Hawthorne By-the-sea - Swampscott

Haven’t been to the Hawthorne by the Sea in years. Went in for a light lunch and cocktails with a friend. I had a shrimp cocktail, my friend got the baked clams a la Anthony we both got the yummy Glover salad, of course popovers and marinated mushrooms it was all delicious. We also had delicious expresso martinis. Recommend going I think they may be closing which is sad.

Hawthorne By The Sea is a holdover from another era, and in spite of stories of its imminent demise, it seems to endure. Our food was good, if not especially inventive. The setting is quite nice, and service was good.

If I could give it 0 stars I would. The Caucasian older bartender refused to service me, even upon showing my ID.I am over 21, yet he was “uncomfortable” servicing me because he feared of “losing his job”. He didn’t approve of my ID and addressed that he will not look at any other forms of ID and refused to service us.I even tried opting out for even just a ginger ale to allow my friend to enjoy the bar, however he decided to service neither of us.The other bartender also refused to service us as well mentioning that “if we started with that bartender, then we should end with that bartender” which I found was rude. If the drinking rules and ID verification are that strict to lose a job, then I’d suggest getting an ID scanner/recognizer. I was willing to show more than one form of identification, but I feel as though the bartender was just racist and didn’t want to serve a person of color. I will take my business elsewhere.

This place is great with old school polish and service. Put on a shirt with a collar, be respectful, don’t bring loud children and the staff will treat you like royalty.

We love this place! The last bastion of the Athanas family restaurants with the full menu from Anthony’s Pier 4, the top restaurant in America for 20 years in the 1980s-90s. The food is simply terrific! Baked Clams Anthony, Glover Salad (like Caeser, but better! , and Baked Stuffed Shrimp are absolutely delicious. Traditional atmosphere without the kitsch; subtle white seaside, yet still upscale. Wonderful staff. George, the Maitre D is there to welcome you.