If you want to enjoy a night that is laid back, with friendly service, very clean establishment, and of course an affordable meal,go to Ellens. The food, the view, and the staff is wonderful. From the Bread to the desserts........Excellent!
I am writing this review in response to a review that was posted on May 8th 2009 by PHD in regards to Ellen's Harborside.
I believe that people should post reviews both negative and positive and that all reviews are somewhat subjective. However PHD's review is not only way off base but downright malicious and without merit.
I have been a resident of Rockport for going on 23 years and eat at Ellen's Harborside frequently. The food, service and cleanliness of the restaurant have remained consistently superior. The owners are constantly seeking to improve the dining room atmosphere to enhance your dining experience as well as adding new items to the menu. Again this year they have introduced new mouth watering deserts and appetizers. The corn chowder is the best I have ever tasted and the fried foods are always perfectly cooked to a light golden brown.
If anything Ellen's just keeps getting better.
I highly recommend a visit to Ellen's and suggest that PHD take a reality check.
Frank Bernardini
Rockport, MA
I am writing this review in response to a review that was posted on July 29th by Marillion in regards to Ellen's Harborside.
I believe that people should post reviews both negative and positive and that all reviews are somewhat subjective. However Marillion's review is not only way off base but downright malicious.
I have lived in Rockport for 23 years and dine at Ellen's Harborside frequently. I have seen the Chef's responsibilities pass from the father to the son to the daughter and still the consistency and quality of the food remain excellent. The service is very good and the cleanliness of the restaurant in superior. The variety on the menu is excellent and they are always introducing new and exciting appetizers and desert items.
I highly recommend a visit to Ellen's and suggest tht Marillion take a reality check.
Frank Bernardini
Rockport, MA
Our Family loves the food at Ellens. The waitstaff is very friendly and we have enjoyed every meal. It is family owned and that is what we like so much about it. Go Check it out!!!
Posted by: RpGl Local at May 14, 2009 03:44 PMNEGATIVE: After being a loyal customer for nearly 20+ years I've thrown the towel in.The owners of Ellen's Harborside have basically run it into the ground foodwise.They keep raising prices while the quality of the food continues to decline.No longer can I say "a fair priced meal that is dependable" when it comes to Ellen's Harborside.After eating there a minimum of 4 times a week from the opening in the spring until they closed in the fall.Today was my final meal at Ellen's Harborside, I really hope somebody NEW BUYS ELLENS & FINALLY TAKES PRIDE IN WHAT THEY ARE DOING, THEY HAVE LOST THEIR WAY AND A LOYAL REGULAR.
Posted by: PHD at May 8, 2009 08:33 PM 
After many years getting food at Ellens we finally gave up because it's just not worth it.After the liquor came into play the food got worse and the owners attitude even worse than the food.I think Lisa and Jean should hang it up because there is clearly no love for this once magnificent Family run establishment.Too many other places to grab a bite on the way to the yacht club that serve better food without the cheap attitude.Even the chicken breats are frozen which makes us wonder about the fish??????.
Ellen's Harborside is a definite must visit!! Very homey and inviting, excellent food, and reasonable prices. Everyone was extremely friendly and our waitress when out of her way to be kind and helpful. My son barely spoke the entire meal while inhaling the BBQ ribs. The “famous” clam chowder should be famous!! The hot fudge brownie sundae is worth the trip to NE and unbelivable apple pie. Superb. Rockport is a great place to visit.
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We ate at Ellen's while visitng the Rockport/Gloucester area. The food was excellent and the service was very good. Staff were friendly and attentive. I would recommend to anyone visiting the area.
My wife and I have eaten at Ellen's numerous times and have never been disappointed. This is our favorite restaurent in Rockport. The food is always excellent, the service is great, great view of the harbor, and prices are reasonable. We live in Missouri and are planning on eating there several times in the next two weeks while vacationing in Rockport.
Posted by: Jim Royer at October 4, 2005 11:13 AM 
Family owned and operated, Ellen's is a Rockport gem. They offer several varieties of seafood - fried or broiled, served in full or half-portion sizes, both with your choice of two sides - choice of potato and vegetable or salad. A very good value. Their chowders, corn or clam, are divine to start your meal.
If seafood isn't your bag, try the half-rack of ribs. This Fred Flintstone portion will satisfy the hungriest of appetites. The smokey barbeque sauce is finger-licking good.
Whether you eat in or take out, the quality and portion sizes are equally as good. Be warned, during peak tourism season, there may be a wait for a coveted window seat in the dining room that overlooks the harbor.
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