The Thirsty Whale

Boston and the surrounding environs are known for their traditional pubs, many of which are influenced by the region’s Irish, historical and nautical heritage. The Thirsty Whale, located in the heart of Newburyport, is no exception.

Previously known as the Gallery and Grille at the Thirsty Whale, new ownership took over in the fall of 2006. The Thirsty Whale is in a venerable brick building that is approximately 150 years old. There are two sections to the pub and restaurant. The Bar offers a few tables and chairs, and behind the wall is the restaurant.

There are a nice selection of local microbrews on draft including beer from Boston’s own Sam Adams and Harpoon Brewery. The Ipswich Ale brewed a couple of towns away has a sweet refreshing light malty taste with very subtle hoppy undertones. A nice option for a beautiful spring day.

What should I eat at The Thirsty Whale?

The menu includes your garden variety appetizers, sandwiches and burgers; however, the daily specials are the highlight of the menu. The seafood cakes and baked beans are an excellent choice. The meal comes with coleslaw and homemade tartar sauce. The seafood cakes are plump and the Boston-style baked beans are hearty and are redolent of brown sugar and molasses with bits of bacon. Although it doesn’t come with the meal, a special request was made for a side of brown bread. The moist, sweet, griddled bread comes with a side of butter.

Whether you come for traditional old-fashioned fare or something a little more contemporary, The Thirsty Whale offers a little bit of both, but always with friendly service.