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The Back Eddy
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
44 reviews for The Back Eddy
Review Highlights
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43 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah R.
North Eastham, MA
A Westport staple. Beautiful setting, decent food, very busy, very expensive.
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Review from James M.
North Easton, MA
The Back Eddy used to be my absolute favorite restaurant. Unfortunately, the last two times I've been, the service has been borderline awful and the food seemed "lazy."
Went last week with my wife and daughter. We sat quickly (they have two hostesses and only two servers on the bar side that we saw) but waited for 25 minutes (from when I started looking at my watch) until we were able to order a beverage. My daughter is 3, I have no idea why they sat us in a table directly next to the bar--in a corner with people so wasted they were basically falling over and/or screaming at each other.
Anyway, I'm bummed that the service was bad from the start, (it actually turned quite okay once we started going though the progressions) but we really came for the food--I love New England Regional cuisine and this has always been "my spot!" I ordered striped bass ($28) with a version of ratatouille. It was maybe a four to five ounce piece of fish at $28--weird. The vegetables were just huge pieces of over-cooked mush--think mirepoix for stock! The last time I was there I ordered the roasted cod fish--it was basically poached--so the striper was actually very good and actually cooked properly--but the veggies were uninspired, kind of a "lets just throw some of this with it."
The deviled eggs were terrific, as were the stuffed clams. The food as a whole however just seems to be made with no passion. I understand the restaurant's culture is to be relaxing and do simple food perfectly--it's just not happening anymore. I know it's fun for the cook's to have a tv and be offered a "kitchen appreciation pitcher" of beer--it's just not sending the right message to the guests when service is poor and the food looks lazy--just makes the place look and feel like a poorly managed "typical" restaurant--why waste all the money on nice local ingredients if that is how you will manage them?
Anyway, best of luck Back Eddy--I'll be back to try it again. It's an hour away but I've referred so many people over the years and really loved the place--just try to grab control before it's too late. -
Review from Eric F.
Providence, RI
For some time now, Horseneck beach in Westport has been my favorite way to spend a beach day. Every time we drive out there I have noticed The Back Eddy from the road, but we have never given it a try for some reason. I decided that it was time. So after a beautiful day at the beach we drove over and strolled on in. The dining room was very large, with a bar off to the side and tons of natural light from the windows. I noticed that there was a back deck overlooking the bay so we asked to be seated outside.
The seating was right on the dock over the water. There was an outdoor bar and outdoor raw bar as well as a courtesy dock for boaters who wanted to pop in and grab a quick bite or drink. The entrees looked a little pricey but not out of reach. We were going to a party later so we just ordered some beers and steamers. The steamers were great, the beer was cold, the service was friendly and the view was beautiful.
After we finished our food we paid the bill and walked over to the outside raw bar where we grabbed a couple of local oysters which were shucked right in front of us out on the dock. They also had this massive smoked bass next to the raw bar that must have been about four feet long!
We really enjoyed finding this place. I can not speak to the rest of the menu, but this is a GREAT spot to grab a beer and some appetizers after a day at the beach when the salt is still fresh in your hair. Grab an oyster or two while you are there! :) -
Review from Nicole N.
Wrentham, MA
I come here about once or twice every summer for one thing, and one thing only. Their signature roasted corn and clam chowder!
It is my absolute favorite. Its not super thick and chunky but more of a cream based broth packed with tons of flavor.
Unless your really into seafood and don't mind spending the cash on it then you wont mind the prices here but I have to agree with the other folks, their pricing is way too high for what you're really getting.. I'm assuming that its because they are only open in the summer and the location is prime.
The pulled pork sandwich is also worth a try. -
Review from Chris R.
Worcester, MA
We were very happy with this place but bring lots of money as it's on the expensive side. After a 30 minute wait, we were seated outside. It was a beautiful night and the sunset was magnificent. I had striped bass. It was very good. My son had the Sakonnet lobster and said it was also very good. We also had the clam chowder which was excellent The waitress was attentive and the food came out within a reasonable amount of time. We were satisfied and will go back again when I'm feeling rich.
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Review from jon b.
Providence, RI
It is still a great place for sea food .... go in season for good clam shack fair .... Solid 3 star Clam Shack... bad 2 star service though
. -
Review from D O.
Rochester, MA
We (party of 2) had tried to go there before but the wait on that Sat was about an hour so we left. This time, also on a Sat. we were seated right away outside by the water. Clearly after the summer season it is easier to get seated quickly. Lovely spot overlooking the marina. The waitress was attentive and not overly so. We had several appetizers including the Oysters, Chowder, mussels and cod cakes followed by the fudge brownie dessert. All were excellent. Prices were reasonable as well. We'll be back.
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Review from bill c.
San Jose, CA
I'm an ex-MA person, so I only get here 2 or 3 times a year. By the way, I wish Yelp would let me review the weather in CA, so I could stick it once again to the natives back East... we've had 5 straight days of rain in San Jose, but I haven't slipped on ice once.
I love the Back Eddy. They serve fried clams only when the clams are good, the waitstaff (is that a word, btw? I'm mildly ashamed to use it) actually care whether you're happy, and the cod dish with green olives is always perfect. It's one of the happiest restaurants I've been in - loud, yes, but the mood is upbeat and the food rarely misses. Life in Westport without the BE would be a lot less enjoyable. -
Review from Ken M.
Concord, MA
I met an old friend on Saturday at the restaurant. I have eaten there 5-6 times in past and was looking forward to what has always been a wonderful experience..was I in for a surprise!
We experienced LONG waits between visits by the server, although it was early and the restaurant was not busy. We ordered steamers to start..full of gravel. It only takes soaking then in cornmeal/water for a while and they disgourge sand/stones..told the servers and we got "attitude" like what do you expect. Then had pate, which was excellent. It arrived with 2 small pieces of toasted french bread..when we asked for more the server's response was "I will see if that's allowed" and showed great distain for us even asking for more bread (No bread was ever served to the table). The stuffed clams were dry and full of corn? When we ordered the apps we also ordered a bottle of wine from your very small list. The wine arrived when the apps were finished. There was never any attempt to "make it right". A man who appeared to be a manger visited tables all around us, never stopped to ask how we were doing.
I do want to say that the fish and chips and fried scallops were very good...and the bathrooms were clean.
I am in the restaurant biz, and am somewhat easy to wait on... I did a bit of research and found out that Chris Schlesinger had sold the restaurant. The current management should be ashamed of what you've done to a fine establishment. -
Review from Bill R.
Westport, MA
The Back Eddy, set on the river, has one of the loveliest views in town. Heck, they have one of the best views of any Massachusetts restaurant, hands down. I've been going to whatever restaurant is situated here for over 24 years and I admit, I miss the dark, rustic seafood shack before the glorious upgrade to the current look.
During the busy summer, there's often a lengthy wait.Listed in: A Taste of the South Coast
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Review from Reid F.
Framingham, MA
When a restaurant that charges $25 for salmon says, "no substitutions," I say, "no business." If you want a pretentious fish restaurant, this is for you. Otherwise, there are better options.
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Review from Henry R.
Cambridge, MA
Nice local restaurant with diverse crowd. Always busy sometimes has a wait but food worth it. Nice atmosphere.
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Review from Kelly M.
Cambridge, MA
We went for lunch and I'm not a fried food person, yet I insisted on trying the fish'n'chips. Good, not the best I've ever had, but definitely ok. Also tried the fried bluefish [extremely oily preparation on top of an already oily fish... the super peppery arugula was a nice touch]. We split a clam and corn chowder [fabulous: buttery and so so so corny], and definitely liked the homemade (?) pickles served as a snack upon getting to our table. I think it would be a great place for dinner and a few docktails after a day on the water, but for lunch, I think it was a bit heavy on the fried options rather than lighter fare [read: I should have tried one of the several salads on the menu].
Service was... meh. I was expecting more, although I'm not sure why -- probably because the first time I'd heard of the restaurant was in a NYTimes article about the Rendezvous chef who used to work at the Back Eddy.
The restaurant itself is nothing too exciting, but they do have a variety of table options [inside with little view, inside with lots of view, near a fireplace, at the bar, outside on a covered deck, etc.], so that's always a bonus in my book.Listed in: Good for Groups
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Review from Leo D.
Dartmouth, MA
Great atmosphere and views. Ask for Ana to serve your table. Food is tasty but way overpriced. Make a reservation but expect the same delay as a doctor's office.
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Review from Ben L.
We made a reservation for 10 for the "private dining room." The room was not private at all, and it was nearly as noisy as the main dining area. In addition, the air conditioning created cold spots at our table, which meant that a couple of people in our group were freezing. Aside from all that, the food and service were good.
--S -
Review from Craig R.
Swansea, MA
great location and local products on the menu... never had a bad meal (or evening out) at the back eddy.
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Review from Lauren C.
Holliston, MA
The only reason I go is for the atmosphere... where the limited bar on the dock is pretty awesome, that's the only thing i've enjoyed there.
The young and extremely in-experienced waitstaff is not something to be desired when you've waited for an hour for table in the extremely lound dining area.
If you don't like seafood... don't go here! There are only maybe two-three things that aren't seafood on the menu... and they include "pulled pork" or "half a chicken"... not even a soup?! And even those items are waaaaay over-priced!
It took a half hour just to get our appetizers, and it wasn't even that busy? I had to talk my friend into not walking out?! And the bar staff indoors are rude!!!! I've had the same two bar tenders inside a few times... and they need an attitude check!!
If you want great food, good quality, and a view... try Bayside Restaurant down the street!!! -
Review from J C.
North Dartmouth, MA
The only reason for any stars is the view. We had some fat bitch wait on us that seriously fought with me about closing a window. If you don't like seafood don't bother.
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Review from John M.
Framingham, MA
This is my 2nd time to the Back Eddy and I have the same impressions from both visits.
Great location, sit out back and overlook the water and relax.
Food is ridiculously overpriced (ex. Fish and Chips is $28), the quality is good but not outstanding, do not bother with desert it has been dissapointing both times.
You are greeted nicely at the door and overall the service is average.
Summary, awesome place to go for scenery/location/atmoshphere with good food, outrageous prices and ok service. -
Review from Jeff F.
Well, the sun finally broke here in Southeastern Mass and instead of Seattle in March, it felt a little like Mass in the summer. Of course, my immediate reaction was an uncontrollable urge to eat somewhere on the water.
This was my second time to the Eddy and have to say I was once again impressed by the food. PEI Mussels were great last time and they are still amazing. Tried the Scallop Ceviche and another Scallop app off their special menu and continued to be impressed. The Swordfish entree special was very good and I highly recommend wrapping it all up with the chocolate chip sliders.
I'd say that the food alone, makes the Eddy one of the best spots to hit on the Southcoast, but the kicker is that it's right in Westport Harbor - absolutely idyllic. I think the atmosphere is great. Good blend of families and people out for a good time. There's also a good variety of people dressed extremely casually and others who are auditioning for a spot in the next Vineyard Vines catalog. (So come as you are or how you're comfortable)
I found the service to be ok and wouldn't necessarily consider that a strong point. Overall - I recommend you make a trip to the Back Eddy. (for the price conscious - you're looking at $10 apps and entrees in the mid-$20's) -
Review from James F.
Warwick, RI
Nice location. Went in off season so the place wasn't crowded. Food was good but somewhat pricey.
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Review from Mark S.
I am giving 4 stars for the view and the raw bar out on the dock. Great place to grab a drink and watch the sunset. The inside always seems like the typical summertime tourist trap crowded restaurant. I have never eaten inside so I cannot comment on food or dining experience.
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Review from Dee L.
Boston, MA
WOW not what I expected at all! I figured it was a clam shack kind of like Crabby Shack in Plymouth. Not at all... very casual atmosphere after all why compete with the view. But the food so well done and fresh. The stuffed clams only 3 but great and filling. Fried scallops extremely light batter not even sure there was a batter so sweet best we have ever tasted. I got the pan roasted monk fish on braised cabbage. OMG I was in heaven. Didn't go near the desserts no room! It's a bit of a drive for us but definitely a destination!
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Review from Dawn A.
I went here on a Friday night about 8 PM. We had about a 40 minute wait, but it was a beautiful, warm evening and we sat on the deck and waited. It was a beautiful location with boats docked all around. There was decent music playing in the background. They called us for our table exactly 40 minutes later. We had a decent table, but I have to comment on the loudness of this restaurant. It was extremely loud. Almost hard to hear your table-mate loud. It's probably the acoustics.
We started off with salads. My date got a house salad which was mixed greens and candied walnuts I believe. It looked very good. I got the Caesar salad. The croutons were excellent. The dressing was good. The only problem is that the romaine was mostly the hard, outer leaves and was rather hard and bitter. A shame, because the dressing and croutons were excellent. Anyone who knows me, knows I do not eat seafood or fish. What? a foodie that doesn't eat seafood? In the Boston area, no less? I know. Weird. Well, the Back Eddy is NOT the place to go if you do not eat fish or seafood... unless of course, you love a good rib eye steak. There were only two items on the menu that were not from the sea. The rib eye steak and pulled pork. My date got the rib eye, and I got the pulled pork. The pulled pork was, well, different. It was a North Carolina pulled pork, so I was expecting a vinegar based pork, which it was. However, there was an extreme, (and I do mean extreme) peppery hot (as in burning) after taste that I wasn't really expecting. I think the spiciness surprised me. My pork was served with baked beans which were good and coleslaw. The sweetness of the beans and coolness of the slaw offset the heat. There was cornbread, which I found a little stale. I don't think I would order this again if I was ever to return to this place. There was a good amount of food. The pulled pork was about $18. (I thought a little pricey, but it is an upscale place). My date, like I said, got the rib eye. That was divine. Very tasty. He also got grilled vegetables which looked excellent. If the opportunity ever comes for me to return to the Back Eddy, it will definitely be the steak for me! Dessert was creme brulee which was awesome. It was definitely large enough for two to share. All in all, it was a nice dinner, and I would give this restaurant another try. I think if you like seafood, you would be quite happy here. I also think that if I had gotten the steak, I might be giving one more star! -
Review from Kurt v.
Westport, MA
Whether the weather is great or just so-so, a trip to the Back Eddy will leave a good taste in your mouth. The service staff are professional and friendly. They actually eat the food on the menu and can make recomendations. The Taylor Bay Scallops are incredible. My wife and I have always had a good time here.
Actually skip what I said, I don't want everyone to start going here keeping us from getting a seat. :) -
Review from Nick R.
East Bridgewater, MA
WOW!
Went to The Back Eddy a few weeks ago. I had heard great things about it, but finally was able to make it down. Driving it was great, you go to see lots of the South Coast area, and to boot, this place is directly on the water, right next to Westport Marina. Too bad the outside bar area was shut down due to pending rain, but still - I'm sure on a sunny day, that's prime real estate out there. Had the stuffed clams and Sangria. Great combo. The purpose of my stay was drinks and a quick bite, and that it was. Service was excellent and for the quality of the food, the price was very reasonable. For obvious reasons, if you're not a seafood lover, you will not have any use for this place, but if you are, make sure you make the trip. If I go back and am able to sample other items on the menu, I'm sure my 4-star rating will have an update with 5-stars! -
Review from Nathan I.
Mount Horeb, WI
Recipe for a really good day: a few hours at Horseneck Beach followed by dinner at The Back Eddy. Really good food, great views of the water, and friendly service await. Parking can be a bit of a hassle though... showed up at 5 pm on a foggy Tuesday and still nearly had to murder someone to get a spot. Justifiable homicide when I consider what I'd be missing ;)
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Review from P L.
Boston, MA
There must be a distinct disconnect in ratings between folks who are drinking on the dock than those inside the dining area. This is no where near a 5-star level. The entrees are certainly not to the quality they should be for the price. An overdone ribeye steak (and appeared much smaller than the menu claim) laid on top of french fries for $25 we don't consider "fine dining". No bread or salads with the entrees. Kids can pick a hot dog, overdone chicken strips or mac n cheese for $9? Seriously. We are regretting our decision to drive an hour to eat here.
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Review from Kim R.
Kensington, MD
We visited The Back Eddy last week. Since I come with 2 kids (one with food allergies), we always go to restaurants on the early side of dinner. This time we were some of the first people seated at 5:15. No line, no waiting for a table for 7.
Our server was excellent, so much so that we added to the 18% gratuity that was automatically included. She knew the ingredients in every dish from memory and was extremely accommodating of my daughter's food allergy.
The food itself was fabulous. We had 2 scallop dishes (the ones wrapped in bacon were the best by far). My lobster casserole was a bit heavy on the butter and light on other flavors (including the lobster). The PEI mussels appetizer was the best thing we had all night. A little spicy, a little creamy, just the right balance for the brininess of the mussels themselves. Fantastic.
There were plenty of other groups with the kinder along, so feel free (particularly at the earlier dinner hours). They have all the kid-friendly stuff (straw cups with lids, coloring pages, etc.). The outdoor area is great for a walk if restlessness sets in. -
Review from Jim C.
Westport, MA
Good view, food way over priced for the quality, long waiting times even with a reservation, took 30 minutes to get a drink and over 1 hour for food. Will not return.
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Review from loveseb p.
Brooklyn, NY
The Back Eddy has many good points. They focus on local food and they have a truly family friendly atmosphere coupled with a high end, considered menu. They indeed do have a great location. That said I was saddened by my experience there this evening. On a chilly Saturday December evening the dining room was also chilly and the fire place that I was dreaming about on my car ride over was turned off. I am puzzled why the wait staff is so poor at this restaurant, why no-one has seemed to have ever tasted the wines that are on the menu, for example. Our waitress this evening was uninformed and inattentive. She was just out of reach chatting with a clutch of other wait staff while we went without water, condiments etc. With a half full dining room the kitchen staff looked bored to tears, the TV in the kitchen was on and the kitchen staff was drinking beer - at 7:00 in the evening, all in full view of the dining room (they have an open kitchen). My poor steak was long forgotten on the grill. I was dismayed to be served a medium-well ribeye after I had ordered a rare/medium rare, truly a sad state for this beautiful grass fed piece of meat. Unsure if my waitress noticed either although I had pressed her when ordering to urge the kitchen to not over cook. An off night indeed! Location or no location, we have had decent meals here before and are seeing the quality in decline, it is sad that the quality is so uneven and poor as this restaurant that could be a gem and an oasis.
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Review from Katherine d.
Boston, MA
This restaurant has been on my radar for a long time, and I finally went yesterday. The place is adorable, and the views are breathtaking. It was a friday night, but this place was bumping! Easy to get a table, but the bar was overrun making it extremely loud. Complimentary pickles were provided when we were seated, i'm not a pickle fan but my companion was loving them. For entrees I ha the crab and sausage stuffed shrimp (23.50) which was just meh, it would have been much better if the stuffing had linguica instead of sausage. My cohort had the swordfish, which was delicious (24.50). We rounded out the meal sharing the apple crisp, which was a huge portion and i'd suggest getting a scoop of christina's ice cream with it which is amazing. Service overall was pretty good, and the owner(?) came over to make sure we were having a good experience.
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Review from Jill H.
Alexandria, VA
What's not to love about The Back Eddy? It's perfect for any size group or age range; the restaurant is lively, quaint & fun; and its perfect after a day at Horseneck beach.
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Review from Rene' Y.
Worcester, MA
What a beatuifu view of the water! I would give it 5 stars because the food was excellent and we sat outside for our dinner. Before we were seated, we had some cocktails on the deck, which was so nice, I even put my feet in the water LOL! The atmosphere was excellent. Couldn't ask for more.
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Review from Todd M.
Millbury, MA
This is a great place!!! It is right on the water, and offers outdoor dining. They specialize in the freshest of seafood served with the freshest produce from local boats and farms. They go beyond simple favorites like the lobster and steamers that they serve at "market" price. The also have special dishes like my favorite, "Cod loin with Peruvian Lima Beans" The dish also includes little necks and linguica, a local sausage.
Interestingly, as great as the seafood is, the place serves wonderful pulled pork!!!! Why???? I don't care!!!! If you can have a little bit of North Carolina on the Massachusetts shore, why complain!!!
I'm not sure if they have a dress code as such. The place is "upscale", but in a L. L. Bean sort of way. I've never seen anyone turned away for dress, but then again I have never seen cut-offs and tank tops either.
To get in, during high season, you want to beat the crowd that comes back from Horseneck beach, starting early afternoon. We were seated immediatly on a recent Sunday at 12:15, but there was a long wait by the time we left. -
Review from Vince R.
Boston, MA
I'm giving this 3 stars as we usually have a good time at the Back Eddy. It would have been 4 except our last experience was a bit of a let down.
We love driving down to Westport and the surrounding South Coast area on a beautiful day and always make it a point to have dinner at the Back Eddy. The food is indeed very delicious. Since they don't take reservations and you're faced with a wait, then head over to the back dock and enjoy a cocktail al fresco and great views of the harbor and sunset. They also have a raw bar and other light snacks while you wait. During the summer time, bring bug spray as the mosquitoes are wicked.
Caveat - Expect a long wait after 6pm on a Saturday Night.
I've been here maybe 5 or 6 times over the years but I must say, my last visit wasn't all that great. I admit our timing was awful. We didn't get to the restaurant until 7 pm and were faced with a 2 hour wait, and it was a FULL 2 hours. The hostess gives you a buzzer to notify you when your table is ready. Well, the buzzer goes off and we head to the hostess station and she lets us know our table is outside (with the terrifying mosquitoes). We decline and she says its another 40 minute wait. (See smoke coming out of our ears.) We would have left except there isn't a whole lot of places to go in Westport. We ended up waiting only an additional 10 more minutes, and the hostess lead us to....an unmade table; dirty dishes and glassware from the previous party. So we stand there while the busboy sets the table. The service can be spotty and tonight was a prime example. Lots of back and forth of forgotten things; and for the prices they charge you would think substituting baked beans for french fries would be no big deal...it's a big deal there. While waiting for our food I came to realize how LOUD this place is; and the pace is frenetic especially if you are seated in the path to the kitchen or bussing areas. There's a constant throng of wait staff yelling and picking up orders. What is usually a nice dinner felt more like clam shack ambiance. I'll probably still go to the Back Eddy but definitely not after 6 pm. If it ends up being this late, I'll just assume drive over to the Handy Hill Creamery for burger, fries and an awesome frappe. -
Review from Kim S.
Framingham, MA
So good! Awesome vibe! Best shrimp! Everything is so fresh and the staff is great! Skip bayside (which is awful) and go here! It's night and day!!!
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Review from Alexis K.
Brooklyn, NY
I go to Westport Mass every few years for vacation, as the beaches are really nice, and there's virtually no one there, ever.
The Back Eddy is certainly not the only place to eat around here, but it's the most visible place, probably in all of the Buzzard's Bay area (for those of us from anywhere other than New England, that's the spot between Newport and the Cape).
Good drinks and good eats, and a dock that seems to be only for drinking, in spite of the boats tied up there to the contrary.
I make my own stuffies at home (again, for those of you not from there, stuffies are stuffed clams), and I think they are better, if only because they have as much clam as I want them to, but they do pay attention to having local and seasonal specials and ingredients, always a plus.
I guess that the only, only complaint I would have is that, while drinks are SO MUCH CHEAPER than in New York, food is really expensive here, even by the standards I've grown accustomed to.
Good salads!
(I may not look like it, but I love me a good salad) -
Review from Alex Z.
Boston, MA
I love going to the back Eddy! Its so much fun to hang out in the back outside and have drinks with friends before a yummy dinner! Wait can be long but its fully worth it!
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Review from barbara c.
Boston, MA
The best spot for a summer night. Had cocktails and oysters on the half shell on the dock while we waited for a table. Had a good mussel appetizer and scallops wrapped in bacon for a main course. Above average food with a stellar view, can't think of another restaurant that compares with the waterfront setting.
