Excellent swordfish--my favorite--worth going out of our way! Tender, melt in your mouth! Chicken tenders for my companion, tender, moist, yum. Great onion rings--not too large, perfect crunch. read more

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We spent the day at the beach and planned to have an early dinner at Lobsta Land, but the parking was completely packed on Tuesday afternoon. Hungry and with no time for deeper research, we decided to try Causeway Restaurant after seeing its high Yelp rating. The restaurant shares a small front parking lot with White Farms Ice Cream, but fortunately, we easily found parking in the back. Our first impression was that the place feels quite outdated. The tables are packed very closely together, making it difficult to get to your seat or even visit the bathroom without accidentally brushing against other diners. There's also only one bathroom for the entire restaurant, and it could definitely use some refreshing. The biggest issue during our visit was the heat. It was 86°F outside, and unfortunately, the air conditioning wasn't working. The restaurant was very hot, and I genuinely felt bad for the staff who had to cook and serve in those conditions. We also felt like the cutlery, dishes, and glasses were a little outdated and could use a refresh. Updating these small details would make the overall experience feel even nicer. On the positive side, Causeway is BYOB, which is a nice option. According to the menu, they charge $1 per glass for beer and wine setup. The menu prices are comparable to those at much fancier seafood restaurants. We ordered cheeseburgers from the kids' menu (ours were supposed to be medium but came out a little burnt), as well as smelt and fish-and-shrimp platters. The seafood itself was fresh, although we felt it could have used a little more seasoning and salt. The absolute best part of our experience was the service. Everyone was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuinely pleasant. Our server was especially attentive and wonderful with the kids. We even noticed how warmly she greeted regular customers and treated them almost like family. That kind of hospitality really stands out. Overall, I think Causeway has a lot of potential. The fresh seafood and excellent staff are a great foundation, but the restaurant would benefit significantly from some renovations, better spacing between tables, a refreshed bathroom, and working air conditioning. With those improvements, the fairly high menu prices would feel much more justified. read more

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Prices have gone insane and portions have shrunk George Castanza style. The old Causeway is dead. On the bright side no wait and plenty of parking. The ambiance is terrible when combined with the pricing. The old Causeway had charm. Rustic unstable tables in a semi clean setting with a terrible unisex bathroom in a non scenec difficult place to get to with limited parking. The old Causeway offered huge portions of fresh fish at a very good price point. It was worth the drive for many in the city or in neighboring towns. I was warned it had gone completely down hill, saw no wait and since we were starving we decided to eat. We did not choose wisely. The prices for most seafood exceeds that of Boston fine dining on the waterfront. The portions are small. The food just not that good. Rather than spoil your good memories of the old Causeway - SKIP IT. read more

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Another great visit! Whenever we are in the Boston area, we make a visit to The Causeway. Great food (very fresh seafood) and service. We ordered cups of clam chowder. Their cups a huge! Clam chowder is a bit bland but everything about it is so fresh especially the clams, very tender! We split the clam belly plate (with Fries and coleslaw) and glad we did! I remembered how large the plates were last visit! The clam bellies were ver tender, lightly breaded, and not a hint of grease. Definitely the BEST fried clams around! They also have fried oysters and scallops that looks tempting! At the table next to us, steamers that looked amazing. I don't think the menu has changed since we have been coming which is fine with us! Giorgio was our server, excellent and helpful! Even with how busy it was, he did circle back to check on us. He didn't need to refill dri KS, they serve them in ginormous cups! Come hungry! read more

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This was once a fantastic go to seafood restaurant. They prices and portions could not be matched. Unfortunately no longer. The chowders are still fantastic, but prices are nuts. The Peters plater that once was an exceptional portion for a fair price is now much smaller in portion size ( don't know where they got their clams but they were on par with Friendly's) and well if this is market price ya better continue up Rt. 133 to a cheaper market. Sad but it must be a sign of the times. On the bright side,The staff is as always awesome and now you don't have to wait for a seat in a no frills dining room. I'll probably still come back for chowder and perhaps try something more affordable but I'm really bummed that this place has gone the way it has. read more

One of our favorite places to visit whenever we're in the area. The parking lot is fairly small since most of the parking spots have signs saying that they're reserved for the ice cream shop. The tables are closely packed together and the restaurant can get crowded at times. The staff are friendly and were able to give us good recommendations. The fried clams were crispy on the outside and very tender on the inside. The smelt were on the larger size so the larger bones were harder to chew on. The pastas came in some of the largest portions that I've ever seen from a restaurant. There were very generous portions of seafood in both of the pasta dishes that we order and I would definitely recommend the seafood marinara and the lobster mac&cheese to anyone who goes. The dishes are great for sharing and I will happily go back the next time I am out there read more

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Small restaurant with huge portions! Service was friendly, we heard there usually is a wait but we came before the summer season and got seated right away. Everything was great, minus the steamers. The steamers weren't in season so I'm not going to ding them for that. It is more about their "butter", or whatever they serve. Others have mentioned it in the comments, it just doesn't taste right so it was off putting when eating the steamers. The seafood marinara was gigantic, that could feel 3 or 4 people by itself. The fried food is really good, but a little salt would've made it outstanding. The clam chowder is one of the best I've had. The prime rib was good, very Worcestershire saucy. read more

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Took a ride up the North Shore on a cold March Sunday. My BF remembered seeing The Causeway in Gloucester on Phantom Gourmet so we decided to give it a try. There was no waiting so we were immediately seated. The server mentioned daily specials being on the board. I was thrilled to see Lobster Pie which I hadn't had in a very long time. I am so very glad I ordered since it was exceptional. Lots of lobster meat ...and I do mean lots! Plenty of drawn butter made it perfectly delicious. Baked potatoe and broccoli were the sides. Highly recommend! The day we were there lobster pie was $55. Will say it was absolutely worth the price. My BF had a huge cup of mixed chowder that looked like it could have been a bowl. But they called it a cup. He had the clams as his entree and enjoyed both. read more

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BYOB. Outstanding, friendly service, always. They bust their asses here, hard working folks, but they never fail to check in and make sure you have everything you need throughout the meal, no matter how busy. Everything is good, but the fish chowder is all you'll ever need for the rest of your life, it is incredible. We drive 2 hours for it, and it's worth it. read more

We come here every summer.... this place is definitely not a secret! Be prepared to wait for a table. If you are looking for MASSIVE portions of fried seafood, you've found the best restaurant for it in the area! We are still getting the coconut rum haddock, it never disappoints. read more

Calamari and the seafood stew special or just OK. Most of the seafood dishes are fried. Their one bathroom really needs to be updated. The wait staff however, were really great. read more

Visiting girlfriends family and for over a year they have been bragging about the fish chowder and that I need to check this place out when I visited in February. Being from Atlanta, this was my first time to the New England area and it snowed like nothing I've ever seen. However I did get my fish chowder and can't wait to visit again during the warmer/summer months. read more

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Our party of 5 came here after a long day walking around Salem. The traffic was a nightmare to get to Quincy so we decided to go north and wait it out. The menu for the Causeway in our AirBnB had "where the locals go" and "huge portions" handwritten on it. I got Spaghetti and Meatballs, my mother in law ordered the Haddock au Gratin, and my wife had fried clams. The food was amazing and the portions were huge. It was a relaxing no frills place. They were busy but our food came out in a reasonable time and the server was attentive. Highly recommend! read more

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The seafood was really fresh and generous portions. Our whole family loved it. Service was friendly and quick. Definitely would come back. read more

The Causeway Restaurant - Shrimp, calamari, mussels and scallops marinara pasta - Seafood Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

The waitress Shyla is a racist and didn't try to hide it .She walked past my table so many times without looking at me while being very attentive and smiley and chatty to other tables. All I wanted was to ask her for a side salad I ordered but she did't give me. every time she walked to my direction, I looked at her, but she completely ignored me. read more

Delicious, fresh seafood! Generous portions! Go early- it's a small place that's very popular!

Two key notes for the Causeway - BYOB, and the best clam chowder in MA in my opinion. THICC, huge servings, great potatoes and of course fresh clam in that chowder. My meal was OK I got the baked scallops ($38) which came with a load of scallops but was a bit bland and the side asparagus was lacking flavor and probably could've gone another couple of minutes. The parentals got the fried seafood platter (delish of course) and I had a bite of my sisters giant lobster roll which was good, but again I felt it was lacking a bit of flavor and the bun was overwhelming. Homey, tight fit inside, servings are huge, flavors were OK on the main courses, fried seafood was great and clam chowder - I may just do that next time and eat a bowl to myself. read more

The Causeway Restaurant - Specials October - Seafood Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

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Great service, fantastic food, and nice staff. This restaurant was recommended by several locals and was packed. It's also BYOB which was fun! read more

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Do not come to this restaurant unless you want to sit on the toilet and question your life for 6 hours. Do not get me wrong, the fried chicken sandwich was absolutely delectable and the staff were great. However, immediately after driving 55 minutes back home I was met with the most gut wrenching, life ending stomach ache. I know it is from the chicken sandwich because that was the only thing i ate. I'm literally sitting here shaking and sweating with a stabbing pain in my stomach because of it. Do not come here unless you have a death wish read more

This is the spot. I know there are many choices out there for seafood, but I just love this place. Food is amazing. Service is very Massachusetts, they are awesome.the place is packed and is great. It is always worth the wait. read more

You have to come early so you can get a seat. Space is small. Peak hour gets too busy and crowded. Ordered the seafood platter, not much flavor. Huge portions and pricey of course. But the fish chowder is the best! Highly recommended. read more

Ventured to Gloucester on a cold Sunday in January, before the Conference Championships. My son and I were thrilled to have a chance to get a great lunch before settling in for some great football. As we approached the Causeway, we noticed that it was not overwhelmingly busy. Cars parked out front but not the usual groupings on the porch by the front door. My son got us a table for two as I parked the car in the rear. As I entered, I loved the vibe/buzz that I felt. Between the servers running around, people picking up take-out and the smell, it was awesome! We were quickly served our drinks and some bread and butter. The menu (see the pic) had a but to choose from but I was on a mission for clams! It is not quite lent yet but I needed those fresh clams. My son had the haddock soup which came in a huge bowl and perfect temperature. When I ordered, I told the waiter that I did not need a massive amount of clams. He quickly retorted "I will tell the kitchen but I am not sure they will listen". Well, guess what? They didn't listen. The clams were falling off the plate as it approached our table. The french fries covered the bottom of the plate. They were both fantastic. Perfectly presented and very, very tasty! My son was thrilled with the soup, as well. We did not order a dessert because it was getting busy and we wanted to turn the table over for someone else to be so lucky! Parking is easy Price was fair Food was fantastic Vibe is wonderful View is always great to look across the street and see all the boats! Would I come back? Yes, I would go again today, if I could swing it! No wait was a dream come true! read more

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This place is cool and have great service. They have a great seafood menu. They have cool murals inside. I ordered the haddock au gratin but unfortunately I didn't like the sauce with spinach on top of the fish. The roasted vegetables were way overcooked and the mashed potatoes lacked seasoning. I think their fried plates are done better. read more

The Causeway Restaurant - Haddock au gratin - Seafood Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

Food was ok. I was expecting better from views. I'm also comparing it to my fav place & it doesn't beat them. read more

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When I lived in Boston, it was a wonderful trip up to Causeway. Their clam chowder is the bomb!!! And all their dishes are so delicious! When I lived Boston, we went at least once a month. Now I live North Kingstown Ri. A two hour drive. After a break of almost 3 years some friends came into Boston and I took them to Causeway. It has not changed one bit. I love it. The friendliness of close seating. The casual ambiance. The friendliness of the staff and knowledge of restaurant items. My guests were really impressed by New England seafood and I was blown away by their consistent high quality in their food. I wish they were 't so far away but you have our hearts. We will be back especially for those special occasions. read more

Seafood Marinara, Best I have ever had! Was here first time 2 weeks ago and got the seafood platter. Then I saw this go by, had to have it, so took the 90 min ride today. Amazing! read more

The Causeway Restaurant - Seafood Marinara, hot, steaming and fresh! - Seafood Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

Had dinner here to celebrate a family member's birthday. It was a Saturday and they were busy. We had to wait 20 minutes to be seated but it's worth the wait. The food was delicious, it came out hot and we have left overs. The place was on the small side nothing fancy just good food. I definitely recommend when in town. read more

Read as 3.5 stars. Spot is extremely busy, expect to wait 20-40 mins for a table. Service is efficient and they are able to accommodate large crowds. BYOB. Food portions are huge and reasonably priced, flavors are a hit or a miss. The seafood chowder and the haddock sandwich were good. The clam linguine was bland. read more

The locals place for huge portions of the freshest seafood in a plain restaurant setting. My seafood pasta was like two meals. Excellent!!! read more

Authentic atmosphere, excellent service, and mouth-watering seafood, we're so glad we returned to The Causeway. The fish chowder was mostly fish with few diced potatoes and delicious broth, clam chowder was creamy but not too thick. The Fried combo was big enough to share. It looks like this is where the locals eat read more

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So Mom has wanted to come here for the longest time so we happened to be in the area and I wanted something else but I said Hey, lets give it a shot, but I was trying my hardest to talk her out of it. We get there and its super confusing at first with parking, where to not park & what is actually ok, we drove around to the back and let me state it was raining this day & the parking lot was messy & just wet everywhere so we were hesitant and I was like Great, this is a sign we shouldnt go here (side note, Mom is handicapped and walking through the rocky wet parking lot would have been hard for her - we arent just lazy, LOL) We pull back around front, spot opens PERFECT (sorry I just took too long to explain parking, LOL) We get in and its a small place & Instantly feel like this place is "Everyone knows each other vibe" and that we were going to feel out of place, BUT WE DIDNT! All the staff was welcoming & friendly, then I look at the menu, and WTF MOM?! They dont serve alcohol, and No, Im not an alcoholic, but it had been a shitty day & I was looking forward to a drink - you can bring your own but I didnt know! We ordered chowders, I got mussels she got a Crab sandwich... EVERYTHING YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS CHOWDER IS TRUE... It was Phenomenal, Literally the best chowder Ive ever had, the Mussels were great too and they gave me this giant side of garlic broth that I literally wanted to bathe in, OMG all the food was great. Next time Ill bring a bottle! Now I want some chowder - it's like worth the drive good, I promise! read more

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Great food and service! Better than the famous Boston seafood spots! Homemade chowder and tarter sauce were hits along with the whole belly clams! Looking for where the locals go- this is it! read more

The Causeway Restaurant - Chowder & fried clams - Seafood Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

Went there for lunch today had bowl of fish chowder the taste was good but didn't like the bones in it I also had the baked seafood haddock shrimp and scallops they don't use butter and when they serve us they gave us a dish of something that looks like butter but it was a butter substitute taste like something I never had before the dish was overcooked so they ruined the dish I think they give you a lot of food but not the best quality of seafood I have been here four times it was better the first time but got worse by the fourth time I had my last meal hear going back to Essex seafood read more

Here you'll get really fast service and some really solid seafood. We got Pete's platter which can easily feed three or four people, with some of the tastiest clams I've had. I'd certainly recommend this place. It has exactly what you'd look for in this town! Fresh seafood and a happy, convenient meal. read more

The Causeway Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Gloucester, Massachusetts

This has become a quintessential MA experience especially for those that visit the north shore. Massive portions and one of the best clam chowders you'll ever taste. read more

Saturday 2:30 and a reasonable wait but well worth it. No lobster rolls on menu or special board today but wait person (owner's son) said he would whip us up two. Came with fries and slaw Lobster piled high on a burger bun with just the right amount of mayo. Lobster was cooked perfectly,tender,sweet and delicious. This local favorite eatery never disappoints read more

Seafood Marinara was wonderful. Service was Excellent. Onion rings - best we ever had! read more

The food is terrific and ample for two to share but add a chowder as it's so full of deliciousness. Service great but wait staff had to hustle to keep up with the busy clientele. Ambiance? No ambiance but food is plentiful and delicious and prepared quickly. Variety offered so you should be able to find something to eat and enjoy. Parking area in front may be full but go around the corner where there is ample. read more

Large quantities of average food. 4 of us went to dinner, and we left underwhelmed. The portions are huge; the food is not special. The most satisfied of us was the one who ordered a salad with chicken for dinner who said the salad was "very good" - and it certainly looked fresh. The lobster casserole I ordered was way below average. While the portion was large, the lobster was nearly tasteless. If I had to be a betting man, I would bet they used frozen lobster (because fresh lobster would have tasted much more vibrant than this did). This dish felt incompetent; I haven't had worse lobster casserole. The person who ordered the eggplant parmesan was satisfied but said it wasn't special and had way too much breading. And the person who ordered the chicken broccoli and ziti came away saying, "Well, I should have known better than to order a dish like that in what's largely a seafood restaurant." He said it lacked sufficient garlic and really didn't have much flavor. So there you go. I think people love this place because the portions are so huge. And we all stayed away from the fried food (which is what most of the tables around us were eating) so maybe we would have had better meals if we had gone that route. None of us will return (not that it will matter to the restaurant - the place was packed and there was a line of people waiting to get in). read more

The fried shrimp was some of the best we have ever eaten. Small place and tables were full at 4:00. Portions were crazy large so my husband and I shared a plate with food left over even. Service was speedy and polite. read more