13 Best Restaurants in Side Trips from Boston, Massachusetts

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We've compiled the best of the best in Side Trips from Boston - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Clam Box of Ipswich

$$ Fodor's choice

Shaped like a giant fried-clam box, this small roadside stand is the best place in the region to sample Ipswich's famous bivalves. Since 1935 locals and tourists have been lining up in droves for clams, oysters, scallops, and onion rings.

Woodman's of Essex

$$ Fodor's choice

According to local legend, this is where Lawrence "Chubby" Woodman invented the first fried clam back in 1916. Today this sprawling wooden shack with indoor booths and outdoor picnic tables is the place for seafood in the rough. Though it's in Essex, it's a quick drive from Gloucester and worth getting a to-go order to take to the beach. For fun, you can get into a lively discussion with a local over whether clam bellies or strips are the better choice.

80 Thoreau

$$$

This fine-dining restaurant, located in the Concord Depot, offers New American cuisine, with much of the food on the plate coming from nearby local farms. Friendly and knowledgeable servers can help you navigate the menu, which changes with the seasons, along with what’s available at the time.

80 Thoreau St., Boston, MA, 01742, USA
978-318–0008
Known For
  • New England ingredients
  • Creative cocktails
  • Excellent service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Bedford Farms Ice Cream

$

The Concord outpost of the long-running Bedford Farms Ice Cream shop offers just as many tasty, locally made ice creams. "Always Making" flavors include chunky chocolate pudding, green monster, and black raspberry, but there is also a list of "Sometimes Making" flavors, sorbets, and sherbets. You can also order custom ice cream cakes and pies with advance notice.

Finz Seafood & Grill

$$$

This contemporary seafood restaurant on Salem Harbor treats patrons to prime canal views. There is an extensive sushi and sashimi menu, plus lots of other seafood favorites, including sesame-crusted tuna and steamed lobster. Burgers and steaks are also available for meat eaters. Nab a seat on the outdoor deck when the weather's fine and eat practically among the boats.

Haute Coffee

$

Stop in for freshly brewed coffee and homemade baked goods, like banana bread, granola bars, and cinnamon buns, at this cozy spot. At lunch, enjoy the soup du jour and a selection of sandwiches. In nice weather, enjoy your food outside on the patio.

Ledger Restaurant & Bar

$$$

Housed in a 200-year-old building that was once a bank—Ledger takes its name from the massive amount of banking ledgers found in the building—today diners enjoy a modern-day spin on traditional 19th-century dishes, especially live-fire cooking. Grab a cocktail while checking out the multitude of original features incorporated into the restaurant, including deposit boxes and a huge safe that serves as the restaurant’s walk-in refrigerator. Grab a peek of the private dining room, where the wooden chair rails are sourced from pews in an old church near Boston Common.

125 Washington St., Boston, MA, 01970, USA
978-594–1908
Known For
  • Historic digs
  • New England cuisine
  • Live music once a month
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.

Main Streets Market & Cafe

$$

Cyclists, families, and sightseers pack into this brick building, which was used to store munitions during the Revolutionary War. Wood floors and blackboard menus add a touch of nostalgia, but the extensive menu includes many classic dishes, including mac and cheese, fish and chips, and steamed mussels. Breakfast offerings, served all day, include a variety of eggs Benedicts, a breakfast burrito, and omelets. At lunch, try the house-made chili or a variety of salads.

Passports

$$$

In the heart of downtown Gloucester, Passports serves a modern take on classic New England seafood. Whether you sit at the bar or a table, you'll be served delicious complimentary popovers to start. The house haddock is a favorite here, with other options like lobster and paella on offer. There's always local art hanging on the walls for patrons to buy.

The Blue-Eyed Crab

$$$

Grab a seat on the outside deck overlooking the water at this friendly, somewhat funky (plastic fish dangling from the ceiling), Caribbean-inspired eatery. Enjoy fruity cocktails on the patio, or hang out in the colorful dining room. Start with thick crab bisque full of hunks of floating crabmeat or coconut shrimp with green mango chutney. Dinner entrées include Caribbean fish stew, jerk chicken, and the Cajun mahi fish tacos.

The Franklin Cape Ann

$$$

This contemporary restaurant offers bistro-style chicken, roast cod, and steak frites, perfect for the late-night crowd (it's open until midnight during the summer). There is usually live music on Thursday evening. There is also a raw bar and sushi selection. Look for the signature martini glass over the door.

118 Main St., Boston, MA, 01930, USA
978-283–7888
Known For
  • Sushi available Tuesday through Saturday
  • Friendly vibe
  • Good service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch

The Landing

$

Decorated in nautical blues and whites, this pleasant restaurant sits right on Marblehead harbor, with a deck that's nearly in the water. The restaurant offers classic New England fare like clam chowder and broiled scrod, and serves brunch on Sunday. The pub area has a lighter menu and a local feel.

Virgilio's Italian Bakery

$
Since 1961, this bustling Italian bakery and deli has been making fresh breads and rolls, serving some of the tastiest sandwiches around. One of the shop's claims to fame is the now-famous Saint Joseph Sandwich, made with their Italian rolls stuffed with Italian deli meats, olive oil, and oregano. Pick up one (or two), along with other grocery items, before heading to the beach for a picnic.

Not finding what you're looking for?

We've got a few suggestions for nearby spots.
$ Boston

Kelly's Roast Beef5256.8 miles away

American
410 Revere Beach Blvd., Boston, Massachusetts, 02151, USA
We recommend 61 Restaurants in Boston
$ Boston Fodor's Choice

High Street Place Food Hall5259.3 miles away

Fast Food
100 High St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02110, USA
We recommend 61 Restaurants in Boston