Where to eat, shop and stay in Ipswich.
Compiled by Briana Gerrish
WHERE TO EAT
Russell Orchards
143 Argilla Road
978.356.5366.
Stop off on your way to Crane Beach to try some of Russell Orchards’ creations. Choose from a wide variety of freshly grown no-spray fruits and vegetables from the farm, or pick your own! Make sure not to miss the bakery, full of delicious pies, muffins, breads, ice cream, homemade pesto, and their delectable cider doughnuts.
Marini’s Farm Stand
259 Linebrook Road
978.356.0430
Since 1928, Marini’s Farm has been growing delicious and natural produce. Marini’s is widely known for its sweet corn and pick-your-own strawberries in the summer and its pumpkin patch and hayrides in the fall. You can also browse their selection of baked goods, ranging from fresh bread to pies to frozen treats.
1640 Hart House
51 Linebrook Road
978.356.1640.
Built only seven years after the founding of Ipswich, 1640 Hart House is a true gem of the North Shore. Quaint, antique, and unique, the Hart House is beloved for its warm ambiance, as much as its delicious food. With both a fine dining room and tavern, the Hart House lives up to its reputation as the “quaintest place in New England.”
Choate Bridge Pub and Restaurant
3 South Main St.
978.356.2931
Known simply as “The Pub” to native Ipswich, the Choate Bridge Pub is a great place for travelers seeking to rub elbows with the locals. Located in the heart of Ipswich, just next to the historic Choate Bridge, the Pub is one of Ipswich residents’ favorite haunts. Grab a bowl of complimentary popcorn and peruse the menu, complete with Ipswich seafood, pizza, burgers, and steak, while listening for local gossip.
Clam Box
246 High St.
978.356.9707
Claiming great fried food for the past 60 years, this nationally recognized landmark has attracted the attention of many prestigious magazines and television programs, including our own “Best Of” award for seafood! Although they may not have invented fried food, they certainly have perfected it in this tiny establishment. Don’t be afraid of the summer lines extending out the door; these clams are certainly worth the wait!
Ithaki Mediterranean Cuisine
25 Hammatt St.
978.356.0099
Dedicated to delighting the senses with traditional cuisine, this Zagat-rated restaurant is one of the most highly regarded Greek restaurants in America. Elegant dining rooms filled with fresh flowers and innovative food made from the very best ingredients await anyone who enters Ithaki. A function room is also available for reservation.
Christopher’s Table
5 Depot Square
978.356.6166
Brand new to Ipswich, this fine prepared-foods market boasts a wide menu of lunch and dinner options to go. Grab some gourmet sandwiches, soups, and salads for a day at the beach, or stick around and browse the bakery section, offering treats from homemade cookies and cupcakes to tortes, tarts, and freshly baked breads. The warm atmosphere, filled with delicious aromas, will keep you coming back!
Eddie’s Restaurant
40 Essex Road
978.356.6450
Eddie’s Restaurant blends American cuisine with timeless Italian recipes to create an innovative menu. The quiet dining room provides a warm atmosphere, or you may opt to eat casually at the bar with your favorite drink.
Golden Wok Chinese Cuisine & Cocktail Bar
11 Depot Square
978.356.9878
Your favorite Chinese cuisine, including the famous make-your-own noodle dishes – pick the noodles, toppings, and style!
Ipswich River General Store Deli
57 East St.
978.356.1722
Don’t let looks deceive you! This deli may look small from the outside, but contains very big things inside. This quaint delicatessen boasts gourmet sandwiches and wraps as unique as they are delicious. Top your sandwich off with one of their sinful homemade cookies!
Majestic Dragon
81 Turnpike Road
978.356.0706
A favorite for a night out with the family, or a great stop for takeout!
Marty’s Donut Land
8 Central St.
978.356.4580
Made fresh daily, Marty’s doughnuts are just what you need with your morning cup of coffee. A favorite among locals, this modest establishment boasts a dedicated clientele, ready to swap stories on their favorite stools. If you’re feeling adventurous, try stopping in at midnight (when the store opens!) to taste test a steaming hot doughnut straight from the oven.
Pomodori Roast Beef & Pizzeria
146 High St.
978.356.8800.
A favorite in Ipswich for take out, or a quick meal, including pizza, roast beef, pasta, calzones, and more.
Riverview Restaurant
20 Estes St.
978.356.0500
One of the greatest hidden gems of the North Shore, Riverview Pizza is more than just meets the eye. Although modest, this small pizza place features great original pizza, including its own special sauce. From the authentic jukebox to the enthusiastic regulars, Riverview will take you back to the ’50s to serve you a great, affordable pizza.
Spice Thai Kitchen
15 Depot Square
978.356.1828
Although the name is Spice Thai Kitchen, you will find a wide variety of Eastern delicacies within its doors, from your favorite Chinese platters to Indian spices. The warm and classy ambience, complete with unique decorations and fresh flowers, will make your dining experience here even more pleasurable.
Stone Soup Cafe
0 Market St.
978.356.4222
Although now only open for breakfast and lunch, Stone Soup is a favorite for sandwiches, soup, and a friendly atmosphere. Hosting only half a dozen tables, this small cafe is constantly bustling with friendly locals and curious out-of-towners. Although there may be a line for a table, it is well worth the wait, especially for breakfast!
Theo’s Brick Oven Pizzaria & Grill
14 Central St.
978.356.4300
Fulfilling its motto as “not just another pizza place,” Theo’s offers authentic brick-oven Italian pizza with a wide variety of toppings to choose from. The warm atmosphere is truly unlike any regular pizza place, including a fireplace and fresh flowers in the cozy dining room.
Zabaglione Ristorante
10 Central St.
978.356.5466
Located in the heart of downtown Ipswich, Zabaglione Ristorante boasts food that rivals any of the eateries of Boston’s North End. With only 10 tables, this small yet elegant dining room provides an extremely romantic and cozy ambience. The motto is that every dish is a work of art, and the restaurant lives up to its claim. The food is as visually appealing as it is delicious, making it difficult to choose just one entree.
Cafe Zabaglione
1 Market St.
978.356.6484
Just around the corner from Zabaglione Ristorante, the Cafe offers a lunch and dinner menu, as well as a delicious bakery. The Cafe’s comfortable and romantic atmosphere complements the delicious Zagat-rated menu. Sit down for a gourmet meal, or stop by later for coffee and one of the Cafe’s sinfully tempting desserts.
White Farms Homemade Ice Cream
326 High St.
978.356.2633
Known as “The Cow” to locals because of the bovine on the roof, this homemade ice cream stand is definitely worth the trip. Rated as one of the top 10 ice cream stands in the Northeast, this timeless stop is a family tradition. Choose from a unique selection of ice creams, including your old favorites and new flavors, or grab a slice of pizza from the new Sal’s pizza.
Zumi’s Espresso & Ice Cream
40 Market St.
978.356.1988
Zumi’s is a unique cafe dedicated to serving fair trade and organic coffees. The owners, passionate for world travel and great coffee, established Zumi’s as a “global village.” Even if you are not a coffee lover, you may enjoy the unique atmosphere, complete with world music, local artists’ work decorating the walls, and a heavenly aroma.
Coastal Greengrocer
55 Market St.
978.356.8500
Shop for your favorite organic and healthy foods, or grab a gourmet sandwich from their deli for a day at the beach.
Bruni’s Market
36 Essex Road
978.356.4877
A cool market that will fully stock your picnic basket for a day out in Ipswich! Choose from among sandwiches, salads, produce, bakery goods, gourmet chocolate, and beer and wine.
Ipswich Shellfish and Fish Market
8 Hayward St.
978.356.6941
Grab some fresh, hand-selected fish to cook for your grill, or choose from a selection of contemporary takeout entrees. Also browse the fish cookbooks, unique sauces, and special oils – perfect gifts for a food lover!
Marco Polo
141 High St.
978.356.0277
Blending old family recipes with regional Italian specialties, Marco Polo will delight your senses with its fresh and local ingredients. Come in for the food, and stay for the live music, courtesy of the best local bands.
Ipswich Sports Bar and Grill
24 Hammatt St.
978.356.7444
Now officially open for business, the Sports Bar and Grill serves pub fare, burgers, and nachos, as well as entrees including fish and steak. Come in to watch a game, or stop by on Wednesdays, when a local swing and jazz band performs.
WHERE TO SHOP
River’s Edge Card and Gift
15 Market St.
978.356.2363
An award-winning stop for quality greeting cards and gifts. Choose from a wide selection of stationery, local-interest books, candles, Vera Bradley products, accessories, and custom Ipswich items to commemorate your visit.
Jungle Retailers
45 South Main St.
978.356.7613
Stop in for unique Ipswich apparel, including T-shirts emblazoned with the town’s slogan “Happy as a Clam.” Perfect for local residents wanting to show their pride, or tourists wanting a souvenir.
Flowers by Petros & Sweets
36 Central St.
978.356.0003
Flowers, gifts, and sweets for every occasion. Stop in for a last-minute gift, including gourmet and themed baskets, plants, candy, and other treats.
Foreign Affairs
16 Market St.
978.356.7080
Unique and funky costume jewelry, apparel, and gifts for the woman interested in a one-of-a-kind wardrobe to match her individual style.
Forget-Me-Not
11 South Main St.
978.356.3211
A great contemporary and vintage consignment shop for women seeking a unique wardrobe.
Old Gray Sweats
978.356.2786
Old Gray Sweats takes the gray sweatshirt to a whole new level with beautiful and unique handcrafted apparel for girls and women. Girls’ sweatshirts include unique sayings and cute animal images. Also available are floral hair accessories and custom bags. Online shopping only.
Tetreault Jewelers
24 Market St.
978.356.0577
A family-owned business since 1940, Tetreault’s offers the best quality custom jewelry.
Zenobia, an Emporium
17 Hammatt St.
978.356.7978
www.ipswicharts.com/gift-shops/zenobia.html
A wide assortment of gifts, art, and whimsy awaits those who walk into Zenobia. If you are searching for unique pottery, candles, jewelry, or art by local artists, Zenobia’s brightly colored and festive shop is for you.
Foote Brothers Canoe Rentals
230 Topsfield Road
978.356.9771
This family-owned and operated business rents canoes to explore the 30-mile Ipswich River, including scenic wetlands, a wildlife sanctuary and two state parks. Lessons and instruction are available for beginners.
GALLERIES and ARTFUL SHOPPING
OTISREIN gallery
7 South Main St.
978.356.6088
Owners Susan Otis and Giselle Rein sell and display their work in various media, including ceramics, woodblock prints, and oil paintings. Also available are unique T-shirts, sweatshirts, and bags bearing images of their prints. Contained within their shop is Bluerose Beads, selling gemstone strands, Swarovski crystal, pearls, glass beads, tools, and findings.
Fine Finishes Art & Frame Shop
24 Central St.
978.356.3332
Buy decorative frames for art of all sizes, or have one custom made by the professionals at Fine Finishes!
Great Marsh Studios
43 Jeffrey’s Neck Road
978.771.6467
Beautiful art for the environmentally conscious buyer. Ten percent of the proceeds from all original photography and pottery at Great Marsh Studios go to efforts to restore the salt marsh. Stop by to browse the art, or inquire about nature and clay classes for children.
Ipswich Arts Cooperative
59 South Main St.
978.356.0239
www.ipswichartscooperative.com
This gallery showcases local artisans and artwork from watercolors and oils of regional landscapes to pottery, jewelry, photography, and stained glass. Commissions are available for portraits as well as various classes for all ages.
Luna Tuna Gallery
4 Elm St.
978.356.8848
Luna Tuna celebrates local and global artists, offering antique tribal textiles, rugs, fair-trade goods from Africa, the Caribbean and South America, and Native American crafts to decorate your home. Also available are great American crafts such as jewelry, clothing, garden ornaments, furniture, and photography.
Mimi
26 Market St.
978.356.0804
Artful gifts and home furnishings from pottery and ceramics to blown glass, jewelry and original paintings by New England artists. Bridal and gift registries are welcome!
Norris Gallery & Frame Shop
40 Essex Road
978.356.0115
Custom and ready-made frames available for all works of art.
Olde Ipswich Country Shop
83 County Road
978.356.9600
A hodgepodge of country antiques, traditional folk art, and furniture to decorate your house in a unique way. At this shop, located in a 19th-century carriage barn, both the atmosphere and the art provide inspiration for the antique-lover.
River Gallery
4 Market St.
978.356.1559
The River Gallery strives to support local artists and foster camaraderie in the North Shore. The selection of fine art, pottery, and sculpture cultivates awareness and appreciation for local art.
Ipswich Pottery
315 High St.
978.356.4842
Owner and artist Nancy Kemp-Soucy creates one-of-a-kind pottery that mixes a traditional style with an Asian flair. With its subtle hues and its multilayered glazing technique, Nancy’s pottery will truly add inspiration to any home.
Heard House Museum
54 South Main St.
978.356.2811
www.ipswichmuseum.net/houses.php
The Heard House, with its many rooms and galleries, is a definite stop for anybody touring historic Ipswich. Each room of the Heard House has a different theme, which is reflected in the artwork displayed, ranging from the China Trade Room to the Ipswich Female Seminary Room.
WHERE TO STAY
Arbor Inn Motel
153 High St.
978.356.0220
A brand new inn within short walking distance of downtown Ipswich. Surrounded by woods and wildlife, the Arbor Inn offers a serene environment, complete with a heated pool and a careful attention to detail.
The Inn at Castle Hill
280 Argilla Road
978.412.2555
www.innatcastlehill.thetrustees.org
Stunning views of pristine marshland and the Atlantic Ocean, the Inn at Castle Hill is the perfect getaway for rest and relaxation. Sip tea on the veranda overlooking the sea, walk up to Crane’s Castle and poke around, or mosey down to Crane Beach for sunbathing.
Kaede Bed and Breakfast
16 North Main St.
978.356.8000
If you’re seeking a unique stay in Ipswich, come to Kaede, where you can not only enjoy the sights of Ipswich, but also learn a bit about Japanese culture at this fabulous bed and breakfast. Learn some of the language, taste owner Makiko’s famous miso soup, or throw pottery in the studio. Kaede is a perfect combination of traditional New England and Asian flair.
Rogers and Brown House Bed and Breakfast
83 County Road
978.356.9600
Ranked as a No. 1 destination by Trip Advisor and Google, the Rogers and Brown House offers a quaint and historic stay in Ipswich. With only three bedrooms, this bed and breakfast offers a more personal stay for those seeking privacy and relaxation.
Whittier Motel
120 County Road
978.356.5205
The Whittier Motel features 20 rooms, a private swimming pool, a lounge in which to enjoy cocktails, and a restaurant open for breakfast.
Ipswich Inn
2 East St.
978.356.2431
This 19th-century Victorian house, built by a Civil War veteran and Ipswich merchant, offers a peaceful stay and gracious hospitality. Owners Ray and Margaret Morley are happy to help with anything you may need, including a fabulous breakfast and tips for local activities. Each room is individually decorated and themed to perfection.