50 Best American Restaurants near Essex

“Great food - dinner and dessert! Great views. And the staff is so friendly. Highly recommend!“

“Good food, great drinks !! Nice water view !! A little noisy though !! Thanks for a wonderful evening Sharon D.“

“After ordering we had a nice half-loaf of brown bread with butter.

I ordered the baked scallops with onion rings and Yukon mashed potatoes. The scallops were tender and cooked to perfection, with a generous breadcrumb topping. The onion rings were that perfect blend of crunchy batter and tender sweet ring. The potatoes were nicely seasoned.

My wife got the haddock sandwich with fries and a French Onion Soup to start things off. The soup came out with the meal and our waitress was apologetic saying they'd tried to get it to come out beforehand, but unfortunately they finished at the same time. Not a big deal to us as we were hungry and it took a little bit for the soup to cool enough to eat anyway. The piece of fish was large enough to bring half home for another meal, and the fries were also generous and tasty.

Next time, I want to try the clam chowder, maybe a smaller portion entree, and head across the street to Down River Creamery for an ice cream dessert!“

“A huge gust of wind blew my $40 lobster roll and without hesitation the man who was helping people in line got me a new one. I don’t remember his name but he was so helpful in assisting with the menu and again with getting me a new lobster roll. I feel like a lot of places would not do that for a $10 sandwich so for them to do that for a $40 sandwich truly meant a lot“

“excellent restaurant and bar!…. nice people my issue is the fact when I was leaving this evening I was absolutely eaten alive by mosquitoes… is it just me?� I never in my life been swarmed like that“

“Friendly welcoming staff Very reasonable prices Fun Atmosphere“

“This chick had the potential to Ben epic unfortunately it fell a little short. The good, bread and sauce amazing! Fresh love dip. Had regular marinara on sandwich was was light and tomatoey really enjoyed. Chicken cutlet point breaded to perfection. Unfortunately, a little dry. Wife had meatball grinder and she felt the same way. We did go there around 4:00 p.m.. would try again. Oh fries were some of the best I've had in a while.“

“We first found mercy tavern last October! We planned a quick trip again this year and it was on our list of places to return to! We absolutely love the atmosphere, food and amazing drinks! Can’t wait to go back.“

“We hosted my son's high school graduation party in the Bramble room + the upstairs lounge. From start to finish, the staff made the process easy and well organized. While we wanted to host a nice party, we also wanted to keep the costs reasonable. The team was creative with their suggestions and helpful in accommodating our requests. Not hosting this event at home, allowed us to really enjoy our guests and to leave the planning up to the experts. Everyone loved the food and the service staff went out of their way to make this a memorable night! Thanks again!“

“Fresh, local, delicious! Will be back! Great service! So yummy!! Hubby's new fave restaurant, super fresh!“

“Their Italian Sandwich -- BEST EVER! The bread was outstanding, meats were top shelf and the special sauce put it over the top!“

“An Ipswich staple, they have the best sandwiches and roast beef. Always good for grabbing a cheesesteak, roast beef, or chicken salad to name a few of my favorites!“

“My husband and I sat outside and had a lovely snack in the sun, away from most of the hustle & bustle that October brings to Salem. We thoroughly enjoyed the butternut squash hummus, falafel, and cauliflower & quinoa tabouleh but the real highlight for us was the apple cider! Holy. It was the best we had on our trip around New England. Not too sweet, served nice & hot, lightly spiced and so, so good! The service was wonderful as well! Best of luck to this crew, we wish you much success & hope to see you next fall!🍂☺️“

“Love this cozy little place. Awesome food, great prices and wonderful waitstaff.“

“We met our son and two grandsons for Saturday morning breakfast. Food was good, fast, eggs done perfectly with not too much grease, and generous portions. Staff were excellent. Loved the meal.“

“Excellent , can’t get any better . Highly recommended. You will definitely happy with all aspects of George’s .“

“We were very happy to discover Sea Salt is pet friendly. The service was great and the food was delicious!“

“I am a long time customer (1975) Nick's is absolutely the best there is! Once when I had a broken leg, Nick helped me (and my sandwiches etc.)out to my car. Not only great roast beef but compassionate!😍“

“Had an amazing dinner highly recommended.. I will definitely be back“

“Lydia is beautiful and amazing. Very attentive and professional. She's so great with all the customers even when it's a full house. Wow is all I can say. Highly recommend when she is here. The beers are always cold and they make great cocktails. Food is tasty and fresh. Pizza is a must.“

“Good not have picked a better place to start a New England spring break! Good inexpensive food in a setting full of yesteryear charm. We ate at the bar and enjoyed conversations with other patrons and staff. I had an Irish Benedict… benedicts are not my go to either but this was great! We also tried the fried dough. If you visit Marblehead, definitely worth a visit for breakfast or lunch. It’s not large so I imagine there is a bit of a wait at times but totally worth it… also, cash only so make sure you come prepared!“

“OMG Best breakfast ever. Got a western omelet and I must say was the best one one I've had in years. My daughter got the veggie omlet and is the first time I've ever seen her clean her plate! Will definitely go here from now on. No other restaraunt can will ever top this place. Good coffee, friendly people, great service, and great prices. I highly recommend this place to anyone wanting the best! I'm not the only one that likes it there. There was only one empty table left. Wheelchair access, handicap parking nesr the front door that makes it an easy access for those needing it. Will definitely go back there. Hard to find anywhere with a breakfast this good.“

“My girlfriends and I stopped into this little diner on a whim, and I’m so glad we did! The food was absolutely delicious (classic comfort food done right!) Everything tasted fresh and homemade, and our meals came out surprisingly fast. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier!! They treated us like regulars from the moment we walked in. You can really feel the heart and pride they put into their place. Definitely one of those hidden gems that makes you wish every restaurant still had this kind of charm and hospitality. We’ll absolutely be back!“

“Simply the best restaurant on Rocky Neck. Pricey, but worth it. Outstanding entrees and service!“

“I had the fishermen’s platter, wife had lobster carbonara, after starting with bang bang calamari. Food and service was both phenomenal!“

“Thank you so much for a great experience. We loved the decor and the food was delicious. Thanks to Jacob, Natalie, Mico and of course my sister Karen for a wonderful experience. Thank you to Margaret and Matt for welcoming us. Excellent Marie (Butt) Washington“

“Cala’s is the Bee’s Knees! I am blown away with the quality of food and especially the service! Golden nachos COVERED in tender pulled pork and fresh cheese, chicken tenders are hand battered and well seasoned, hand cut french fries cooked to perfection. Food and service have been superb, consistent, and dependable. Definitely a regular spot for us.“

“It was awsome, yummy and all of you very friendly - you are Great. Mans ist warm regards for Jacky from the two germans . Good Luck Kerstin“

“Great food and great service!“

“The rolls that the subs are made with always taste fresh, not dry like some places in the area. The staff are always friendly and polite.“

“It was my first time at the new location and wow it’s huge! Like the 3x the old one.

We came on a Saturday night around 10pm and it was bumping with a dj and a lively crowd.

Drinks were good and food was okay which is fine. We were going more for the drinks anyways.

We did run into a little bit of a pickle where I was charged twice a different amount (I get it. Mistakes happen!) and the manager Chris was awesome and remedied the problem quickly.

This bar is for people who love watching games because there are plenty TVs!“

“the food was great! love the wall art inside.“

“We thought this place was absolutely awesome. Very clean, private. Very well run and everyone Very friendly. Very modern rooms but still has the historical charm throughout. Breakfast just a few steps down the hall. Very close to all historical places we enjoyed visiting. We will definitely return and highly recommend.“

“Outstanding service and food - can’t wait to return. Staff was awesome !“

“Very good soup and they were very hot. We had chicken vegetable and clam chowder.“

“Place is so unique! Love the antique feel! Had a wonderful time dining on the patio with friends!“

“The most delicious pancakes ever great service too“

“Never had a bad meal at this place“

“The steak tips and scallops ate the perfect meal.. always on point. Big juicy scallops, and steak tips always cooked right. Never had a bad meal here. GREAT food..“

“Excellent food, fresh ingredients, and outstanding customer service! The pizza is always delicious, the portions are generous, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. Definitely one of the best pizza places in the area. Highly recommended!“

“The bartender is awesome beautiful, so that's a W for sure but shes always dancing around and her vibes are contagious. Poors a hell of a drink and always smiling ! My favorite part is FRIDAYS when Dj skully is Blazing beats. Awesome spot.

Vegetarian options: Who cares it's a bar.. maybe icecubes?“

“Delicious food Nice atmosphere Friendly people Worth the trip“

“Excellent food! service is so/so. Plenty of parking. salads are nice variety, and freshness ingredients. My favorite dish is the curry cauliflower appetizer. I would go back for that one dish alone!
Not too handicap friendly. so many hi-top tables which are not very comfortable and difficult to sit in if you are older. we went friends and had to request a booth because of the uncomfortable nature of the high tops, but none were available. We were told it would be a 20 minute wait. However I did see an area on the other side of the bar that was not high top that could have worked for them. In the end we sat in the hi-tops with a wobbly table. My suggestion is to have more comfortable chairs at least if hi-tops are half of the restaurant. and make sure the tables are steady. just was awkward and not comfortable to have a meal.
Service was OK. they missed our appetizer, and it came after the meal. In the end, im glad that the curry cauliflower was the last taste in my mouth because it was so good.
I had the beet and walnut salad. My wife had garden salad with shrimp added. Our guests had salads as well.“

“Always a good meal and relaxing atmosphere. Thanks Larry!“

“Delicious food, great variety, and easy online ordering!!!“

“You will not find a more beautiful, excellent hotel than here. They have exceptional staff, excellent food, amazing accommodations. There is just not enough good to say about the Beauport Hotel. They did not miss any details. The interior is so beautiful and inviting, the food menus are eclectic and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Recently ran into a self created 😂 snag, and Lauren went above and beyond duty and out of her way to resolve it! Don’t miss the Beauport.“

“The "appetizer" short rib poutine!! 100%YUMMO! Two of us ate it and still had leftovers! And the raging honey garlic wings were amazing... just the right amount of spice and cooked too perfection!!“

“Love the atmosphere there. Friendly staff and the food selection is pretty good.“

“Me and my family visited Salem yesterday for a little roadtrip, we come to Salem all the time (we are from New York). My sister mentioned that we go somewhere different to have lunch/dinner. We selected on The Counter, Ashley (hostess, waitress) charmingly greeted us and we picked a table to sit. The menu was very simple and had great selections. My sister and mother got the counter salad wrap, I got the Counter Burger, my daughter 12” cheese pizza and sister in law the grilled cheese. The amount of satisfaction being whispered out of our mouths…oh my god! Everyone’s food was absolutely delicious, we all voted that this will be our food place to eat every time we come to Salem. With the amount of hospitality, Kindness and attentiveness that Ashely gave to us, she was top notch! You have one AMAZING employee at The Counter. We can wait to come back, we would love to check out Hotel Salem one day. So all in all, myself and my family give The Counter a 10 out of 10, and we give Ashley a 10 out of 10!!!!“

“Very attentive staff! Good music.“