Woodman's of Essex ***

I had an interesting Mother's Day. My brothers and I took my Mom and Grandmother to Woodman's up in Ipswich. Although it's not the kind of restaurant we usually take them to, they seemed to have enjoyed the more casual atmosphere.

I can't say enough: fun, fun, fun for friends and family. Get into your jeans and hope you're not germaphobic about eating on dirty floors and trash barrels within viewing distance from your table - if you get beyond that, you'll have a great time!

Ambience: Very Casual

Cuisine: Seafood, Bar Food

The Bad:

Messy tables

Sticky floors

Dirty bathrooms

Not enough staff to clean the tables as people leave

Long line to get in

The Good:

Plenty of parking

Great seafood - fresh!

Great prices

Very New England

Fun on a warm summer night

Price range: $8 - $25 depending on plate

Date rate: A definite casual date or family weekend outing. Fun place!

Woodman's of Essex
(800) 649-1773
121 Main Street, Essex, MA 01929
www.woodmans.com