The Beacon Restaurant and Bar is one of Boston’s best kept secrets located in the picturesque coastal community of Marblehead Massachusetts on the north shore. An authentic dining and entertainment experience awaits you for lunch and dinner 7 days a week brought to you by Executive Chef Edgar Alleyne, and his business partner, entertainment mogul Johnny Ray. The menu is an exciting mix of culinary favorites with specials that will include tomahawk steaks grilled to perfection, and the freshest seafood available to the market daily. If you enjoy outdoor dining The Beacon has the largest heated patio in town with oversized umbrellas, lounge seating, and a fire pit to keep you comfortable on chilly summer nights.
James Cape Cod
We had reservations for my Birthday dinner. Service started slow with some expresso martinis. They were good. We watched other tables getting bread. We put in an order for French onion soup and fried calamari. Service got better and our waitress was very good. Apps came and soup was amazing, and calamari was a soggy mess, only two banana peppers, breading was greasy and breading falling off and it wasn’t very good. We then asked for bread, and it now came. We ordered a ribeye and crunchy potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, and a filet with sweet potato fries. Food came and looked good. But filet was asked for med rare and was medium well no pink at all. Rest was fine. Now the re fired and filet came out fast and was now rare ( edible) server gave us feee drink and removed the calamari but this is how it went.
… moreJ. D.
This is obviously the place to be in Marblehead, and the best part of the experience was people watching and talking with locals. Unfortunately, they seem a little short staffed for even a regular night. We were seated immediately, and had empty tables all around, but didn’t talk to a server for probably 10 minutes. We were ready to fully order once they showed up, and did.
My fiancee’s steak tips with demiglace, mashed potatoes and green beans was delicious. Zero complaints. Unfortunately, my $44 seafood fusili was all overcooked. Tough lobster, rubbery shrimp. Good flavor, at least, but you expect better treatment of seafood at this price point and this close to the sea.
Great atmosphere, but slow service and disappointing seafood if our experience was the norm
… moreElongen Jones
This is a very nice spot. We had dinner, and the food was great. I got the 24oz tomahawk that was cooked perfectly. My side dishes, mash potatoes, and seasonal veggies portion size were plentiful. My girlfriend got the scallops, and they were delicious as well. The band that was playing sounded great. People were getting up from their table to dance in between bites, which I thought was pretty cool. Do it Marblehead!
… moreMichele B
I visited from Chicago and decided to try the Lobster Roll as I had never had one. It was amazing! I got a spicy mango margarita cocktail that’s as also very delicious. The Server was attentive and friendly and offered suggestions. She even gave me tips on going in and out of Salem and recommend things in the area. The patio was also very pretty.
… moreKristin Applegate
This place managed to be just as cold and uninviting as the streets outside. The entry was confusing, the atmosphere felt half-hearted, and the staff acted inconvenienced by the presence of actual paying customers. Service dragged endlessly with no communication, no urgency, and no acknowledgment that anything was off—just a general sense of indifference from start to finish.
When the food finally arrived, it was a disappointment worthy of its reputation: lukewarm, poorly executed, and wildly overpriced for what landed on the table. Portions were small, flavors were dull, and presentation looked rushed and careless. No apology, no attempt to make things right—just premium prices attached to subpar food and service. The Beacon continues to coast on location alone, offering a mirage of “upscale” dining without the competence to back it up. You’ve been warned—again.
… moreDave Rossman
Wow! Very nice bar/restaurant atmosphere with a piano player on a Saturday night to set a relaxing mood. Not only were the food and drinks amazing, but the service was incredibly friendly and genuine! We had children with us who loved the food they ordered with one of them ordering the pasta from the kids menu that was well received. Our meal highlights included the Maine Steamers and Clam Chowder appetizers and for entrees the Lobster Roll and Scallops over seasonal vegetables were both amazing. For dessert, we ordered the chocolate mousse which was so good, we ordered another one. We are really looking forward to returning here on our next visit back to Marblehead.
… moreSarah Walter
We ended up at the beacon tonight by chance. Despite arriving at 5 corner kitchen ten minutes before they open, the bar was instantly filled up. Reluctantly, we walked to the Beacon as the next “best” option. We arrived, were able to be seated quickly, and ordered our drinks which promptly arrived. After having a drink, we ordered oysters. The oysters arrived and were good, very large. No one ever asked us about dinner so I had to flag someone down to order. We ordered and my fiancée got his food. My food never came. We had to inquire about my food which came ten minutes later (his food was cold). Only when my food arrived it was an ahi club sandwich…not what I ordered. I ordered the ahi tuna that came with bok choy, rice cakes, etc. I politely told the girl who served me it wasn’t what I ordered. She said, “it was.” So had to pull up the menu and show them what I ordered and they told me they’d remake it. Mind you this is now 20 minutes later and food is SUPER cold for my fiancée. I said no thanks. The bill came, no discount, nothing. We paid, walked out, and while we did, the two girls at the front were talking about the “girl who ordered ahi.” Needless to say, we will never be back. This place is a joke that pretends to be upscale and is nothing more than a mirage. Overpriced garbage.
… moreKayla Kaull
Rating: ★★★★★
The Beacon Restaurant & Bar is a standout in Marblehead, offering a harmonious blend of upscale dining and vibrant entertainment. From the moment you step in, the ambiance captivates with its chic interior and inviting atmosphere. 
The menu is a delightful showcase of culinary craftsmanship. Highlights include the Swordfish Chop, renowned for its generous portion and flavorful preparation, and the Steak Frites accompanied by a rich red wine demi-glace. Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the Pan-Seared Scallops and the Lobster Roll, both executed to perfection.   
Beyond the exceptional cuisine, The Beacon distinguishes itself with its entertainment offerings. Guests can enjoy live piano performances during the week and lively bands or DJs on weekends, creating a dynamic dining experience. 
The outdoor heated patio is another highlight, providing a comfortable setting for al fresco dining, complete with oversized umbrellas and a cozy fire pit. 
Service is attentive and professional, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or seeking a memorable night out, The Beacon delivers on all fronts.
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If you’d like to highlight specific dishes or experiences further, feel free to let me know, and I can tailor the review accordingly.
… moreAmanda
Went for Sunday brunch. GREAT food & FRESH seafood! I had the calamari (which comes with fried banana peppers-and they were AWESOME), and clams. The clams were HUGE and DELICIOUS! Ordered a drink (the kraken)-also good. I don’t drink bloody Mary’s BUT (if u do) this is the place to be. People went nuts for the build your own bloody Mary bar. My husband ordered fish tacos-must have been good because I didn’t get a bite! Also, there was LIVE JAZZ. Great outdoor seating as well-would make for a good date night spot.
… moreElena Bobrova
This is one of the most beautiful, clean and very cozy restaurants in Massachusetts. I lived in Marblehead 8 years ago and passed by this restaurant very often. Yesterday I just randomly decided to go in and take a look and I was delighted! Now this is one of my favorite restaurants. Atmosphere … Music … Food … ! Super, I enjoyed everything! Bravo
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