafood. A++++++ read more

Had a wonderful drive to the cape to pick someone up at the ferry and went here since it was so close and it was closing kitchen at 9. 1 beer a side of clams two salads A fried fish plate with frozen fries not fully cooked And what looked like one piece of gorton's frozen fish! 1 ice tea and two desserts. Clam side was $24 for less than a cup of fried clams menu shows as entre $20 clam plate. Dessert was a too sweet bought frozen dessert served on plastic My key lime pie was a whipped cream dessert. The red velvet cake was the same 4" diameter frozen dessert both Served on plastic plate. My friend asked for ice cream we. Got dixie cups. Total before tip over $100. We both said it was just about the worst meal we ever had. Still fuming today. read more

Overpriced for the quality of food prepared. The wait staff is very friendly. However, you may seem quite out of place if you aren't into boating, golfing, or came in off a boat from Boston as that is mostly what this place is about. It seems like a tourist trap from people thinking a higher price = better food. It is also very very loud for no reason. In my opinion, head across the bay for something more spanky... read more

So this is what happened on May 25, 2016... Five women, ages 56-75 years of age (I only mention this so you know that we are "seasoned" enough to know how to have fun while behaving ourselves!) out for dinner on their last night in Barnstable. After a glorious week long girlfriend vacation, we just wanted to sit by the water for dinner & drinks. Fabulous view. Gorgeous weather. We were content. Then our server came. Her name is KILEY. Remember that...K I L E Y! I ordered a $11 glass of sangria & the $27 seafood platter ( market price). Three of us were served our meal on paper plates & two on real dishes. Apparently three of us did not look trustworthy. Unfortunately, not 30 seconds after I was served, I dropped the salt shaker into my tartar sauce. Yeah, not very lady like, but hey, stuff happens. This is where is gets really interesting. KILEY sees the mess. Goes to get some paper napkins, throws them on the table in front of me, then immediately turns on her heals & never returns. Now I'm left with a mess & no tartar sauce! Luckily my Mother ordered the same thing & she doesn't use tartar sauce, so I used hers. KILEY never returned for the cleanup on aisle one. She never returned to sell us another round of ridiculously over priced drinks, which we would have happily partaken. Now, it is the start of the season (just a few days before Memorial Day) & a lot of the places were just reopening. We did notice that some of the places seemed a bit disorganized, but nothing that bothered us in the least. We were treated with respect & kindness everywhere we went. I wanted to give KILEY the benefit of the doubt. So I kindly asked if she was new. She smiled & said no. Then I asked her, "So, your normal response to a customer who has an accident is to throw some napkins at them?" To which she snarkily replied, "You asked for napkins. I brought you napkins." In fact, I never asked for napkins. I had no intentions of cleaning up the mess. I actually said, 'I'm sorry! I've made a mess here!" Expecting that she would do her job by cleaning it up & bringing me fresh tartar sauce. To which she would have been handsomely rewarded in the form of a tip since this is usually how the service industry is handled. Quid pro quo. Finally she takes some plates away, then comes around behind me to take my plate, I think. In fact she decides that this is the time to remove the mess. Except that we are in close quarters & she is reaching in between my friend & I. And she is not going to just scoop the whole mess away, no. She is going to try to remove the salt shaker from the tartar goo after it has been sitting there suctioned in for an hour. Of course, the salt does not want to leave it's cozy resting place...no matter how hard she shakes it!! Now, my friend & I can see the disaster that is going to befall us any moment. We are absolutely going to be wearing the mess any moment. She finally decides that she should just scoop up the whole mess, but she does this while saying in a classic teenage tone, 'Don't shake your head at me." Well, now I'm just pissed! I explain to her that she is a terrible waitress & if she doesn't like her job, perhaps she should try to find another one. I also mention that there will be no tip. She says by now, she doesn't want my tip. I say mission accomplished & excuse myself to go call the manager. I vent to him a bit, but I am talking to him on the phone & don't really get any satisfaction. For all I know I was talking to the dishwasher. He did apologize and ask if I was local. I presume he was going to send me a gift certificate, but we were leaving for PA in the morning. I would not have used it anyway. I really had no interest in returning to the place for any amount of money. Now, just to play devil's advocate because there are always two sides to every story, I will tell you that I have NEVER left a restaurant without tipping my server, even if the service was less than stellar. In my youth, I was a waitress & I know what hard work it is. I am not a demanding customer. If someone forgets my water, my world is not going to end. If my steak is a little undercooked, I'm going to eat it anyway. Life is short. I'm on vacation & the person serving me is just trying to make a buck. KILEY could have made an easy $50 or more if she would have done her job. However, she was an epic fail and therefore by default, so was Baxter's. So many amazing places to eat on the Cape. There is no need to torture yourself there. Thanks for reading! If you see KILEY coming your way...just walk away! Kerri in PA read more

Great local spot, not too touristy and one of the best spots on the water. Not too crowded from Hyannis marine hustle and bustle, but you can still watch all the boats go by etc. Food has always been awesome here and drinks too, I've tried several things and have never complained. Service has been fine every time, nothing to write home about but certainly has been good. FYI to all new comers, people with children, etc. There are two "parts" to this place, one is more of a order-at-the-counter and sit outside with your kids type deal, and one is more of a bar where you must be 21 to even enter the restaurant. Don't expect to eat there and be served if you have children. read more

Stopped in for fish and chips and really enjoyed them. Service was really friendly and prompt, not pushy. We tried a flight of their beer which was all easy drinking (and had a few others). The prices were a little high, but the area is expensive in general. Would recommend it if you want a relaxing stop. read more

What a wonderful delicious experience. Good food, good drinks, friendly service, how do they remember the order without writing them down? The view is breathtaking. Sandy P read more

Scallops were amazing! Great drink service from Chris! Will definitely return whenever I visit Hyannis! :D read more

There are two sides to the restaurant- one side that is strictly 21+ and another side more family oriented where everyone of all ages can dine! No matter which side you choose, it is such a great atmosphere all thanks to the staff who make this place run. Every one is friendly and welcoming and the food is delicious! read more

Baxters is a Hyannis harbor institution, and if you've never been, it's worth a visit for the waterside seating and some great food. The chowder is flavorful, full of clams, and not very thick (the usual cover for poorer versions). Fried fish and seafood is also awesome (just skip the popcorn shrimp), as is the lobster roll. Broiled can be a bit dry. My most recent visit was my first experience on the 'adult' side, and I had high expectations, but was a bit disappointed. There's table service, but it's practically just like they're just getting your food from the counter for you. For this visit (which was labor day to be fair) there were too few servers, so ours was constantly rushed and not so friendly. The platters were served on dinner style plastic plates, but everything else was on paper except, oddly, the very excellent fish bites, which were on a black plastic scallop shell on top of the paper player, perhaps to emphasize how well they were fried - wasteful and silly. Order non seafood items at your own risk (I've heard rumors of cheese-less grilled cheese!). To summarize, go for the experience and cape cod specialties, but don't expect a fine dining experience (though that doesn't keep away the local celebrities... we saw one of the Jordan's furniture brothers just before their add came on TV). read more

I am completely disgusted will not go back and will not recommend to anyone! We did research and looked forward to going but when got there were told we could sit by the water or in the dining room but could not have a waitress or table service because our son is with us and is under 21. I understand not being allowed in the bar area but to tell us we can sit out there where everyone else is and refuse us a server and table service is unheard of and absurd!! In all our research including their website NO WHERE did it say no one under 21...this rule is ridiculous and we left and went elsewhere!! I could understand not wanting people with kids sitting in those areas potentially disturbing other patrons but that was not the case...we could sit where we wanted we were just refused table service because we had a child with us even though the tables around us who did not have kids got table service... read more

When I walked in I noticed the coleslaw was out on the counter under the sunny window, with about 4 cups left on it. Someone walked out with a fresh tray of coleslaw, from the fridge, I hope. Then she put the old ones on top to be used first. The fresh tray she had brought out had a good 50 cups on it, which means the tray had been sitting out for some time. The food came out, and what a disappointment. The portions for the fish & chips were small, even less fries than a child size portion. It was very greasy. The coleslaw was warm, I told my daughter not to eat it. The location is beautiful, right on the water. Its too bad the food was awful, and left you feeling hungry! read more

Despite somehow making it into Jane and Michael Stern's Roadfood, Baxter's is really only mediocre. Ask a local to direct you to an authentic lobster shack. This place is for tourists only. read more

Fish & chips are good, but typical takeout. Good batter, and a good size piece of fish. Fried clams, again good, but not great. Price = Very expensive for the food you get, but the view is GREAT! I could sit and watch the small boats or larger ferries go by all day long. They had a bar on the takeout part of the restaurant that's easy to get a drink, but again pricey... we ordered the food & you'll get it very quick! read more

This place caterers to the tourist. Cafeteria comes to mind here. You place order when you first come in.. They hand you a beeper and beep you when order is ready in about 7 min. You pick up your order which is on styrofoam plates on a plastic tray. You must find your own table. Prices are top prices you expect at a traditional sit down restaurant . Fish and chips were ok. read more

Best food, view and drinks on the cape. The wait staff is amazing!!! Can't say enough good things about this hidden gem

To call the tiny cup of completely unseasoned shredded cabbage "cole slaw" is an insult to cole slaw everywhere. On an $18 fish and chips entree it was a deal breaker. Eat elsewhere. read more

Wow - way overpriced compared to other similar restaurants on the Cape. I ordered Coconut Shrimp and they were the cheap frozen ones (shaped like a flat frying pan) which is inexcusable for the price and being on the ocean. Sitting on the deck is nice which is why they get away with ripping you off. Just be forewarned... oh, and the seafood chowder was super gloppy with tasteless chunks of "seafood", I guess, stuck in the glop. I gave it 2 stars instead of one for the deck. read more

If you are looking for great food, waterview, casual & fun atmosphere with excellent waitstaff, this is your place! Located perfectly in Hyannis harbor for scenic views we prefer to sit at the outside deck, however it is first come-first served; if you have to wait for a table on the deck it is well worth it. This is a hot spot for locals as well as the Cape Cod tourist that enjoys a comfortable relaxing lunch, dinner or drinks. No one under 21 is allowed in the Boathouse side of the building. There is "family" seating with beautiful views of the harbor on a deck with lots of picnic table seating on the opposite side of building. Being a local we have had just about everything on the menu and love it all...haddock/fish bites as an app is def one of our faves! All staff are friendly & efficient but if you are lucky enough to have Samantha as your server, she is superb! read more

Have lived in Sandwich for over 20 years and today was our 1st time eating at Baxters. With out a doubt, the best quahog on the cape!!!!! Food was delicious. And the view was perfect. Waitress, Samantha was so nice, made our day of playing tourist perfect! Can't wait to go back!!!! read more

I give this place 3 stars only because of its location & view. They are one of a handful of restaurants in Hyannis that are actually right on the water. The view is beautiful from the deck, and it was a relaxing way to pass the afternoon....BUT I agree that the food was mediocre, the service not so hot (more on this later), and the drinks WAY over-priced. We had the fish & chips and the BBQ chicken sandwich. Both completely average. Our server kept rushing us, and was anxious to give us our check b/c her shift was ending (even though we actaully asked her if her shift was ending, and if so we had no problem paying her & tipping her, and then staying for more drinks with the new server). We wanted to hang and have some more drinks, thankfully we did not b/c when the check arrived we saw that our "average" lunch and cocktails was about $80. Granted, we each had a beer, pina colada, and a margarita (pinas were $10, margs $11....good, but not outstanding), overall I thought it was a rather pricey lunch considering the quality of the food & service. Again, the view was redeeming. read more

Been going to Baxter's since the 70's. Went for lunch yesterday very disappointed. Long lines are typical but place was over-crowded and kept bring people in with no where for them to sit. Staff was young and overwhelmed with no Management in sight to help them. Portions of clams and scallops were small for what we paid for them... read more

This is a place that can contend for best fried clams on the Cape, with a view of the harbor to boot. Its always hidden, marked out by a road sign a quarter mile away, but once you pull into the parking lot and into the open kitchen, you know you've come to a quality seafood establishment. The menu may be expensive, but it covers all the seafood needs one can want while on the ocean. The fried clams are what you want from a stand, full bellied (if you eat clam strips in New England, I will find you...and I will hurt you), hot, and juicy. The portion size is perfectly balanced, clam to fry, and a regular is good enough for any off-the-boat appetite you may have. The great thing is that you can get a seat on the porch deck, right next to docking boats overlooking the harbor, and playing defense against the seagulls circling above looking for any weaknesses you may reveal about yourself. It's worth it though for the view, and the clams, and its a must on any Hyannis stay. read more

Disappointed in the lobster roll. For $25 it should be full pieces - instead it was all cut up small pieces and the roll was stale. The fries were the best thing on my plate read more

I have to agree with Nicolas C. from the Cape. I grew up in Hyannis where my Grandmother lived. We used to come to your restaurant all the time. So now I bring my Granddaughter there for her 15th Birthday. I was very disapointed with the food and the prices . She got a shrimp platter and I got a seafood platter. And an order of onion rings. The total was $67.00. The seafood platter consisted of 1 piece of fish, three clams,3 shrimp and 3 scallops with fries. I just think for the prices you charge the platters would be a little larger. read more

Spectacular view, but way overpriced and the batter that the food is fried in is dark and disgusting. The longer you don't change your batter, the darker it gets. Nasty. read more

A very typical touristy spot right on the water docks. Prices were very high for the quality and quantity of food. Nearly everything was fried (thumbs down) Only plus was the location. Very nice view of the bay where the boats come and go. read more

I am torn between 3 and 4. Everything was tasty --- chowder, Quahog, lobster slider... but I thought it was rather pricy. Fried food.... yes, I wish there were more variety in terms of salad etc to keep us a little healthier?? read more

Great views of Hyannis inner harbor, but you pay through the nose for fish and chips. The ultimate Hyannis tourist trap.