It’s unpretentious, serves generous helpings of fresh seafood, has walls of windows and a deck overlooking the beach, and is both fancy enough for a special occasion and casual enough for a chowder to take back to the sand.
For my parents and me, Tides Restaurant & Pub (or simply “The Tides”) near the Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant is the go-to place for seafood and beach views on the North Shore.
The town of Nahant is spread out over two near-islands — Little Nahant and Big Nahant — south on a narrow, sandy isthmus jutting out from Lynn. The town has many scenic and unique spots — The Nahant Life-Saving Station, Forty Steps, the ruins of a World War II battery that protected the area, Bass Point, “Doggy” Beach.
But the location of the Tides at the southern end of Nahant Beach makes it an ideal meeting place where you can encounter different people.
It’s an endpoint or turnaround point for runners and walkers coming from Swampscott and Lynn. It’s a stop for locals looking for a pint after surviving the rush-hour madness at the Nahant rotary. And for those lucky enough to find a parking spot at Nahant Beach, it’s a great place for takeout (there’s a separate takeout window) during a day on the sand.
Of course, it also has some quirks.
Parking is limited and strictly enforced — don’t even bother trying to find a spot to park elsewhere in town, especially during the summer. The dining room has booths that limit views, so the pub may be a better bet for sightseeing, if you can find a seat. Reservations are strongly recommended both inside and out.
But if you are even considering visiting more than once, become a Tides Advantage member. You pay a $15 membership fee and then get a $20 gift certificate, among other benefits.
My parents count it as one of their wisest investments.