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The Old Colony Tap, located at 323 Commercial St, Provincetown, is a true gem in the bar scene, boasting the title of one of the oldest bars in New England. This dive bar exudes a unique atmosphere that transports you back in time, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day at sea. Patrons rave about its extensive collection of whiskey, rum, and scotch, ensuring there’s something for every spirit enthusiast. As Voodoo Trucker noted, it's an experience reminiscent of the days when sea captains sought refuge in its welcoming embrace.
Atmosphere is the name of the game here. Reviewers like Amanda Cropper hint at the excitement of visiting during quieter seasons, though caution about the cash-only policy and minimal food options—just chips—to accompany those generous drinks. The bar’s uneven floors and vintage charm add to its character, creating an authentic dive bar experience.
Despite rising prices, as mentioned by em T, the value of the stiff drinks keeps patrons returning year after year. Whether you're enjoying karaoke or simply soaking in the ambiance, the Old Colony Tap stands out as a must-visit spot in the heart of Provincetown for both locals and visitors seeking a genuine old-school bar vibe.
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Amenities & More
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
Highlights
- Bar games
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Live music
- Live performances
- Sports
Dining options
- Outside food allowed
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Reviews for Old Colony Tap
Review highlights
Based on 195 reviewsOld Colony Tap is widely recognized for its authentic, historic ambiance, often described as a quintessential New England dive bar with nautical charm. Patrons appreciate its extensive selection of whiskey, scotch, bourbon, and rum, complemented by strong, reasonably priced drinks. The bar's location on Commercial Street in Provincetown adds to its appeal as a lively social hub, especially during the busy season. Common themes include its cash-only policy, lack of substantial food offerings, and uneven floors that contribute to its old-school character. While some note recent price increases, the overall atmosphere and nostalgic vibe continue to draw consistent repeat visitors seeking a classic, spirited experience.
The Old Colony Tap is one of the oldest bars in New England. With an outstanding selection of whiskey, scotch, bourbon, and rum, you are sure to find what you're looking for. I've been coming here since the early 1990s and would easily recommend this bar to anyone wanting to step back in time and getting a perspective on what it must have been like bak in the day. Getting off of your fishing boat after a long day and putting a few whiskey shots back. Enjoy and safe travels!!!
This place is all atmosphere. You can imagine sea captains rolling in to drink away their woes, celebrate a great catch, etc. You can also imagine this place getting VERY messy in the busy season in all the right ways. Be forewarned that this is cash only and there is no food to speak of unless you want a bag of chips. You will get very stiff drinks for reasonable prices and the uneven floors, slanting tables, etc., could prove interesting depending on how much you take advantage of their reasonable prices. Have a plan in place for what you're going to eat to soak all that alcohol up. We were there on a quiet day in the off season and we loved it. Not sure I would be as into it in high season, but I hate high season anywhere.
It was amazing experience. You can’t find any open restaurant, bar or pub that much. And there is a karaoke bar and it was very funny.
Love love love this place and always come here every year- the vibes are still the same however they definitely raised their prices a lot this year!! 2 high life beers and 2 shots for over $30.. kinda crazy
Take the plunge into Provincetown's best dive bar! Great location on Commercial Street right in the middle of everything. Fun place to have a drink or 2 or more. Cash only with an ATM. You'll feel like you are on an old ship with the crooked floors and tables in this truly salty Cape Cod old school establishment.
CASH ONLY!! Fun little spot. This was my first time there. My bestie has been here several times over the years and there is a bench for you to carve your name and I took a picture of her with her name carved in it. We had a couple of beers, nothing special. It's a quirky little place with a lot of the locals/regulars. The floors are wonky and tilted. The tables are slanted, but it made for an interesting part of the visit.
Cash only bar from 1850. The floor is totally crooked so watch out if you have trouble on uneven surfaces. The bartender was great and the drinks were good
What a classic this place is, like stepping back in time. Cold beer, crooked floors, cash only. Not many living history businesses left, it could be condos or a Starbucks in the blink of an eye.
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
- Tuesday 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
- Wednesday (Today) 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
- Thursday 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
- Friday 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
- Saturday 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
- Sunday 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
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