The Lobster Shanty
Written by Mr. Salem on August 18th, 2007 7 Comments
The Lobster Shanty
25 Front Street
978 745.5449
NOTE: The Shanty still opens in April but now closes on January 15th and is apparently under new ownership.

The Lobster Shanty is a no-frills restaurant and bar with a really laid back attidtude. If your looking for some local food don’t come here on Monday, the kitchen is only open Tues - Sun till 9pm. But if you’re looking to grab a cheap beer and chill out, grab a seat at the bar or sit outside and enjoy the summer air.
Along with the limited food they have a limited schedule, The Shanty is seasonal and opens in April(?) and closes up in November. But if you’re in town on a nice night in the summer this is the place to be. Live music fills the night air and the locals stay up past their bed time eating nachos and drinking $2 beers.
Food: D
Drinks: C
Value: A
Fun Factor: A
Tags: nightlife · restaurant · seasonal




















Give the Shanty a second chance. They’re under new ownership and out with a new menu and new hours. The food is great and their drinks options are getting better. The atmosphere, music, and “chill out” are all, of course, exceptional. Lets keep this one a secret from the roaming hordes of bar-hopping Salem State kids. Please?
“Salem Guy”,
Its funny that you commented on this, as just yesterday (Thanksgiving) I was walking by the Shanty and ran into the new owner. I am planning on going for food soon and I learned that the hours have now changed (see edit above).
Am glad there are new owners.
Was just about to write that place off.
The waitresses spendt more time SITING down and drinking themselves (?!?!) and seemed bothered when you request the food you ordered a half hour before. This had happened multipled times with multiple people having similar stories. Toss in that the food was awful, well….. we had a problem. I will be looking forward to the new ownership.
Cuddy,
Don’t set your sights too high, it is the Shanty after all. Today they open for the season and we will review them again soon to let you know how things are going this year. The Shanty is usually a good time but I would never call it fine dining.
Finally got over there after their new opening and menu options. The place looks great and the food was fantastic in my estimation. Wish they had more beers on tap, but still great options from the bar and the bottle. The pulled pork sandwich is a classic and any of their burgers - especially the Shanty burger and the Clyde burger - are also faves. Looking forward to your new review.
The Shanty has a new website (still tweaking it, we are) and a new outlook. We’re still laid back but we really do give a sh*t.
Check out our expanded menu and entertainment listings if you click.
http://www.lobstershantysalem.com
I took forward to your review with nervous anticipation.
Chef Wolf
PS our address is actually 25 Front Street
@ Salem Chef,
Thanks for the update.