Michael's Harborside Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Newburyport

I’ve been to Michael’s 15 or more times, in all the seasons. It appears some products are inconsistent from visit to visit. I usually give Michael’s a high rating for its drop-dead riverside location and usually good food. On one occasion, the crispy Calamari was perfectly cooked, but had too much heat for the four of us and I like spice. I took the leftovers home, rinsed it well and fed the crows. Try the Harborside Bloody Mary topped with 2 large shrimp and nice ingredients ($17.) Our server that late afternoon had a poor attitude, unexpected here. We returned for a lunch on Friday, May 10. Sat at a 4-top with friends on the coveted main floor deck. The Clam chowder came out slightly warm and thick as wallpaper paste. Obviously from a base that could have easily been improved on. Sent it back for another. It came back hot but not satisfying. My order was a two-combo plate of fried clams and scallops w/ optional onion rings. Rings were hand-battered and great. Clams had no real taste, even w added salt. Not fresh. The scallops had a smell/taste of ammonia, a common by-product of spoilage of seafood, so I'd say the scallops were not at their freshest. They were replaced with fried haddock pieces. That was OK. Two crab cakes were pan sautéed and were excellent. Wedge salad was nicely plated and tasty. Caesar salad was just OK. After we were served, we never saw our wait-gal again until she asked if we were interested in seeing the dessert menu. She may have seen us as a problem, which is not the case. We are always polite and respectful to the servers. A very disappointing lunch and it will be awhile before we...

I was looking forward to enjoying the jovial vibes and music that I experienced as I walked up to the hostess stand to request an outdoor table for one. Imagine my surprise when, after a 20 minute wait, I was ushered to the top deck where there was zero music but plenty of gossip to soak up from the staff who were working at their station directly behind me. Apparently there is shock at how overstaffed they are on a summer Sunday evening and there is drama occurring between a “young 16” year old a woman who appears to be of more tenured staff. Not only was I asked, twice, who else would join me. But, I was asked “why are you here?!” When I informed the waitress I have a seafood intolerance. My apologies, your restaurant advertises as a steak and seafood restaurant. I didn’t realize I was required to eat seafood if I dined here. There are other items on the menu. And, quite frankly, all I wanted was a Bloody Mary. Sadly, the Bloody Mary lacked flavor from anything except the pepper vodka I requested. Even my salad was delivered without being complete and as advertised on the menu. Mind you, I sat for ten minutes or so before the waitress told me to tell her when I was ready to order when I had been ready to order for a while. Clearly her intuition lacks . If I have to work so hard to ensure that my experience runs smoothly I might as well dine from home. I will keep Michael’s as my last resort, and only if I am starving. I think you’ll find a happier staff and better experience elsewhere. I know I did after my poor dining...

I hate doing this...but I have edited and downgraded my once great review of Michaels Harborside. Staff still great, however after my parents reported a less than impressive meal (I purchased a gift certificate for Christmas), I had to visit and order the haddock (usually my favorite) to see how they came away so disappointed. I returned twice for both baked and fried haddock. Results were the same: Michael's (a New England port seafood restaurant) is no longer serving fresh caught haddock. The 3 meals described were square-cut pre-ordered haddock filets. They were heavy, not flaky and light like fresh haddock that easily comes apart in pieces. The density was alarming. I could cut a solid piece and have stay solid on my fork. It had a hint of 'not fresh' flavor and smell; as stated, each piece ordered was an exact square replica of the other. They were fully staffed, had a wait list and are clearly not struggling like some smaller businesses. And the haddock plate was $30. Cutting corners like fresh haddock at N E. seafood restaurant, is like serving chicken parm from frozen chicken cutlets made with ribmeat at an Italian restaurant to save costs. I emailed them 1 week ago, to give them a chance to respond; they responded. They offered a $60 gift card- but insisted that they're still selling the same quality fish, as though I couldn't tell the difference. Gift card appreciated, but I'll pass. I'll be going to one of the many better seafood restaurants for fresh haddock at market price. Disappointed, but here is my amended...