Hawthorne By-The-Sea

3.8 ( 114 reviews )
Checking... 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM See Hours
$30–50
153 Humphrey St, Swampscott, MA 01907, United States
+1 781-595-5735
Hawthorne By-The-Sea is a hidden gem nestled along the picturesque coastline of Swampscott, Massachusetts. As a premier seafood restaurant, it invites diners to revel in stunning views of the ocean and Boston skyline while enjoying a diverse menu crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Standout items include the succulent Cape Scallops and the renowned Lobster Thermidor, both of which promise to satisfy discerning palates. Customers rave about the warm hospitality, with many noting the attentive service from longtime staff members who treat patrons with genuine care. The relaxing atmosphere, complemented by ample spacing between tables, enhances the dining experience. Many diners, like Barbara, praise the charming ambiance during sunset, making it a perfect spot for special occasions, as seen in Anthony's anniversary celebration. Not to be overlooked are the signature popovers served with real butter, a delightful start to any meal, followed by unforgettable dishes like the shrimp cocktail and baked haddock. With a commendable wine selection and a commitment to culinary excellence, Hawthorne By-The-Sea is a classic spot that never disappoints. For those seeking a memorable seafood experience with a touch of elegance, this restaurant is truly worth the visit.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has great beer selection
    • Serves great cocktails
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Romantic
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
  • Children
    • High chairs available
  • Parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Hawthorne By-The-Sea

Barbara Rosenstroch
May 26,2025
Beautiful view of Boston and the ocean. Tables were separated by at least 6 feet. Great sunset views. They serve popovers while you wait for your meal. It was my birthday so they put a candle in my dessert. Not too crowded. Good food.
Anthony Guarente
Apr 30,2025
This was our 40th Anniversary Oct 16 th. My sirloin was the best i ever had and cooked to perfection and my wife's lobster thermaor was delicious. Very friendly staff and service was excellent. We got a window seat as we requested when we made reservations. A pleasant dinning experience. Been going here since i went with my parents. It Never disappoints . Classy all around. Thanks for making our 40th a special day . Anthony Guarente
Hylan Hoffman
Apr 28,2025
This place is great with old school polish and service. Put on a shirt with a collar, be respectful, don’t bring loud children and the staff will treat you like royalty.
Stephanie DeRosa
Apr 10,2025
We ate there on Sunday night, May 5, 2024 As usual we were warmly greeted by George the most gracious host, who patiently escorted us to our lovely table next to the window overlooking the ocean. We started with our drinks which consisted of hot tea, a Bombay martini and wine. Next came the fabulous fresh hot popovers served with oversized pads of real butter. We next enjoyed the most succulent shrimp cocktail, which was 4 very large shrimp along with delicious cocktail sauce, and also a General Glover salad. Our entrees, which everyone enjoyed immensely, were baked stuffed shrimp, a club sirloin, broiled scallops, and broiled haddock. For dessert we all shared the oversized picture perfect baked Alaska, which was cut into 4 ample portions. All of us were truly happy with our entire experience, and, in fact, I am dining there again tonight, Weds, May 8, 2024, with 3 other friends. We are all really looking forward to it
Gustavo Teza
Apr 6,2025
This place is very very nice. The staff is also very nice and they all dress in a classy way. We had dinner at it and honestly, the food had real taste. Felt like I was in a good restaurant in France. Even with the Antipasto platter you could tell that everything has been carefully selected and properly stored. I loved the fact that they didnt do what other restaurants do, which is to cover everything with a sauce and cover flavors. The whisky lobster saute was very good. You can expect to expend around 70 bucks/person but honestly, it is worthy. Large selection of wine.
Brian Hohmann
Apr 2,2025
I used to go to Anthony's Pier 4 in Boston, when Anthony Athanas was there, the food, service, and ambience was truly world class. I feel that Hathorne -by-the -Sea is at the same level. The service was top notch, very attentive. They had all of my favorites, glover salad, popovers, filet, baked Alaskan, etc, and the view is stunning. Plus, plenty of parking.
R. C Wright RN
Feb 16,2025
Can't find the word to detail the atmosphere and dining experience here.... but it was like no other. I absolutely Love it! I was able to dine here twice during my travel nursing assignment in Melrose. I may request another assignment in Mass. close by to dine here again.
Linda Donahue
Feb 6,2025
Haven’t been to the Hawthorne by the Sea in years. Went in for a light lunch and cocktails with a friend. I had a shrimp cocktail, my friend got the baked clams a la Anthony we both got the yummy Glover salad, of course popovers and marinated mushrooms it was all delicious. We also had delicious expresso martinis. Recommend going I think they may be closing which is sad.

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