Location: Essex
Top Restaurants in Essex
Top Things to do in Essex
Massachusetts, United States Food Guide: 10 Pub food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Essex
Find out what Pub restaurants to try in Essex. Essex is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, 26 miles (42 km) north of Boston and 13 miles (21 km) Southeast of Newburyport. The population was 3,504 at the 2010 census.
Things to do in Essex
10. Garden City Pub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By capt_nutso
This place was clean and well maintained. The staff were helpful and attentive. We went with our kids and even though there's no kids menu, our waitress was helpful and provided options for them. The menu had a lot of variety. The portions were decent sized and they were presented well.There was one problem - the food wasn't that good. It was all cooked correctly, but there was no flavor. Everything we got - from several appetizers to several different meals - were all "meh". It wasn't bad. But it wasn't special. It was just food. There was nothing that made me say "Wow, this is good." There are definitely worse places to go. But I probably wouldn't go back here - I certainly wouldn't search it out.
9. Halibut Point Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Green1Ma
A tour guide at Beauport suggested this as a âpub that locals enjoy with good food.â That is probably the best description located just at the edge of the downtown this pub was filled with locals having lunch or a drink. The food was very good and I was happy with the vegetarian options. The portabella sandwich was delicious as was the cole slaw. My husband had the grilled halibut and praised it as fresh and cooked just right. The waitress was friendly and efficient. The place is well run. Orders were taken shortly after we arrived. The food came quickly but we never felt rushed. Our bill with 2 excellent iced teas $32.
8. Black Cow Tap & Grille
Overall Ratings
3 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By jpahter
Black Cow is next-town-over for us and we get there several times a year. We've never had a bad meal, nor the "Amazing" meal some describe, but is consistently very good. Last night it was braised short ribs for me and a short rib melt for my wife (cool, rainy weather brings out a craving for beef I guess). Both were tasty and generous and our two friends both took half their meals home. Service is low-key friendly without being at all obtrusive. I checked off mid-range for expense, but some might consider it on the lower end of fine dining. Plenty of gluten-free options and also a handful of vegetarian offerings.
7. Ipswich Sports Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Tim M
We like this place for the wings, the keno, the beer and the owner. He is usually our server when we show up. He remembers what we drink and brings it over as soon as we walk in. Wings are good and the service is above average. A nice local place to start the night.
6. The Brown Dog
Overall Ratings
3 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Harvey B
There were four of us for dinner. Here's the story on the food: - Mussels steamed in wine. - Odd taste. - Stuffed lobster - WAY overdone and dry. - Baked Haddock - WAY overdone. - Pastrami Sandwich - Tiny bit of meat, lots of bread. - Hamburger - Average.
5. Ipswich Ale Brewer's Table
Overall Ratings
4 based on 100 reviews
The Ipswich Ale Brewerâs Table, nestled uniquely inside the brewery itself, features 15 tap lines and a diverse menu with a mix of tastes ranging from gastro and brewpub to New American cuisine. Watch the brewing process through Industrial-sized windows a
Reviewed By fflbrgst
Went on a Saturday afternoon in early April. The outdoor seating was in place, but still a little nippy for sitting outside, so we went in. Fairly empty inside.The flights are all pre-chosen per the menu, but the waitress said she'd put a custom one together - but they really didn't have a huge selection we were interested in anyway. No cask ale selection ('cask is broken'!)Quite a limited menu, we split a 'pizza', which turned out to be a flatbread (they should describe it correctly!) which was ok, nothing spectacular, and not filling for 2 people for lunch.
4. Choate Bridge Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By Bostonian80
Fried clams were first rate. Pub burger thick, delicious and cooked to perfection. Grilled chicken sandwich top notch. Interior is dated but in a charming way. Everything was a bit old fashioned which is to say utterly enjoyable. So pleased we CBR. Keep up the good work. A real antidote to todayâs plastic world.
3. Shea's Riverside Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Enzalina
We love Shea's! I love that I can get fantastic gluten free food and not worry about getting sick. I love that the drinks taste like you are getting the appropriate amount of alcohol and not some watered down liquid. I love that the servers are friendly and attentive. Our last visit Jason was our server and he was the best. The calamari was so good. The salmon cooked perfectly. My husband is a snob when eating beef out but he said the steak tips were delicious. We love the atmosphere outside and look forward to coming back again. I do have to say though, and it's the reason I didn't give it 5 stars is your hosts stink! It never use to be this way. We walked in this Friday evening and the host took one look at us and walked AWAY!! Luckily, our friends were already there so we just went off to find them. You need some better hosts!
Most Popular Soups food in Essex, Massachusetts, United States
2. Boat House Grille
Overall Ratings
4 based on 29 reviews
Boat House Grille Essex, MA features delicious seafood, prime cut steaks, an oyster/raw bar, pasta, salads, burgers, homemade desserts and fun eats in a casual, relaxing atmosphere.
Reviewed By pajpaj
Sorry to say that Boat House Grille, a seafood restaurant and not too far from the ocean, serves up plastic straws with every drink they serve... including 2 plastic stirrers with alcoholic drinks. They also have trays of plastic straws on the bar so you can take more. When asked why they pass out so many straws, the bartender laughed it off. With a plastic crisis all over our planet, these guys don't get it. I hope they change their policy. Right now plastic is being found in our water and food... yes, all that plastic has gone up the food chain and is now being served up to humans. The fried haddock sandwich with coleslaw and chipotle sauce is delicious but I hope many of trip advisor review readers join the chorus of those who say single-use plastic and straws and stirrers are endangering our oceans... and tell that to the management at Boat House Grille.
1. Windward Grille Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 241 reviews
Antique New England farmhouse with 1800's barn attached. Fireplaces lit during the winter months. Large rustic bar with high-top seating around bar area. Booth and table seating available in several dining rooms. Special value priced specials available Mo
Reviewed By Joshrazz
Come here weekly with my family or just the wife. Amazing food consistently from the steak to the seafood to the drinks everything is prestine. Wonderful wait staff always the same faces. Feel so welcome every time I come in. Specials are always on point.
Where to eat Bar food in Essex: The Best Restaurants and Bars
