Seafood restaurants in Boston
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Barking Crab
Big buckets of crabs (Jonah, blue, snow, Alaskan or whatever is in season), steamers dripping in lemon and butter, paper plates piled high with all things fried… The food is plentiful and cheap, and you eat it at communal picnic tables overlooking the water. Beer flows freely. Service is slack but the atmosphere is jovial. Be prepared to wait for a table if the weather is warm.
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LTK Bar & Kitchen
LTK stands for Legal Test Kitchen: this is where Legal Seafood is exploring ‘dining in the 21st century.’ Foodwise, LTK has incorporated multicultural cuisine into the menu, with sushi, pho and tempura. The setting is sleek and pared-down, a contrast to Legal’s traditional dining room. The concept is not so cutting-edge, but it’s a cool, convenient place to grab a bite to eat. Call in advance if you want sidewalk seating.
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Kingfish Hall
Chef-entrepreneur Todd English, of Olives and Figs fame, has struck again. The imaginative menu offers seafood specialties like catch of the day roasted on the spit and crispy lobster served 'Cantonese style' (with ginger and scallions). Whimsical, under-the-sea decor includes tile tables inlaid with crustacean mosaics and fish mobiles suspended from high ceilings. You can watch the Faneuil Hall activity from the outdoor terrace.
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Jasper White's Summer Shack
This Back Bay outlet of Jasper White's famous restaurant is as big and noisy as the lobster is delectable. Portions are large and preparations are straightforward: specialties include traditional lobster rolls, steamed clams and a magnificently huge raw bar. This is a great spot for kids, but solo diners aren't shafted either. The original location is bit out of the way - in North Cambridge near Alewife T station.
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Mare
Mare, meaning 'ocean,' is where all of your favorite creatures of the sea are prepared in creative, contemporary ways, like pan-seared scallops served over lemon angel hair pasta, or rock shrimp tossed with zucchini over spinach gnocchi. The kicker is that almost all of the ingredients are organic, from the first-press olive oils to the unpasteurized cheeses to the impressive wine list.
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B&G Oysters
Patrons flock to this casually cool oyster bar to get in on the raw delicacies offered by chef Barbara Lynch. Sit inside at the tiled bar or outside on the peaceful terrace, and indulge in a wide selection of the freshest oysters from local waters. An extensive list of wines and a modest menu of mains and appetizers (mostly seafood) are ample accompaniment for the oysters.
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Yankee Lobster Fish Market
The Zanti family has been fishing for three generations, so they definitely know their stuff. But it was not until recently that they opened this retail fish market, scattered with a few tables in case you want to dine in. And you do… order something simple like fish and chips or a lobster roll, accompany it with a cold beer, and you will not be disappointed.
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Roy Moore Lobster Company
This takeout kitchen has the cheapest lobster-in-the-rough on the Neck. Your beast comes on a tray with melted butter, a fork and a wet wipe for cleanup. You can sit in the back with the fishing boats on a few tables fashioned from lobster traps, or head next door to the restaurant for a bit of refinement. Don’t forget to bring your own beer or wine.
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No Name
The location on the fish pier lends credence to the motto ‘Where the fresh are so fresh, they jump out of the water and onto your plate.’ This place has lost some of its charm since being discovered by outsiders, but that doesn’t stop dock workers from showing up for fried clams and fish chowder.
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Daily Catch
Although owner Paul Freddura long ago added a few tables and an open kitchen, this shoebox fish joint still retains the atmosphere of a retail fish market (complete with wine served in plastic cups). Fortunately, it also retains the freshness of the fish. The specialty is calamari, fried to tender perfection. There’s not much room to maneuver so if you want to spread out, head to the more spacious Seaport District outlet. Cash only.
reviewed
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Lobster Hut
Right on the town wharf, the seaside Lobster Hut has big plates of fried clams, fish-and-chips, and – of course – lobster salad, fried lobster tail, boiled lobsters etc. There is seating inside, but it’s much more enjoyable to take a place on the deck and catch a harbor breeze.
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Brackett’s
Locals swear by this cozy little dining nook. The casual pub atmosphere, ocean views and daily specials draw a consistent crowd. The specialties of the house are scrod, shrimp, crab and scallop casseroles, rich in sherry and cream. This is one of the few places in Rockport that serves alcohol.
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Roo Bar
Adding some spice to dining in Plymouth! You can still get seafood, but it’s served in innovative ways: shrimp and sea scallops in a coconut curry broth; pan seared halibut served with a modern version of succotash. The atmosphere is hip, happening and definitely noisy.
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Landing
The atmosphere is staid, but the setting is the draw at this classic seafood restaurant overlooking the harbor. Choose from the full-service restaurant or the pub, which has lighter fare. Either way, don’t expect anything too exciting: just sit back and enjoy the view.
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Black Cow Tap & Grill
The Black Cow’s waterfront setting is unbeatable; and you can’t miss it in the center of town near the tourist information kiosk. A huge dining room has big windows so everyone can enjoy ocean views while eating the creatures that came out of it.
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Starboard Galley
This waterfront place is a classic seafood restaurant, with big portions, boatloads of lobster and delicious mussels drowning in garlic. The decor is drab, but you can eat on the porch and catch a glimpse of the water on the other side of the parking lot.
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Barnacle
Perched on a rocky outcropping at the harbor’s edge, the Barnacle is what waterside dining is meant to be. Specialties include steaming hot clam chowder and lobsters straight off the boat. Excellent outdoor seating.
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Legal Sea Foods
Running with the motto 'If it isn't fresh, it isn't Legal, ' this Boston establishment indeed serves top-of-the-line seafood - broiled, grilled or fried - and invariably draws a satisfied crowd.
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Duckworth’s Bistrot
Half-portions and wines by the glass (or carafe) mean that Duckworth’s won’t break your bank. But the menu of fresh seafood and local produce means you will dine like a gourmand.
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Neptune Oyster
Neptune’s menu hints at Italian, but you’ll also find elements of Mexican, French Cajun and old-fashioned New England. The daily seafood specials and impressive raw bar (featuring three kinds of oysters, plus littlenecks, crabs and mussels) confirm that this is not your traditional North End eatery. The retro interior offers a convivial – if crowded – setting, with an excellent option for solo diners at the marble bar.
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Legal Sea Foods
For the classic New England dinner, visit one of the Back Bay outlets of Boston’s most famous restaurant, Legal Sea Foods. This one is at Copley Pl.
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Finz
The highlight is the gracious, spacious dining room with three walls of windows overlooking Salem Harbor. The kitchen keeps customers sated, with seafood of course.
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Great Bay
Grey-orange hues and loungey leather chairs surround a circular bar in the center of the eating area, while a side dining room is bathed in silkscreen flowers, jewel tones and subdued light. The food is no less delightful – seafood standards such as salmon and scallops come alive with fresh herbs, seasonal veggies and spicy island influences.
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Union Oyster House
The oldest restaurant in Boston, ye olde Union Oyster House has been serving seafood in this historic red-brick building since 1826. Countless history-makers have propped themselves up at this bar, including Daniel Webster and John F Kennedy. Apparently JFK used to order the lobster bisque, but the raw bar is the real draw here. Order a dozen on the half-shell and watch the shucker work his magic.
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