Dining in the Valley

On these summer days when you don’t want to travel too far or make a production of going to a more populated beach, roll down your windows, crank up Bob Marley and enjoy the scenic ride to Plum Island. Just beyond the waterfront town of New­buryport, Mass., — home to a wonderful rail trail, shops and many dining options — sits Bob Lobster.

The seafood shanty across from the iconic pink house on Plum Island Turnpike serves up fresh fish in a casual setting. It’s a great spot for families, friends and cou­ples. The restaurant’s namesake, a local lobsterman, and his wife opened Bob Lob­ster in 2001 as a seafood market, before four friends from Plum Island took over the business.

I had never eaten at Bob Lobster, even while working on Plum Island for a year, so it was time to make the pilgrimage. My family joined me for my first visit, which was also our first visit to any restaurant since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

My husband, Bill, who grew up eating fried clams at Kream ’n’ Kone during family vacations to Cape Cod, couldn’t get enough of the Fishermen’s Platter, a bounty of fried scallops, haddock, shrimp and clams.

“The delicious food and cooperative weather brought back wonderful memories of summers gone by,” he said.

Generously portioned, one platter can be shared, especially if it’s accompanied by 2 pounds of steamers.

My son enjoyed the experience so much he asked if we were on vacation. Bob Lobster is just far enough off the beaten path and only a few minutes from one of the most peaceful beaches in New England.

If you don’t want to go through the trouble of cooking your own lobster at home, treat yourself to an evening of look­ing out at the beautiful salt marshes while savoring the simplicity of fresh seafood. I suggest substituting the French fries for the crispy onion rings. The meals also come with a tasty slaw.

Michael Barson of Atkinson dines at Bob Lobster on a regular basis. He enjoys the setting, cheerful service and outdoor seating.

“The tasty fish sandwich is so huge it could feed two,” he said. “The scallops are sensational, and the onion rings are excellent.”

Outdoor seating and ample parking allow you to enjoy a freshly steamed lob­ster while watching the sun set or a plate of fried clams after a day at the beach. Con­sider making Bob Lobster a destination and enjoying the serenity of Plum Island.

BOB LOBSTER

49 Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury

Specialty: Seafood. Selection ranges from chowders and fried seafood boats and platters to salads, sandwiches, pou­tine and an array of specialty lobster rolls (wasabi, anyone?).

More info: boblobster.com, Facebook and Instagram