Brine

Name: Brine
Address: 17 State Street, Newburyport, MA, United States, 01950
Telephone: (978) 358-8479
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1383 Reviews

$30 and under

Oyster Bar

Top Tags:

BRINE, known for fresh oysters, crudo, and prime cut chops, is Caswell Restaurant Group’s second foray into the eclectic and innately New England dining scene of Newburyport, MA. Proprietor Nancy Batista-Caswell’s appreciation of the local harvest and her affinity for European classics results in a restaurant devoted to flavorful seafood—ceviche, crudo, sashimi, and beyond—and butcher chops, with a healthy dose of Spanish and Italian influences throughout the menu. The main attractions at BRINE are backed up by soups, salads, Po-Boys, and “off the page” daily specials to provide plenty of variety.

This neighborhood hangout welcomes all and leaves pretension at the door. The low-key design and elevated standards of service allow the food to speak for itself, and Manager Gissele Tache and her staff are always on hand to recommend an adventurous catch, a fine bottle of wine, or a sweet after-dinner treat.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Oyster Bar, Steak, Seafood
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(978) 358-8479
Website
http://brineoyster.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Chef Justin Horyn
Private party contact
nancy@caswellrestaurants.com: (978) 358-8479

Location
17 State Street, Newburyport, MA 01950
Neighborhood
Newburyport
Cross street
Essex St.
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,383 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Boston Metro North
Innovative

1,383 Reviews

SK
SamanthaK
Greater Boston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The entire restaurant is incredible. From the folks that work there to the food. My husband and I go there for special occasions and they have never disappointed. Paul is a gem. He does it all with such grace and ease. He knows how to make you feel welcome. From discussing the contestants on the Great British Baking Show to talking about our TV show guilty pleasures. Now the food? Top notch. The chef and their team put together an insanely delicious menu.
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K
Kabbiel
Greater Boston
12 reviews
4.0
12 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Special anniversary dinner! The staff made the evening special, starting with complimentary glasses of champagne. The food was very unique and flavorful, and beautifully presented. (Had the LOBSTER BAKE – Clam Chorizo Croquette, Corn Miso Bisque, Burnt Jalapeno, Cherry Tomato) Great experience!
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SD
SeanDoyle
Greater Boston
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was unbelievable , service top notch, and drinks delish. Brine never disappoints
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CV
CarolV
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The waiter gave us the check n we wanted to use a visa gift card and he said he couldn’t which made no sense to me. He did not even try.
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DD
DoctorD
Greater Boston
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food (octopus small plate, burgers, gem lettuce salad, broccoli balls) and absolutely perfect service. Coordination of food delivery and that of wines by the glass was spot-on, even though we ordered wine in a pretty haphazard way. The place was totally organized and on top of everything. It was early and room was not full, so noise level might be higher later, but we had no trouble conversing at all. Wonderful all-around experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Entertained out of town guests & they were delighted. We ate outside and it was everything we had hoped for. Others had cautioned that portions could be small, but we ordered from the dinner menu and actually had leftovers to take home. The sides of broccoli and beets were excellent as were the main courses of tuna steaks and duck breast. Service was enthusiastic and attentive. We selected a middle-range red wine which was not out of line price wise and a nice compliment to the dinner.
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c
cassie
Greater Boston
62 reviews
vip
2.0
62 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience3
Limited menu. Way overpriced. Service was terribly slow due to kitchen not the waiter. I would not recommend this restaurant.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall4food2service5ambience3
Service was excellent! The portions were too small. We had to stop and eat on the way home.
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DT
DavidT
Greater Boston
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Delicious food, drinks, and oysters. Attentive unobtrusive service. Modern decor far different than the original quirky restaurant. High noise level at times. Nice experience, well enjoyed.
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RP
RobertP
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall2food2service5ambience5
The setting was wonder. The hostess and waitress were delightful, and very attentive. The food however was extremely lacking. The salads were very good, very small, and extremely overpriced. The tuna tartare was very heavily salted making it almost inedible. The grilled octopus was very salty, mushy and again a small portion with a big price tag. The duck could almost not be cut, yet again very salty and undercooked. A $200 dinner and left unsatisfied and hungry. Drinks were good though.
BrineResponded on August 24, 2023
Hello Robert, Thank you for taking the time to write your review. I do want you to know that we heard you and we have addressed the issue of seasoning/salt with our Chef and all of his staff to ensure that everything is properly seasoned before leaving the line. If there is ever any issue with something you've ordered, please let your server and manager know immediately so that we can correct the situation while you are still dining with us. We hope to see you again soon.
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AR
AshleyR
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience4
Staff knew it was a birthday dinner and did nothing. The food had more salt then anything. As a chef myself all you could taste was salt in every meal. The waitress was slow and not really responsive when asked her questions. She wasn't friendly. The atmosphere was beautiful but not worth the money
BrineResponded on August 24, 2023
Hello Ashley. We are so very sorry that we missed the mark on your recent visit. We have spoken with our Chef and his staff regarding the seasoning/salt and we have also spoken to your server to ensure that both food and service issues have properly been addressed. I do see that your reservation was clearly marked as a birthday. We make it a point to make sure that every celebration is a special occasion and apologize for this oversight.
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DM
DebbieMP
Greater Boston
26 reviews
vip
2.0
26 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall2food3service3ambience5
I have never been to a restaurant that serves a scallop entree with scallops cut in half and that has 5 half’s!!! That’s a total of a whopping 2 1/2 scallops!!! Are you kidding me? The “small plate” we ordered was two bites. It is an expensive restaurant with sub par food and service. We won’t be going back any time soon.
BrineResponded on August 25, 2023
Hello Debbie, Thank you for your review. Our scallops dish has quickly become one of our best sellers complete with Fresh Cheese + Corn Ravioli, Poblano Pepper and Blueberry Vincotto. We ensure that every dish has the same measurement of protein. Our side dishes including the ordered Glazed Beets, Broccoli Caesar, Fries and Fig + Blue Cheese Toast are designed to be larger and shareable with the table along with other entrees such as our a la carte chops.
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JO
JohnO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious. I had raw oysters, a steak, and a tomato, peach, and mint salad. All were very tasty. The hostess and waitress and waiters were very polite and pleasant. The decor was tasteful and added to the nice ambiance. This is my favorite restaurant in Newburyport.
BrineResponded on August 25, 2023
Thank you so much for your stellar review. The new Heirloom Tomato salad had quickly become a guest favorite. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
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CK
ChristopherK
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall3food4service1ambience3
Food is very good…. Service has gone downhill considerably over the past year
BrineResponded on August 25, 2023
Hello Chris, It was a pleasure having you back with us this past Thursday evening with your lovely guests. Please know that if at anytime there is a concern regarding your service or dinner, always feel free to grab the manager's attention so we can correct it while you are still dining with us.
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W
Wanderer
Atlanta Metro
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
First timers and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
BrineResponded on August 25, 2023
Thank you so much for your 5 star review!
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SD
SeanDoyle
Greater Boston
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, super friendly and efficient service. Top notch.
BrineResponded on August 25, 2023
Thank you so much for adding your tags to your stellar review. We love being noted as the Neighborhood Gem and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
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MK
MegK
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great! Enjoyed the pairings of flavors I would have never thought to put together. Staff was very friendly!
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KL
KevinL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and service. Perfect date spot! Highly recommend.
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S
Sammy
Greater Boston
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The scallop and lobster plates we ordered were extremely good. As were the oysters.
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MD
MasonDad
Cincinnati
136 reviews
vip
5.0
136 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brine was outstanding. Of the four restaurants we tried in Newburyport, Brine was the best! Service was amazing, and the food was well presented, and excellently prepared. We HIGHLY recommend making this one of your PRIMARY restaurants to visit in Newburyport! A++++++++++
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L
Linda
Greater Boston
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, food and atmosphere! Our guests enjoyed it as much as we did!
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w
winstonet
New York Area
21 reviews
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience3
Food as always was outstanding. Service was pleasant but a bit uneven at the bar. Atmosphere is fun and energetic, but the noise level can be a bit overwhelming for easy conversations.
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G
Glutenfreefoodi
Greater Boston
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience4
They were out of most of the small plate options. The longer we sat the more the waitress told us they were out of things. Considering a Sunday in the summer you would think the pars would be higher. We ended up only getting the tuna tartare which was good but they only gave us a few crumbs of what once were plantains. Overall very disappointing. Also no changing table for kids if you bring a child along which was difficult. Initially got a cocktail but wasn’t very good sent it back for a simple glass of rose which I did enjoy. Might try again on a Friday when hopefully they don’t run out of everything by 3pm.
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JP
JenniferP
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always, the staff was helpful and delightful. And the food and drink were outstanding. Brian is one of our favorite restaurants!
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VE
VernonE
Greater Boston
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food is alway top notch and the servers are very knowledgeable and accommodating. We highly recommend this restaurant.
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KJ
KenJ
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Excellent service, wine, ambience. Very loud. Food good but not memorable for the price.
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LZ
LaurenZ
Coastal Georgia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food was good, service was a little slow for a quiet day but overall would go back again!
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DG
DavidG
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
A very noce place with great food and a very decent wine list. Portions slightly on the small size, but all in all a very good experience.
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P
Pamsterdam
Greater Boston
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A regular go to for us. Excellent food and service. We love the nuanced food preparation.
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SM
ShannonM
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The bacon /tequila cocktail was memorable! The oysters outstanding. We had a great dinner
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ML
MichaelL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hands down one of the best restaurants on the North Shore. Excellent dining experience. Knowledgeable and friendly servers, amazing oysters, inspired dishes. They are doing everything right. Highly recommended.
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C
Chris
Greater Boston
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall2food3service4ambience4
We went there because we were really in the mood for seafood. The scallops dinner I ordered was $38 or $40, so I was very disappointed when it arrived and had just 2 small scallops on top of 3 large ravioli.
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E
Eddie
Washington DC
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 10, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience3
Oysters were very good, other food good but unmemorable. Service spotty. Going for fine dining but falling a little short.
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RR
RikkiRakkett
Baltimore
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to eat. Awesome food. Bacon and egg is a must.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
RP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Really nice evening at Brine last Thursday for the dollar oyster special. We had Alana (sp?) who took exceptional care of us - giving us space to converse, but also being attentive to our needs. She even recommended and brought wine samples to the table to suggest a pairing with the duck breast. And ofc her choice with the Nebbiolo was a winner! All in all great service, great value.
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F
Foodie
Greater Boston
76 reviews
vip
2.0
76 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall2food3service5ambience2
Good is decent the noise is just to the point you need to yell at the people you are with
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S
Simina
Greater Boston
101 reviews
vip
4.0
101 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Simple pleasures of a friendly staff, Buckashuck Oysters (properly shucked and NOT the size of a quarter), their killer Burger and some cold beer…Boom! See ya again soon!
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F
Fredo
Greater Boston
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
We weren’t in a hurry so the slow service was ok. The place was very busy so we understood. It wasn’t the waitress’ fault. She was very attentive. It was just busy and not staffed up enough in food prep
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always a wonder dinner with the help of a great staff. Daniel was partnered with us through the meal and was super attentive.
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e
eater
Greater Boston
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great spot, good food, excellent service! Loved the oysters, suck and lobster bake.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Brine offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (978) 358-8479.

Brine is rated 4.6 stars by 1383 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

17 State Street, Newburyport, MA 01950

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Essex St.
Neighborhood
Newburyport
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Oyster Bar, Steak, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Justin Horyn
Additional
Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://brineoyster.com/
Phone number
(978) 358-8479
Private party contact
nancy@caswellrestaurants.com: (978) 358-8479

Brine

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Popular dishes

Lobster Bake

Lobster Bake

Tuna Tartare

Menu

What 1,383 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does Brine offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Brine restaurant rated?

Is Brine currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information