Jailhouse Tavern Restaurant in Orleans MA
If you are looking for a good meal and a bit of history in one, you should have brunch, lunch or dinner at the Old Jailhouse Tavern in Orleans MA once used a town lockup The casual dinning restaurant is opened year round.
Orleans has always been a town to extend a helping hand. During the American Revolution, for example, Orleans residents outfitted the Continental Army with beef, shirts, stockings, boots, and blankets. So, at the turn of the 19th Century, it was no surprise that the town constable Henry Perry offered the front bedroom of his house on West Road (now the Old Jailhouse Tavern) as a Saturday night lockup. He was the only law enforcement officer in town at the time, and there was no place on Saturday nights to transport those who would flaunt the law.
Jump forward to the 1980s! The vision was to create a restaurant where there was something for everybody and the oak-paneled Old Jailhouse Tavern, with its polished jail cell bars which are always open, three unique dining areas, etched glasswork and handsome oak bar offers exactly that – an eclectic menu of fresh seafood and traditional New England fare. We also have a great selection of salads, light fare, daily specials and much more all in a casual, comfortable atmosphere surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds.
They serve Sunday brunch starting at 11:30am. They have traditional breakfast entrees including eggs and pancakes. They have specials each Sunday as well They break up for their menus into “jailhouse terms” “A light sentence which is soups and salads , small time menu items is combination of appetizers and lighter dishes. If you are looking for sandwich or burger check out the Line up. You can only order off the “Big time menu’ after 4pm includes full entrees including New England style Cod, Tavern Parmigiana, Filet Mignon. They also have a children menu so this is a good restaurant to have a family dinner while you are on vacation.
The Courthouse at the Old Jailhouse tavern can host weddings, rehearsal dinners, baby showers and many other functions.
Here are the reviews
Great specialty cocktails and food. Outdoor dining is very well planned and safe!
A favorite of my wife and mine great ambiance and menu selection Great staff and a must for us when we are on the Cape Our waiter Neil was great. A great evening and great meal.
Great summer place Food is always good. Bartenders are always attentive. Love the brewery, great beers.Love being able to sit outside during the nice weather.
This restaurant is a bit different from the usual Cape Cod fare. It is a little off the beaten path and a hidden gem. The food is totally amazing though and worth seeking out. The staff are all very helpful and friendly, the menu is exciting in that it isn’t traditional Cape fare. It is a little more expensive but for a special night out I really recommend.
Had a GREAT dinner after work at the Old Jailhouse Tavern at 28 West Street in Orleans on Cape Cod with my friends for food and fun. Our server was GREAT Waitress who provided excellent service and who helped make the visit a great experience and not just another meal. I had the seafood trio for $24, as I almost always do whenever it’s offered, and my best bud had the sole for $25; iced tea or coffee is $2.75. Both our plates went back to the kitchen clean.
Stopped at Jailhouse for a light meal. Under appetizers is Lobster Mac & chs. Creamy, Cheesy lobster – what beats that.
My wife and i took my elderly parents out to eat here on a recommendation from friends and had a wonderful time. Staff was little as it is off season on Cape but non the less were kind and professional. Food was exceptional the bacon cheese burger, chicken bacon burger and fish n chips were wonderful. Decor was impressive with stone and wood and gas double sided fireplaces and views of veranda and brewery. Went next door to brewery and got unexpected tour of facility. What a great time and a nice stand up bar with seating or spill out to patio. Nice nice nice!
We came in a little late, about 8, so had to wait a few minutes for a seat. The hostess was welcoming and helpful. Our waitress was excellent. The restaurant has soft, melodic music; the seating is far enough apart that you don’t have to listen to conversations at neighboring tables. The dining room was extremely pleasant with a fireplace at the center. The menu is simple. I got my Cape favorite: a lobster roll, which was as good as they come! My husband had an interesting combination: a bacon, lettuce and tomato salad with a some macaroni and a sweet sour vinaigrette dressing. The serving was far larger than he would normally eat!
Just to add, the restaurant is built around old jailhouse: the entry to the bar is jailhouse bars and you see artifacts in the bar area. The whole atmosphere is vibrant and fun.
28 West Rd
Orleans, MA 02653
(508) 255-5245
