Jack-Tar American Tavern

With a reservation, we arrived a few minutes early for dinner last night. We were sent to the bar to wait a few minutes which turned into 15 minutes. We sat at the bar and were completely ignored for the entire time by the bartender. She never even greeted us. Finally she took our order but only poured one of the three drinks we ordered. She did not make the other two drinks until we were heading for our table. The place was busy but there were several empty seats at the small bar. Things got worse when we were seated in a crowded hallway space just outside the kitchen with waiters jostling my wife as they walked behind her at least three times. What's the point of having a reservation if you're seated in a hallway. The waitress was slow to refill water, clear dishes and seemed poorly trained. My entrée was the Halibut special which was very good but the service experience throughout the evening ensured we will not return. There are many other better choices in Marblehead.

This is a very nice restaurant that will please discriminating palates.  CAUTION:  The restaurant is behind 126 Washington Street, down the steps.  The place at street level is not very nice.  We went on 4th of July before the fireworks celebration.  Our two high school boys had the different burgers and they were excellent.  My wife and I were both drawn to the scallops-- WOW.  Sea scallops just browned on the outside in a bed of risotto with garlic and edamame, plus a nice salad with beautiful tomatoes and asparagus.    I think we had 6-7 scallops each which was more than enough.  The scallops were done just a bit over, but my wife said they were excellent.  (I like my food undercooked).  For an appetizer we shared a plate of fried clam bellies.  These were the most tender clam bellies I have ever had, and I have had more than my share.  I do not know how the chef makes these clams so tender-- wonderful.  The fare was very reasonable.  Our bill including a beer, two glasses of wine, and a rootbeer came to $92 before tip.

Great food and ambiance without being pretentious. Cozy, yet kid friendly (went with our four month old). Amazing pizza and only $5 with special. Delicious. Would definitely return. Seafood risotto outstanding. We weren't drinking, but were both eager to try a cocktail next time we go.