Editors’ Choice
C.K. Pearl
Essex
Feast on the full range of classic New England seafood eats, from fried clams to raw oysters, while being caressed by the breezes off the marsh. In addition to fare from the sea, C.K. Pearl offers a mix of shared plates, including house-made charcuterie, smoked wings, flatbread, and fondue. Of course there are steak tips, but they also have terrific barbeque, all available on their expansive deck. Rain is no problem—half the deck is covered.
112 Main St., Essex, 978-890-7378, ckpearl.com
Readers’ Choice
1606 Restaurant & Bar at the Beauport Hotel Gloucester
Gloucester
Whether you’re grabbing drinks around the firepit at night, or enjoying a luxurious meal at 1606 Restaurant & Bar, the views of 10-Pound Light and gracious service can’t be beat. Also new this year is the hotel’s executive chef John Welch. A graduate of Johnson and Wales and the California Culinary Academy, Welsh has worked in some of the finest farm-to-table establishments from California to Maine—even winning Lobster Chef of the Year in Maine one year.
55 Commercial St., Gloucester, 978-282-0008 Ext. 5, beauporthotel.com