Wow-things here have changed. My husband proposed to me here in 2003 because it was our very favorite "special date" spot. We love being on the river and there used to be great live piano in the bar.
Last month we went for dinner and were very disappointed. The view remains lovely though the dining room is crowded and gets noisy. Our waitress was lovely and attentive but the food was just not what we'd experienced in past visits. The chowder remains tasty, the bread fresh. I ordered grilled shrimp skewers which arrived cold with cold french fries and an odd cucumber side dish and mixed greens. I sent the dish back and the entire plate-including the cold items had been whacked under the broiler ruining the whole thing. The woman behind us sent her shrimp meal back also. The waitress did remove my meal from the bill. My husband had the sirloin which was fine-served hot anyway with mashed and zucchini. The dessert was the major disappointment. We remembered the homemade chocolate layer cake and ordered it only to fine it was a very stale piece of something Alden Merril that was not worth a second taste. When visiting Essex, we recommend The Blue Marlin instead!
Dined on Valentines Night. Food and service was outstanding. Pricy yet top quality. We had their catering service for our daughters wedding at the Elks in Gloucester. This is a four star operation.
I like this place but the name make me feel a little girly. I wish it was called Razorclam or Quahog. 
Small portions and the food is trying to be creative but really isn't. A total disappointment. Also, the dining room lacked any kind of charm.
nice waitress, yucky food
I have been here several times...both times late afternoon. The service was very good. The food was great. Once with my wife and once with my family. In my opinion, it is not conducive to family style dining. It gets a little cramped when crowded and parking is an issue. A little pricey. I would certainly go there againwith my wife, but there are other places better suited for family dining.
Posted by: Bill at August 26, 2005 09:52 AM
We both contracted food poisioning from our meal. The food was not fresh. In particular, the house salad was soggy and wilted. In addition, the service was extremely poor. It was overall an unpleasant experience.
The food was better a few years back. Did they get a new chef???
Posted by: Jack at February 7, 2005 10:00 PM 
Portions were very small. They were out of the 2 specials I was interested in. Overpriced. The food I got was just average, nothing special. Felt rushed
Excellent food. The salmon is outstanding, perfectly prepared. The scallops are out ofthis world. Great atmosphere, though a little cramped. Excellent beer / wine selection. Service is second to none. Some items are a bit pricey, though worth the money if yo are willing to spend it. Entre's are in the $15-25 range. Apps are $5-10, and deserts are $3-7. Highly recommended for a first, second, or special occasion date.
Beautiful food, very tasty with great depth of flavor, and interestingly presented. They have a varied wine and beer list too, including a rather interesting chocolate beer. The deserts seem to be a special feature of the restaurant and the chocolate lava/thunder cake is devine. Also, the service was amazing. We will definitely eat there again.
Great food,good presentation,good service,only negative is seating somewhat crammed as they attempt to max out space.
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