Shea's Riverside Restaurant & Bar

Name: Shea's Riverside Restaurant & Bar
Address: 122 Main Street, Essex, MA, United States, 01929
Telephone: (978) 768-6931
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

357 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

Located on Cape Ann along the Essex River, Shea's Riverside Restaurant & Bar offers incomparable views, friendly, professional service, and a wide variety of delicious food. Shea's is the perfect place to enjoy New England's year round, ever-changing scenery. Come enjoy your meal on one of our two decks which overlook the river; or on colder days, dine by one of our two cozy field-stone fireplaces. Our lively bar caters to both townies and tourists alike! And yes, we are kid friendly!

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Lounge
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 11:30 am–9:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(978) 768-6931
Website
http://sheasrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
We have a small room located upstairs that can be used for private parties during the summer season, with a maximum capacity of 20 people. The upstairs room is not handicapped accessible. During the winter months we offer an additional room, the inside porch that can accommodate 45 people.

Location
122 Main Street, Essex, MA 01929
Neighborhood
Essex
Parking details
We have a small parking lot located in front of the restaurant. By agreement, additional parking is available across the street, behind Woodmans restaurant.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 357 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Boston Metro North
Great for scenic views

357 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall2food1service5ambience4
Limited menu and staff was complaining about closing.
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EF
EdwardF
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 3, 2023
overall1food2service3ambience1
This place has really declined. Temp outside was 85 degrees, door was open, no AC. Flies inside around the table and windows. Big problem with finish on table. In the humidity, everything, menus, napkins etc. stuck to the table. Server made some excuse about the disinfectant, but it was the table. Food was not as good as in the past and prices are high. Have been going here for years since it was Tom Shea's. Will not return.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Amazing to find gluten friendly place surrounded by such beautiful views. Awesome service, good menu!
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MW
MojoW
Columbus
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time to Sheas is a number of years. Such a warm and comfortable environment. We had a wonderful meal and great service. The views are beautiful. Highly recommend.
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KC
KathyC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
All three of us were very pleased. Will definitely be back.
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KD
KateD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My friend and I tried Shea’s for the 1st time yesterday. The hostess and waitress were very friendly and helpful, the food was delicious (try the oyster Rockefeller, very fresh) and the view overlooking the water can’t be beat (we saw two seals!). I’d go back again. Yes it’s expensive but it’s on a par with other restaurants in the area. I’d recommend it as a treat.
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LR
LuRy
Greater Boston
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Fun waitress. Nice setting. We chose to eat outside on the estuary. Food was good.
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KM
KathleenM
Greater Boston
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sch a hidden gem. The view and the quality of the food is outstanding. My flourless chocolate torte has to be the best served throughout Boston. Wonderful experience
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
It was a nice place. They were short on wait staff and chef had left sometime during service so the service was extremely slow and the steak wasn’t cooked to order but was fixed. What could have been a 5 star and should have been a 3 star received a 4 star from us vacationing there.
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4
4foodies
Dallas
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall1food3service1ambience1
Was recommended to visit while we were in town. Made a reservation and had to wait about 10 minutes to be greeted. Employees of the restaurant walked passed us but didn’t even acknowledge us. Taken to a table and waited another 10 minutes to be greeted by Brett, told us he needed to run food and would be back. Another 10 minutes for water downed cocktails because too much ice that diluted the drink. Music was loud and it seemed only one person was bussing the dining room. Dirty tables all over. Good on the floor. Probably the worst service I have received in over year. The food was good but service destroyed our first and only experience.
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AC
AmandaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
This was our first time here and we will definitely be back. the views were great. The food was excellent and the service was attentive but not overbearing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
When my wife suggested Shea’s for dinner Friday night, I looked at the recent Yelp reviews, and braced myself for a less than great time. Nonetheless, our visit was excellent, both food and service. My only negative comment was way too much ice cubes in my Jamison on the rocks. It was kind of diluted when served, and got weaker from there. My wife ordered the Portuguese halibut on special, and it was great, full of flavor, and the fish firm and a generous portion, A+. I had the fried clam plate, contrary to prior reviews I read, clams were plentiful, sweet, and tender. Homemade coleslaw spot on, and the thin fries were outstanding. We sat on the deck, a couple yellow jackets swung by, other than than, serene peaceful view of the marsh, ducks, etc.
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M
Mary
Greater Boston
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Our server Brett was outstanding and the whole experience was great!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
This is a really great lunch and dinner spot right on the river with patios on top of the water. The server outside kind of neglected us but we didn’t mind because we got our cocktails and were able to enjoy the sun and pretty environment. We did have to flag her down as she was mostly inside, for more drinks. Food was tasty. We had typical lunch hand-helds. Would recommend this place for lunch in particular. It’s easy to overlook being surrounded by larger restaurants, so definitely stop by!
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WT
WilliamT
Palm Springs
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The scallop, haddock, and steak entrees were excellent. The service was top notch.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Charming and great views of river /marsh, great service, managers checked in so friendly, food very good- Local Steamers excellent ! Will definitely come back! Highly recommend.
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DJ
DandJfromCenterville
Greater Boston
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great ambiance with very good food and great service.
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A
Auddie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved it! Family friendly. At high tide there's a seal to watch. Everyone very kind. Clean restrooms. Our food was great
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MC
MichaelC
Greater Boston
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great food in a lovely setting with a beautiful view of the water. Fried clams are some of the best I have ever had.
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LD
LindaD
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Wonderful location and ambience overlooking the Essex river. They even provide binoculars in case you see some interesting wildlife. Our waitress was outstanding: very personable, friendly, and attentive. Could not have been better. The only criticism was that the roasted vegetables that came with the meal were room temperature and looked like they'd been around too long. The haddock was super as was the cheesecake. Love this place.
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M
lindaM
Greater Boston
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
Food was absolutely delicious! Our waitress was a bit rough around the edges. Party of 5 and she ignored one of us when ordering appetizers and soup. View was beautiful over the marsh.
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DL
DonnaL
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
everything was great from start to finish and the bartender and waitress were 10 STARS EXCELLENT
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and view on the deck. Never been there before. Definitely going to come back in the future!
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B
Billy
Greater Boston
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience5
Beautiful View! Great outdoor dining! Over priced! Food was good.
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F
Foodie4
Naples
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service! Asked the waitress to turn off the radio which was blasting and she did 🤩
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S
Stephanie
Greater Boston
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Met some friends for impromptu dinner. Shea’s was perfect place. Weather was beautiful and sat outside on the back deck. Couldn’t have asked for a prettier backdrop. Waitstaff super friendly and attentive. Food was great. Fresh seafood. Really nice wine selection. I would recommend if you’re in the area.
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K
K1wilwink
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Delicious meal at Shea’s on a gorgeous summer Sunday. Attentive service and perfect table location with great views of the river. My husband enjoyed swordfish tips with rice and veggies, I loved the blackened fish tacos and a Fiddlehead draft. We always have a nice meal when we visit Shea’s
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SB
StevenB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great view! Excellent food and service. Thank you
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JZ
JoanneZ
Tampa
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
All the staff working here were so helpful and welcoming. General manager introduced himself and checked with us to make sure everything was okay. Waitress very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Food was wonderful! Great location and view.
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GY
GregoryY
Greater Boston
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
View from a window seat was wonderful, despite the rain! The clam appetizer although expensive was succulent, fresh and a rich tasting experience. Our waitress was energetic, kind and informative. Would recommend this restaurant for flavors and service.
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j
jmh1066
Philadelphia
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner with my girlfriend, and her parents, we had a fantastic time. Beautiful view of the river, the food and service were excellent.
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A
Alittlebirdie
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience3
Two of the meals were way over cooked. Lamb was supposed to be Medium Rare and the Halibut was over cooked and ruined...for a $42 piece of fish, that was disappointing. They did remove it from our bill.. $21 for a burrata salad was a bit much but Pineapple Finnies were delish. A reminder of how expensive it is and why we do not make it a regular place to eat.
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GZ
GailZ
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 25, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our server was excellent, as the restaurant dealt with severe difficulties following a direct lightning strike not long before we arrived. The ambience and food quality was very good -excellent, as always.
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CM
ChrisM
Phoenix
27 reviews
vip
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Lovely team and nice overall for sure! Quite hot inside were we were sat, sadly. We enjoyed catching up with friends in this space. Thank you
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F
Foodie4
Naples
22 reviews
vip
2.0
22 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall2food3service3ambience1
We had a 7 pm reservation. On arrival they had no tables available except by waiter stand or dumpster.
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d
dorcy
Greater Boston
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent Professional and Efficient Service From Jane and Excellent Food!
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EF
ElizabethF
Greater Boston
27 reviews
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Shea’s is an excellent choice for dining on the North Shore. Food and service are very good. The view is lovely at high tide. Noise level is moderate. They pour a good drink.
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MB
MoriahB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff were so welcoming and friendly, we were celebrating our anniversary and they made the night feel very special. Cocktails fabulous and unique recipes, you can get standard ones but they have really fun recipes. The haddock was amazing and the lobster was delicious. We ended the night with lemon whopper pies and needless to say the plate was licked clean. Would absolutely go back again.
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KW
KimW
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food & service. The deck is a beautiful place to have dinner around sunset.
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AM
AmyM
Greater Boston
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We enjoyed the lovely setting and appreciated the great service!
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FAQs

Shea's Riverside Restaurant & Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (978) 768-6931.

Shea's Riverside Restaurant & Bar is rated 4.4 stars by 357 OpenTable diners.

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Shea's Riverside Restaurant & Bar

122 Main Street, Essex, MA 01929

Additional information

Neighborhood
Essex
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 11:30 am–9:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Lounge
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We have a small parking lot located in front of the restaurant. By agreement, additional parking is available across the street, behind Woodmans restaurant.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://sheasrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(978) 768-6931
Private party facilities
We have a small room located upstairs that can be used for private parties during the summer season, with a maximum capacity of 20 people. The upstairs room is not handicapped accessible. During the winter months we offer an additional room, the inside porch that can accommodate 45 people.

Shea's Riverside Restaurant & Bar

Not bookable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

What 357 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Shea's Riverside Restaurant & Bar offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Shea's Riverside Restaurant & Bar restaurant rated?

Not bookable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information