Bubala's by the Bay Restaurant, on Commercial Street

A lively spot with fantastic views of the bay on one side and the colorful pedestrian parade along Commercial Street, Bubala's by the Bay (183 Commercial St., 508-487-0773) serves decent, if somewhat inconsistent American fare, three meals a day. But the real reason to hang out here is the fun setting, and that there's a large patio with great views of Provincetown Bay. This is a lovely spot for a cocktail, too, and there's live entertainment much of the time.