The Beacon Restaurant and Bar

the owners are a bunch of phony crooks! they don't pay their vendors or hard working contractors. they just keep saying the check is in the mail! The work was done, and zero payment made. do not do any work for them! criminals!

This is obviously the place to be in Marblehead, and the best part of the experience was people watching and talking with locals. Unfortunately, they seem a little short staffed for even a regular night. We were seated immediately, and had empty tables all around, but didn't talk to a server for probably 10 minutes. We were ready to fully order once they showed up, and did.

My fiancee's steak tips with demiglace, mashed potatoes and green beans was delicious. Zero complaints. Unfortunately, my $44 seafood fusili was all overcooked. Tough lobster, rubbery shrimp. Good flavor, at least, but you expect better treatment of seafood at this price point and this close to the sea.

Great atmosphere, but slow service and disappointing seafood if our experience was the norm

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 3

We ended up at the beacon tonight by chance. Despite arriving at 5 corner kitchen ten minutes before they open, the bar was instantly filled up. Reluctantly, we walked to the Beacon as the next “best” option. We arrived, were able to be seated quickly, and ordered our drinks which promptly arrived. After having a drink, we ordered oysters. The oysters arrived and were good, very large. No one ever asked us about dinner so I had to flag someone down to order. We ordered and my fiancée got his food. My food never came. We had to inquire about my food which came ten minutes later (his food was cold). Only when my food arrived it was an ahi club sandwich…not what I ordered. I ordered the ahi tuna that came with bok choy, rice cakes, etc. I politely told the girl who served me it wasn’t what I ordered. She said, “it was.” So had to pull up the menu and show them what I ordered and they told me they’d remake it. Mind you this is now 20 minutes later and food is SUPER cold for my fiancée. I said no thanks. The bill came, no discount, nothing. We paid, walked out, and while we did, the two girls at the front were talking about the “girl who ordered ahi.” Needless to say, we will never be back. This place is a joke that pretends to be upscale and is nothing more than a mirage. Overpriced garbage.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Front door is locked with a see hostess sign so you have to go to the side.
They must be working out some end of summer kinks ? Idk. Food was not good. Service just ok. Friendly Manager or owner though.
Good spot for a drink inside

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

Went on a weds. night in July to sit outdoors at what looked like a really lovely restaurant. The music suddenly got quite loud after we were seated outdoors and it was early 90s friends type music and every song sounded the same. It was too loud to even talk so as the place was empty we asked a few time to the waitress (who also had trouble hearing us!) to turn it down or off or on different music. We ordered dinner for 3 adults and a child. Kids food came out quick and was really good (chicken fingers and fries) and drinks were also good and served pretty fast. The main courses for the adults however were a series of misfires. This is quite pricey and for dinner main dishes over $35 should really be good to justify that price. Portions were small and preparation was a miss. Scallops were rubbery and overcooked but edible. It came with 7 stringy thin small asparagus that were also overcooked and mashed potatoes that were meh. Veal over pasta had to be sent back and they didn't charge us for it. The other tuna sushi tartar was apparently great or my friend was just so hungry he loved it. between the loud bad music and not very good food i wouldn't want to come here again. Maybe its just that I'm from New York City where the competition is tough and only the best restaurants survive but this place just seemed very sad. The chef on duty (he seemed like a line cook to me) came out to apologize and looked pretty defeated and over his head being left alone even if the place was pretty empty with only a few tables having customers - still if you're open you should be able to serve good food at that price. I woud go back for drinks though, and they actually served a good salad too.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 2

Mai Tai by Matt 💎💯🔥🥃

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food & service .

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is one of the most beautiful, clean and very cozy restaurants in Massachusetts. I lived in Marblehead 8 years ago and passed by this restaurant very often. Yesterday I just randomly decided to go in and take a look and I was delighted! Now this is one of my favorite restaurants. Atmosphere ... Music ... Food ... ! Super, I enjoyed everything! Bravo👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

I will not be visiting this restaurant in the near future. I booked this restaurant for our daughter’s confirmation party 2 months ago and found out a week before they were cancelling to have another party which was larger than ours. We now have to scramble to find another place in a very busy month. The event planner said they would reach out to try to help find something and never heard back from her. They obviously care more about the money then their reputation. Very disappointed in this experience and their lack of care for all paying customers.

Wanted to reply to your response. First none of this was relayed to me about a family member passing. I was told there would be a party that’s taking over the entire restaurant. Second your manager said she would call around and help to find another place and she NEVER called me back. I totally understand things happen but this was not the right way to go about it. If I experienced what you outlined in your response I wouldn’t have written a negative review.

Rating: ★★★★★

The Beacon Restaurant & Bar is a standout in Marblehead, offering a harmonious blend of upscale dining and vibrant entertainment. From the moment you step in, the ambiance captivates with its chic interior and inviting atmosphere. 

The menu is a delightful showcase of culinary craftsmanship. Highlights include the Swordfish Chop, renowned for its generous portion and flavorful preparation, and the Steak Frites accompanied by a rich red wine demi-glace. Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the Pan-Seared Scallops and the Lobster Roll, both executed to perfection.   

Beyond the exceptional cuisine, The Beacon distinguishes itself with its entertainment offerings. Guests can enjoy live piano performances during the week and lively bands or DJs on weekends, creating a dynamic dining experience. 

The outdoor heated patio is another highlight, providing a comfortable setting for al fresco dining, complete with oversized umbrellas and a cozy fire pit. 

Service is attentive and professional, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or seeking a memorable night out, The Beacon delivers on all fronts.

⸻

If you’d like to highlight specific dishes or experiences further, feel free to let me know, and I can tailor the review accordingly.

We had reservations for my Birthday dinner. Service started slow with some expresso martinis. They were good. We watched other tables getting bread. We put in an order for French onion soup and fried calamari. Service got better and our waitress was very good. Apps came and soup was amazing, and calamari was a soggy mess, only two banana peppers, breading was greasy and breading falling off and it wasn’t very good. We then asked for bread, and it now came. We ordered a ribeye and crunchy potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, and a filet with sweet potato fries. Food came and looked good. But filet was asked for med rare and was medium well no pink at all. Rest was fine. Now the re fired and filet came out fast and was now rare ( edible) server gave us feee drink and removed the calamari but this is how it went.

Went here for the first time. Sat at the bar and literally three bartenders ignored us, and when I thought we were finally getting a drink from one bartender, they instead filled their drink with ice and proceeded to ignore us as they were standing right in front of us. With that, we just left. Ridiculous.

This is the 2nd time this has happened in the past month. I was originally denied access due to the fact that I had a 10.5 pound Service Dog. It gets old as to the stupidity of personnel at an eating establishment. This time I was held up in the entry foyer and denied access until they concurred that I was legit and could enter. I went in to get a dessert and a drink at the bar. I was so beside myself and upset, that. I left and went straight to the Police Department. I will not go back. BTW, the Police advised me that the next time this happens to call them and they will send a cruiser. Can you imagine not letting a disabled person into your establishment.

The food was pretty good but the service was not. Seems like a pretty nice place overall but haven’t gone back since.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 2

Nice bar with music bands and good atmosphere

Wheelchair accessibility: yes

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 4