North Shore Restaurants
Clam Chowder
Three Cod Tavern, Marblehead
Philosophy: Adheres to tradition by using a secret recipe rumored to have originated at the much-loved Maddie’s Sail Loft and passed from local cook to cook. The recipe has been passed from cook to cook without being written down, for 60 years or so.
Standout Qualities: Gluten-free and perfectly balanced—not too thick and not too thin. It comes with chunks of clam that are bigger than the chunks of potato.
Fun Fact: The pub is named for Three Cods Tavern, a historic eatery on Front Street in Marblehead in 1660.
141 Pleasant St., Marblehead, 781-639-3COD, threecodtavern.com
Woodman’s of Essex, Essex
Insider Tip: This 104-year-old eatery’s super-thick chowder is gluten-free, as are their fried clams. It’s one of our most classic restaurants.
121 Main St., Essex, 978-768-6057, woodmans.com
Crudo
Brine, Newburyport
Standout Qualities: Has a creative approach to raw fish, which incorporates everything from smoked orange buttermilk to pickled ramps.
What’s Unique: At least three choices every day, including one daily market–driven dish, playing on whatever fish is freshest.
Insider Tip: Try the caviar. It will not disappoint.
25 State St., Newburyport, 978-358-8479, brineoyster.com
Fish & Chips
Island Creek Oyster, Burlington
Standout Qualities: Chefs butcher a fresh whole pollock every day. You won’t find a fresher fish sandwich anywhere.
Fun Fact: The batter includes beer from local icon Narragansett.
What’s Unique: A malt vinegar aioli, made in-house, is a creamy, zingy, delicious accompaniment.
300 District Ave., Burlington, 781-761-6500, islandcreekoysterbar.com
Turner’s Seafood, Salem
Insider Tip: Their English pub–style offering, made with beer-battered scrod and malt vinegar, is available in a half portion or full portion.
43 Church St., Salem, 978-745-7665, turners-seafood.com
Fish Sandwich
Sea Level, Newburyport
Standout Qualities: Fresh cod, fried perfectly and served on a brioche roll.
Fun Fact: Chef Jenn Normant has competed on Gordon Ramsay’s TV show Hell’s Kitchen twice, including this winter during the all-stars edition.
Insider Tip: The cocktail In a Pickle—an odd mix of Bully Boy whiskey, Grillo’s pickle juice, fresh lime, and ginger beer—is surprisingly tasty with fried food.
1 Market Square, Newburyport, 978-462-8862, sealevelnewburyport.com
Bob Lobster, Newbury
Standout Qualities: Massive portions. A whole fried filet of haddock with homemade tartar sauce, either traditional tartar or dill.
49 Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury, 978-465-7100, boblobster.com
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