Local color is on permanent display at Land Ho! in Orleans, whether in the parade of license plates and hanging signs that crowds the ceiling, the daily cast of characters chatting at the bar, or a plate of local scallops fresh from the dayboats. “Come, sit, stay” for a chilled pint, the local raw bar, and late-night, hand-tossed pies fresh from the brick oven. At the Lost Dog Pub in East Dennis and Orleans, ice-cold beers and scratch-made pizzas are points of pride.

More down-home than dive, the Kettle Ho in Cotuit stands out for its red-barn exterior and stuffed local quahogs, plus a cheery bar scene where you’ll feel among friends the moment you spot your alma mater’s pennant on the wall. In Provincetown, the Irish-owned Squealing Pig is a cozy Commercial Street nook where Wellfleet oysters are a dollar at happy hour and the menu runs the gamut from superfood salads and grass-fed burgers, to farmhouse breakfasts and Guinness stew. These local hangouts may be low-key, but they know how to step it up in the kitchen. It’s fine if you’re wearing your whale-print pants––as long as you’re down to go with the flow, you’re always welcome to dive right in. Well-worn by regulars hiding out from the crowds and well-loved by vacationers in search of local color, these 16 watering holes are home away from home. When you’re not looking for frills, just a round of darts and maybe dollar drafts on game day, you’ll be in good company at the Cape’s favorite dive bars.

Local bars that have keno