Marblehead Eateries

Marblehead Eateries, Marblehead, Massachusetts (D)

With such a diverse variety of dining cuisines and styles, the little town of Marblehead has something to satisfy every budget and culinary palate. You won't find any neon here, none is allowed in town and there no fast food or drive-thrus establishments either. Most are quaint and welcoming and usually owner operated. All are within easy walking distance of the town square and most lodging accommodations. Some also feature docking accessibility.
Image Courtesy of Ana Steele.
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Sights Featured in This Article

Guide Name: Marblehead Eateries
Guide Location: USA » Marblehead
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Article (D))
# of Attractions: 16
Author: Ana Steele
Author Bio: A proud Mom and Grandmother, Ana Steele is also a life long writer and photographer. Something of an adventurer she has been known to jump out of perfectly good airplanes whenever possible. Favorite quotes include ... "Minds are like parachutes. They only function when open" and "Never tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death."
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • The Driftwood
  • The Barnacle
  • The Landing
  • Jack-Tar
  • Maddie's Sail Loft
  • Three Cods Tavern
  • The Riptide
  • Manhattan Sandwich Shop
  • Vesuvius Cafe
  • The Little Store
  • Sweeny's Retreat
  • The Hurricane Bar and Restaurant
  • Marblehead House of Pizza
  • Tony's Pizza
  • Hungry Betty's
  • Cafe Italia
1
The Driftwood

1) The Driftwood

A true American classic style diner. The Driftwood is the only restaurant that offers early morning, full service breakfast in town. Opening at 5:30am to accommodate the many fishermen that still launch from Tucker's Wharf, as they have since 1630. The driftwood is a no frills, nothing fancy kind of place that simply serves the best breakfast in town at the best price (my personal favorite is their chocolate chip pancakes). You can't loose with the Driftwood!

Open 5:30AM - 1PM 7 DAYS a week and only closed for select Holidays. ONLY CASH ACCEPTED. Price Ranges: $3-$8
2
The Barnacle

2) The Barnacle

An award winning restaurant, The Barnacle offers some of the finest seafood in all of the North Shore of Boston. The dining room offers spectacular views of the Marblehead Light Tower, inner islands and Marblehead Harbor. Featuring lobsters caught right from their own private boat and some of the finest New England clam chowder anywhere. Outdoor dining during the warm months, full bar, open for Lunch at 11:30 and Dinner at 5. All major credits accepted.
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The Landing

3) The Landing

Located on Tucker's Wharf in Old Town, Marblehead, one of America's oldest continuously working docks (in operation since 1630), The Landing offers a wide selection of New England favorites, from seafood to chowder. There is a pub and dining room that offers spectacular views of Marblehead Harbor, as well as outdoor dining in the warmer months. Very popular with the boating crowd (May-Oct). They have weekly wine tasting and a full bar. Open daily from 11:30 and till 10PM. All major credits are accepted and it is handicap accessible. Docking and parking available. FREE WiFi. Price range: $5-$15
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Jack-Tar

4) Jack-Tar

A Jack-Tar is another name for an "Old Salt", which is a nickname for an old fisherman. The Jack-Tar of today is an American style tavern that serves comfort food with a diverse and changing menu at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the spirits flow freely from their full service bar. The menu includes fresh caught local fish and other seafood, brick-oven pizzas and American tapas. They feature a unique and scrumptious dessert selection (be sure to leave room for it). Jack-Tar is located downstairs from the Muffin Shop in Old Town, Marblehead. Seasonal garden seating. Jack-Tar opens at 5:00pm daily. All major credit cards accepted.
5
Maddie's Sail Loft

5) Maddie's Sail Loft

Maddie's has been a local mainstay for over 60 years in Old Town and continues to be a local favorite. It is a mixed crowd, usually very busy and always a good time. It has recently (2 years ago) gone under new management and while wonderful changes have been made in the menu and the second floor redone, it continues to have the same warm and welcoming atmosphere that made Maddie's famous world wide. The Great Race ended here. Don't be deceived by the exterior, it is larger than it appears. Maddie's is famous for their large portion drinks, friendly patrons and wonderful staff. Offerings are not limited to just your typical bar selections. My favorite is the lobster club. A definite stand out. Guaranteed to be packed most weekends, especially during Regattas. For a more formal while still casual experience, try the Sail Loft on the second floor. Great weekday special of burger and fries for 4.95. Open year round for lunch and dinner. All major credit cards accepted. Prices range from $4-$22
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Three Cods Tavern

6) Three Cods Tavern

Taking its name from a legendary tavern that first opened in Marblehead on Front Street in 1660 and calling back to days gone by. Cod has always been a food staple for New England and glided fish can be seen as an architectural detail in many New England salt boxes. Set to be seen by passers-by and coming guests. They represent safety and prosperity. Legend has it that in 1775 several shots where fired from the British warship the H.M.S. Lively and that a cannon ball struck the side of the tavern. Story goes that during a renovation in the late 1800s the cannon ball was found. The modern day Three Cods provides some of the best seafood in all of the North Shore. The extensive menu features baked haddock, stuffed shrimp, salmon, seafood pie, lobster and prime rib. They also have a sports bar, with a wonderful nightlife atmosphere, wide screen TVs and a fine selection of drinks. Lunch and brunch service available. Lunch: Monday - Friday : 11:30 to 3:00 PM Saturday and Sunday - 11:30 to 5:00 PM (3:00 - 5:00 PM Bar Only) Dinner: Sunday thru Wednesday - 5:00 to 9:00 PM Thursday - 5:00 to 9:30 PM Friday and Saturday - 5:00 to 10:00 PM
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The Riptide

7) The Riptide

A longtime local favorite, the Riptide is a no frills neighborhood bar with great bar food (steak tips are some of the best in town) and very liberal drinks at surprisingly affordable prices. They also have a pool table and dart boards, many local dart teams gather there. A great place to watch any and all sports events.
8
Manhattan Sandwich Shop

8) Manhattan Sandwich Shop

They specialize in "New York Style" sandwiches that are made with only the freshest and highest quality products. They offer such original and unique creations as Mickey's #7, The Boston Club and Lobster Club. Their menu also includes salads, fresh soups and chowders.
9
Vesuvius Cafe

9) Vesuvius Cafe

The best gourmet pizza in town! A true Italian eatery with a great dough and an amazing number of pizza combinations. Family style, casual, alcohol free dining. Outdoor seating in the warmer months. They feature such great sandwiches as the Turkey Emily, that comes on their famous Foccacia. The Pegasus: pesto, turkey and mozzarella or The Mighty Zeus- Foccacia with beef, turkey, ham, garlic mayo, caramelized onions, provolone and roasted red pepper. The name is fitting indeed! Very filling and all for only around $8 dollars.
10
The Little Store

10) The Little Store

The Little Store can not really be classified as a restaurant as their is no seating and sadly their stock has been somewhat diminished as of late but, it still deserves a mention here if only to comment on the size and quality of their sandwiches. Their large roast beef feeds 2 no problem, it is over a pound of some of the rarest roast beef around. Their tuna is delicious, as is their pizza. Everything is made on site and they also offer a wide selection of fresh baked muffins. Nothing is priced over $10. A to go place that is worth the trip.
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Sweeny's Retreat

11) Sweeny's Retreat

Marblehead's own Irish Pub and Restaurant. Sweeny's claims that their seafood is better than Legal's and I tend to agree. They use non-processed foods and only the freshest ingredients go into their recipes. Fresh off the boat daily specials. They offer a wonderful rendition of a Marblehead style chowder. Now offering Sunday breakfast starting @ 8:30. The pub has wide screen TV's and air all local sporting events.
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The Hurricane Bar and Restaurant

12) The Hurricane Bar and Restaurant

Casual and fun atmosphere combined with a spectacular menu from my personal friend, Executive Chef: Steven J. Feiven and his wonderful team. They offer a delicious and innovative infusion of Tex/Mex flavors. Combine that with the locally famous cocktails and friendly staff, The Hurricane is a sure bet for a great time. Fun activities @ The Hurricane include: Karaoke Every Thursday & Friday Night! * Or enjoy the game on any one of their big screen TVs. Free Halftime Buffet For all Patriots Games!!!(with beverage purchase). Open weekdays 4PM-midnight and serving lunch 12PM-4PM on the weekends. All major credits are accepted.
13
Marblehead House of Pizza

13) Marblehead House of Pizza

For a crisp and airy Greek style pie or a warm and toasty grinder (best steak bomb in town) on the fly, the Marblehead House of Pizza has been a downtown staple for as long as I can remember. A great sauce and a wide variety of wonderful kabobs and fresh salads available. Cash Only.
14
Tony's Pizza

14) Tony's Pizza

Tony's is family owned and operated establishment that takes great pride in offering only the freshest foods possible. Tony's is a prominent fixture in the Five Corners of Marblehead. A family style restaurant with plenty of seating in a nice and airy dining area. Their pies are a true delight and they have a greatly diverse menu while offering all the old time standard favorites. Alcohol free.
15
Hungry Betty's

15) Hungry Betty's

As cute and surprising as it's name, Hungry Betty's is certainly full of wonderful surprises. The decor is both cozy and contemporary. Old school comfort foods meet high-style sophistication and the result is a pleasing infusion. They offer such unique opening offerings like Thai salmon cakes, while the wide range selection of main dishes, like the Mile High Meatloaf, is a sure winner as well as all of their delicious lighter side offerings and sandwiches. They have the best lamb burger I have ever tasted with an amazing cucumber-chive dressing. They also serve great veggie selections, like a Portabella Burger with spinach and goat cheese. It is a popular and hopping place long after the dinner hour has passed and it is a great place to catch sport events. Located on the second floor of the Village Plaza. Outdoor dining during the more seasonable weather. All major credit cards accepted.
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Cafe Italia

16) Cafe Italia

The Oliviero family has been proudly serving only the truest authentic Italian food for over a quarter century. They take great pride and care in the preparation of their cuisine. They use the freshest ingredients and serve delicious food that many have come to enjoy over the years. Check out the special Happy Hour. Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 4pm – 10:00pm, Friday - Saturday: 4pm - 10:30pm, Sunday: 4pm - 10pm. Market Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: open at 4pm. Full bar. Handicap accessible and all major credit cards accepted.