Frequently Asked Questions

What is BestOnCape?

BestOnCape.com is a free, community-driven platform that helps locals and visitors discover the best small businesses on Cape Cod — from restaurants and cafes to shops and service providers. We analyze public reviews and community sentiment to rank businesses fairly and transparently.

How are businesses ranked?

Our rankings are based on a mix of review quality, consistency, and volume — not just star ratings. We use AI to analyze sentiment across public reviews, highlighting businesses that consistently impress customers, not just those with the most ratings.

Can I suggest a business that’s missing?

Absolutely! If you don’t see a business listed, let us know here. We're constantly updating our directory to include every small business on Cape Cod, especially those without their own website or online presence. Please note, the following criteria must be met for a business to be added:

  • Must be a small, locally-owned business.
  • Must be located on Cape Cod, MA.
  • Must not be a large corporation or publicly traded company.
  • Must not be a government entity or non-profit organization.
  • Must not be a national franchise or chain.
  • Must serve customers directly (e.g. retail, dining, services, etc.)
  • Must have a physical presence or be locally operated on Cape Cod, MA.
  • Must maintain a family-friendly and respectful business reputation.

I own a business — how do I claim my page?

Every business has a free profile page on BestOnCape.com If you're a business owner and want to claim or update your page, reach out to us and we’ll walk you through the quick verification process. Once verified, you can edit photos, hours, your description, and more.

Does it cost anything to be listed?

No — every business on Cape Cod is listed for free. We do offer an optional paid upgrade if you'd like to customize your profile page or include special features, but it’s not required. Our goal is to help every small business compete fairly, regardless of budget.

Why does this site exist?

Many amazing local businesses on the Cape still don’t have websites, or get buried on giant review sites. BestOnCape.com exists to give these businesses the visibility they deserve — and help people find real, community-loved gems across the Cape.