Sea Level Oyster Bar

Sea Level Newburyport is not your average seafood restaurant! Since taking over the old Not Your Average Joe’s location at the city’s historic Firehouse Building in spring 2017, Sea Level has distinguished itself as the local destination for sandwiches, burgers, and market-fresh seafood served waterside with amazing views of the Merrimack River.

Sea Level offers an impressive raw bar and extensive appetizer menu featuring classic seafood starters such as steamers and fried clams (market price) plus more adventurous options including grilled octopus with carrot-rosemary white bean hummus, buffalo-style calamari, and house chowder fries – seasoned french fries topped with clam chowder and cheddar cheese. Entrees range from expertly prepared lobster, haddock, and yellowfin tuna dishes to local-inspired standouts like the “Plum Island Clambake”  – 1¼ lb lobster served with littleneck clams, mussels, Italian sausage, smashed potatoes, and grilled corn.

But calling Sea Level a “seafood restaurant” doesn’t tell the whole story. Alongside the crab cakes and mussels, shrimp linguine and baked seafood pie you’ll also find roasted Statler chicken and steak tips, and even nachos and tacos. The local-focused drinks menu features 20 craft beers from Newburyport Brewing Company and Ipswich Ale Brewery.

Seating options are nearly as varied as the menu, with room for 140 indoors plus additional tables in a front patio across from Newburyport’s historic Market Square and in back overlooking a wide expanse of lawn with the boardwalk and Merrimack River just beyond. Inside, the clean, contemporary décor plays well against the traditional brick of the historic building it shares with the Firehouse Center for the Arts.

With its crowd-pleasing menu, ample seating, and great people watching, Sea Level Newburyport is the perfect seafood restaurant for a date or girls’ night out. It’s also a favorite among families looking to enjoy “something for everyone” in a fun, casual atmosphere.