On its website, The Sole Proprietor bills itself as the "Favorite Seafood Restaurant of Central Massachusetts Diners since 1979." While it's a claim that can be disputed, the fact that it has been operating for so long is testament to the fresh and tasty cuisine that brings guests back over and over again. This casual elegant restaurant has chefs Joseph Wong and Aulay Carlson at its helm and uses fresh, seasonal ingredients. Some of the house favorites include the New England clam bake with steamed clams, mussels and a 1-lb. lobster; oven roasted native bluefish with garlic spinach and smashed red bliss potatoes; and Sicilian swordfish with marinated tomatoes, spinach and oven roasted potatoes. An extensive list of reasonably priced wines by the glass and bottle are available to pair with meals. Considering the restaurant's popularity, reservations may be in order, especially for weekend dinners.
The Sole Proprietor
118 Highland Street
Worcester, MA 01609-2731
508-798-3474
thesole.com
Halfway down the eastern coast of Massachusetts is the state capital, Boston. This city is rich in history, which includes some of its restaurants, like America's oldest continuously operating one, the Union Oyster House. It has been around since 1826 and serves some of the freshest seafood around, which makes it a favorite for tourists. The curved raw bar serves native oysters, littlenecks and cherrystones in half-dozen plates and make great snacks. House favorites include fried, grilled or broiled fish selections like swordfish, sole and Boston scrod. The Union special lobster is just one way the critter is served, baked with New England seafood stuffing. For dessert, hot Indian pudding and homemade gingerbread make the menu.
41 Union St
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
617-227-2750
unionoysterhouse.com
West Boylston Seafood is located in an unassuming building that looks like the visitor's center to a small state park. Don't let that fool you, though, because it's been around since 1989. It specializes in serving the freshest seafood possible not just in the restaurant, but also in its attached fish market. The cuisine is a mixture of American, Cajun, seafood, sushi and vegetarian dishes with an emphasis on the homemade chowders. They're available by the cup or the gallon. A fisherman's platter offers a combination of white fish, swordfish, shrimp, scallops and clams all served with fried coleslaw and tartar sauce. Other house favorites include the steamed lobster, grilled dry rub salmon filet and the haddock sandwich. The family-friendly restaurant also offers a kid's meal.
West Boylston Seafood
321 W Boylston St
Worcester, MA 01606-2326
508-853-3655
westboylstonseafood.com
