Essex Seafood — Restaurant in Essex

My wife and I visited Essex a few years ago and visited another local seafood restaurant, and gave a very good review. Essex Seafood is at least as good... maybe even a bit better.

The portions are huge and the absolute least is done in preparation to let the flavor of the seafood come through. That's why you are here after all.

I got the combo with clams and scallops. It was stacked enormously high with incredibly tender clams and scallops. I eventually decided to abandon the tartar sauce (though it was yummy) and just sprinkle a little salt and lemon and leave it at that. I can't tell you how good the seafood is unless you have had it yourself.

The service was quick and friendly and the dining area and restroom was clean and neat. The prices were incredibly reasonable considering what you get, particularly compared to what you would pay in a chain seafood restaurant with miniscule portions of sub-par seafood.

If you are anywhere close to Essex and don't eat here, you are doing...

Just another fried seafood spot.

My first time in Essex, and I figured fried clams were the move. Most of the places with marsh views were already packed with no parking, so we settled here. No view, just a no-frills fried seafood joint.

Most of the menu here was shareable. Big platters of fried seafood with fries or onion rings on the side. Since there weren’t smaller portions of whole-belly clams, we settled for the fried clam strips and a small order of steamers.

I’ve had a good amount of fried clams and clam strips from south shore restaurants, and to be honest, these weren’t that good. The breading was so thick it felt like fried dough with only the faintest trace of clam. Same story with the onion rings. Sliced so thin they ate more like fried onion scraps than proper rings.

The steamers were solid though. They came with melted butter and a cup of hot water for rinsing (which I mistook for broth at first—nearly burned my hand with the lid…). Simple, straightforward,...

My family's #1 go to place for some delicious fried seafood plates. We usually all go for the 4 seafood plate which has generous portions of fried haddock, fried shrimp, fried clams, fried scallops, french fries and onion rings. Like, the plates are huge and just heaping with deliciousness. The batter is fairly light and allows for the flavors of the seafood to shine through. Prices are based on the market and season. Going at the beginning of May 2018, each plate was approx $31 each, your price may vary. Plenty enough to share,or ensure you have leftovers for "round 2" at home. The restaurant is smallish and kinda cramped, but is always full of people. In the summer months, it sure is hot in there, even with the ceiling fans. One side is booths and the other is tables with 4 chairs. Parking is onsite, and when busy,...