Level Bistro

By John S. Kelemen

It has been a while since we have added a review to our collection. Mid August vacations and conflicting work schedules have wreaked havoc with any semblance of steady progress. Of the original Tfor3, Michael the Blogger has been running from pillar to post with his many obligations while Michael the Rubber can only be spotted on Commercial Street sporadically with his ubiquitous cell phone clamped firmly to the side of his head. As for me, I have been trying to sell some art before the end is upon us. As the high season draws to a rapid close we will try to regain our momentum and add an additional review from earlier in the season. But first let’s cover this week. 

On the eve of Carnival Parade Day a group gathered at artist Jack Zaner’s house and studio for his annual Carnival Cocktail Party. After that happy event I had the pleasure of joining four of our Vermont underwear boys to dinner at the Level Bistro. This dinner was definitely not preplanned or initiated by yours truly. I must confess to a certain preconceived negative opinion of the establishment generated largely by hearsay. I’m happy to say that I was wrong, wrong, wrong. Hearsay, especially dated hearsay really stinks.

Level Bistro at the Commons hotel complex surrounds a beautiful garden setting on multiple levels. Despite the busy night we were lucky to get seated on the bay view deck after only a ten minute wait. The space contains a bar and all of the tables refilled promptly as the early diners completed their dinners and left. The atmosphere was definitely enhanced by groups of people enjoying their food and drink on a beautiful Provincetown evening at summer’s peak.. 

Our young Russian waiter, Vlad, was both fast and efficient in taking our orders while at the same time good naturedly putting up with a lot of silly banter. Starters included clam chowder, warm beet salad, and coconut shrimp. Speaking for the clam chowder enthusiasts, I found the large number of tasty clams and lack of excessive thickening agent a welcome change from the clam chowder offered up in many establishments around town. Two of our party tried the coconut shrimp and said they could gladly order more and make an entire meal out of it. The warm beet salad also drew praise.

Our entrée courses included the swordfish, two orders of stuffed shrimp, lasagna, and the Maine crab cakes, which are on the menu as an appetizer but serve just fine as a smaller entrée. Everyone was well satisfied with their meals. Level Bistro also has individual pizzas, burgers and sandwiches for those wanting lighter fare. Prices of all items on the menu were very reasonable. Unfortunately after an evening of partying and drinks under our belts as well as dinner, none of us had room for dessert. The cakes we saw on display looked very appetizing.

In summary: we found the food very good; the service was excellent; the atmosphere was comfortably pleasant; the presentation was okay; and the prices quite reasonable. Level Bistro gets our congratulations and a full four Provincetown Monuments out of a possible five. (IIII)

Level Bistro at the Commons
386 Commercial Street
508 487-7800