Arriving in Manchester-by-the-sea, we had lunch near the Commuter Rail station. This restaurant was recommended by ChatGPT, but it was just okay; perhaps the town is too small, with limited options. New England Clam Chowder: Rich, flavorful, and delicate, but unfortunately a bit too salty. Mussels: A classic New England preparation, with a strong wine aroma, but the acidity wasn't prominent. A touch of tomato added umami and balanced the richness of the butter, which was quite good. However, the mussels were a bit small, slightly affecting the overall experience. Baked Local Haddock: The haddock was quite fresh, but it was overcooked even than I usually do - does that make sense? The asparagus was simply blanched and completely tasteless. Surprisingly, the best dish was the mashed potatoes. House Greens Salad: Delicious! The vegetables were very fresh, the vinaigrette's acidity was crisp and refreshing, with a slightly sweet aftertaste that balanced it out, preventing it from being too overpowering. House Fried Rice: This fried rice was absolutely awful, a contender for the worst I've ever eaten. It was both overwhelmingly sour and salty, completely inedible, and tasted like the vinaigrette in our salad. Don't ask why I ordered fried rice in a small American town; my parents wanted it... However, after complaining to the waiter, the dish was served for free, which was a pretty good outcome. read more

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i was looking for a new place to find some decent steak tips locally, and came across cala's. i believe it was recommended to me by a foodie i met at another restaurant in lynnfield, specifically for the steak tips. bri was my host & server, and she provided excellent service the entire time. i ended up trying their prime rib sandwich instead, bri said it was her favorite, and it was really delicious! stuffed with meat & extra cheese, and great dipping sauce. the fries were made perfectly crispy. cala's is a local dive bar with good quality food. all of the tables near the bar & the bar were full of people who knew each other. it doesn't seem like the regulars are used to new people coming in, but the staff were more than friendly. prime rib sandwich 9.5/10 pineapple blackberry mocktail 10/10 i really liked the prime rib, and i'll return to try their steak tips. no frills, good food, locals bar. deadhead decor, included! ambiance: 4.8/5 food: 5/5 drinks: 5/5 service: 5/5 cala's: 5/5 read more

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My friend and I came here for our birthday and ordered the following: Fried pickles - I'm not a fried pickle person, my bestie enjoyed it though. Buffalo Chicken Dip - it was good, I would give it a 8/10. Steak tips with mash potatoes and veggies. Steak was seasoned and cooked to my liking. Mash potatoes were ok, needed a bit more seasoning. Would give it a 7/10. Service was friendly. All in all, will come back. read more

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Their buffalo chicken wrap and fries was delicious. They also had half priced tacos on Tuesdays. My friend got fish tacos and said they were yummy. The waitress was nice. It seems like a locals bar but had surprisingly good food. Would definitely go back and get that wrap again as well as try other things on the menu. read more

Service great. I normally wouldn't write a review on a sandwich, but I just didn't like how the chef handled such a simple request soo Turkey club came with super uncooked bacon , imagine about two minutes in your griddle so fatty, etc. server who was super sweet asked chef for new bacon and it was literally petrified burnt when she brought it back almost like they were making a point? Kind of hard to screw up a sandwich, but even the tomatoes were the end cuts. :/ It's unfortunately, a no for me to go back such an easy fix. read more

Walked in to a chill vibe with hockey decor, plants and good tunes. Rachel offered a friendly greeting as we picked our seats at the bar and delivered cold beers as requested. I asked her favorites and ordered calamari to start and honestly I wasn't in the mood for it but my friend was and I am so glad we ordered it; fresh, crispy, clean oil, delicious. My friend got the blackened blt, it was big, fresh, impressively good. I got the prime rib sandwich: perfection and the fries were delicious too. We will be back. ​ read more

We were visiting Manchester by the sea and went to this restaurant for our first dinner, this did not disappoint whatsoever! First of all, the menu was amazing and had an exceptional amount of options. The ambiance was perfect with low music and lighting, great for families and couples on date nights! Service was pretty decent... we had a waitress who was training another one which was nice to see the work progress, overall they remembered everything and were very professional, kind, and knowledgeable. read more

Cala’s - Decent amount of tables and great aesthetic! - New American Near Me - Manchester, Massachusetts

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If the food is on point and the wait staff is friendly, and at the top of their game, I like it. Also, the atmosphere must give me a sense of calm or belonging. Cala's was designed for that. This is my third time here. Manchester is a very beautiful upper-middle-class to upper-class neighborhood. There are beautiful vistas, and the neighborhood has a mix of lovely homes and mansions. I have not found all the restaurants, but this one sits on Beach Street, a very beautiful strip of mom-and-pop specialty shops and restaurants. You want to support these establishments because you don't want them to go away. Anyway, Cala's is a feel-good bar that you might see in a movie. It's small, but it looks like a good time. I have been here three times, and each time, the servers and bartenders have been super friendly and attentive. This is the kind of place where everyone knows your name. They have yacht rock on the radio, which reminds me of my childhood when my dad would pop in an 8-track of Kenny Rogers, Kenny Loggins, and the Doobie Brothers. It makes me feel so warm, and I want to sing along. It's kind of dark in here, but it's a sports bar. I feel like the dude that closed a deal could sit next to a fisherman here, and all would be family. I ordered a strawberry margarita, and it made me happy. A sugary drink with the right amount of alcohol to make my girly gene feel just right as I wait for my Cobb Salad. I added steak to my salad. Well, you can definitely go keto here, but their sandwich selection is out of the world. Someone next to me ordered the pull pork sandwich, and it was an overpacked foot-long sandwich with a healthy serving of fries. And she went AT IT! I wanted to be her at the moment, and started to miss me. Quite frankly, if I was skinny, I would try each sandwich one by one. I already know my husband is getting the corned beef. And I suspect he is really going to love it. On the third trip, I brought my son and nephew. The waitress was fantastic. Again, if you read my past reviews, you will know my son gets HANGRY. He ordered Mac and Cheese and a creamy BIG bowl of Mac and creamy-looking cheese showed up. He took no prisoners and went at it. My nephew had the tacos. He hates onions, and the pulled pork is seasoned with onions. But the waitress offered to replace it with chicken. He is a picky eater, but he enjoyed this replacement and felt happy. Me - I had that Cobb salad with the steak. The steak was medium well and juicy. These people really know how to season. I am taking one star away for the pricing. The pandemic means everyone pays more, but $27 for a Cobb salad with a steak addition is a lot. I feel bad for taking away a star, but my bill that night was $87, and I tip accordingly. Our waitress was excellent, so that night was $100+ night for dinner and one drink. My husband is with the kids tonight, and I sent him there because all in all, the place is a good time with good food. read more

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This bar is excellent for a quick bite is bu change you are in Manchester MA. Very nice ambiance. Sort of a british pop, good delicious food. Good beer and excellent service. Not pricy at all. Totally recommend this venue read more

Very much pub food in a dark pub environment. Order consisted of mussels, truffle fries and chicken wings as appetizers and fish tacos and a hamburger as main dishes. Mussel dish was a large volume of mussels but very average tasting. Truffle fries, again large amount but average in taste. Chicken wings were deeply fried to the point the skin looked and behaved like an applied batter with nothing special sauces on side . Hamburger patty was large and cooked med. rare as ordered, served with massive lettuce leaves and tiny bit of red onion but not special toppings were requested. Cole slaw was swimming in mayo type dressing to the point the taste was very much the dressing with some crunch. Fish tacos consisted of two 6" burrito wrap with highly chopped haddock and had a nice plated look but everything was so chopped a close look was required to see what actually was on the wraps. Strong drinks with above average pour, fitting for a pub. Waitress was quite friendly and attentive. Price for all the above plus two drinks was $113. so average prices. Not many choices in Manchester with two pub types, a pizza shop and an attempt at fine dining options only. Pick your poison I suppose. Nothing great, nothing terrible with Calas, hence three stars. read more

There were so many flies in the restaurant and the prices were very expensive. Never coming back

Sad disappointment. It was a beautiful day to catch up with friends visiting from out of town who were looking forward to some north shore seafood. 3 out of 4 meals were barely eaten (including fried clams that were reportedly "off" and the baked haddock which was unremarkable except it appeared pan seared with a strange onion/cream sauce). We didn't complain at the time out of courtesy, but I hope management recognizes when meals are left uneaten it's a sign that something is wrong. read more

I had a nice experience here yesterday. Our waitress was super friendly and very attentive (she at one point disclosed that she was new; she did a great job!) Got the yucca fries appetizer (nicely seasoned fries + an amazing aoli), clam chowder (tasty, great proportions of the bits inside), and steak tips (yum)! My friend got the shrimp mac and cheese and loved it. The vibe in the building is chill, clean, and comfortable. Please note that they don't serve mashed potatoes before 5:00 PM. It was my preferred side for my main dish, since it's listed on the menu, but it wasn't available. That's the only thing I'd ask they maybe reconsider. :) Great spot all-around! read more

Cala’s - Steak tops, broccolini, caesar salad Shrimp mac n cheese - New American Near Me - Manchester, Massachusetts

Wonderful staff despite being quite busy! They checked on us frequently and made the dining experience great! It has a pub kind of feel rather and not much charm, but the food is good. We got the fish tacos and the baked haddock both of which were 5 stars each! Good portions and great,fresh taste We also got a side of sweet potato fries for which they didn't charge us- so that was a sweet surprise! :) For dessert we had the caramel apple tartlet which also did not disappoint! read more

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Decided to have a day trip to Manchester by the Sea, and Cala was on our list of places for lunch. Enjoyed the service and the food! The calamari was a bit too salty, but other than that, we loved it! The fish and chips were great (big portion, so be ready for that!) but it was all fresh. The atmosphere was welcoming for sure. Overall, really enjoyed it. read more

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Fantastic New England Clam Chowder with very little potato and lots of chunks of clam in a buttery delicious base. The Mexican Street Tacos were also quite tasty with the smoked pulled pork and a slightly tangy green tomatillo salsa and onions. Highly recommend! Ambiance is casual pub style with TVs around the outsides. read more

Cala’s - Front door - New American Near Me - Manchester, Massachusetts

Incredibly friendly staff. Fun atmosphere. Good crowd of locals. Sports on. Very warm vibe.

Has no seating for groups of more then 3 people. Went here with my family of 5. Adults had to sit at the bar and kids had to sit at a table far from the bar. The kids weren't allowed near the bar so they couldn't talk to the parents. The waitress ignored the kids. Didn't get menus, drinks, or a chance to order. Two hotter guys were next to us and the waiters kept going to them, offering them free drinks, checking on them every 5 minutes. Also super cramped and no place to wait while they get your table ready. Would NOT reccomend read more

Worst fish taco I ever had! Service was good, but food was terrible! Fish smelled so bad!

Swiss burger, side salad Pulled pork tacos and hand cut fries... apple-cranberry crisp all was so tasteful, great flavors... fun little place with an amazing waitress Hannah!! She's the greatest.. fun, bubbly, jokey everything you'd love coming to a pub... read more

Food was standard bar cuisine, the Reuben was delicious! Our waiter was fantastic!!! Very efficient and attentive even with several tables and patrons at the bar! The ambiance is quaint. I liked everything about this small little watering hole! read more

Met here for lunch with a peer and business associates. Service is great. Wait staff is very attentive. I ordered a Poké bowl and absolutely loved it. Everyone was more than satisfied with their meal. Will go here again. read more

We decided to try Cala's yesterday after walking around and checking out other places to eat. Everything was terrific. We started with the mussels for an appetizer and they came out hot and delicious. I got the arugula salad with salmon, very good. I like that the salad wasn't drowned with dressing, it was just enough. Hubby got clam chowder and the haddock taco's. He said it was great. We frequent the area by boat. Nice little area to take a walk. We will definitely go back. Service was awesome too. read more

Nice friendly casual atmosphere...... Food was great, good variety. The specialty cocktails all sounded so good very creative. Pizza was made with what seemed to be like an artisan dough just baked to perfection. "It's the first time I ever saw my other half eat the crust" I was amazed. Great delivery on service and fast with the food!!!! read more

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For the most part, awful food. Service ok. Ambiance lacking, dark and cave-like, awkwardly arrange. TV on always if you like sports.

Best food in Manchester!! ! Simple place but always good food and great employees! It's making me write 85 words

Went to singing beach in Manchester by the sea and stumbled upon this place for lunch. Their burgers are pretty decent. Its a cozy dine in place. Service is great. Prices are pretty reasonable too. My friend tried their onion soup and wasn't a big fan of it. read more

Cala’s - New American Near Me - Manchester, Massachusetts

Very standard pub. Highlight was the very friendly service. Ambiance is sorta divey, sorta sports bar--they themselves invoke the TV show "cheers" and that feels pretty accurate. The food was pretty bland though. Coleslaw and fries felt very standard formulaic--the fries in particular are the same frozen-then-fried thing you could get at any bar or make at home. The fried fish sandwich was curious: it was served like a burger, on a burger bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, but the meat was a 2in*2in*2in cube of haddock that only took up like half of the surface area of the patty. Fish quality was good, everything else was pretty bland. I'd say it's overpriced for what it was. I will say that the drinks list was pretty nice and the cocktails looked great. I had a nice beer. So definitely feel this place is better as a bar than a restaurant. Still, a homey, guaranteed average place in a town with not many options. read more

Cala’s - Haddock Sandwich - Fried or Baked - New American Near Me - Manchester, Massachusetts

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Went last weekend, Food was horrible drinks were terrible did not get what I ordered or how I ordered it. I was less than pleased. I wouldn't recommend dining here read more

We have dined here previously but this will be our last time . I'm aware food costs have increased , but the food quality and quantity has suffered too . We came in for lunch yesterday. It was the three of us . My mother got a Reuben . She did not want fries so she had to pay a $2 up charge for Caesar salad . The size of the sandwich was so small in comparison to prior times when we have dined prior to. My girlfriend got a chicken caprese pesto sandwich and ordered sweet potato fries also $2 up charge . She thought the sandwich was ok but the pesto sauce was just not appetizing but she ate it because she was hungry . I got steak tips with a side Caesar and side sweet potato that's a $4 upcharge . The tips were unseasoned and very bland . Nothing special . No drinks . Total bill with tip $91 . Carla's is just not worth it . With all its upcharges , small portions and tasteless food . If you are going to charge these prices , increase the portions and get a better chef . read more

My absolute favorite place to go to in Manchester-by-the-sea! The food is always amazing and the servers are so sweet!

The service was good -the bartender is a friendly person. Lauren, maybe? The wings were good. I love Downeast Cider. My big complaint is the risotto- it is bland. Also, lobster was supposed to be fresh and I honestly have my doubts. read more

Cala’s - Larry Bird is not walking through that door - New American Near Me - Manchester, Massachusetts

Located in a hip area, and offering a homey well lit atmosphere, Cala's is above par dining in a traditional pub setting. From the apps to the drinks to the entrees, everything flavor is 5 star! Not something the regular Salem/Massachusetts tour would venture to find so the crowd is mellow and well reserved. I HIGHLY recommend this business to anyone looking for an above fantastic meal/drinking experience. AND its 100% kid friendly especially for those children who are very picky eaters. Come! Dive in! Its worth it! read more

Great service and friendly atmosphere. Best burgers around. Good cobs salad as well

Went on a random trip to Manchester By the Sea, and stumbled upon this little restaurant. Ordered clam chowder, yuca fries and prime rib sandwich. Everything was top notch - Yuca fries were a nice little surprise at an American restaurant. Go to this restaurant for fresh authentic American food. read more

We stumbled upon Cala's after tying up the boat nearby, and walking down the street to look for a place to grab lunch. The menu outside of this restaurant caught our eye so we decided to give it a try. Between the four of us, we tried a number of things on the menu- the burrata appetizer, mussels, grilled caesar, cheeseburgers, fish tacos, and French onion soup. All which were pretty good- my entree was the fish tacos and they were a bit on the plain side, and lacked flavor. I did however love the mussels and the grilled caesar salad. Overall, the food was good. Only real downside was the wait. It wasn't very busy yet it took a very, very long time to receive our food and drinks. Our drink glasses were left empty, things we had asked for were forgotten, and the whole experience took about 2 hours. I think the waitress idea needs an extra person to help her out, she seemed very overwhelmed, although friendly. Unfortunately, I'm not sure would return to Cala's and spend another $160 (including tip) based on this first impression. read more

Cala’s - Burrata appetizer - New American Near Me - Manchester, Massachusetts

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Was last here in 2015, figured it was time for an update! Went for a late-lunch / early-dinner. Started with the watermelon salad, as well as grilled brussel sprouts (with cranberries & bacon). The watermelon salad lacked flavor (outside of the watermelon & pecans). Really enjoyed the brussel sprouts (though a bit more bacon would've been great). For entrees, my wife ordered the black bean burger, which had ample guacamole; she enjoyed her meal. I ordered the boneless smoked short rib, which was cooked perfectly, was flavorful and tender. The sweet potato fries were good, I didn't really care for the coleslaw or beans (not a lot of flavor). We finished with the peanut butter icebox cake, which was ok. Overall, service was good, food was good, price was ok. read more

great location, decent bar food. Wait staff great but terrified of manager whose style resembles that of the Soup Nazi. She thinks it's ok to yell at customers starting from the moment you open the front door. She is not well equipped to deal with high traffic areas where tourists are part of the game. read more

The local "Cheers" vibe restaurant/bar where you'll always see a friendly face and the bartender knows your name. So welcoming! Food is basic pub fare, but pretty consistent. I recommend the street tacos, wings, all the salads, quesadillas, flatbreads, onion soup and the turkey club! read more

Good food and good staff and good tv but it is also very difficult to get a reservation on Friday