Blue Marlin Grille — Restaurant in Essex

Went here two Sundays ago because it was one of the only kitchens open late around these parts and it got good reviews. Cute spot inside. Decore was well done. Some confusion when we arrived though whether or not if the oven was closed and the grill was on or vice versa. I was puzzled to why because on google it says the kitchen is open. Anyway, when we were sat (table by the bar) there was napkins all over the floor like we were at fenway park 5 innings in. Some used napkins from previous customers and some unused - like a strong breeze came through the joint and blew napkins everywhere. The waitress kept walking by them all like she didn't see this mess (the whole time). I felt like picking them up myself there were so many. So the waitress finally comes around and was real standoffish - not sure why - we were nice to her and we smiled. I don't know if it is because we were dressed (came from a semi formal even in the area, but we were extra nice to everyone here so as not to make anyone feel uncomfortable bec this place seemed a little towney - maybe being semi formal was a deal breaker?)?. Anyway, waitress tells use the grill is off but the oven is on. We both order baked scallops with two sides. The waitress gave us our drinks but otherwise ignored us completely while hugging and playing all the regulars at the bar real close (all at the bar looked like they have known each other from high school back in the 80's). While this is all going down the waitress is standing ontop of all the napkins on the floor (so bizarre). Meanwhile, we are getting side eyes by the locals at the bar. This is when we hear the bartender get into a full conversation with a guy at the bar trashing "tourists" and how they are only good for 'the money'. In the bartenders defense (and I say that lightly); a guy at the end of the bar started the tourist rant and the bartender just went along with it (he really should have squashed it). Anyway, now having overheard this convo it would explain the side eyes we were getting from everyone at the bar. Funny thing about it, my wife and I being from Boston and having our own businesses in Boston; more than half the people we see on a daily basis are out of towners or "tourists". Listen, people are people - your either appreciate people or you don't appreciate people. If you have issues with certain types of people don't be in the service industry that thrives off of tourists..or anyone who isnt exactly like you. No brainer right. Ever think that when you come to our city your a "tourist" too. Give me a break! Stop trying to make your customers feel uncomfortable with that b.s. The waitress made it clear we were equivalent to some sort of a spider. She basically ignore us until she drops the food off. Says she will be back in a sec to check on us (standard procedure right?), but instead she is gone completely never to be seen again (shift over maybe??). The two sides (mashed and veggie were good) The scallops however tasted like over cleaner (so much like oven cleaner that I was googling if we were going to be poisened if it was - and with all that talk of ovens being on and off and grills on and off it very well could have been). Why did they taste like that?? So the waitress is officially mia and it's been a while.. now the bartender comes over and asks us how our food was but didnt listen for an answer... one of those walk by to drop the check off deals... At this point, the thought of all this just had me laughing. Talk about feeling like the people here hate you, and feeling like they cooked your baked scallops with oven cleaner on purpose and then having to pay for this experience. This place... should have skipped it. Damn shame too. Decor was thoughtfully executed in here, portions were very generous and it should be good. Bartender that dislikes tourists, watress that ignores you, and oven cleaner tasting scallops... what a combo! Forgetaboutit!...

The Blue Marlin Grille in Essex was a reputable and consistent provider of well prepared dishes, competent service and reasonable prices for as long as I can remember. My family and I have spent countless evenings there, enjoying quality food cooked with care and excellence. Unfortunately, in the last several months, those standards have seemed to disappear. On several occasions now, meats have been over cooked, and side dishes seem microwaved and not fresh, and the quality no longer satisfies for the price. Today my children and I all ordered steak tips for take out. Three orders with fries and one with mashed potatoes. I was worried the steak would be over cooked, but wanted to believe that the recent experiences friends and family had had there were a fluke. This place has really been a family favorite for the better part of a decade. When we got to the car we drove ten minutes home, and began to eat. All of the steak was requested as medium rare. All of the steak was cooked to well done. The meat was dry, tough and tasted of charcoal. The staff forgot the mashed potatoes and instead included fries with all the dishes. The fries were placed in the container first, and the steak placed on top. To our dismay the fries were soaked with the steak marinade, and fell apart when picked up. My children who love steak took a few bites, realised that the meat was too chewy to work through, and decided they were done. It cost me $50 for four skewers of over cooked steak and a few handfuls of soaking wet, brown French fries. It saddens me to agree with my wife and children that this would be the last time we visited the Blue Marlin Grille of Essex. I found myself curious as to the cause of the decline in quality, but soon decided that it doesnt really matter because the restaurant has become a shadow of its former self and the memories we have of happy nights enjoying great food together as a family at the BMG are just that, memories. A place once held in high regard, joins the mediocre and dissapointing. The end of an era, but a chance to find a replacement. The...

My husband and I ate here last night, (Saturday ). I am glad we got there when we did (5:40) because by 6 PM there wasn't an empty seat at the bar and there was a line to sit at a table (they take reservations for parties of 8 or more). Our bartender, Matthew (Mattie) greeted us right away. He made me an awesome Cosmo with tequila instead of vodka and without my asking, he brought the dirty rocks, too. My husband had his usual, Maine Lunch on tap. I ordered the "Foggy Bottom Chicken" which was amazing! Two medium sized, tender chicken breasts over a bed of spinach and onions, topped with their signature cheese sauce and panko bread crumbs with a side of mashed potatoes and butternut squash-so fresh and yummy! My husband had their steak tips with fried shrimp and French fries & onion rings. The batter was light and fluffy and the steak was tender and tasty. This was our first time dining here, and it definitely won't be our last. The service and food is impeccable. And the art on the wall is very cool-it's sculptures of squid made out of tinted tin-unusual and unique. I wish I took pictures to show you. Next time!!! PS-we sat next to a couple from Gloucester who say they come here at least once a week and have been for years and told us everything on the menu is...