The Studio

Location. Location. Location. They say is the key ingredient for success. The Studio is a little off the beaten path, but so worth the short drive beyond downtown Gloucester. Here is why. The view. Sitting on the harbors edge on Rocky Neck, the studio has a stunning view and outside deck. While we were there, a water taxi dropped a party off right at the foot of the deck. It is atmospheric, especially if you want to feel like you are in/at the harbor. The food was delicious too! I was surprised to receive three fish tacos when I was expecting only two. And though I thought three would be too many, they were so good I could not resist enjoying them all. Spiced just enough with kernels of corn, they every bite was a flavor filled delight. My partner enjoyed the fish sandwich and house cut “frites” (small French fries). Both were really good. They have a variety of other sandwiches and entrees- so something here for everyone. We were also very happy with the variety of craft beer, too. Better than any restaurant we’ve been too for lunch in a long time.

Had a great table overlooking the harbour. Sadly, we were attended by "Hailey's Waitress" (comes around every 80 years). Bright and bouncy, she had plenty of time to chat with colleagues and other tables. When we finally got her attention (the ice in my drink had completely melted), she was surprised that we hadn't got our food. She appeared a few moments later with the saddest sushi we have ever seen. Who wants grey avocado? We paid our drinks bill and left. The Studio redeemed itself in part for a late lunch. We were the only table there so service was good, unsurprisingly. Very good burger with salad and fish tacos with fries.

We came for lunch and it was not busy. we sat outside which was great. but felt rushed while ordering. We all wanted fried clams but Were told no because only served on the weekend. This is a seafood place, right? Our server never asked how our food was or cooked. The check was brought and never asked if we wanted dessert or anything else. which was fine considering they started clearing the table. The music was loud and the staff was not very friendly. At least the view was nice.

Arriving in Gloucester after a six-day trip on our boat, The Studio was highly recommended, welcoming dogs on their outdoor deck. We stopped in and made a reservation and emphasized with the host that we had a dog and they ensured us that dogs were allowed on their outside deck. We were thrilled, we were ready for a sit-down dinner with views. When we arrived a few hours later, we were told that their deck was closed due to “rain on and off all day” and that they would not be able to accommodate us. Without going into details about the weather, there was no offer for any other option for a meal at The Studio, not even an offer for takeout. It was unclear why we did not receive a courtesy call informing us that their deck was closed as they asked for our phone number when we made the reservation. I should also add that I requested a reservation for 6:30 but was told 6:15 would be better, I accepted. When we arrived, the restaurant was less than half full and I had spent the few hours prior exploring the local galleries with not a drop of rain.

Long time Gloucester resident- Went there with a few friends at the beginning of the summer. Was so disappointed to see they got rid of their great sushi menu and replaced it with mediocre food that you can get at any other restaurant (ie. burger, fried fish, lobster rolls). The waitress was also pretty mediocre- called me a kid while she handed me my glass of wine. Drinks were fine (kinda tacky), one person I was with got the “truly shark bowl”, not a single gummy shark in it. If you want some good food go to the Franklin or Passports. If you want good drinks go to Drift.

My husband and I are not picky people at all but this was truly one of the worst experiences we have ever had. When we arrived, we were told they did not have any tables inside or outside available because they were waiting for the larger groups to come and sit at the tables. They told us we could sit at the bar if we wanted to, so that’s what we decided to do. It took FOREVER to get any service. Mind you, there was basically no one in the bar area. When we finally ordered the food, it took almost an hour to come out, and that was only after we asked the waitress to check on our food. The fish tacos were good but the grilled chicken sandwich was very thin. The roll took up most of the sandwich. Calamari was good. Meanwhile, during this time, none of the tables inside ended up being used like they told us they would be. The whole experience was bizarre. The view was nice but definitely not worth driving up from Boston.

Had a great table overlooking the harbour. Sadly, we were attended by "Hailey's Waitress" (comes around every 80 years). Bright and bouncy, she had plenty of time to chat with colleagues and other tables. When we finally got her attention (the ice in my drink had completely melted), she was surprised that we hadn't got our food. She appeared a few moments later with the saddest sushi we have ever seen. Who wants grey avocado? We paid our drinks bill and left. The Studio redeemed itself in part for a late lunch. We were the only table there so service was good, unsurprisingly. Very good burger with salad and fish tacos with fries.

We came for lunch and it was not busy. we sat outside which was great. but felt rushed while ordering. We all wanted fried clams but Were told no because only served on the weekend. This is a seafood place, right? Our server never asked how our food was or cooked. The check was brought and never asked if we wanted dessert or anything else. which was fine considering they started clearing the table. The music was loud and the staff was not very friendly. At least the view was nice.