Great spot in Essex on the water. They have seating inside or on a screened porch or on a deck. We were fortunate to eat in the deck watching boats and jet skis come and go. I'm not a seafood person but the BBQ is excellent. We split a Key Lime pie slice that was tasty. Great spot to get good food and chill read more

CK Pearl - The deck at CK's - New American Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

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What a view. The menu is varied and meals are amazing. It's busy on weekends so be prepared for slower service but overall drinks and meals are worth the wait! read more

Title: Excellent Server (5 stars) + OK food with $$$$ prices. You pay $$$ for views of the marsh. The server who served us- the lady with some tatoos- was super nice and the saving grace of this restaurant. The food was OK. Hard to be great given it was just: Fried Fish & Chips: Tiny portion of fish ( 2 thin chicken finger sized pieces). $34 for this fish. Go across the street to Woodmans for better. Oysters & Clams: Raw so no chef skill required. Fried Clams: Very exp and again small portion. read more

Honestly just disappointing. I can get behind a high price if the portion size makes up for it a little but when I say it's like they cut every entree in half and sold you it for double - believe me. Not only did I feel like we were rationing as if the british were invading but the measly rations were just flat out bad tasting. The swordfish in the ceviche was gnarly along with the other fish in there. The fondue tasted quite nice but again you're given maybe 3 pretzel pieces, a couple slices of an apple, and some stray bland potato's. My baked haddock was overcooked and dry and tasteless. Their saffron sauce was unsettlingly bland but sour? The only redeeming quality is the staff. It's not their fault the food tasted bad. The hostesses were killing it, our server was kind and efficient, and we never went without refills for more than a couple of seconds. They're great. read more

One of my favorites on the North Shore. Consistently delicious food and drinks, amazing views, kind and attentive staff. The blackened chicken salad is my favorite- it's a tex mex with chipotle ranch dressing. Last time I got the fondue which was perfect for a cold gloomy day. Don't skip the skillet cookie! Excellent drinks and love their mocktails too. read more

CK Pearl - New American Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

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A lot of cute seating, decided to sit outside. There's one big umbrella for a few tables, but it was fine. Service was quick and the server was so nice! Everyone working was great. Got the haddock sandwich needed a bit more salt for my taste but it was a good portion and perfectly juicy and crispy. Would come again to try other things on the menu. read more

CK Pearl - Outside seating area - New American Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

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Great service and great ambiance! Top notch servers. Mid menu (can we change it up a little and add finally some more interesting options?) - but food is excellent and you can't beat that view on a beautiful night! read more

Came here for an early brunch and got seated right by the window. Perfect speed for a family outing of 4- brunch options were diverse but not overwhelming. They also had some great daily specials- I had a veggie omelette with seasonal veggies that was great, but the real star was the dessert for the table, a chocolate ginger rice pudding with vanilla ice cream and a truffle. Would definitely go back for the dessert and ambiance! read more

The fish and chips are amazing! Their signature coleslaw tied it together perfectly, not to mention the fabulous fries. We will definitely be back. read more

Went on July 26 and ordered the swordfish and the shared fried clams the clams were not to my liking as I prefer them a little crispier; they were a little on the soggy side. My swordfish tasted like and had the texture of compressed sawdust. It was very blah. would not go back. read more

Had a great dinner the other night. My friend the fried clams were a 10 out of 10 and he was not expecting that! I really enjoyed my steak tips they were juicy and tender. Would have preferred something else than French fries. I could have asked too. Caesar Salad was really good. Hade the cookie skillet which was yummy. They have pastry chef and desserts were a cut above. Would love to try more. Sitting by the river was lovely. Wait staff were professional and warm. read more

6/25. Surprising a delightful luncheon with the ladies after amid day cruise on the Essex River..CK is a newer restaurant on the Main St., directly across from Woodman's (diagonally). The added bonus at CK is that it sits and overlooks the mouth of the river. They had a very diverse menu. From hamburgers to fish tacos and fish Rueben. Our party of eleven pretty much got separate meals (only two the same). Everyone raved about their individual meals. I was craving a halibut fish sandwich. The fish was so fresh and so tender, and so white. A light coating covered the filet, was on a bed of coleslaw on brioche roll with lettuce, tomato, and side of tartar sauce. You can order it with either salad of mixed greens or French fries. I opted for salad. They a variety of wines. Their cocktail concoction looked appealing if you are into that, as well as nonalcoholic choices. There is a blackboard with specials of the day. The desserts for day looked tempting, if you have enough room to further indulge . I will definitely return to CK's.Oh and did I mention that they take reservations for large parties ? Highly recommended. As well, cool seaside atmosphere with outdoor seating. Give a try and tell us what you think? read more

The location is fabulous with water views and from almost every seat, staff amazing and food delicious! We have not had one off night since visiting here. Sadly, we are moving and will be too far to visit. However, for the next few final months we plan to get in as much as we can, while we can! read more

Tremendous kitchen. Relaxed setting with great food. A lot of thought and precision is exercised by the chefs here. The views of the salt marsh make for a pleasant atmosphere. I would recommend. read more

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Forget the tourist. This place excels in Essex for us natives as well. Pay attention to the chef's specials. They're tough to beat. I enjoyed a remarkable cheeseburger flatbread while my wife loved the fried shrimp roll this past weekend. Drinks are hearty and the staff is like family. Great views of the Essex river and marsh. Consistently great over the years read more

Great food and service! The bbq wing were great The tuna nicoise was fantastic The grilled sea bass was some of the best I have had- I'll be back Amazing!!! read more

Hmm. I made a reservation for an outdoor seat hoping to snag one of the open-air spots overlooking the marsh but we got a screened-in seat instead. Think the best seats of the house may have been first-come, first-serve. I recommend coming as early as possible so you can get a better table and also avoid the traffic snaking up the two-lane road right outside, since Woodman's is right there as well. The apps were the star of the show (other than my kale salad). We went with the oysters, chowder, and fried clams. Oysters were on the much smaller side but well shucked and came with freshly grated horseradish. The chowder and fried clams were easily my favorites. Chowder came with fried clams and these crispy bits of potatoes, amazing. I figured I couldn't leave the area without trying some fried clams and these were excellent. My kale salad with shrimp fell a little flat. I'm never one to say this but the salad actually could have used some more dressing. There was plenty of cheese but overall, it was just really dry, not helped by the shrimp also being overcooked (and 4 medium shrimps for $13). The surf and turf burger also wasn't quite as good as it sounded. I couldn't taste any of the BBQ rub on the patty, probably since it was drowned out by the much stronger brie. The lobster also really didn't add much - it was just a markup. We should have taken the waiter's very lukewarm endorsement of the S&T burger to just get the regular cheeseburger. Overall, I recommend just sticking with the apps. Parking is really easy, just keep an eye out for the restaurant's own lot on the other side of the street. read more

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Nice view of marsh, good food. Oysters are fabulous of course. Like to stop whenever in the area

This is one of my friend's from the area favorite place. We had to stop in for lunch while my and a group of my friend's were in from out of town. We were sat right away and had an awesome server. I honestly cannot remember her name but she worked last Friday at lunch time serving a table of 8 in the middle of the restaurant. We ordered delicious cocktails and started with some chowder, oysters and fondue with some amazing pork belly. The food all came out quick and delicious. Everyone enjoyed all of their entrees. No complaints at all. I absolutely LOVED my baked haddock. I don't think I have ever had haddock that wasn't fried and it has a great texture and flaked nicely. Great flavor! I would highly suggest this place for a delicious seafood lunch. read more

I've been dining here over the course of six years. It's a beautifully situated spot on the river with marsh views. While it is a bit pricy, I have always enjoyed the food. If you're looking for a huge plate of food, you may be disappointed. They have parking in a lot across the street which is a big deal. The menu reflects a variety of smoked dishes as they smoke their own food. For the most part staff are great. We recently dined early, coming in with a (highly recommended) reservation. Bay scallop appetizer was delicious as well as the tuna tacos and haddock dinner. Really like this is a year-round restaurant. Nice to dine outside in the good weather. Inside can get noisy when the bar area is full and having fun! read more

I've always seen this place and have been wanting to try, we were in the area this past weekend, and so glad we did! The location is great, set on the water and we had a very nice table with a view. I can see that once the weather warms there will be more options for outdoor seating. We had a great and friendly waitress, and service from the kitchen and the bar was on point. The menu is quite varied and several specials as well. As this was lunch, we ordered one appetizer and one entree to share and it was more than enough food, and leftovers to go. I recommend trying the fondue appetizer, a bit eclectic with a delicious cheese to dip some finally sliced apples, pretzel. potatoes and a delicious pretzel. Once I saw the pretzel I was sold! Delicious start to finish. We then moved on to a pulled pork sandwich, which was very good. Honestly we were a bit filled on the fondue. and took most of this to go. My only criticism here was that the fries were a tad soggy and didn't taste just fried. I'm super fussy on fries and if they are not fresh and crisp, I don't think they are worth eating. Next time we are in Essex, we will certainly stop back here to explore the menu more deeply. read more

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Out of town and visiting and my sister took me here. The clam chowder is the best I have ever had. The place is cute and casual and it's right on the water. The waiter was very nice and the food came in five minutes. My sister got the seared tuna tacos and her only wish was that it had a little more sauce or something to give it a pop to taste. Really enjoyed lunch here and hope to come back before I leave. read more

Dinner for 3, at 1830. King Ralph was out waiter, it was Halloween. Ordered the lobster carbona and the fried calms. Dessert was a pumpkin cranberry cheesecake and a figgy pudding. Dinner was great and dessert was tasty. Great ambience, not loud at all. Clean restaurant. read more

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Nice location but super loud if sitting inside, view of the marsh if at one of the tables by the window. Prices are high. 4 overcooked grilled med shrimp on a plate with a lemon wedge $16. Blackened chicken salad- the seasoning was so heavy on the chopped up chicken pieces it was not doable. $23. Tacos were fine but meh. Asked for a small ramekin of mashed potatoes just to eat healthier than the fries- I should've just stuck with the fries. I think they were reconstituted potato flakes. Zero seasoning. Oysters were local, small and presented nicely. Lobster roll was $40 so did not order one, highway robbery. Super disappointing meal. Won't be back. read more

Lovely restaurant right on Essex river. Railing seating outside is first come first serve and my friend and I managed to snag the perfect spot overlooking the river for dinner. I ordered the haddock tacos and was pretty displeased. The piece of fish in each taco was exceptionally minimal. I easily ate the three tacos and still felt somewhat hungry after. For $4 you could add on fries as a side. My friend got the pulled pork tacos which were MUCH bigger and quite delicious. Confusing that a seafood restaurant had better bbq tacos than fish tacos!!! read more

CK Pearl - New American Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

Top view setting and good food. It was higher than i am accustomed, but worth for one of my three meals in Essex this Summer. read more

CK Pearl - Windows - New American Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

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This is my third time here, and after the first two times, I kept saying to myself, must be an off night...kitchen not on their game, etc. But after the third time, enough is enough, I had to write my opinion. The haddock was dry, over cooked, and smelled smokey. The roasted potatoes were over cooked. The saffron cream sauce was not seasoned properly. The pureed celeriac was not seasoned properly. When specials are read off, you should state the price. So when I received the bill to find out what everything cost....blown away at $40 entree special price and $40 market price for scallops. OK, I get it. The price is the price. But if you have the audacity to charge these prices for food, it should be properly seasoned. Could not believe the prices on the small desserts. $13 ?! The carrot cake was a 3"x3" and 1" tall square of a part of a sheet cake. For this price, the carrot cake should have been a thick slice of a two layer creation, not something your grandmother made in her kitchen. The frosting on the cake was a dis colored congealed glob of a mess. Total fail on dessert. Shameful actually. Entrees were served in a bowl. Whose idea was this? Bottom line....this restaurant needs a culinary consultant for advice on seasoning, portion sizes, and cost/perception of value. Do not waste your time. Listen to all of the other 1 star reviews, because those, in my opinion, are the most accurate. read more

CK Pearl - Carrot cake. miniscule one inch piece of 3x3" cake with lumpy off colored frosting - New American Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

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We weren't expecting much so it is jaw dropping how much we loved it. we agreed that the fried clams were the best we have ever had ... and we have had them everywhere. And the deserts were amazing the staff was terrific and ambience was tough to beat. we will definitely be going back again! read more

CK Pearl - New American Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

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Summer Saturday Satisfaction! Great riverview seating, perfectly shucked oysters, sublime wine and friendly, efficient waitstaff. Smiles everywhere! We keep coming back... read more

CK Pearl - Entrance - New American Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

My boyfriend and I sat down at the bar on a quiet Saturday afternoon hoping to share some oysters and drinks. Unfortunately, the entire staff was too busy talking amongst themselves to be bothered with saying hello or taking our order. The most insulting part of this experience was that they were standing no more than 3-4 feet away from where we were sitting. There was no question that they saw us and when I looked over at them, no one would make eye contact with me. After over five minutes of this treatment we walked out. We've had enjoyable meals at CK Pearl in the past and were looking forward to trying it again. This was a real disappointment. read more

I came here without being a huge seafood fan but thought the location was so perfect I had to try. I got a grilled cheese with soup and it was amazing! I thought the value you get for the costs was perfect. It was so fresh and was prepared very fast. The inside is such a cute area and the staff was very nice. There is parking right across the street. If it's full you could park a little ways down on the street and walk. read more

CK Pearl - Grilled cheese + soup - New American Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

Happy Saturday Adventurers! This was such a great place for the area, considering it was about a 10 minute walk away from where I stayed. I imagine in the summer it would be a lovely walk, being able to smell the sea air from the marina. The place is a little upscale, but I saw causal mixed in as well. I sat at the bar as per my usually solo habit. I ordered a few glasses of Angel Rose to compliment my raw oysters which were really fresh. I was not disappointed either about the steak tips over mixed greens. Everything in this town seemed to taste like heaven, or maybe it was vacay brain. I think during the summer you can sit outside on the deck or veranda and enjoy the sunset on the water. The staff were very accommodating and told me about the history of the small town. I am definitely read more

We discovered this gem on a rainy Sunday. Great place with amazing service and yummy food options. read more

CK Pearl - Great atmosphere in this little, cozy gem - New American Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

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Great water views, attentive staff and yummy food. Highly recommend the chowder. Indoor seating, outdoor screened are and outdoor with umbrellas and nice bar seating over the water. read more

CK Pearl - Clam chowder - New American Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

We'll, they missed the mark on almost everything. How can you mess up a vodka and soda? Kept insisting it was soda when tasted like tonic. Clam chowder was made with GROUND up clams and a few potatoes chucks as a garnish. It was Cream of Clam Chowder. Hamburger requested medium rare was well done. Fries were good. Brisket sandwich has so much onion jam that you could not taste the measly 2 small strips of Brisket. Even scraping it off didn't help. Brisket itself was dry and tasteless but when the Brisket is no more than an inch thick, of course smoking something that thin would be dry and shriveled. Tuna tacos also had such a small pieces of tuna they shouldn't have bothered putting it on. We may go back again because we love the location but I will send back anything that is prepared wrong. read more

They have the best clam chowder and burgers. The beer selection was top notch and the food came out quicker then expected. Would recommend for everybody. read more

I dream of this fondue all year until summer time. SO delicious. We also had the lobster roll and the burger- fresh, hot & delicious. It's pricey but you get what you pay for! read more

CK Pearl - Brie Fondue and shrimp cocktail - New American Near Me - Essex, Massachusetts

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My friend took me to CK pearl for lunch today- it was terrible. I ordered the brisket Ruben, there were 3 small pieces of brisket smothered in a gooey cheese,just awful. I didn't express my disappointment because I did not want to hurt my friend's feelings. No wonder there were only 3 people in the restaurant. read more

Enjoyed everything I ordered. Waitress was knowledgeable about oyster selection and their flavor profiles. Lobster roll tasted amazing though on the smaller side. Wedge salad was unique and phenomenal. Great spot to enjoy a sit down meal by the water. read more

Pearl is a gem! Don't be fooled by the casual atmosphere. The food and cocktails are elevated. Ordering chowder with the pork belly topping is a must. I tucked into the lobster roll and could taste the ocean. The almond cake seems understated but its a WOW. It was a lively Saturday night but with our fabulous server, Will, we didn't notice any lag. When asked where I want to go to eat, my answer is almost always CK Pearl. read more