The cozy town of Rockport, Massachusetts, nestled east of the historic fishing town of Gloucester, is known for its picturesque harbor, delicious seafood and its seemingly untouched beaches. An artistic haven, the town is home to both the Rockport Art Assocation and the North Shore Art Association. The town, bristling with the industry of a coastal village, also has many shops and restaurants, some of which offer a smattering of gourmet options.
Located at Rockport's historic harbor, the Blacksmith Shop Restaurant offers a taste of local cuisine with an elegant oceanside view. Open for lunch and dinner, except closed on Mondays, the restaurant has a range of soups, salads and appetizers, and sandwiches such as a gourmet Angus burger, lobster roll and blackened haddock. Entrees range from pasta and seafood to meats, and include haddock brushetta, ahi tuna, baked stuffed lobster, steak poblano, lobster ravioli and chicken lemoni. The extensive wine menu features international wines from Australia, Argentina and Italy. The restaurant can also accommodate functions, including weddings and corporate parties.
Blacksmith Shop Restaurant
23 Mt. Pleasant St.
Rockport, Massachusetts 01966
978-546-1600
blacksmithshoprestaurant.com
Ellen's Harborside has its origins as a local coffee shop. Traditional favorites here include the lobster roll and lobster casserole, fried native clams and baked stuffed shrimp, as well as unique items such as pesto haddock. Other entrees include a slow-roasted cut of prime rib, pulled pork and broiled sirloin. Lunch favorites include a Cubano sandwich, made with roasted pork, and the popular clam roll, Appetizers range from seafood dishes such as fried shrimp and crab cakes to sweet potato fries. The restaurant also offers a children's menu, and dessert items include peppermint cheesecake, cranberry rhubarb pie and homemade custard pudding. Ellen's also offers a range of salads.
Ellen's Harborside
1 T Wharf
Rockport, MA 01966
978-546-2512
ellensharborside.com
With appealing water views, Brackett's Oceanview Restaurant also serves up traditional seafood-based cuisine. From New England clam chowder to boiled lobster and baked haddock or scrod, it offers all the popular favorites, as well as some more eclectic offerings such as fish tacos, chicken Rockefeller, Cajun-style fishburger, Maryland oysters, pesto pizza and meatloaf. Appetizers and lighter fare include coconut shrimp and lobster flatbread, a range of soups and salads, and sandwiches such as a portobello mushroom melt or turkey burger. Fried seafood plates are also available, from native clams to calamari. A seasonal eatery, the restaurant closes in October and opens again in April.
Brackett's Oceanview Restaurant
29 Main St.
Rockport, Massachusetts 01966
978-546-2797
bracketts.com
