Pub fare tends to consist of simple comfort food, with quantity sometimes superseding quality. However, if you travel 30 miles outside Boston to the North Shore town of Ipswich, you’re in for a pleasant – and scrumptious – surprise.
The Choate Bridge Pub is tucked into a building right next to the oldest stone-arched bridge in the nation, after which the restaurant is named.
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The Choate Bridge spans the Ipswich River and dates back to 1764!
Flickr/C Hanchey
The town of Ipswich – population 13,175 – is also known for clams. While there are better advertised spots to dine on this delicacy, the Choate Bridge Pub is where locals go to chow down on a fried clam appetizer generous enough to serve as a meal, or at least to split.
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The clams served here are sourced locally and only Ipswich clams will do. If the flats are closed, clam dishes are occasionally unavailable; if you can’t have the best, why bother?
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Most of the seafood on the menu takes the form of specials, but not to worry, there are plenty of them. Just don’t overlook that portion of the menu because it’s where the best eats are hiding.
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From lightly-dressed, super fresh lobster rolls…
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…to portions of prime rib that practically spill over the plate, the specials live up to their name.
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The main section of the menu includes a grilled chicken sandwich that proves a meal doesn’t have to be complicated to wow.
Tripadvisor/travel t Up for a challenge? Then take on the top notch, half-pound behemoth of a burger and pair it with onion rings.
Pizza, pit barbeque dishes, and a few salads round out the offerings.
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This restaurant isn’t a slick, modern gastropub; instead, the interior is low-key and relaxed. The dining room is best for a calmer ambiance. For a livelier time, perch at the bar…
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…where you can keep an eye on the sports scores and sample a range of local beer. Ipswich also produces quality craft beer!
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Locals already know how delicious the food is at Choate Bridge Pub and there’s sometimes a line for a table. Here, good things truly do come to those who wait.
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Flickr/C Hanchey
Foursquare/Steve N.
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Up for a challenge? Then take on the top notch, half-pound behemoth of a burger and pair it with onion rings.
Tripadvisor/ellengloucester
Foursquare/Michael C.
This is a cash-only joint, so bear that in mind before you stop by. Choate Bridge Pub is open daily from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. The pub is located at 3 South Main Street, Ipswich.
Have you visited this North Shore pub yet? If not, add it to your list of restaurants to visit.
For more destination dining spots, consider heading out to this whimsical cottage restaurant or this riverfront eatery.
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