North of Boston: The Ultimate Dining Experience
by L.A. DiNardi

Finding the perfect seafood restaurant in New England is like trying to choose the best painting when visiting the Louvre in Paris, France. There are so many factors to take into consideration, and ultimately it is a subjective decision; however there is a place tucked away in a small town just north of Boston that has great food, great service, the amazing view, and offers a consistent, excellent overall experience.

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Situated right on the Merrimac River in Newburyport, MA is a local hot spot called Michael’s Harborside. Boasting three large decks, offering panoramic views of the river, the harbor and a distant view of the Atlantic Ocean, the atmosphere is pure New England coastal at it’s finest. Complete with blue awnings shading the deck, you can drive over or sail into one of the many boat slips on Michael’s dock.

The food is traditional American cuisine, offering fantastic burgers as well as the freshest seafood like boiled or baked stuffed lobster and massive fisherman’s platters. The service is great, and whether you want to hang out at one of the bars or be seated in one of the comfortable dining rooms for an enjoyable meal. The short ribs are delectable and the fried clams are fantastic. They have an extensive wine and beer list as well as signature cocktails that are tasty creations of the staff.

Take a road trip, bring the family and spend an afternoon on the deck for lunch or an evening for dinner as the price is perfect for a family without overextending the budget. The price of entrees range from $19-25 (the top most being baked stuffed lobster!) at lunch, and $18-28 for dinner, not including boiled lobster that begins at $30 and goes up depending on size. Appetizers are abundant, and there is always the raw bar, which you can easily make into a meal.

The location is ideal coming from any direction, as it sits right next to Route 1, and just up the road from the popular Market Street Inn. So whether you are coming back from a day at the beach, exploring the quaint town of Newburyport, or a local looking for a place to relax and have a few drinks, Michael’s Harborside is a must when you are north of Boston. Between the ambiance, food, service and those views, you cannot find a better spot to relax and unwind on the North Shore.