Some call Beverly ‘the North Shore’s sleepy neighbor.’ It’s both an unfair label, and frankly baffling. This coastal town perfected those fried clams you crave, and locals debate the merits of various chowder houses with religious fervor. If you’re seeking something exceptional to eat here, whether that’s waterfront seafood, historic tavern fare, authentic Italian, or pastries that outshine any Boston bakery, start with this list.
Pub 49
$ | (978) 304-1531 | WEBSITE
This welcoming pub in Beverly opens at 11am. But if you arrive around 5pm, there’s a chance you’ll be too early for dinner. The owner and his wife will appear from the kitchen and tell you to come back in 30, when the steak bomb is ready. And if their promises of whiskey glazed tenders and buffalo wings aren’t enough, then trust us—you must come back.
When you return, they’ll present you with things like perfectly seasoned steak bombs, crispy onion rings, and deep-fried pretzels that taste like they went to a carnival and came back with all the golden-brown glory. They’ll also bring to-go containers, for all the leftovers that are going to greatly improve your week.
The Bagel Dudes
$ | WEBSITE
The Bagel Dudes is the bagel spot. If that means nothing to you, it’s a place in Beverly that feels like a Northern favorite, and one of the most welcoming operations this town has to offer. They’re open daily, and there’s a head server who’s always there, making you feel at home. On a recent visit, we had The Nova for an authentic bagel experience, and Sasha provided the warm welcome—it all tasted fantastic, like something you’d eat in a cozy setting (except you can keep your shoes on).
The Castle: Restaurant and Bar
$$ | (978) 969-1719 | WEBSITE
If you need some proof that Beverly has a magical side, head to The Castle, a legendary board game cafe tucked away with a secret entrance through a bookcase. Open since it feels like forever, the place is always full of families and friends who discovered it together—and also the staff, who are kind, funny, and attentive, and will help you pick a game at least three times, but probably more like five.
Order anything from their gourmet menu—we like the fish and chips or pizza, with those huge brussel sprouts appetizers—and then settle at a table, and try a themed cocktail or beer from their great selection.
Nick’s Pizza, Subs & Roast Beef
$ | (978) 720-8972 | WEBSITE
A heads-up: you won’t find this family-owned pizza and roast beef spot in Beverly every day. It’s usually open from lunch through dinner—but check their hours online for specifics. Order a generous plate piled high with Greek salad, dig into it with a fork at one of their clean tables, and then grab a hearty roast beef sandwich for the road, and maybe a meatball sub toasted with provolone for later.
If you’re in the area on a Sunday and miss their roast beef, we’re sorry and we wish you better luck next week.
McDonald’s
$ | (978) 969-1004 | WEBSITE
You will leave McDonald’s having consumed several McMuffins, and likely an entire Big Mac, because the bread is soft—softer than whatever you picture when you think of fast-food buns—and goes down easy with a morning coffee. When you stop by this convenient, 24/7 spot on the go, the drive-through lane will be full of commuters grabbing breakfast before work with a bunch of McMuffins, and a few Big Mac sandwiches for lunch. It’s not a fancy place, but the food is consistently reliable.
If you’re not even sure you like fast food, all you have to do is go to McDonald’s.
Coastal Mass. Brewing
$$ | (978) 969-3071 | WEBSITE
In case you live under a rock (Boston) and only know about the big-name breweries, let us provide you with a little education. Long before Coastal Mass. Brewing became a Beverly destination, it was perfecting its craft in a cozy industrial space. The year was 2018, so if we do the math there, they’d been honing their smooth IPAs and balanced sours for eight years before they gained their local reputation.
If you call yourself a diehard fan of the Queen’s Siren (one of the best fruit punch sours around), you owe it to yourself to try it straight from the source. Round out your visit with some abstract art viewing and sports watching on the flat-screen.
Giuseppes
$$ | (978) 720-8339 | WEBSITE
Family-friendly pizza joint, meet Giuseppes fire-baked perfection. The Beverly restaurant has tables filled with happy families and kids coloring menus, but the real reason to come here is the exceptional pizza that quietly emerges from the oven. The thin-crust pie is tomato-sauce-forward, topped with quality cheese and your choice of toppings (go veal parm or go home).
There are plenty of booths throughout where you can tackle your generous portions, which arrive at your table on large oval plates draped in checkered tablecloths.
MEXA
$$ | (978) 969-2104 | WEBSITE
For a fresh, flavorful Mexican meal, head to MEXA. The recently opened north shore spot has quickly become a favorite, serving up authentic birria tacos and pechuga tacos that are made with real ingredients and traditional recipes. But you can’t just stop there—the Birria Ramen is a must-try dish, with rich, complex flavors, and the guacamole is super fresh, served with crisp chips.
Grab a mix-and-match option of three tacos for $15 to go, or take a seat in the beautiful indoor or outdoor dining area, where the refined yet approachable ambiance keeps customers coming back for more.
Atomic Juicery
$$ | (978) 922-0042 | WEBSITE
The term “students who study” was probably coined around 3pm on a Wednesday at Atomic Juicery in Beverly, when the art classes of Montserrat College fill the cozy seating area inside and share pitchers of fresh juice and lavender lattes. Grab a stool, order a chai booster, and tell your study partner to kindly quiet down so you can hear what exactly the professor said.
Or just head to their take-out counter and order a vibrant green juice to go—it will be a bright, refreshing beauty, just with slightly less caffeine. Atomic Juicery also has a full-service bar where you can pick up some delicious juices or chai boosters.
Panini Pizza Co
$ | (978) 927-7515 | WEBSITE
Panini Pizza Co went viral for their Sisilian Panini, which is perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, with fresh ingredients like mozzarella and basil. But that’s not even the best thing here—or at least they’re tied for first place with the pizza by the slice. The hand-stretched pizzas at this local joint are praised as having the best crust in town, served with a variety of toppings, though some customers wish they were more generous for added flavor.
Come to this small, unassuming Beverly spot for a casual lunch like all the local regulars do, and watch the staff work while you wait during busy periods.
Nick’s Roast Beef
$ | (978) 922-9075 | WEBSITE
Beverly’s best roast beef can be found at Nick’s, in a spot that feels like a classic New England diner complete with red vinyl booths, checkered floors, and a sign that reads, “generous portions guaranteed.” The staff is attentive, moving quickly to serve up the 3-way roast beef and Jr. Roast Beef, piled high with meat, horseradish, onions, lettuce, and tomato. Order those, and also the amazing chicken fingers, crispy and golden. Plus a $14 milkshake.
Bring an appetite and come ready to be filled.
Domino’s Pizza
$ | (978) 927-2999 | WEBSITE
In terms of pizza chains, Domino’s is relatively established, but the Beverly location already feels like an instant classic. That’s partly because of their consistently fantastic pies with even toppings: fluffy crust on every order, hot delivery on every run, and on any day, the standard offerings: pepperoni and melty cheese on a crust that can be made into garlic bread if you want—and trust us, you want.
No matter when you come to this Beverly spot with clean counters and organized premises, you’ll have a great pizza. Balance your hot pie with something from their regular menu—like a cheesy bread, or a simple cheese pizza for the purists.
