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.“

“Had a very nice lunch here with 3 adults and 2 kids (ages 3 and 2).

The food was good as always but the server was evrn better. She was so kind and patient with our grandkids. She mentioned she had 3 of her own and understood a day out with young kids.

We will definitely be back there for both the food and the awesome service!“

“I go to Woodman's for the best scallops and the haddock is sooo good, too. Clams are loose and juicy - whereas down the road they are tight and crispy - so there is preference and debate about that. I have loved Woodman's for years. Love the place - clam people should explain their preferences a bit more :).
It's a fried seafood place - so get fried seafood - split a platter rather than chowder and cake if you want a lighter meal :)“

“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“

“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.“

“This is our go-to brunch spot for when we are feeling like doing something nice. We always get coffee, the amazing pastries from A&J King, a side of sausage and a brunch item main from the menu.

The venue is clean and nice. Decor and ambiance is elegant but inviting. We are always enamoured with the glassware and pottery choices for the tables.

The staff is incredibly friendly. Shout-out to Isabella who was our very kind and attentive server the other day!

The brunch menu items are great. Sizeable portions, wonderful flavor, and well thought-out. We are fans of the croque madame and the baked eggs. The real showstopper though is the sausage. We always order a side portion before we do anything else. They flavor, juiciness and snap on them is beyond, and currently only $5 for two. And these are the dinky sausages we have sadly become accustomed to- these are chunky (and mouthwatering).

Head on over for brunch, you won't be disappointed.“

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

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

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

“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.“

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

“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.“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“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“

“Great food and great service!“

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

“Such a great experience tonight. We were in town for vacation from Texas and stopped in for dinner. The server was so friendly, relatable, and welcoming. The food was fantastic. Extremely flavorful and just what we needed to and our trip. The chef Nick is incredible and so creative with his dishes. He came out to the table and chatted with us several times. You can tell he loves what he does!!! If you are looking for great food, low key chill environment, and friendly staff… this is the place. Next time we come to town, this place will for sure be our on list of places to come.
Thanks for a great experience tonight y’all!!!“

“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?“

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

“Never had a bad meal at this place“

“My family and I have been going to IHOP for years now without a single mess-up. Today, they accidentally messed up my order, and I called back asking if they could do anything about it. They immediately remade my meal for me and had a driver send it out. THIS IS HOW ALL BUSINESS SHOULD BE! I will be coming here even more because of my experience today. Great Staff! Amazing food!“

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

“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!“

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

“Delicious food Nice atmosphere Friendly people Worth the trip“

“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!🍂☺️“

“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!!!!“

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

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

“The wicked nachos (with chicken) appetizer was amazing. We also enjoyed our entrees, the 1925 burger and Hawthorne’s penne pasta. Great atmosphere. Wonderful service.“

“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!😍“

“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.“

“First time here we’ll be back!“

“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!“

“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“

“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.“

“The most delicious pancakes ever great service too“

“I WENT TO REV YESTERDAY FOR THE FIRST TIME TO MEET MY SON FOR LUNCH I WAS APPROACHED BY CORY AS OUT WAITER. HE WAS ATTENTIVE KIND AND EXPLAINED EVERYTHING ON THE MENU. WE WERE VERY HAPPY WITH THE SERVICE THAT HE GAVE US I WILL DEFINTIELY LET PEOPLE KNOW WHERE TO GO TO EAT AND ASK FOR CORY HES THE BEST!! THANK YOU CORY“

“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!!“

“Fun atmosphere. Good service and food“

“Three Cod is fabulous the food the service are the best I highly recommend for a great meal & fun & Sunday Brunch the best try the Eggs Benedict & a Bloody Mary yummy!!“

“We loved the uncommon beer selections and atmosphere! So much that we stopped in twice both night we were in town.“

“We were looking for a place to watch the Lions game while in town visiting Salem. This bar was recommended to us by someone we met in Gloucester. The bar's atmosphere small, well put together, clean and welcoming Irish pub. We met the owner who made us feel like we were long lost friends. Service was attentive and consistent. We went back 2 nights in a row. Thank you, to the staff and Kieran for being great! Definitely recommend checking this place out while in town.“

“I love this place! highly recommended. Impressed with the food and drinks, the atmosphere and also the staff. Kelly B was our waitress, she was awesome, our first time there, she had a great attitude and always checking in with us! thank you for the great service! we'll definitely be back!!!!!!😊“

“My mom and son love the fresh lobster rolls! Luisa, thank you so much for taking such great care of them! Please support this local business and treat yourself to a perfect New England lunch!“