Uneven food -- fried cod with fries was great, lobster bisque and casserole skimpy on actual lobster, more like shrimp and scallop dishes. The vegetable of the day was inedible -- cold, bland, watery butternut squash purée. I'm not sure who thought this was good enough to serve. The salmon was well cooked but the horseradish sauce was incredibly bland. The server was friendly but very slow and inefficient. Had to ask more than once for water refills, bread, the check etc. I don't actually know if I would recommend this place or not. They have a good variety of beer and a casual atmosphere I wanted to give it a 3, but the cod and beer pushed it to a 4. Maybe Texans put more spice in their food so food from here tastes bland. read more

After being recommended by friends, we decided to stop by for lunch. After being advised that the dinner menu was not available for lunch, we made our choices from the lunch menu. The food was excellent and the portions were perfect; not too much and not too little. Service was excellent despite looking like they were understaffed. My only complaint is that I wish the dinner menu was available all day. Oh well, now I have a reason to visit for dinner. Recommended. read more

I went to Three Cod Tavern to purchase a gift card for a friend. I entered the restaurant behind a couple. It took a while for the hostess to appear. Once she did, she seemed annoyed that the couple was looking to place a to go order, telling them they would have to wait. She looked to me and rudely asked if I was with them. I kindly said "I was just looking to purchase a gift card!" In response, she goes "go to the bar the bartender does the gift cards." This was my first time in the restaurant and I did not see the bar so I asked if the hostess could kindly point me in the right direction. She seemed frustrated as she opened the door behind me to point to the other entrance. As I stepped out, before I even had time to walk towards the bar door, the woman slammed the door behind me. When I approached the bartender (the bar area was A LOT busier than the dining room) he looked very confused. He very NICELY told me that he doesn't do gift cards there but would go try to figure it out for me. More time passed after this and I decided to give up and leave. The bartender was very kind and mentioned that he was trying to find someone who could help me, but I told him that it was okay but thank you very much. I see other reviews regarding a rude hostess. Who wants to be welcomed into a restaurant treated this way??? Very upset with this interaction. read more

This is by far my favorite establishment. The food is superb, and you will always get the best bang for your buck (especially when it comes to the drinks)! The moment I step through the doors I feel an overwhelming sense of header pride. You will never leave without a smile on your face. Prior to leaving it was absolutely necessary to purchase a souvenir to commemorate the laughs and full bellies created here at the Cod. Happy New Year! Attached is the souvenir discussed above. read more

Three Cod Tavern - American Near Me - Marblehead, Massachusetts

Great little tavern on the edge of Old Town, Marblehead. The bar there is helmed by the proprietor: local dude and long time drink slinger Chip (originally running the bar at Maddie's Sail Loft in M'head for many years). The Maddie's tradition continues at Three Cod with BIG cocktails. And the pub grub is pretty good here too. Look for nightly specials. I had the New England style Baked Haddock tonight with fresh carrots and mashed potatoes. The dish also came with fresh rolls AND corn bread. The fish tasted fresh. I've also had the Baked Scallops and Baked Stuffed Shrimp before. Awesome! New restaurants tend to have a little trouble staying afloat in Marblehead. Headers are picky eaters. Three Cod Tavern has been around for a while and I don't think they'll be going away any time soon. Check them out next time you head up to the North Shore! read more

I had high hopes for this restaurant but after a few short minutes there I knew they were in vain. After waiting at the entrance for several minutes to be seated we walked into the bar area to see if an employee was around. The hostess and all staff were seated at the back table eating. The hostess came to seat us still smacking on some food from the table she was at. The wait for the fried fish dinner we ordered was fairly short but some of it was way undercooked. We intended to stay later but after overhearing how we we're inconveniencing the staff by being there late we decided to leave. Rude and pretentious staff, poorly cooked food and a very unwelcoming feeling are the reasons I will not be back to "The Cod" read more

Very good food and great servers. Love their Sunday breakfast. Bar is fun, but mostly for regulars and the bar tenders do treat regulars better than occasional visitors. I prefer the dining room where the wait staff is very attentive! read more

Stopped in for lunch and had a very good Caesar salad topped with grilled chicken. My Mom had the tuna melt and that looked even better. She said the fries were perfectly crisp. We ended with a brownie sundae that had an impressive tower of whip cream. read more

Three Cod Tavern - Brownie Sundae - American Near Me - Marblehead, Massachusetts

Walking around Marblehead on a Saturday noon after a New Year's bash, where to eat? The Hangover is pressing, the head throbs, the stomach sends nausea signals, Hair of the Dog is required, so what to do? All these pretty restaurants for the exclusive Head crowd, the 5 Corners Kitchen, Junji, Casa Mia, even the Barrelman, they were all closed!! Finally we walk past the 3 Cods Tavern, and say AHA! Never been there, but it is open, and sure enough we enter the space and are amazed at the density of regulahs holding sway, slurping pints, little boys and girls at one end of the long tables while parents and grandparents are tucking in at the other. A real townie tavern, one could say. They had just one or two tables available. OK beer selection, very happy to see Alligash represented. And some Saturday lunch specials. Fried flounder for $10 sounds good, and this came out in due course with abundant filet, but not the freshest, and some decent cole slaw. They even have Malt Vinegar, so they must get some Brits on occasion. So full disclosure, from one visit: If you like townie atmosphere, and I do indeed, then this is a great place to come to. If you like great food, and you do indeed, then you might want to visit the 5 Corners Cafe first. read more

Three Cod Tavern - The inside actually has a lot of character!! - American Near Me - Marblehead, Massachusetts

Great food and service !!!!! Love sandy she's sooooo nice and a great server highly recommend

Good place for good food in casual environment. Bar offers good value. Haven't had a meal yet to disappoint. Really like the sliders, salads, and fish and chips. Bar and table service is friendly and fast. Chip is great for a story of Marblehead bars if in need of a story. read more

Atmosphere, service, drinks and food were all very good. There is something on the menu for everyone. Would definitely recommend this place.

Have been here for brunch, lunch and dinner and they've all been exceptional. They're very accommodating to kids and the food is quality.

Was in the area and stumbled upon this place. Really cozy and comfortable restaurant. Had the clam chowder which was good. Not as thick as some places but still flavorful and delicious. The BF had a burger which he enjoyed. Would definitely go back if in the area. read more

The Three Cod Tavern serves my best lobster roll of my life! They will do Connecticut-style on request, and it will come out with a ton of buttery, salty, tender lobster on that perfect just-a-tad soggy roll, which I think may have had a (genius) very light swipe of mayo on each side so it wouldn't get too soggy, or be too Connecticut-y. I love their brunch beverages, too--perfectly prepped bloodies and actually pint-sized mimosas! All served by a really hard-working, patient, warm staff. I wish I lived closer. I'll just be dreaming about it from LA forever... read more

I want to like this restaurant, honestly, especially as it is a local place with a cozy tavern feel. However, I have never had good customer service here. I've only gone for lunch, but I always had to wait between 5-10 minutes to be acknowledged, and even then it can take another few minutes to be seated. The food is fairly simple and should be good pub grub, but mine has usually arrived over salted and lukewarm. I doubt I'll be back, unless it's to drink at the bar. read more

Great small space with lots of locals. You'll be made to feel like one too once you are greeted. Not an expansive menu so you know whatever you order will be done right. Seafood very fresh and good number of specials though we stuck with true and blue haddock. Veggies taste fresh. Could have used less sugar on squash. Atmosphere is relaxed but very clean and you can watch the busy sidewalk traffic even though you are below street level. Nice bar on other side to watch sports. Good for couples and small families. Extra clean bathroom which means kitchen is probably too. read more

Best chowder in New England. It's not the typical tourist trap shallack that you find most places that you go. It's more of a heavy cream broth pack full of deliciousness. There is literally none better, and I've tried quite a few offerings from around the area. The rest of the menu is no frills, wth ingredients that everyone of familiar with, and able to pronounce. Fresh fish and ocean product featured in the seafood plates, and quality chicken and beef in the land dwelling entrees. Good beer selection, and the mixed drinks are, "very generous". They run certain specials that hold great values depending on the day of the week. Call ahead to find out, or roll the dice and see what you get. Either way you're in for a great experience. read more

Stopped here while driving through Marblehead, MA - self guided tour... Great atmosphere, obviously a locals place with a welcome environment to everyone! I had the clam chowder, excellent flavor and nice ratio of clams and potatoes to broth, as well as, the crab-cake which melted in my mouth! Husband had the special, a French Dip sandwich that he rolled his eyes in the back of his head when her tried. If we lived closer this would definitely be a must return! Shout out to Katherine for making us feel welcome and giving us amazing service!! read more

Lovely, just lovely! The food was outstanding! (We had the lobster casserole and the salmon.) The wine selection was varied and reasonable. The atmosphere was soothing and upscale casual (or as dressy as you want to make it). Our server, Terry, was attentive, friendly, and just plain "cool." The fact that the original tavern was established 1660 added to the allure. We have a few days left in town and may go back! read more

There are ways to experience the Three Cod that make it one of the most enjoyable experiences in Marblehead. First it's important to know that the Three Cod is divided into a bar and restaurant. Both are good, but the bar is really the gem of the Three Cod. Great bartenders who pour some of the most generous drinks you'll ever have, help create a vibe that is simply fantastic, you'll wish you were a regular, that is if you don't become one. The Three Cod has a big menu and many solid items, but it's their Clam Chowder that really stands out. The Three Cod's clam chowder is less thick than some of the other chowders in town, but it's got much more of a clam flavor. The clam is alway perfectly cooked, and once you dump your oyster crackers into this soup, odds are you won't stop until the bowl is clean. Another fantastic three cod experience is wing night. Every Tuesday night the Three Cod does a special on chicken wings. You can get these wings any night off the appetizer menu, but they are greatly discounted on wing night. The buffalo wings here are to die for and the BBQ are so well drenched in sauce you'll need a shower after eating them. The wings come piping hot with the best house made blue cheese dressing I've ever had. There are other great items of note, but I've found the best Three Cod experience lies in the simple pub food served at the bar. Combine that with one most generous poured drinks you'll ever have or one of the local beers on tap and you'll have an ideal Marblehead evening that you'll remember for a long long time. read more

Great food, drinks best in town and the service was personable.. I love the homemade Mac and cheese and the chowder is the best I've had. The atmosphere is comfortable and fun. read more

Three Cod Tavern is within walking distance to my house and makes for a nice quiet lunch during the week. The staff is friendly, food is good and service quick. read more

Three Cod Tavern - three cod tavern logo - American Near Me - Marblehead, Massachusetts

Great place to go for drinks. I've not had the food but I quite enjoy it as a place for happy hour. Definitely one of my go-tos when in Marblehead read more

Stopped in for lunch on a rainy weekday; we were one of only four tables seated in the dining room. The decor was somewhat frozen in time classic old-school; this should have been my cue... The whole experience was if I'd been transported back in time. The food was exactly the same "food service" food I used to get 30 years ago in small town TX. We both got burgers, but different varieties. The patties were obviously not hand-formed, the fries were previously frozen, and the buns were off the grocery store shelf. I've had better burgers at concession stands. Prices were super-inexpensive, so I'm not sure how they make any money. Service was ok, just "detached". As if she were mindlessly going through the same daily routine she had done for the past 45 years. Attempts to interact with her were un-acknowledged. All in all, not horrible, but definitely not a modern restaurant with its unimaginative and unevolved menu offering. But hey, the prices are so cheap, it is almost worth going if only for the "time machine" effect. read more

We almost drove by this great little restaurant, and we would have missed out! Something made us stop, even though we weren't very hungry. Absolutely everything we had was perfectly cooked! We had the seafood pie, which had haddock, lobster, scallops and shrimp in a delicate sauce and a nice crust of breading on top. All the seafood was perfect, sweet and wonderful! We also had a Caesar salad and cornbread. The cocktail we ordered was strong and good. Don't mis think s place like we almost did! read more

Amazing service, Mary made me feel like a local in the 5minutes we had to chat when I picked up my order. The food was perfect! Our fish and chips were cooked exactly the way my Australian husband likes them and the lobster roll was great. Highly recommend. read more

I'm told the Three Cod Tavern is giving Maddie's a run for its money. I don't know if this is true but the place seems busy. Time will surely tell. Update: Well, looks like Maddie's is no more... Three Cod's dining room main focus is the bar. It's a sport friendly place with large screen TVs. The menu features a lot of the New England norms -- fried seafood, baked stuffed items, lobster rolls, chowder, greasy appetizers. There are a few beef choices and chicken. The food is solid but not spectacular. But what do I know? I'm a New Englander turned SF food snob. The atmosphere is a bit sterile but I'm sure with time it will acquire more charm. Haddock substitutes for cod on the menu. Where do you find cod these days? A bit ironic since Massachusetts and Marblehead's early economy was fueled in large part by the cod industry. Times have changed. The Three Cod Tavern is named after a historic town tavern located on Front Street. A childhood friend grew up in the original location. The new tavern's site was long ago known as Dill's and is a box of a building adjacent to the Village Plaza. According to town lore the lead pried from the clapboards of the original tavern was fired upon from a British frigate in 1775 and the watering hole served as a meeting place for revolutionaries. There probably aren't any revolutions being plotted these days. Maybe this new restaurant will not face the curse of numerous others that have come and gone since Dill's. It's nice to see a new watering hole and eatery in the neighborhood. Also nice to know the bartender is a Maddie's alum. Yum, strong drinks and kick ass bloody mary's live on! Three cheers for Three Cod. read more

Great food - got take out for the family offered a few gluten free options (daughter) great portions for to go including rolls & cornbread Update- went today for lunch and got best fish chowder I've had in years. Talking with bar tender he said the chef does it the traditional way of boiling down fish racks and using fresh cusk caught locally ... 2 day process so they run it as a special one day a month. I was told to check face book for daily specials. read more

Well. Don't show up here towards the end of their lunch hours. Especially with kids. You'll be met with locals at the bar making very loud remarks about it and the bar tender getting pissed off. So much so that that they ended up losing probably a $150 check. Because we turned and walked right out. Was it unfortunate that we got there the time that we did? Probably. It's not like we planned it that way. We're here for the week and we're looking for a place we could get drinks and the kids could get some food to kill some time. Just so happens that this is the only place I know of that closes its kitchen for 2 entire hours during the day. Needless to say, put a damper on the entire mood of our party. read more

I had eaten there many times since they opened, and always found the food and service very good . . . Until my last visit with two friends recently in July. Upon receiving our bill, we paid in cash and left a 30% tip, and shortly after paying, the owners wife came to our table and said "was there something wrong with your service?" We said no and asked why she said that. She said well you only left a $15 tip, so I assumed there was something wrong. First of all, I have never, ever been treated so rudely in my life. I have never heard of an owner complaining about the amount of tip left. We told her that she should go back and count the money, as we left her a $30 tip. She left, and then the waitress came back to the table and asked if there was anything else she could do. I said, yes, show us the door, as we will never be back. Rude ownership, equals bad customer relations! read more

Got take out tonight: steak tip Caesar and steak tip dinner. Very fresh veggies with the dinner. Tips cooked just under so they are done when you get home. Fries should be packed in a bag - separately like the yummy corn bread they sent. Great marinade on the steak. read more

What a great place to have a few drinks and a cup of chowder. Also they have the best brunch in Marblehead. They have an amazing omelette. The folks behind the bar are are great and they did a really good job with outdoor seating. read more

This wonderful local gem has got to be the best place in town! We decided on the Seaside Sirloin and the Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp. After having some fabulous and warm corn bread, we were wowed by our meal. It was fantastic! The shrimp were most certainly the best I've ever had...and they were indeed jumbo! Everything was just terrific, including the staff and the service. A visit here is a must during your trip to this charming seaside town! read more

OK, I just moved to marblehead and have only ordered takeout wings from this place. So why five stars? These are the best wings I have ever found on the northshore. The "hot" sauce is perfectly hot, they come with a huge vat of ultra-awesome home made blue cheese, and they don't forget the celery *and* carrots. And mega cheap on Tuesdays (wings night.) Thanx three cod for ending my three year search for wings! read more

I will not be returning to Three Cod Tavern. I went to visit for my second time and was rudely approached by an employee as I was parking out front. He opened the front door and yelled at me to leave. My friend rolled down the window and was trying to ask if they were open, but the answer was the middle finger. Not for nothing, we could have been residents of the street. There were many ways to approach the situation properly, but he decided not to. If zero stars were an option, I'd be zero. He was older and bald. Marblehead Resident read more

The baked haddock and baked scallops were great. The scallop dish was cram packed with scallops. The haddock was generously sized. They don't skimp on portion sizes here. They bring warm cornbread to the table while you wait for your entree. read more

We came here for lunch and a cocktail. I ordered the burger and hand cut fries. The burger was very juicy and full of flavor. Everything was cooked to perfection. The staff was very friendly and the prices I thought were reasonable for the area. We will definitely be back soon to try dinner. I hear the steaks are amazing. read more

Please do yourself a favor and order the clam chowder. It is out of this world. The fish and chips are delicious. The lobster bisque is amazing. The puck burger is juicy. The place is very inviting and staff are warm and friendly! read more

We stopped in on a Saturday for a small dinner and had a mixed experience. We had the lobster mac n cheese which was transcendent - maybe the best I've ever had. We also ordered the nachos, which were so bad as to be comical. It was like they a gave 5-year-old the ingredients and this was what came out: a large pile of nacho chips covered by a little cheese and some random tomato bits. 98% of the chips were in no contact with any of the other ingredients. It seemed like something I'd create if I came home from the bar totally drunk and hungry but with zero coordination or brain function. We honestly laughed out loud at what a feeble attempt it was. But the mac n cheese was amazing. read more