We tried them after going to Periwinkles: a world of difference. Overpriced food and mediocre service. Avoid.
My husband and I recently dinned at Tom Sheas we were not impressed. We waited fifteen minutes for our drinks and another fourtyfive for our meals despite the fact that it wasn't that busy. We also had the displeasure of listening to the foul coversations and profanities of the bar. When we asked are waitress if she could ask them to quiet down. She looked a little embarassed and told us the owner was amoung the patrons. Over priced and nonimpressive. Tom Sheas went from class to crass.
After many delicious years at Tom Shea's we are really disappointed.Last year we gave it a couple of chances, same this year and it failed miserably.Food was not worth the price, portions on the small side and overall score for food to ambience would be poor.
Posted by: Marillion at July 29, 2008 09:20 AMWe get to Ipswich every couple of years and no trip to Ipswich would be complete without lunch or dinner at Tom Sheas the food and service are always great and the view is as serene as any I have enjoyed. The clam chowder is among the best. The last time I was there I had the turkey dinner on a sandwich. It was exactly what it sounds like and it was delicious
Posted by: MIKE at February 14, 2008 11:43 PM 
Dining at Tom Shea's for Thanksgiving Dinner was the most enjoyable T-day dinner out I've ever had. They offered several special entrees including traditional turkey with the works - I've never had better! The service was wonderful. I'm sure the view would have been great, but the fog was so thick, we couldn't see anything at all!
Hopefully they'll offer Thanksgiving dinner again next year. I could see this becoming a tradition.
My husband and I came up from Everett to dine at Tom Shea's after it was suggested to us by a friend. I can not say enough about how pleased we were. The menu was wonderful. With creative seafood dishes and many of the classics. The food was fresh and delicious. This is really what New England seafood is all about! The bar menu featured some wonderful martinis. The salad was to die for. The staff was very friendly and the service was top notch. Kudos to our waitress Kelly. We would go back again in a heartbeat.
Posted by: Ginger at November 2, 2007 02:48 PM
My favorite area restaurant. Pretty river view, good drinks and delicious food. Love the pineapple martini and warm spinach salad, which comes topped with crispy onion strings. The clam chowder is truly deserving of the awards it has won. Seafood is fresh and tasty. Try the halibut in a light strawberry mango sauce---simply delicious. We recently came by boat, tied up at the dock and ate outside on the deck---lovely!
The food, portions, service and setting (view) are oustanding here. It is a fine place to take your friend on a casual evening out or a great family restaraunt.
Tom Sheas has the best view of the Essex River. The food is consistently good and the service is excellent!
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