There’s nothing earth-shattering about the menu of steaks and seafood at The Captain Kidd (77 Water St., Woods Hole, 508/548-8563, 5:30 p.m.–11 p.m. Mon.–Sat.; 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Sun., www.thecaptainkidd.com, $10–26), a cozy pub in the center of Woods Hole. The freshness of the ingredients and back patio overlooking Eel Pond, however, make it a favorite for both fishermen and scientists, who meet here nightly to talk over the day’s catch.

With cheeky menu divisions like “not so small” and “not small at all,” Roöbar (285 Main St., Falmouth, 508/548-8600, 5 p.m.–11 p.m. Tues.–Sat.; 5 p.m.–10 p.m. Sun.; closed Mon., www.theroobar.com, $118–33) adds a dash of high-spirited fun to the sometimes fusty Cape restaurant scene. High-concept dishes like Polynesian lobster spring rolls and wasabi oyster shooters introduce New England seafood to the world.

Not to be confused with the foregoing, The Raw Bar (252 Shore Dr., Mashpee, 508/539-4858, www.therawbar.com, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. daily June–Oct.; 11 a.m.–5 p.m. daily Oct.–May, $4–23) has plenty of cheap eats like hot dogs—but why would you order them when the lobster rolls here are the best around? Atmosphere is somewhere between Spring Break and Mardi Gras.