Shipyard Tavern — Restaurant in Essex

"Can we come back here tomorrow?"

During our explorations of Salem, we decided to get out of the city to avoid a 3 hour wait for the restaurants in the immediate area. Our friend works in the area and recommended that we come up to Ripple.

I was disappointed in the fact that I wasn't able to get the advertised New England Poutine since they were out of Clam Chowder. My second option of the scallop casserole did NOT disappoint though, with the topping being very uniquely spiced and felt like the perfect fall dish. The mashed potatoes were also wonderful with the rice being an acceptable compliment ( I would probably get double mashed next time).

DO NOT go to Ripple without getting dessert. We were fully prepared not to get dessert, when we found out that the owner prepared them personally herself on a daily basis. After we heard all of the options, we got all 4 of them and shared at our table and every one of them was a hit.

Finally, we felt INCREDIBLY welcome in the restaurant, with the service staff and clientele alike making the restaurant feel like dining at home with friends and family. Being members of the LGBTQ community, often times we feel a bit on the fringe when we dine out. This felt like home.

I'll absolutely be back during my next visit...

We had to leave. As a result we didn't eat or have a drink. Here's why. Friday night and granted they are re-opeing and have to work out the kinks. Surprisingly we just walked in with no wait. Server or back support couldn't get it together and we waited probably 20-30 minutes for our water and drink order. That might have been ok however as our party of four waited and all looked at the menu it just wasn't appealing. This is mainly a seafood menu however why use Mahi imported fish for fish and chips? Head scratcher when we have local fresh fish. Being more seafood dominant yet missing things like oysters another head scratch. I would rank the menu as limited. Again, we never had any of the food so I can't rate how good the food is. Interior is updated in colors and new tables however structure is same as our old favorite Periwinkles. The bar still had the same quaint feel as Periwinkles. Our patience ran out for the service bolstered by a lack luster menu we decided to leave and go to another local place to eat - The Boat House which is always good. I want all our local businesses to thrive so I hope this is found constructive and will help Ripples as they work out the kinks and perhaps what the...

Went there Friday nite of holiday weekend. The place was nearly empty when we couldn’t find parking at any other nearby. We should have known better! It took about 20 minutes for someone to come to take our order. She came over for our drink order and asked if we could order everything to “save time”. We ordered fried clams knowing it would be quick. The table next to us which sat and ordered after us got their steamed clams appetizer about 10 minutes before ours came out. Our fried clams were lukewarm and soggy!!! Our meals came out about as they should. My wife’s ordered scallops and they were dry and tasteless. She also ordered broccoli as a side and got green beans. I had crabckes which were cold and tasted like CATFOOD!! After about 25 minutes or so our waitress came over and asked how everything was!! My wife started to explain to her all the shortcomings she apologized. When paying our bill my wife asked to speak with the manager. A woman identified herself as the Owner an said”so you re the woman with the problems”!! She proceeded to say there was nothing she would do except give a side of broccoli to go. If you see this place my opinion is to keep driving. You will probably see a new sign on the...