If you Google define a neighborhood dive bar, you will see a picture of the Thirsty Whale. This is the kind of place where locals and visitors mingle freely. On a dank spring (typical) early New England spring afternoon, we wandered in for a pre-dinner cocktail. The drinks are solid and reasonably priced. They do have a few high-end spirits and a few surprise special cocktails. There is also a good selection of local beers. We stopped by for a nightcap and were surprised that on a Wednesday night, they were packed and rocking to a live band. If you appreciate a good dive bar with personality, strong drinks, and a local crowd, this place is worth checking out. read more

The Thirsty Whale was one of my "dive" haunts when I lived in the area so I was curious to see if it was still a great neighborhood bar. Spoiler alert it is! We arrived on a cold damp afternoon and quickly joined a few regulars at the bar. Conversations were started and the cocktails flowed. They do have some great local craft beers and a full bar with a few high end liquors like Eagle Rare and Grey Goose. My desert dry Goose martini with a twist was perfect. Plus 1 said her Paloma was perfect as well. We could have spent the entire afternoon here hangin with the regulars and getting toasty but alas we had dinner reservations. We did stop by after dinner for a nightcap and the Whale was rocking to a live band and they were packed on a Wednesday night no less. Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar" song could have easily been written for the Whale! read more

a great cozy bar. i could sit in here all day. one of the best guinness i have had. friendly staff. a must try in newburyport read more

Thirsty Whale - New American Near Me - Newburyport, Massachusetts

Every town needs a basic dive like this. Drinks only: a good cosmo and decent choices on tap. Bartender was very nice.

What a great bar! Has live music at times and is very good. Haven't tried the food but it looks good. Highly recommend.

No frills but great food that is hard to beat. Service was on point at atmosphere of an old English pub. Couldn't ask for a better experience. read more

A pub with good service and food (fish sandwich and chips for the win) and nice draft selection. A bit dive-y but it is what it is, and it does it well. Plenty of seats at the bar and an additional room with sit down tables to accommodate larger groups. It's a good spot for families visiting the town for the day (note-bathroom did not appear to have a changing table for babies). Would definitely return! read more

Finally got the chance to go (it was closed during Covid for a while) and we were so impressed! The bartender was so nice, the food was amazing, cook was kind, and the atmosphere was awesome. We'll definitely be back. We love the idea of ordering food at the kitchen and drinks at the bar - it's a fun dive bar vibe. We brought our 14 month old on Friday for lunch and she had so much fun in the window booth. Highly recommend the pastrami sandwich and the fries were delicious! read more

Thirsty Whale - Pastrami sandwich with fries - New American Near Me - Newburyport, Massachusetts

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It's a bar, no theme or pretension, a bit dive-y, kind gentleman behind the bar, place smells like years of spilled beer and a hint of mop water. I didn't try the food but I bet it's perfect. I'll pop by this bar anytime I'm in town read more

I've been coming to this bar for years. The bartender makes the best Bloody Mary's on the north shore and the the calamari is always fresh- tasted like the ocean!! I love the new AC unit in the window, sweet!! Best Brew Dogs in town, lots of history, and great people watching!! read more

Best dive bar in Newburyport. Dark and loaded with townies, super friendly. The vibe is good. read more

Thirsty Whale - Front window alcove - New American Near Me - Newburyport, Massachusetts

The food is EXCELLENT! KITCHEN under new management. Reasonable prices,something for everyone. Fun pub atmosphere, grrat jukebox. I highly recommend it!! read more

Thirsty Whale - Shrimp Scampi Appetizer! Yum. - New American Near Me - Newburyport, Massachusetts

I really don't know what to make of the evolution of Newburyport. 30 years ago, this town was basically rotting at the core, complete with abandoned buildings, prostitutes, and basically suffering the fate of much of the urban Merrimack Valley cities (see Lowell and Lawrence...). The ocean and commuter rail to Boston worked as an easy reason for redevelopment of many of these areas (see Gloucester and Portsmouth NH..). So Newburyport is now basically a yuppie den meets tourist town...however between all of this is still some legacy establishments, which includes the Thirsty Whale. Which I might add is one of the classic dive bars that embodies what makes these places so special. Good jukebox, cheap Budweiser (3.50 a pint..), locals who enjoy talking with travelers, and good wings. If you need the microbrews, they have them as well. A lot the locals are quite a colorful bunch...and the music on is an eclectic mix of 70-80s and some of the obscure (the locals know music evidently..). This is the "where strangers become friends" bar... well worth a stop in when visiting. read more

Walked in and ordered one beer a piece. I went to the bathroom and came out tone told " you've been over served. Finish your beer and leave". Considering since 10 am this morning I've had 2 beers I thought the bar tenders assessment was a bit irrational. So as to not create any issues, we finished our drinks and left. I understand it's the owner/bar tenders judgement as to who stays and goes. This bar tender, while not openly rude, had the personality of a bucket of chum. Perhaps another day to visit, but I most definitely won't be rushing back to indifferent service and questionable judgement. read more

During a quick day trip to Newburyport, this was the kind of place you pop into because the thought of walking around anymore in the grueling heat is too much to bear. The food was pretty mediocre, from the fried oysters to the lobster roll. The only saving grace in terms of food was the clam chowder. But the service was excellent, the prices were reasonable, and I saw a dart board hanging on the wall.... read more

Stopped in for a beer and lunch yesterday and loved it. I don't think it's fair to classify the whale as a dive, for what it is it's a great little spot. The atmosphere was relaxed, the beer selection was top notch, and the classic rock music was the good stuff you want to hear rather than the crap you're sick of hearing everywhere else. The bartender was very friendly and attentive, but not overbearing either - perfect service for this type of place. I had a grilled cheese and fries for $3.75 and the Mrs. had a tuna melt with fries for $5.75, both were better than expected and certainly a great value for the money. Our favorite part was when we asked for the tab and the bartender wrote the number "12" on a beverage napkin and slid it across the bar. We got a kick out of that and will definitely be back. Great spot for a quick beer in downtown Newburyport. read more

Thirsty Whale - This is what we got when we asked for the check - thought it was awesome! - New American Near Me - Newburyport, Massachusetts

The Thirsty Whale is a DIVE BAR and should be judged as such. It's a local, townie, hangout! Exchange your license for a set of darts, lose your money to a game of buckhunter or blasting music from the ~new age~ juke box. Be careful with the mixed drinks 'cause they'll get ya. The staff are friendly, local and know this place like the back of their hands- don't question them or else! read more

Pint size cocktails....what more can I say? The Whale is a dive but the mecca for late night last call. The drinks are large, strong and cheap. It's the best bar in town and a great place to watch hard core townies get ripped! Who cares about the food! read more

Best Bloody Mary's anywhere! ... even better on Sunday. Great place to stop for some serious cocktails and great comfort food too. Bags of potato chips dangle from vendor trees behind the bar and the juke box has some great blues. Friendly, somewhat local crowd makes up a good portion of the crowd. Monitor speakers suspended from the ceiling with plenty of bass, make for a slightly boisterous atmosphere. Worth the trip too, if you're traveling. And, even if you're in the mood for some of the great upscale food Newburyport has to offer, this place makes a great pre-cocktail destination. read more

I love dive bars. After spending the entire day at the beach you need a nice little cool dark place to sit down and knock back a few while eating some mediocre appetizers while at least a dozen people sit at the bar get shitfaced. Like Tarah said, the cocktails are HUGE. Fantastic. If they continue to serve drinks like that then who cares if they serve food at all?! read more

I haven't eaten here, but I did go out for a night with my high school friends for drinks. The bar is seperate from the new restaurant part, and is pretty tiny with just the bar and then stools along the wall, but there was still enough room to make your way around with bumping into each person in there. The bartender was friendly and boisterous and even served us a few drinks on the house when we eagerly tried his new concoctions. I've since heard that this is a gay bar at night, but I got no indication of that while there. Well, except for running into an old schoolmate with very heavy guyliner on paired with Abercombie and Fitch.... read more

It's the Thirsty Whale in downtown Newburyport - one of the most beautiful small cities in the United States.... what more can you say? The drinks are strong and the company of the locals gives it a flavor like no other. A friendly staff awaits you to take care of your drink order. I have not eaten there so I cannot comment on the food. read more

Thirsty Whale - New American Near Me - Newburyport, Massachusetts

The Thirty Whale is a OK place for a drink or draft i guess. Seems like a local yocal place and the food is just so, so. I got the shrimp taco's and couldn't even finish. Not because they were to big, but because they had a bad fish smell. My friend had the burger which seemed fine. The kitchen was closing on this Friday evening at 6pm (NO FOOD AFTER 6 on FRIDAY????) The place is not that clean and could use an make over. It didn't help that bad music was playing and it was very loud in the bar, although the resturant side was dead... that says alot The waitress was fine and friendly which made the experience better. We are Tourist here for the week at the beach. Don't think I will go back. maybe a better place for lunch??? go at your own risk.... read more

This tiny restaurant also serves as an art gallery. You can buy the art on the walls. I found the food and the service to be excellent at this restaurant. I had the almond encrusted haddock, which was perfect. My friend enjoyed her chicken marsala. I would come back here anytime. The web address is www.galleryandgrille.com. read more

Went here for lunch and beers with some friends today as newburyport was a good equidistant meeting place for us. Good beer selection on tap. Food was cheap and okay, but I wasn't expecting a gourmet meal. The best part was definitely the waitress. She was also the lunch time cook, and was very attentive. She was very friendly and let us just sit and chat for a couple hours after we ate. I had the clam chowder, which was had a pretty thin broth to it, but tons of clams. It was pretty salty. I also got buffalo wings which were decent, even though the cup of blue cheese was tiny. My friends got a burger and grilled cheese which they liked. My other friend special ordered a chicken sandwich because she doesn't eat burgers and the waitress had no problem with it. They have dessert too, but I didn't partake. The bar area was pretty busy considering it was a Monday afternoon, but the restaurant side was empty. Good for conversation and a cheap meal. read more

Quaint little place we stopped into on a cloudy Sunday in March. Just wanted a beer and watched a little of the Red Sox game. 17-6 Sox if your wondering. Service was good and the motif fit. We had a good time and tried a couple of the local brews. Fat Tire was very good. I will definitely stop in again if I am in the area. read more

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This place rocked on so many levels. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, I mean total downpour, and my husband and I wanted to escape from the Inn we were staying at for a wedding. We looked at the menu and thought it was exactly what we were looking for - prices were good and they had both seafood (for me) and non-seafood (for him). The waitress was extremely nice and had met another couple attending the same wedding we were the day before. It turns out her son is one of the owners. There were not very many people in the restaurant and those that were there definitely looked like regulars enjoying their Saturday afternoon. I ordered the fish & chips and it was excellent. Lightly fried haddock caught that morning - can't get much better than that. I opted for the hand-cut onion rings that were crispy deliciousness. My husband that the chicken fingers and fries which is his favorite comfort food dish. I had a glass of the red sangria (because I can't say no to sangria) and it was very good. I asked the waitress how the pumpkin bread pudding was for dessert and she said she had litter ally just made it and needed someone to give it a try and their honest opinion. I said I was up for the challenge and she gave us a slice for free. It was the perfect consistency of ooey-gooey goodness and just enough pumpkin without being overpowering. It does have pecans on top, but they were easy enough to take off. I am so glad we decided to check this place out. It was all-around worth it, from the friendly service, fresh food, and cute atmosphere. read more

I was day tripping up in Newburyport last Saturday, and went into the Thirsty Whale for lunch. The place is not very big, with a restaurant on one side and bar setup across the wall on the other side. I had the lobster roll special ($16.99). It was not very big, and was served in a grilled hot dog roll. My point is it could have been a larger serving for the price, but it was still very good on the flavor side. I am pretty sure the fries were the pre-cut frozen variety, so that was a bit of a downer. Beer selection was good, and so was our server. Would I return to The Thirsty Whale? Most definitely, but will try something different on the menu next time. read more

Food was good. Service was ok. Went with friends in a group of 7. The wait was short and we were seated right away. Our waitress was unfamiliar with the drink menu, although she was very nice and she tried. We were also told that there was no cocktail menu, then found it written on the wall in the other room. They have a cute whale brand on their burgers and their portions were good, but we were just talking (just loud enough to be talking above the din) and another waiter came and yelled at us to be quiet. We were not making a scene or anything, just talking. This kind of left a bad taste in our mouths. I'd try it again one more time, but we will see. read more

Just okay. This would bd an excellent dive bar, but we stopped in for lunch. The waitress was nice but a little hard of hearing. The burger was cooked to order but a little bland. The chicken fingers were very nicely done - not over breaded and not dry - nice job on those. I think if I had to go back I would try one of the other places in town. read more

Location? Check Ipswich Original Ale on tap? Check Sox game on the tube? Check Fulfilling the above requirements, this place was a great place for me to whet my whistle whilst the missus shopped next door for some shoes. Went there during the day and it was pretty crowded with a good amount of locals and the requisite tourists. Didn't check it out at night so I can't vouch the scene. read more

Have always walked by with the hubby but have never gone in because we're both not drinkers and the look from the outside and the name indicates alcohol. In Newburyport on a Friday afternoon with a friend in search of lobster rolls and saw the sign for Lobster Roll with Fries or Lobster Roll with Chowder so we both decided to give it a try. We entered thru the bar into the back of the restaurant and were greeted by two hostesses/waitresses who seated us immediately. It was 2 pm in the afternoon so it wasn't very busy at all. We ordered onion rings and an app and asked if it could come as an app and both ordered the Lobster Roll with Chowder. The onion rings came at the same time as the Lobster Rolls and Chowder. The onion rings were good, thinly battered and very hot. The Chowder was VERY tasty, creamy with a hint of bacon and though not loaded with clams and potatoes, it was just right. We were both pleasantly surprised! The Lobster Rolls were "average", nothing to rave about but also nothing to complain about. Our waitress was attentive and very friendly, upon leaving she commented that it was her first day so given that, we thought she did a great job. Just a little mistake on the appetizer not coming out before our lunch. Would rate it 3 1/2 stars if i could based on the quality of the chowder. Can't quite give it a 4 based on the atmosphere ... typical watering hole, outdated and though not dirty, just "tired". read more

Fun bar, nice people, bartender was great. My only complaint was the technology challenging jukebox. It was great do not get me wrong but the user interface is too difficult to find the songs you want. Totally geeky review...I know. We had a blast there! read more

Husband and I stopped into the Thirsty Whale looking for a casual place for dinner. The server was very attentive and quick. He had the shrimp dinner and I had the calamari dinner. Both were very large portions and came with fries and cole slaw. Everything was great and it was a nice relaxing, low-key dinner. For the two meals and two soft drinks came to $27.00. I would go back when in Newburyport again. read more

Great service and cold beer. We didn't eat here but other diners said the food was good. The locals are so friendly that it for sure makes this spot a place we will return to. read more

Walked in here after a long bike ride along coast. A little odd to get seating as there are two entrances but we were greeted promptly by server and chef. Table was cleared for us and we ordered some beers (of which there is a normal variety). It was obvious that a lot of care and attention is given to the food. Everything was smartly created and plated nicely. Incredible fried chicken pesto sandwich on herb foccacia. Tater tots were crispy and delicious. Had a sauteed calamari app w/incredible sweet spicy pepper sauce. Burger that my friend ordered was correctly cooked (hard to get!). Would have liked to see a better beer selection with some New England style IPAs and in general more selection. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend the place. read more

A locals bar, some have nicknamed it "The Thirsty Male". Great spot for a drink or to see the tail end of most town drunks nights. It can be a challenge to get a drink on a busy night, but its usually very entertaining just waiting at the bar so the wait adds to the experience. One of the only bars you can hear Richard "Dick" Cheese on the jukebox and feel like its very fitting. read more

Cool locals bar. Guinness on tap for $6. Belly up to the bar and have a drink! CASH ONLY. read more

O.M.G delicious. The shepherds pie is to DIE for. Chicken curry soup is also amazing. Great food! Two thumbs up! read more

Thirsty Whale - Shepherds pie! - New American Near Me - Newburyport, Massachusetts

Great place for cheap drinks around newburyport. Friendly towny atmosphere. Never had the food but 3 dollar cocktails can't beat it