Oliver's Harbor Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Gloucester

Generally, I tend not to post poor reviews. Before you read on, note that the food I had here, Sautéed Shrimp for an appetizer, and Cod with vegetables for the main course, were flavorful and delicious. The ambiance is bland, but it is a pleasant and casual setting.

This review is about one of the worst service experiences I have ever witnessed. This happened on the most recent Saturday of the St Peters Fiesta weekend. I got there around 7 pm, and right away heard the usher say that they were short staffed. Fair enough, that is understandable, especially in the current service environment. I got a seat at the bar, and right off the bat, I had an ill feeling. The bar tender acknowledged that the seat I was taking was available, and in that context he affirmed my presence. But then I sat there unattended for about fifteen minutes, no service, no water, no menu. I then had to force attention from another bar tender, who could not have cared less. I was almost inclined to just leave at this point, but given how busy all the restaurants were that festival weekend, I decided to hang in there.

I finally got some water and a menu, and given my wait to that point I hastily ordered the food, not willing to risk another long pause before I could get service again. To set the context, there might have been around 15-20 seats at the L shaped bar, with only half occupied, so not overly busy. While waiting, I noticed that the party of three just a couple of seats down from me, had also been waiting, and they had been there before I got there. I noticed a bunch of plates and dishes in front of them, presumably their appetizer, but no one had been there for at least twenty minutes to clear them out. They finally got their main course, and it was a pizza. I was astounded that these folks had waited so long to get one pizza!!!

By this time, I was fully agitated as I knew I had made a mistake by staying there. I waited almost twenty minutes to get my Sautéed shrimp appetizer, and by now it had been forty five minutes since my arrival. I then had to wait another half an hour to get my main course of Cod. All told, I had been at the half empty bar for over an hour and fifteen minutes.

What I witnessed next is the crux of this review, and truly the most shameful display of hostility from any service establishment I have ever patronized. The party of three near me, were settling their bill and on the way out the gentleman very quietly made some comments/observations to the bar tender. It took no time before the bar tender erupted with a very hostile posture, and intentionally raised his voice so as to catch everyone’s attention. I was shocked when he shouted with great vitriol and pointed a finger at the customer and said ‘get out of here, or I will call the cops.’ He blurted that out several times, and I could see that he wanted to create a scene. Everyone could tell that the patrons were totally aghast and shocked just as I was, at such a harsh and belligerent tone. As they were leaving, I asked one of the patrons as to what had happened, and she told me that her husband had simply complained about the poor service. In most places a complaint like that would have had the Manager come out and express contrition. But here, it led to a young man at the bar get into a rage and shout at the patrons.

I have never felt this uncomfortable and at unease than I did that evening. It was a totally uncalled for display of disdain and rude behavior on the part of the establishment. I finished my meal and expedited my exit, leaving almost an hour and forty minutes after my arrival - to get one appetizer and entree - and experience this truly offensive atmosphere. No one should ever feel this uncomfortable at any public place, especially in a restaurant. I have made this a detailed review so as to express the facts fully as I observed them, and allow whoever reads this, come to their...

I often don't take the time to write reviews, especially with how poor service is in most restaurants today, but I think my experience calls for a review.

My first meal there this week:

Plantain Shrimp Bisque - It was pretty damn good. Lobster Carbonara, but instead of homemade linguine, I had it on the Ginger Mashed Squash - It was really, really good and I enjoyed every bite of it. The sauce was flavorful and worked well with the lobster. Green Beans - It was bland, or plain, so if that was intentional, I would say it wasn't something I would order again. It only made me reminisce and miss the best green beens I've ever had instead of replacing that memory.

The Server - Melanie

I travel a lot and eat at a lot of places, and service has gotten pretty bad over the years at most places. That was not the case here. Melanie was probably the best waiter/waitress I have had in a few years. She had multiple tables, but never failed to stop and ask if everything was good or if I needed anything, but most importantly, she was very polite.

My second meal there this week:

Plantain Shrimp Bisque - This time a bowl, instead of a cup. That should tell you something... Cod with Ginger Mashed Squash and Shrimp Tomato Sauce - The fish was cooked perfectly. I don't say that often about fish, but the outside was crispy and the inside was moist and tender. Like the first meal, I enjoyed every bite of it. Before these two meals, I had never had Ginger Mashed Squash before, and I have to say, it's something I'll be looking to eat again.

The server (s) - Johayne, and I don't know the name of the second young lady..

They both were polite, but not quite as attentive as the first time I visited. But don't interpret that as a complaint, as I just think the first server I had was Johnny on the spot... or Melanie on the spot...

Had preshow dinner here before catching a great horns band at The Cut (really good venue for live music). Just added this place to our Gloucester short list-- for the food freshness, delicious taste!

THE FOOD/MENU: for a starter we shared the grilled shrimp in an onion/garlic/tomato broth-- really delicious! The baked haddock special was served over mash with a side of green beans-- just about the most basic New England dish you can imagine. The quality & evident freshness of the fish expertly prepared resulted in an unusual level of perfection 😋; meltingly tender fish, neither under or over cooked was not overwhelmed by the freshly made mashed potatoes-- perhaps the best version I've ever eaten of this dinnertime staple. Scallops over homemade linguine had my husband very happy. We both agreed we'll be back!

THE SETTING near the bottom of the gentle downhill that is tree-lined, one-way Main Street, Oliver's has an attractive, easy to spot storefront next to the lovely front gardens of the Sargent House Museum. Charming shops and a well-known bakery fill the immediate vicinity. The dining room features excellent local seascape photos...