Location: Lawrence
Top Restaurants in Lawrence
Lawrence Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Lawrence
Lawrence is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States, on the Merrimack River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 76,377, which had risen to an estimated 78,197 as of 2014. Surrounding communities include Methuen to the north, Andover to the southwest, and North Andover to the southeast. Lawrence and Salem were the county seats of Essex County, until the Commonwealth abolished county government in 1999. Lawrence is part of the Merrimack Valley.
Things to do in Lawrence
1. Cafe Azteca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By jgot - WORCESTER
We have been to Lawrence twice in our lives. The first time, we went to Cafe Azteca on the recommendation of friends. The food was excellent. Turns out, the restaurant was closing the next day for renovations. So, on our second visit to Lawrence, we knew we had to try Cafe Azteca again. We needed to see if the food suffered with the changes.
It did not. In fact, everything we ordered was labeled "new" on the menu and each ranged from very good to excellent
Started with two sodas (we had a drive to get home). My husband got root beer, but I went for one of the Mexican sodas, in pineapple, which I thought perfectly complemented the Mexican fiesta feel of the restaurant.
We munched away on the chips and salsa, assuaging our guilt because, after all, the chips were made from corn and the salsa was made from tomato and onion, that means it is a salad, right.
For an appetizer, we went for a trio, which was cheese quesadilla, steak taquitos and chicken flautitas with guacamole and more of that addictive salsa.
The quesadillas were OK, made better by dipping the triangles in the salsa. The chicken flautitas were crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside, but needed a bit of extra zip from the salsa to really pop. The best were the taquitos; the steak held up to the other flavors well. My husband said the chunky guacamole was some of the best he has had, though, honestly, we are not guac people.
We wanted to sample a lot, so went for three sauces: Mole, tomatillo and chipotle salsa.
The complex mole came on the tamale: Corn meal with cheese and dark meat chicken, steamed in corn husk and bathed in the dark, rich mole. We scraped every drop into the take-home container. This was my husband's favorite.
The Enchiladas divorciadas (one chicken with tomatillo sauce and one beef with chipotle salsa) were excellent. I thought the beef was good (might have liked a little more sauce). The tomatillo sauce would taste good on a shoe, but tasted even better on the chicken enchiladas.
Both entrees came with flavorful rice and a choice of beans (we sampled both the black beans and refried - my husband preferred the refried, but made sure all the leftover black beans made the takeout container.
We were full - and we had three takeout boxes with leftovers - but figured we wanted something a little sweet. And that is just what we got with the Buñuelos - triangles of crispy fried dough, topped with powdered sugar and drizzled with honey. They were still a bit savory, but definitely a little sweet.
Cafe Azteca not only didn't disappoint the second visit, it made us wish Lawrence was just a little closer.
2. Thwaites Market
Overall Ratings
5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By Bill B - Methuen, Massachusetts, United States
After twenty-some years living in Methuen, I just discovered this little gem for Anglophiles and others. This is a small grocery store and butcher with a selection of products from the United Kingdom. The meat pies were delicious, though slightly different from the kind I usually get in the UK. The meat is ground and holds together. The crust was golden and crisp. A couple beef and couple lamb pies with some homemade gravy made a wonderful weekday dinner. Another evening we fried up some English bangers and had the traditional 'bangers and mash' with onion gravy. It was yummy. The staff were lovely. I suggest getting there early in the day to get a better pie selection.
3. LaRosa's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Cafe Hours: Monday - Friday 10am-8pm Saturday 10am - 6pm Bar Hours: Monday - Saturday 4pm - 10pm LaRosa's Cafe + Takeout Our Cafe offered a unique take on dining out. Our quick service style is unlike anything in the Northshore area. We offer gourmet sandwiches, daily specials, fresh salads and side dishes, prepared meals and pasta specialties. Dine in or out, all our items are delicious, fresh and made with love. Catering services also available. LaRosa's Bar + Patio Our newest addition attached to our Cafe, our Bar consists of full liquor, a unique chef driven menu, full service staff and outdoor dining. Our Bar is the perfect compliment to our establishment and unique just like us! Stay in the loop! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest Specials and updates!
Reviewed By bootsnsaddles - east lothian
We dined here twice on our Andover trip enjoying a great atmosphere with food and wine to match.. This busy little place serves good wine and Italian food . We ate indoors once and at the rear of the restaurant is a lovely small outdoor area which we really enjoyed. Food is cooked well with loads of flavours(shrimp linguine) was superb.
Staff are friendly and attentive in this busy fun place and well worth a visit.
4. Lots of Eats Thai Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By helmsman1 - Boston, MA
Their menu is quite varied and is sure to please even the fussiest eaters. I'm not a huge Thai fan but I have found a number of tasty dishes that I love. So if you love Thai food, this is your kind of place.
5. Grassfields Food & Spirits
Overall Ratings
4 based on 344 reviews
Reviewed By Subourd - Methuen, Massachusetts
Grassfelds in Andover has always delivered exceptional food. I normally order the same items whether it be tips, scallops, baked stuffed scrod or baked stuffed shrimp. the appetizers are tasty as well - ,my favorites are the stuffed mushrooms and fried zucchini. the bread is always fresh and delicious. This is a definite constant to return to for delicious food that is cooked to perfection.
6. Lee Chen Chinese Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By stevetM5671ZQ - Greater Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts
We have been a regular customer for years after comparing with other local area Chinese restaurants. The food has always been consistently fresh and well prepared. Not a fan of the seafood dishes we've tried as the food is bland and very little if any lobster in dishes supposed to have them. Everything else is delicious at fair prices. The restaurant itself is entirely open, brightly lit, with no decoration or dividers from other tables. Although very clean, it lacks atmosphere that would entice you to eat there, so we just do take out. Staff always very pleasant and welcoming.
7. Joseph's Trattoria Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By mamacooking - Boston, Massachusetts
Friends have raved about Joseph's for years and we finally got a chance to visit. The dining room has a view of the open kitchen. Everything was superb, including the service. We started with the fried calamari, which was perfectly cooked, without a hint of grease. We got two Insalata dell'Orto for four of us, but one would have been enough. It was unique and delicious with seared peppers, mushrooms and onions, baby greens, sun dried cranberries, oranges, pancetta, mozzarella, ciabatta crostini, and a wonderful citrus vinaigrette. The special seafood pasta of the day was wonderful, with scallops, salmon, and shrimp. The braised short rib special served over fresh pappardelle was very good, albeit a little greasy as short ribs tend to be if not cooked a day ahead and skimmed of fat.The rack of lamb was very good, although it came out a little rarer than the medium that was ordered. The filet mignon was perfectly cooked, tender and tasty. We had no room for dessert but the espresso martinis were fabulous. Recommended!
8. Trattoria Amalfi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By jello692017 - Hampton, New Hampshire
This is an authentic Italian Restaurant. Food is great, service is great. I have had a few different dishes and all were terrific. Wine list is also good. Great appertisers, salads, entrees, and desserts. Highly recommend this place. Gone there with just me and my wife and gone there with large group. No difference.
9. Burtons Grill & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By LKWendel - Westfield, New Jersey
We wanted a place that was outside of downtown Andover, where parking would be easy and had a varied menu (for gluten-free and regular) and this fit the bill. We were not disappointed. Aside from a glass of Chardonnay being a bit pricey for average brand ($9/glass) the est of the meal was fine. Our group ordered the baked stuffed zucchini as an appetizers and it was delicious. My son ordered the cheeseburger was a bit well done but very good. My niece ordered the Cuban burger which was surprise my very juicy and tasty. I had the wild mushroom ravioli and found the sauce a bit heavy and benign. The Mediterranean salad was fresh and inviting. We treated ourselves to the MJ tasting dessert trio- one dessert was better than the next!! We ordered the butterscotch crumble, the chocolate mousse and vanilla cheesecake. We had an argument about which dessert was best and everyone had a different opinion so glad we ordered all three! Fun atmosphere and great service! We will be back!
10. The Irish Cottage Restaurant and Pub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By Elizabeth H - Saint Louis, Missouri
Once we finally found a parking space, we found the pub to have plenty of seating on a night with live music. We enjoyed the traditional Irish music alongside a few cover songs. The food was just "okay." The menu was full of a variety of traditional Irish and American options, and the portions were big. Even our picky-eater found something easily. The flavors were just so-so, though. If in the the area, again, I would go back mostly because this is not a chain restaurant and there are only so many to choose from.
