Falmouth’s the Quarterdeck is one of those restaurants that, upon entering, seem familiar and homey, even if you are a first-time customer. Bathed in a dark wood, the entry room houses the bar and a few tables. The second room is the larger dining room. The decor includes memorabilia of the famed Falmouth Road Race, as well as maps of the local area. With over 40 years under their belt, the Quarterdeck is tried and true for a great meal.
When I’m out with the whole family, it can be difficult to find a restaurant that is not a chain and has tasty food while still being kid-friendly. We look for a non-fast food place where customers won’t bat an eye if a child lets out a scream. A restaurant that is not fine dining but whose menu will make the adults in the party happy, the Quarterdeck hits that sweet spot. It can be loud inside, easily drowning out a yell, and it has a menu that has something for everyone.
Lunch at the Quarterdeck
During my latest visit, the kids both ordered pizza. There are many other choices for kids too, everything from grilled cheese to a lazy man’s lobster. Given Falmouth’s proximity to the sea, I felt that ordering seafood is a must. Although the beer selection had some nice choices such as Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine, I chose to abstain since my seafood bill would be hefty enough.
For a starter, six oysters were in order. Although they are three bucks a pop, a little more than I like to pay, these puppies are huge! The closest to a gulf oyster I’ve seen in New England. They come with the traditional fixings of lemon, horseradish, and tartar sauce but also include a mignonette with them. Preparing them, I found my mouth watering before digging in. Each bivalve was perfectly cleaned and so delicious, mixing the tastes of the sea with the condiments.
When starting the meal with oysters like this, the main course has a tough act to follow. I chose the boiled lobster dinner. The presentation is beautiful, as the claws and tail are already off the body. The head is sticking up and the tale is split in two, still providing cracking for the diner. The lobster was just as expected, with nice succulent pieces of meat dunked in drawn butter. For the sides, I chose a side salad which sufficed as a vegetable and the sweet potato fries which were perfect.
My wife’s choice was the decadent seafood pot pie. It had large chunks of fish, scallops, and lobster in a creamy sauce, topped with a flaky roll. This was another strong choice at the Quarterdeck.
Visiting the Quarterdeck
With the many dining options in Falmouth, choosing the Quarterdeck is a sure bet. The seafood is right on. There’s a large menu to suit any diner’s palate. The Quarterdeck is located at 164 Main Street.
When in Falmouth, also make sure to visit these two gardens and Woods Hole.
