New Dining Choices On The Lower Cape

Three Fins Coffee House and Cacao Factory

Walking into Three Fins Coffee House and Cacao Factory, two things are immediately apparent: the mingled scents of coffee and chocolate and the large sunken seating area.

The seating area is sunken because it used to be a pool before Catherine Bieri and Ron Reddick converted the former Chatham Health and Swim Club into their new coffeehouse. And it took a lot longer than they anticipated. They had originally hoped to open last year but when work began on the building, they discovered that almost everything had to be upgraded — electrical, plumbing, roof, windows. 

“We took the hit up front” rather than having to make more repairs in the future, Bieri said. A limited opening was held in February, but now the coffeehouse is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The former pool area attracts a lot of attention and using it was always part of the plan, they said. “We weren’t sure it would come together, but it did,” Bieri said.

Along with coffee, which is roasted in Three Fins’ West Dennis cafe, the Chatham operation includes cacao roasting, which takes the delicacy from raw beans to finished chocolate, a complex process that takes days and can be observed through floor-to-ceiling windows in the upper level of the cafe. But the result is worth it, said Reddick, who went to school to learn the process.

“We learned more as we were doing it,” he said. Their chocolate is sold as bars and used in other products such as chocolate croissants. Eventually they hope to offer classes and other events.

“We want people to learn how to appreciate chocolate, the different flavor notes, the complex process,” said Bieri.

Ukiyo Brings Japanese-inspired Cuisine To Brewster

A new Japanese-inspired restaurant called Ukiyo has settled into 2628 Main St. in Brewster, which was formerly home to Fare and Just Kitchen. 

Chris Rugg, owner, operator and chef at Ukiyo, comes to Brewster with a lifelong career in the culinary arts. He has helped open numerous restaurants specializing in Japanese cuisine and previously held positions at Mac’s Seafood, Drifters and Governor Bradford in Provincetown. 

Ukiyo — which translates to the idea of living in the moment and dissociating from the difficulties in life — serves up rice bowls, ramen soups and noodle dishes. Rugg says he will be offering daily, and sometimes weekly, specials. While the menu will offer mainly traditional Japanese cuisine, he adds a touch of his personal flair to every entree.

Rugg says he is excited to be a part of the Brewster community. The family-run business, which includes Rugg’s wife and kids working behind the scenes, has been fully embraced by local residents and visitors. Check the Ukiyo instagram at @ukiyocapecod for an updated menu and hours.   

The long awaited reopening of Cap't Cass Rock Harbor Seafood is upon us.

The legendary Rock Harbor spot is expected to reopen on the first weekend of June under the management of Cameron and Tyler Hadfield, owners of The Rail and managers of the Barley Neck. 

"We're hoping to get this off the ground by June 6," Tyler Hadfield told the select board May 7.

The restaurant, which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, was purchased by Michelle Lamy in 2022. Renovations have been made in recent years to the restaurant, which will offer both sit down and take out dining.

Cameron Hadfield said he and his brother began conversations with Lamy about operating the restaurant in February.

"There's a lot of history," he said of the restaurant. "We're hoping to bring it back up to speed but still be stewards of the brand, the location, just like we have at Barley Neck."

J. Bar Opens In Chatham

Having made its mark in Harwich Port, J. Bar has expanded next door to Chatham.

The vegan cafe and juice bar held a ribbon cutting May 12 at its new location at 400 Main St. A soft opening for the Chatham location was held in the fall.

“We are honored to join the Chatham community and can’t wait to celebrate this exciting milestone,” J. Bar owner Erin Tucker said in a press release. “Our mission has always been to serve clean, plant-based food that fuels and inspires — and we’re grateful to share that mission with even more of Cape Cod.”

Over the past decade, J. Bar has built a name for itself on the Lower Cape with its creative, healthy dishes, including smoothie bowls, fresh juices and other plant-based items.

Codo, A Casual Mexican Restaurant

There’s a vibe at the Codo Mexican Kitchen that’s not quite like any other restaurant in Chatham. 

Located in the former Cumberland Farms building at 859 Main St., Codo opened a few weeks ago following extensive renovations to the interior of the building and the property’s exterior, where outdoor seating is likely to be a popular choice during the summer. 

“It’s a more casual space,” said CEO and managing partner Michael Martir. “It’s a concept that’s lacking in Chatham.” He described the menus as “Baja, Calif., not Tex Mex. It’s more coastal beach and family style.”

The menu features nachos, quesadillas, burritos, bowls and tacos as well as a wide selection of cocktails and margaritas. Ordering and dining is casual with pricing designed to attract families, Martir said. No reservations are required and takeout is available.

“It’s the type of place where you can come in right off the beach with wet flipflops,” he said. “It’s colorful, fun.”

Bagel Hound Comes To Harwich

Bagel Hound, an award-winning bakery, plans to open at the former A&W restaurant on Route 28 in West Harwich by Memorial Day or early June.

Ellery Althaus and his wife Claire Adams have been involved in the bagel business for several years, owning seasonal shops in South Wellfleet and Provincetown. The new location in Harwich is planned to be open year-round. Althaus said more space was needed for the expanding business.

“It’s going to be the production facility for the three locations,” he said. 

The store is named after their dog, a “sly and wiley guy” who still gets his paws on about a half dozen bagels a month, according to Althaus.

Their bagels have garnered praise, including winning a few medals in a New York City bagel competition. 

“I think Harwich is a good spot for us,” Althaus said. “We’re excited to be opening in Harwich.” The Bagel Hound will be selling more than a dozen types of bagels as well as breakfast and lunch sandwiches, deli salads, and of course various flavored schmears.  

Michael Jacek, owner of Ten Yen in Orleans, has started a new venture in Chatham with a new challenge: ramen. Namazu Ramen is located at 643 Main St., just steps from the Chatham Orpheum. The menu is small, with five different ramen options, a vegetarian noodle dish and an array of sharable snacks. 

Jacek has worked in the Cape Cod culinary community for his entire career. He studied formally at the Culinary Institute of America, was the executive chef at Mac’s Shack and helped open Bluefins in downtown Chatham. He traveled to Japan for a sushi excursion and fell in love with the idea of ramen. Namazu is traditional Tokyo-style ramen, so the menu doesn’t include vegetarian broth or gluten-free noodles. 

    For hours and a full menu, visit namazuramen.com.

Tim Wood, Ryan Bray, Mackenzie Blue and William F. Galvin contributed to this story