Our Story
Family-Owned, Family Friendly Since 1985
Family-Owned, Family Friendly Since 1985
The Portside Tavern resides in a historic sea captain's house that dates back to 1872. Originally built for Captain William Harrington, a prominent whaling ship captain, the building has maintained its nautical charm and character throughout the decades.
In 1985, the Murphy family transformed this historic property into The Portside Tavern, creating a dining establishment that honors the building's maritime heritage while serving inspired American cuisine to the Hyannis community and visitors alike.
Today, we continue to blend tradition with innovation, offering a dining experience that celebrates Cape Cod's rich history while embracing contemporary culinary techniques and flavors.
The Portside Tavern building circa 1890
For over three decades, the Murphy family has been dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences to our guests. What began as a dream for patriarch Sean Murphy has grown into a Hyannis institution, with three generations of the family now involved in the business.
Our family values are reflected in everything we do—from sourcing local ingredients to supporting community initiatives. We believe in treating both our guests and our team like family, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.
Today, Sean's daughter Kathleen manages the day-to-day operations, while her children can often be found helping out during busy summer months—a true family affair that we're proud to continue.
We prioritize locally sourced ingredients and change our menu with the seasons to ensure the freshest, most flavorful dishes possible.
Everything we serve is made from scratch in our kitchen, from our signature sauces to our freshly baked bread and desserts.
Each dish is prepared with attention to detail and a passion for creating memorable dining experiences for our guests.
At The Portside Tavern, we believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for over three decades. We're proud to partner with local organizations and initiatives throughout Cape Cod.
We support local fishermen and farmers by sourcing ingredients from within a 50-mile radius whenever possible. This not only ensures the freshest ingredients but also reduces our environmental impact and supports the local economy.
Each year, we host charity events and fundraisers for causes including local schools, environmental conservation efforts, and food security initiatives. We're committed to being more than just a restaurant—we're an active member of the Hyannis community.
We host monthly fundraisers supporting local causes and organizations.
We're committed to reducing waste and implementing eco-friendly practices.
Over 60% of our ingredients come from local producers and purveyors.
We provide year-round employment opportunities for over 50 local residents.
Join us at The Portside Tavern and become part of our continuing story. We can't wait to welcome you.