Essex Seafood

Just another fried seafood spot. My first time in Essex, and I figured fried clams were the move. Most of the places with marsh views were already packed with no parking, so we settled here. No view, just a no-frills fried seafood joint. Most of the menu here was shareable. Big platters of fried seafood with fries or onion rings on the side. Since there weren’t smaller portions of whole-belly clams, we settled for the fried clam strips and a small order of steamers. I’ve had a good amount of fried clams and clam strips from south shore restaurants, and to be honest, these weren’t that good. The breading was so thick it felt like fried dough with only the faintest trace of clam. Same story with the onion rings. Sliced so thin they ate more like fried onion scraps than proper rings. The steamers were solid though. They came with melted butter and a cup of hot water for rinsing (which I mistook for broth at first—nearly burned my hand with the lid…). Simple, straightforward, and satisfying.

Great place Nice seafood, great portions. And average price. Happy all the way around, we will be back. Thank you for all your hard work.

Found while wandering figure we would try it we loved decided to return to try it again to make sure it was as good as we thought second visit was as good as the first

This was our first trip here, though we are very familiar with good sea food being MA natives. The fried clam plate was really good, the French fries were good but the onion rings were a bit lack luster. Definitely still really good food and a nice staff.

Amazing beautiful place! Clam plates are so much better than Clam Box,Woodmans. Highly recommend here, you’ll be certain with plenty of leftovers.

When you come to Essex seafood there is absolutely no doubt that you will leave full. The portion sizes are absolutely incredible which for most seafood places is hard to find. The batter was crispy and the fish was very tasty as well. Only complaint is that there was not a lot of salt on the food. But salt was provided at the table. I recommend making this trip if you are looking for a nice fried seafood meal.

Outstanding seafood and kids meals were delicious. Baked haddock boat w/ onion rings were great. Both The fried calamari and clam chowder soup were the best I’ve ever had. The kids chicken fingers were great too, lightly battered and fried.

I ordered the Fisherman (Seafood) Plate. The price was a little hefty 38.99, no local clams due to Red Tide in the area, the ones served were from Maine and were delicious and safe to eat. The food was fantastic and well worth the price. There was so much food on this plate. It was loaded with clams, scallops, shrimp, haddock, fries and onion rings. Everything was perfectly cooked and was piping hot when we got it. I would suggest sharing a plate because I had a lot leftover. The staff was very nice and the building was very clean. I would definitely recommend this if you are looking for some amazing New England Seafood but do not want to wait in the long lines of other more well known establishments. Essex Seafood taste better and is a more pleasant dining experience.

The seafood platter is enormous and very tasty. The scallops are to die for and the clams are very fresh and yummy. Service was excellent too. I'd go back for more.

WOW from sea to matket WOW! The prices were incredible, the staff friendly and patient. We both ordered the 2lb lobster, deep fried clams, and coleslaw. No alcohol. Th facility was clean, well lit and open.

Huge let down. Wait was long, clam strips were tasteless. Fried shrimp special was fine. Much, MUCH better choices all around you.

I ate here 2 or 3 years ago. Recently tried the rival seafood restaurant in Essex and ordered the seafood platter. It was too pricey and didn't have much flavor especially the fried belly clams. But I must say the service was great! The fried belly clams in Essex Seafood that was included in the seafood platter was good and tasted like oysters. I loved them. So I will go back to Essex seafood when I go back to Gloucester to visit my grandson.

used to go there in the 90s while driving a truck from Rowley to Gloucester .food was always top notch prices way better than woodman's , before it was gone I now live in north Carolina I will be back for Christmas and it will be my first lunch spot. see you next week

I hate to review this hidden jewel of a clam shack. We drove by other tourist trap shacks on the way here, which had lines waiting outside the doors. Order at the counter and seat yourself inside or out. Pick up your meal when your number is called and enjoy some great fresh seafood in a clean, cozy, comfortable establishment. Never had a bad meal here. Wish I could say that about some of those tourist traps.

The staff were very nice. Now the not-so-good feedback: We waited a very long time for our food - 2 lobster rolls, fried scallops, fried clams and fried fish. Almost 45 minute before we got our food. We can understand that they may be busy but the restaurant was not full. The most disappointing thing was that all the fried foods were cold. It is as if it was sitting there for a while. Honestly a bad experience and a waste of money. I would not recommend.

Same as Melissa G! We waited over an hour for basic take out food!? Something is not right in that kitchen as to whoever is running it. At a minimum they should tell you in advance that it will be an hour or more for your food!! In the past , for 38.00, combo plate was overflowing . This time not so much . A bit disappointed and hope the kitchen can take on more than one order at a time with some direction . One would never wait 90 min for food at seaport , lobster land , or the causeway ....

Food is as always, exceptional and a great value. Another great experience fast fresh and friendly. BYOB bring your own dog as well.

Everything was great. Found this restaurant searching Yelp prior to our trip and it was a good as expected. The menu is on the wall when you walk in. You order at the counter and they call you when your food is ready. Our took about 10 minutes and it was hot and fresh. To start we shared the clam chowder. It was very good and my wife said it was the best tasting chowder this trip. Sorry, no picture. I had the clam basket with onion rings and my wife had the haddock basket with fries. Both items were great. I love onion rings and these were made just the way I like them. They do not sell alcohol, but you can byob. I highly recommend if you are in the area.

Great fried seafood great big portions it's a pleasure getting this type of food from a seafood shack I really did enjoy my meal. Seafood is expensive but these were great prices for the quality and quantity.

Essex Seafood is my favorite place for seafood, especially the fried clams. I have eaten seafood all over New England, and this is my favorite place. I live in Arizona, and when I get back east, I make sure I go to Essex Seafood. The food is fresh, and it is a hidden gem of a seafood restaurant!

Did this place change hands?! I've been going here for 40 years. Last 4-5 times have gotten progressively worse. It started with them WAY over frying the seafood. Seafood is delicate and should be lightly fried. I kept giving them chance after chance. Last Thursdays visit did it for me. Scallops that went bad and they still fried them up and served them. Totally gross

Excellent Maine steamers and scallop/fried plate. Would definitely recommend this restaurant!

Alway served with a smile and the quality, price and location perfect! Love the steak bomb!

Four stars?! The food was all terrible. Paid $57 for a tray full of unseasoned, stale fry oil. No taste to the haddock, onion rings or calamari. Just stale fry oil. The onion rings didn't even taste cooked. Hotdog came on a cold bun. Nothing--NOTHING--that isn't fried. Don't want fries or onion rings with that? Sorry. No salad or vegetables of any kind. Fish sandwich was a slab of unseasoned fried haddock on a bun--that's it. Maybe a tomato or piece of lettuce on that? We ended up throwing all the onion rings away and I took my fish sandwich home to try and salvage it with some salt, pepper and produce. I'm so pissed off we wasted so much money when the region has so many other good options.

Food was excellent. Got the combination meal. Big enough to split with someone. Prices are reasonable. People working were very accommodating and friendly.

We went there today (a Friday) at lunch and loved it. I've been going to it's famous competitor (a mile from here on the same side of the street) literally since birth, but decided to check Essex Seafood out instead because the reviews were so great. We were not disappointed! My daughter & I shared the Seafood Platter and were only able to finish about half of it because it was so huge. There was so much seafood for the price! Extremely high quality. It's counter service but everyone working there was super nice! The ambience is very casual with booths but super clean--it's a clam shack so it's exactly how it should be! But--please be warned, they do one thing and they do it very well: Fried Fish, Fries, Onion Rings--most everything Is Fried! There are other things for people who need a burger because they're going with a group that wants fish but they don't (trust me, I used to be that person!) but this place is not going to put a piece of lettuce and/or tomato and some special sauce on your fish sandwich. This restaurant showcases fried fish and they do it plain but as fresh as it gets!

Had the lobster and clam special it had no taste. I think that they boiled the lobsters and clams in unseasoned water. Even the clam broth tasted like water.They should try steam the lobster and clams in water that is like seawater

The best seafood in the area. This is where the locals eat. The price is reasonable and fair also their chowder is amazing here. No frills just excellent seafood and onion rings

Aware it's a holiday weekend, waited over an hour and 20 min for our food. Chefs are cooking one order at a time, many people inside demanding refunds and complaining about wait time. Will not be returning.

I passed by this place was in the mood for some seafood and I'm glad I did. When I entered the building I was very impressed with the cleanliness unbelievably clean and even though it's a seafood restaurant it's does not smell like fish . The bathroom was really clean too. The staff were so nice and friendly. I ordered the fried clam plate with onion rings and fries side of cocktail sauce and tartar sauce. The clams were huge so fresh and cooked perfectly not rubbery. The onion rings were fried just right. Lightly batter and crispy fries. I will definitely be back for more.

The foods not the same in my opinion from before the fire. I'm hoping it has to do with increase of cost nation wide for all restaurants. We ordered the large seafood fried platter to share. The bad: The clam bellies were huge and the batter was falling off. The fish was rectangular shaped like precut frozen fillets. Shrimp was ok, not much flavor. The good: The scallops were plentiful and delicious. The market price was lower than anywhere around. The inside looked great and was clean and new. The staff was friendly. In the past I was a absolute fan of Essex Seafood fried seafood platter. We treat ourselves maybe 2-3 times a year for the fried goodness. Next time I'm going to try my second favorite. Then give this place another chance hoping they work out the kinks over time.

Just had the best seafood platter ever.It had scallops,haddock,shrimp,clams ,onion rings,french fries.cooked to perfection a very large portion...I would recommend it as the best seafood place on route 133.It has been totally renovated.staff was very nice.will be back soon.

Haven't been there recently. Used to be great. Try it!!!! I'll go back soon and review again....

Delicious haddock sandwich if I could give 100 stars I would walked in starving left stuffed

Exceptional food, clean clean restaurant and restrooms. My seafood combo AAA+++, clams, scallops, shrimp and haddock all perfectly prepared and plentiful. Must mention the French fries, way better than expected, onion rings as well. Same report on (2) clam boats and a clams/haddock combo as well.

Have been looking for great clam cakes and chowder since moving from RI. These are the best North of Southeastern, MA and RI. Tried the Haddock plate and everything was fresh, crispy without a hint of grease. Definitely will be back.

First time eating here. The lobster roll was very good. The lobster meat was moist and generous with a bit of mayonnaise. No spices or celery which is how I like it. We also had the shrimp plate which was very good. The spicy ketchup was a good accompaniment. Dining room was very clean, simple, and spacious. FYI No alcohol served here.

Great food!! Good prices. Nice staff also. can't wait to go back there's one in Astor Florida but this one is so much nicer and food is outstanding.

We had a great meal here with the family. My kids got chicken fingers which they liked and my husband got a tasty lobster roll on a toasted buttered roll. I got the popcorn haddock plate and it was huge! We'll definitely be back!

Clams we just OK. Overcooked. Onion rings were little stringy things. Side of slaw was one little tiny container. Crowder was good but bland..no spices. The staff acted like you were a bother and not friendly or positive. There are better places, especially at those prices.

Called 10 mins ahead of time for take out. We ordered a fried seafood plate ($37). The portion size was big enough to share between 2 people. There was a mix of scallops, shrimp, clams, fish, fries and onion rings. Overall seafood was fresh and delicious. Fish was bland in my opinion. Fries and onion rings were mediocre, they seemed like they'd been sitting out for a while.

The best seafood in the area. Consistent and fresh. Very reasonable prices. We always eat here when we want haddock, shrimp, clams and scallops. Great service, clean, and friendly.

We drive from Salem, NH to get their clams! They are always delicious and well worth the drive! Grew up in Manchester, MA so know good seafood

Food was fresh and came out fast! Onion rings were delish and fries were crispy. I had haddock boat and hubby had clam boat. Neither disappointed and it was too much food - for us. We should have gotten a combo plate to share. The cole slaw was good not too much mayo and thats how i like it. Chowder was THE best i've ever had!!! I don't like it too thick. So it was a creamy broth with lots of clams and some potato. If i lived nearby id be there every week. Service was quick and friendly. So nice. Apparently there was a fire during pandemic and it has been nicely redone. Rustic chic. Oh- BYOB. DEF worth the trip.

It is not consistent but the food is generally very good. The staff is always friendly. I love the drive there. So pretty.

Good outdoor seating in the back combined with ability to order in advance coming off a long day at the beach couldn't make up for serving lobster rolls on untoasted buns

Best friends clams ever. There is no disappointment here. Fried food is delicious and some of best fried seafood on CapeAnn...MA..NE..East Coast..US... World!!! Before fire, after fire... it has all been great. First stop for me along w "Causeway" in Gloucester a few miles further toward the cut.

On our way to New Hampshire to watch my daughter play college basketball.. of course we had to take a detour to find a local spot with good food.. so clam chowder is the local food along with clams and seafood in general.. We decided to get fried lobster with a medium clam chowder... the platter was huge and big Enough for two people... great concept cause anything fried is delish.. the clam chowder was AWESOMMMMMEEEEE LORRRRDDDYYYY LORD AMAZING. Come on by and enjoy.. ..

Amazing place! Was going to Woodman's, but the queue was huge. Mile down the road, we found this gem! Better taste than woodman's and cheaper!!

Shocked to find Woodman's closed " open year round" but not this week in January. Yelp to the rescue and we found Essex Seafood. Clean, warm, comfortable seating compared to Woodmans and the seafood was excellent. The onion rings are great and not the heavy batter like the other place. We'll be back especially when the line at the other place stretches down the street.

I ordered take out - 3 lobster rolls, 1 small order of scallops and 1 small clam chowder. Everything was delicious! The lobster was fresh, tender and tasty, the scallops were supper fresh and the clam chowder was tasty. I would highly recommend this place... and skip the tourist trap near by.

My first time at Essex Seafood. Went with a bunch of friends who have been there many times. I don't generally eat a lot of fried food but I said what the hell. Had a combination plate with fried scallops, clams and onion rings. The clams were really well made. Batter was crispy and not too thick. Clams were really sweet. Scallops were nice and tender. The rings were also very good. None of the food was at all greasy. I like the fact it is BYOB as well. Had a nice pinot grigio with the meal. Definitely will go back next time I am in the area

Always delicious, quick service and the new building is great. Fried Shrimp and wonderful calamari. We will be back.

best seafood, I laugh whenever I see a line at woodmans...if you just went down the road a bit you'd get much better seafood

Was with a friend driving by on our way home from Rockport looking for a late lunch (around 2 PM). Decided to give this place a try based on the reviews. We sat outside behind the building on plastic picnic tables with umbrellas because we had a dog with us. You order at the counter immediately when you walk in, take a number and they call you when your order is ready. We decided to share the fried Seafood plate which includes shrimp, clams, haddock and scallops, french fries and onion rings. We added a side order of coleslaw, $1.25. It took about 10 minutes for our number to be called. The plate was huge, plenty for two to share! The clams were some of the best I've ever had, the scallops were piping hot but a little on the greasy side, the shrimp was good, medium in size. The Haddock had big flakes so I assumed it was cod but my friend said it could've been large haddock. Onion rings were hot but not super flavorful, fries were standard. My friend liked the cole slaw but it was just ok to me. Overall a good value for the price. The seating outdoors is a bit underwhelming (no scenery) and dusty when cars drive in and out of the parking lot. I would definitely recommend the fried clams and return for that!

We went here on Sunday of Memorial Day and probably had a 30 min wait to order and another 15 min to get food. You order fried foods and lobster rolls inside then go order whole steamed lobster outside. We sat upstairs. There was basically no one there so the quiet was appreciated. The food was delicious and plenty of butter, sauces, etc. we had the fried clams, lobster roll, and steamed lobster. My favorite was the lobster roll!

Top notch lobster roll (yes they do butter and grill it upon request)! BYOB!