Rockport, MA, Gloucester restaurant recs

[Jambalaya]

I'll be visiting this area end of June. I have a room at a local B&B in Rockport, will have a car, and GPS. I've never been there so am not familiar with the area. I'm looking for good lobster, chowder, lobster rolls, clams and just great fresh seafood. Since I'm by myself I would prefer something not too formal, great places on docks where the boats come in would be ideal. Also any place where I can sit down at the bar by myself and feast on the local delicacies.

Thanks

[digga]

Ditto on the Lobster Pool (I had my wedding dinner there after all...picnic tables and peaceful views! Lisa the proprietor is great. Definitely pick up a cold six pack or a cold bracing white wine). Halibut Point State Park is right down the street so you could check that out beforehand.

No one's mentioned Madfish Grille in Gloucester. I really love that place. It screams summertime to me.

[drewinmrblhd]

I would recommend stopping in to Virgillio's on Main Street in Gloucester for a sandwich, pizza, or fresh bread. Capt Carlos is also a great recommendation as they have an outdoor eating area and bar on the Gloucester waterfront. The Causeway is popular and the portions are huge for the money. My favorite hidden gem in Gloucester is the Intershell Seafood Market on Commercial street. They will shuck fresh oysters for you and they have some of the best fresh seafood in the area. I t is not a sit down type of place but they do have a few small tables outside if it is warm day. Their fish and crab cakes are fantastic. Gloucester is a very walkable city and Stage Fort Park is a great place for a picnic.

[Jambalaya]

Thanks to everyone for the great recs. I can't wait to get there and hit those spots. Man I forgot about oysters that drewinmrblhd's post reminded me about. I have to of course add those to the list.

[Boston_Otter]

My three fave places are all super casual:
- for lobster, chowder, and stuffed clams served out of a shack and eaten on the dock, go to Roy Moore's Lobster Co. on Bearskin Neck (Rockport). It's the tiny shack, not the restaurant of the same nearby.
- for table service of awesome fried seafood, chowder, lobster, etc, go to Captain Carlo's in Gloucester. You can sit outside near the docks; there's often live music. Very casual, great prices. Large bar outdoors as well with boats all over the place.
- And for huge breakfasts, Lee's in Gloucester.

Oh, and for the ultimate in local flava, visit the infamous Crow's Nest bar. It's where the fishermen go to get drunk and play pool.

[BlueMagic]

I like all the previous suggestions..but for some reason when I read the OP ..the first place that came to mind was Captain Carlos. I don't think Roy Moore's has BYOB..for some reason I think you can do that at Top Dog..but not sure about Roy Moore's. Never noticed it. I would give them a call.

[Mike5966]

Roy Moore's on Bearskin Neck does have BYOB. Not sure I saw it written officially anywhere, but I saw plenty of folks bringing in bottles of wine and beer last summer when I was there. Can't wait to go back.

[Kat]

Yes,Roy Moore's in Rockport for lobster, but definitely go to the shack with outdoor seating out on the Neck and not to the restaurant, closer to the town.

[Madrid]

does Roy Moore's shack allow BYOB?

[Kat]

I saw a couple there last summer bring a bottle of wine, but you should email and check.

[Taralli]

I know you're at a b&b, but to meet the locals, go early to Flav's Red Skiff for breakfast, newspapers & conversation.

[treb]

Here's a few recs. In Rockport, The Lobster Pool has very good and fresh casual seafood offerings with a great view in their picnic area. It's also BYOB. In Ipswich, The Clam Box (on tre 133) is the fried clam meeca of the world! At Bear Skin Neck, in Rockport, you have Roy Moore's for rustic lobster and on the point, My Place has contemporary food with the best view of the ocean. In Gloucester, The Causweway on rt 133 has fresh seafood in a shack setting it's also BYOB. For breakfast, in Gloucester, Sugar Magnolia's,on Main St, is good and next door Franklin Cafe would be excellent for dinner. Other places, for casual lunch Halibut Point and Alchemy.

[hiddenboston]

I'm with treb on several picks. The Lobster Pool is a nice place for good seafood and great views, and Roy Moore's is the real deal if you like lobster. I also like The Studio in Gloucester, which is on a narrow peninsula that has several art galleries. And Top Dog in Rockport is a good option if you get tired of seafood--excellent hot dogs.

[Madrid]

You might want to try to Greater Boston board...