Guidebook for Gloucester
Food Scene
See my "Welcome Book" on arrival - lotsa recommendations and details of things to do/see/eat. Here are our favorites.
Great food & atmosphere. Cozy booths, great cocktails & hip hang.
47 abantu bendawo batusa
Franklin Cafe Cape Ann
118 Main StGreat food & atmosphere. Cozy booths, great cocktails & hip hang.
Large deck and bar on the harbor. In the middle of Rocky Neck art colony. Somewhat crappy food but worth going for the scenery.
28 abantu bendawo batusa
The Studio
51 Rocky Neck AveLarge deck and bar on the harbor. In the middle of Rocky Neck art colony. Somewhat crappy food but worth going for the scenery.
Iconic Italian coffee & bake shop. Best coffee in town (espresso & otherwise). Sidewalk tables.
Café Sicilia
1300 Main StIconic Italian coffee & bake shop. Best coffee in town (espresso & otherwise). Sidewalk tables.
Fantastic fish chowder and good fried food. Lunch place very close to home and popular with locals.
14 abantu bendawo batusa
Charlie's Place
83 Bass AveFantastic fish chowder and good fried food. Lunch place very close to home and popular with locals.
Lunch - Best fried clams & shrimp! Indoor/outdoor dining (picnic tables on the Essex river). Love this place.
23 abantu bendawo batusa
J.T. Farnham's
88 Eastern AveLunch - Best fried clams & shrimp! Indoor/outdoor dining (picnic tables on the Essex river). Love this place.
Great restaurant & food all around - always packed. Fave with locals. Great marsh view. Great menu and cocktails - one of my favorite places.
35 abantu bendawo batusa
Lobsta Land Restaurant
84 Causeway StGreat restaurant & food all around - always packed. Fave with locals. Great marsh view. Great menu and cocktails - one of my favorite places.
Trendy, modern, upscale Italian cuisine. Great bar and delicious food. $$$$
43 abantu bendawo batusa
Tonno Restaurant
2 Main StTrendy, modern, upscale Italian cuisine. Great bar and delicious food. $$$$
Small Italian bakery/grocery. Unbelievable sandwiches - try the St. Joe's Special (on a St. Joseph's roll). A beloved spot by locals and tourists alike.
36 abantu bendawo batusa
Virgilio's Italian Bakery
29 Main StSmall Italian bakery/grocery. Unbelievable sandwiches - try the St. Joe's Special (on a St. Joseph's roll). A beloved spot by locals and tourists alike.
8/2021 - Purchased by famous Restauranteur, Barbara Lynch... soon to be opened.
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Rudder Restaurant
73 Rocky Neck Ave8/2021 - Purchased by famous Restauranteur, Barbara Lynch... soon to be opened.
Jalapeños
88 Main StFun, Mexican restaurant with yummy margaritas!
Drinks & Nightlife
Live rock music. Indoor/outdoor marina venue on the Annisquam river. Home of "Wicked Tuna" TV guys.
30 abantu bendawo batusa
Mile Marker One Restaurant
75 Essex AveLive rock music. Indoor/outdoor marina venue on the Annisquam river. Home of "Wicked Tuna" TV guys.
Rustic dining located on the harbor. Live music.
20 abantu bendawo batusa
Cape Ann Brewing Company & Brewpub
11 Rogers StRustic dining located on the harbor. Live music.
Restaurant and nightclub. Good fried food with large outdoor deck, stage and bar. Great music scene.
15 abantu bendawo batusa
Captain Carlo's
27 Harbor LoopRestaurant and nightclub. Good fried food with large outdoor deck, stage and bar. Great music scene.
Cool local pub - live music 7 days/week. Older crowd during the week and music starts around 7pm (I like to go on Wed and Thurs nights). Can also grab dinner there, decent pub food.
30 abantu bendawo batusa
The Rhumb Line Bar & Restaurant
40 Railroad AveCool local pub - live music 7 days/week. Older crowd during the week and music starts around 7pm (I like to go on Wed and Thurs nights). Can also grab dinner there, decent pub food.
Arts & Culture
Cape Ann Museum
27 Pleasant StWorld class small museum.
Maritime Gloucester
23 Harbor LoopI-Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex StThe Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum
28 Main StNorth Shore Arts Association
11 Pirates LnRockport Art Association & Museum
12 Main StThe Cultural Center at Rocky Neck
6 Wonson StGloucester Stage Company
267 E Main StWorld-class music venue and space. Classical, folk, jazz, mixed.
77 abantu bendawo batusa
Rockport Music-Shalin Liu Performance Center
37 Main StWorld-class music venue and space. Classical, folk, jazz, mixed.
Essentials
Stop & Shop
779 McGrath HwyCVS Pharmacy
13-1/2 Pond StGetting Around
Cape Ann Transportation Authority
3 Pond RdLocal bus that goes around Cape Ann only.
Parks & Nature
Stage Fort Avenue
Stage Fort AvenueSweeping view of Gloucester harbor.
Ravenswood Park
Ravenswood ParkJogging through the woods. Popular dog walking park.
Dogtown