Seafood Restaurants on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

If New England is known for anything, it’s absolutely incredible seafood. And there’s no better way to find your new favorite seafood stand or restaurant than by traveling the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway on the North Shore of Massachusetts!

Today, let’s explore just a few of the many local seafood restaurants that you can stop at along your journey. Let the deliciousness commence!

The Clam Shack

Address: 200 Fort Avenue, Salem, MA

Between the Salem Neck and Salem Willows, you’ll find the Clam Shack. The Clam Shack is a friendly spot to enjoy savory plates and baskets filled with your favorite fried seafood, french fries, onion rings, and much more. The quaint shack also looks out over the Danvers River, providing a wonderful view while you munch delicious seafood.

Causeway Restaurant

Address: 78 Essex Avenue, Gloucester, MA

Can’t decide between Italian and seafood? Well, why not both? The Causeway Restaurant is a local Gloucester favorite that services your favorite pasta and seafood dishes, grilled and baked seafood, and fried seafood. And (perhaps best of all) the Causeway Restaurant is BYOB-friendly – meaning that you are free to bring your own wine and beer.

Lobsta Land Restaurant

Address: 84 Causeway Street, Gloucester, MA

According to the seafood restaurant, Lobsta Land Restaurant is “where locals eat.” Here, visitors can find locally sourced seafood dishes and outdoor patio seating. The outdoor seating offers phenomenal views of the nearby sprawling salt marshes. And the restaurant often hosts live music and other events.

Roy Moore’s Fish Shack Restaurant and Bar

Address: 21 Dock Square, Rockport, MA

This family-friendly seafood restaurant is a local favorite and for good reason. Roy Moore’s offers its patrons all your favorite seafood dishes. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a cold drink on the outdoor patio with a fantastic view of Back Harbor. There’s also plenty for non-seafood eaters, such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Woodman’s of Essex

Address: 119 Main Street, Essex, MA

All you have to do is look at the various awards and “best of” recognitions that Woodman’s of Essex has received to know its quality. This local favorite offers a vast menu of fried seafood plates, lobster dinners, and seafood sandwiches. The seafood restaurant also offers catering services, such as BBQs and clambakes, and acts as a venue for various special events, such as weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings.

Clam Box of Ipswich

Address: 246 High Street, Ipswich, MA

The Clam Box of Ipswich has been in the business of serving incredible seafood plates off the Scenic Byway since 1935. If you’re on the hunt for a delicious lobster roll or a plate of fried clams, now is your chance! Clam Box also offers mini-meals, fisherman’s platters, oysters, meal combos, and much more. The seafood restaurant has been featured in Yankee Magazine, Phantom Gourmet, US Airways, The Food Network, and WCVB Channel 5’s Chronicle.

Bob Lobster

Address: 49 Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury, MA

Near Plum Island and the Great Marsh, you’ll find Bob Lobster. The restaurant and seafood stand features your favorite lobster meals, such as specialty lobster rolls, lobster corn chowder, dinners, and salads. There’s also a great assortment of fried seafood. If you’re feeling extra hungry, you might want to check out their Plum Island Punishment dinner that comes with fried lobster, clams, scallops, haddock, shrimp, oysters, french fries, onion rings, and coleslaw – whew!

Salisbury Beach Boardwalk

Address: 1-31 Ocean Front S, Salisbury, MA

If you’re looking to try various seafood bites, the Salisbury Beach Boardwalk area is a great spot. Here, you’ll find sit-down seafood restaurants and boardwalk/beachside seafood stands. Non-seafood lovers can also enjoy the area’s famous beach pizza at Tripoli’s and Cristy’s. And you can munch your delicious bites while looking over Salisbury Beach.

Bites All Around! 

These are just a few of the many seafood restaurants, stands, and shacks located throughout the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. Be sure to keep an eye out and visit new places to discover your next favorite seafood stop!