Anchor Pub & Grille — Restaurant in Beverly

Monday night, 5 people. Got a an estimated 45 min wait at 6 pm for a table. Ended up only being about 20 mins which was awesome (during the time my friends and I got a drink) when we got sat, we immediately order appetizers, 10 mins go by and we orders entrees. waited another 25 mins before we got revisited. The apps were amazing, all super tasty and hot, which made us excited for our entrees. I went to people watch the pool league they have on Mondays, an hour went by and we started to question the food, server never came back with an answer. We then waited another 10-15 mins and I told the server that I can pay cash and cancel the food if it hasn’t been started/or take it to go. We had to leave because we had an hour drive and somewhere else to be. They came out with some of the food and reluctantly asked that they could box it up for us, which they did. They came back and dropped the bags on the [outdoor] floor. We then waited another 15 minutes to actually receive the check, which didn’t include an itemized copy, which we paid without question and left.

Bartenders were amazing, which was the only service my friends and I received while at the establishment. Indoor and outdoor, super friendly.

Host was amazing and a delight

Also, noticed a few other tables, that got there after us, get food and close out before we got our entrees. Which is why we started to question. My friends and I are all in the service industry, which is why we didn’t want to be upset, but this service wasn’t there. Also, no itemized recipe? Did we actually just pay $150 with 20% tip blindly?

Like I mentioned, bartenders and host were awesome!

Another note, haddock...

Love the anchor, we come here often food and atmosphere is great. Have always had a great experience. The staff has always been friendly. Service great! Food is delicious and reasonably priced. Until last night. We encountered the rudest hostess. The bar was full so for the first time we decided to try the outdoor seating that's when we encountered HER The outdoor hostess. We stood in front of her outdoor stand patiently waiting as she was busy. She came up and asked us what are you waiting for. Not can I help you seeing we would be a paying customers. My gentleman friend said yes we would like seating for 2. Inside or out she asked rudely and impatiently no smile nothing friendly about her. My friend said whatever opens first. This women never smiled and it seemed like we were inconveniencing her. Um isn't this your job! She rudely looks at us and says we don't do that here. Okay my friend said we will go with outdoors. Again no smile no friendly reply. She threw a pager at us and said 35 to 40 minutes and walks away. Again no smile seriously this women had an angry face and way about her. We walked away with our pager. After a minute or 2 we decided to leave. Why would we want to sit out there after being treated so badly. The experience really put us off. I work in customer service and have for most of my adult life and have always been friendly and helpful, it's my job! This women was rude and made us feel like we were bothering her. I love the Anchor always have good things to say about the Anchor until last night. Someone really needs to explain the definition of hostess...

The hubs and I came here for lunch yesterday; they opened at 1130, and 1230 the bar was packed, which was a bummer because we love sitting at bars. They had a lot more seating back by the bathrooms and pool table. They also had a cute little dining room area with a beautiful bridge mural. It took a few for us to be acknowledged and offered a table. But once seated, service was swift and helpful. Actually, how fast we got our drinks with how busy they were was a pleasant surprise. With most dive bars, I like to try out the wings to get a feel for the place. These buffalo wings were tender meat and crunchy on the outside, and oh my, that buffalo sauce was SPICY, and the heat built up with each bite! Maybe a bit too much sauce on them, but we managed to finish them all! Next time I think I would ask for the sauce on the side or lighter toss. They have daily specials, and the server was kind to describe a few. I chose the seafood pie, it had shrimp, lobster, scallops and haddock in a butter sauce topped with breadcrumbs. The dish was super decadent, and I could not finish. I chose to upgrade to a side salad along with fries. They are generous with the portions here, and the price is wicked inexpensive. Hubs got the fried haddock with pub fries and coleslaw. He said everything was tasty, but the coleslaw was a bit bland. Next time, we will aim to be there right when they open so we can sit at the bar, but there definitely will be many...