Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/526269
78 bostoncommon-magazine.com PhotograPhy by Joshua resnick (lobster roll); ragingwire (caPe neddick); kazoka (clams); smilla4 (thurston's) The Elevated Fish Shack waterside haunts known as much for their ambience as their seafood. by annie b. copps From Maine to the Cape to the islands, natives and visitors alike chase the summer dream: a seafood shack serving the freshest lobster, the crispiest fried clam, the finest oyster on the half shell. But a handful of seafood spots offer that and so much more: spectacular waterfront views, a catch-of-the-day that was literally caught that day, even nonplastic utensils. You won't ever want to order takeout again. old faithful: thurston's lobster Pound From a perch in the dockside dining room at Thurston's Lobster Pound, you can watch the gifts of Neptune being unloaded from the boats. Five generations of Thurstons have run the show here, and the current one brings innovations such as spicy chipotle sauce for the crab cakes. But the clams, mussels, and lobsters are still sold by weight and served with as much drawn butter as you require. 9 Thurston Road, Bernard, ME, 207-244-7600; thurstonslobster.com bouilla-best: Cape Neddick lobster Pound The seafood offerings at Cape Neddick Lobster Pound, which include a bouillabaisse with local lobster, are well-executed and ultrafresh, as is the rest of the menu—and somehow a gin and tonic never tastes better than when it's served in the restaurant's second- story dining room. It could be the mixology, the stellar views of the sparkling harbor, or the rich history of the building—which has served as a post office, a Coast Guard station, even a stop on the Underground Railroad. 60 Shore Road, Cape Neddick, ME, 207-363-5471; capeneddick.com CaPe NeddiC lobster PouNd Enjoy a perfect g in a nd tonic before t uck in g into savor y bouillabaisse w ith local lobster. the barNaCle Fresh cla ms—whether fried or in chowder—a re a ma in at traction at The Ba rnacle. thurstoN's lobster PouNd Watch fresh crustacea ns un loaded from the boats at this classic waterside spot. The area's finest waterfront eateries are raising the staple lobster roll to sublime heights. 50 aNd fabulous: the barnacle For some 50 years, The Barnacle has clung to the rocks at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor like, well, a barnacle. The opportunity to watch graceful yachts and rugged fishing boats sail by the lighthouse would enhance any dining experience, but the kitchen produces some splendors of its own. The clam chowder is a classic mix of sweet clams, potatoes, and cream that tastes delicious even on the hottest summer day—and those clams are equally good fried. 141 Front St., Marblehead, 781-631-4236 PresideNt's favorite: Nancy's restaurant & snack bar The president of the United States makes a point of dining at Nancy's when he visits Martha's Vineyard, and so do we. The lobster roll and fried scallops are simply divine—worth slipping out of f lip-f lops and into real shoes for the upstairs dining room. Other standouts on the menu include oysters on the half shell and lobster ravioli. 29 Lake Ave., Oak Bluffs, 508-693-0006; nancysrestaurant.com NautiCal NoC ut: Jamestown fish For some, Jamestown is simply a village you drive through on the way to "better" things in Newport, but those in the know adore this quiet gem, where chef-owner Matthew MacCartney, formerly of New York City's Gramercy Tavern, is a local rising star. The wine list perfectly complements the simply prepared fresh smelt, the raw scallops, and the kitchen's calling card, the Cookpot, an inspired dish featuring lobster, clams, mussels, scallops, monkfish, and chourico sausage. 14 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown, RI, 401-423-3474; jamestownfishri.com BC taste Dine around