Restaurants in and around Gloucester, MA
Aug 28th, 2013, 09:56 AM
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Restaurants in and around Gloucester, MA
Will be visiting Gloucester and the surrounding towns including Salem in early October. Plan to visit Salem during the week based on input from the forum. Does anyone have ideas on any restaurants that they felt were "can"t miss" in Gloucester/Salem/Essex?
Aug 28th, 2013, 02:30 PM
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We ate at the Causeway on Essex and enjoyed it. The place was covered in cars and people waiting outside in the middle of the day---always a good sign. Sure enough, there were several signs inside where they had won awards.
Aug 29th, 2013, 07:08 AM
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Causeway is great. We used to do mini trips to Gloucester with our hound and would get take out clam plate to share and a cup of chowder and picnic on the waterfront. We also have enjoyed many a meal at Franklin Cafe and Alchemy. A martini and raw bar is always a nice hit at Rudders, although we have avoided the main menu for years after a dismal experience. Perhaps a new chef has turned the kitchen around. It is a lovely location.
This may help. I often find yelp photos to be more helpful then reviews.
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc...47ffb9f700a28#
In Essex I prefer Tom Sheas to the infamous Woodmans. Remember if you are into fried seafood order a plate to share wherever you go. You can always order more. The fried clam wars are in Essex, and people often do clam strolls. Every year it really comes down to the staff that day, the quality of the oil, and the clams. I've often been more likely to stop at Causeway.
Lastly, I can't think of the name, but had a killer chowder at a place that is right off the waterfront bridge before the rotary around the area where 128 sends you into gloucester or onto 127 towards Rockport. Do visit Rockport!
This may help. I often find yelp photos to be more helpful then reviews.
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc...47ffb9f700a28#
In Essex I prefer Tom Sheas to the infamous Woodmans. Remember if you are into fried seafood order a plate to share wherever you go. You can always order more. The fried clam wars are in Essex, and people often do clam strolls. Every year it really comes down to the staff that day, the quality of the oil, and the clams. I've often been more likely to stop at Causeway.
Lastly, I can't think of the name, but had a killer chowder at a place that is right off the waterfront bridge before the rotary around the area where 128 sends you into gloucester or onto 127 towards Rockport. Do visit Rockport!
Aug 31st, 2013, 08:29 PM
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The Causeway; great sea food, huge portions, always a wait, loud, very casual, not the place for a relaxing meal. B.Y.O.B. and there is a liquor store next door.
The Rudder; fantastic, food is great every visit. THis section of Gloucester, Rocky Neck is incredibly picturesque and quaint.
Lobsta Land at the 128 Rotary in Gloucester is very good and a very varied menu. I believe this is what looking_glass is referring to.
I would skip Franklin Cafe and Alchemy. Living in the area I would never recommend either of these places to out of towners.
For a nice meal in a pretty little restaurant in Gloucester check out Duckworth Bistro. Make a reservation on a weekend night and you must have the banana cake.
Essex; for fried seafood skip the famous Woodman's. They use lard in all of their cooking. Go to Farnham's instead. Also I recommend The Village in Essex. They have fair prices, good quantities, varied menu (not just seafood). The seem to cater to the older generation but it's a good value. Also, if you have any interest in antiques, Essex is the place to explore.
Don't miss Bearskin Neck in Rockport for quintessential New England. Don't miss a walk at Halibut State Park in Rockport. There's a huge quarry and beautiful walks/vistas to the open Atlantic. If you are there when there is a musical performance at Shalin Liu, it is a must. You will encounter a music hall that is small enough that there isn't a bad seat in the house, with a fantastic selection of varied musical performances, beautiful natural wood and stone interior and the most exquisite window that looks out to the Atlantic behind the stage. Check out the calendar on their website. http://www.rcmf.org/newperformance.html
I hope this is helpful.
The Rudder; fantastic, food is great every visit. THis section of Gloucester, Rocky Neck is incredibly picturesque and quaint.
Lobsta Land at the 128 Rotary in Gloucester is very good and a very varied menu. I believe this is what looking_glass is referring to.
I would skip Franklin Cafe and Alchemy. Living in the area I would never recommend either of these places to out of towners.
For a nice meal in a pretty little restaurant in Gloucester check out Duckworth Bistro. Make a reservation on a weekend night and you must have the banana cake.
Essex; for fried seafood skip the famous Woodman's. They use lard in all of their cooking. Go to Farnham's instead. Also I recommend The Village in Essex. They have fair prices, good quantities, varied menu (not just seafood). The seem to cater to the older generation but it's a good value. Also, if you have any interest in antiques, Essex is the place to explore.
Don't miss Bearskin Neck in Rockport for quintessential New England. Don't miss a walk at Halibut State Park in Rockport. There's a huge quarry and beautiful walks/vistas to the open Atlantic. If you are there when there is a musical performance at Shalin Liu, it is a must. You will encounter a music hall that is small enough that there isn't a bad seat in the house, with a fantastic selection of varied musical performances, beautiful natural wood and stone interior and the most exquisite window that looks out to the Atlantic behind the stage. Check out the calendar on their website. http://www.rcmf.org/newperformance.html
I hope this is helpful.
Sep 8th, 2013, 11:45 AM
#8
I'll second The Village and Farnham's over Woodman's. I'd also recommend the Blue Marlin, further down 133 toward Gloucester. It's tucked away off the road a bit but is less zoo-y than the others can get and you can get really good seafood there.
Back one town in Manchester is Cala's or Foreign Affairs Wine Bar and Bistro, which just opened in the last several months and I had an excellent meal there a couple weeks back. (Service was a bit spotty but excellent food)
Back one town in Manchester is Cala's or Foreign Affairs Wine Bar and Bistro, which just opened in the last several months and I had an excellent meal there a couple weeks back. (Service was a bit spotty but excellent food)
