We’re always happy to hang out on a deck next to the river, feasting on a plate of fried clams, and that’s precisely what you can do at Drift in Essex. A fresh update on your typical seafood joint, you’ll find all the classics (fried scallops, fish and chips, lobster rolls both hot and cold), plus some elevated offerings like spicy shrimp in a pool of cheesy grits, smash burgers, deviled eggs topped with lobster, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and lobster mac-n-cheese; i.e., a taste for every palate! 

The cocktails are colorful and creative: my Strawberry Letter 23  was a refreshing blend of vodka, housemade vanilla simple syrup , ruby red grapefruit and sparkling water.  Next time I’ll try the Watermelon Margarita, or Blood Orange Bourbon Smash. 

There’s plenty of seating on the deck overlooking the Safe Harbor Dauntless Marina with expansive upriver views. Inside, the fully renovated restaurant offers plenty of seating. And make sure to check out the separate riverside bar, perfect for sipping those kooky cocktails. 

Hours: Tuesday-Thurs 11:30 am-8 pm, Fri-Sat 11:30 am-9 pm, & Sun 11:30 – 8-pm Find Drift on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatdrinkdrift/