Fathoms Waterfront Bar & Grille
A vibrant waterfront bar and grille serving the freshest seafood with stunning harbor views and live music nights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Fathoms Waterfront Bar & Grille
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant waterfront bar and grille serving the freshest seafood with stunning harbor views and live music nights.
Avoid Peak Times
Visit during less busy times to minimize wait times and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
Try Unique Menu Items
Explore adventurous dishes like lobster mac or Asian bone-in chicken wings for a standout culinary journey.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, American
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(508) 993-3400
Address
255 Popes Island, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA
Website
fathomsbarandgrille.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Seafood with a View
Enjoy the freshest seafood, including oysters and lobster, with stunning waterfront views of the harbor and boats.
Signature Seafood Dishes
Indulge in perfectly cooked calamari, fresh fish and chips, and delicious seafood platters that locals rave about.
Vibrant Waterfront Atmosphere
Experience live music nights and a lively bar scene in this maritime-themed restaurant right on the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Peak Times
Visit during less busy times to minimize wait times and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
Try Unique Menu Items
Explore adventurous dishes like lobster mac or Asian bone-in chicken wings for a standout culinary journey.
Embrace Outdoor Seating
Opt for outdoor seating to fully appreciate the stunning harbor views while you dine.
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Peak Times
Visit during less busy times to minimize wait times and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
Try Unique Menu Items
Explore adventurous dishes like lobster mac or Asian bone-in chicken wings for a standout culinary journey.
Embrace Outdoor Seating
Opt for outdoor seating to fully appreciate the stunning harbor views while you dine.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fathoms Waterfront Bar & Grille is praised for its exceptionally fresh seafood and picturesque waterfront location, with many highlighting the oysters, calamari, and chowder as standouts. However, some diners have experienced significant issues with service, including long wait times for reservations and disorganized front-of-house operations, leading to disappointment despite the quality of the food.
"Mom and I went today. It’s a nice large space. The staff was really friendly. Mom had sautéed lobster in a cherry sauce with mashed potatoes and asparagus.. The steamers were really good. You could taste and see garlic, hot pepper flakes tons of flavor in the broth could use a little more clams ! lol I had a lobster roll with a nice toasted bun. You’re able to get two sides with that as well fries and coleslaw. They have a fish market right next-door. Lots of great fresh seafood. The prices are unbelievable. It was worth a trip from Milton. I didn’t have any drinks, but I love a martini and they have large glasses for the martinis.
They also had steamed lobster on the menu. The menu is pretty expansive."
Elizabeth S
"Stopped by Fathoms for some lunch. Been awhile. Had a cup of their chowder. Thought it was excellent. Had a stuffed quahog and it was great as well. Also had bacon wrapped scallops and they were okay."
Tim Gago
"I wish I could give a higher rating for the food, but sadly I cannot. Had the scallops and clam dinner with broccoli. Broccoli was cold. Seriously only had 5 scallops and a kid size portion of clams. They were just ok as the scallops were gummy. Also had the swordfish...very small portiion and the asparagus was burnt. Very busy place that seems to put making $$ over quality. Was super excited to try this place and was really disappointed."
Marty Cegelka
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Fathoms is highly regarded for its fresh seafood, with popular mentions of oysters, calamari, and fish and chips. ^R1, ^R3, ^R8
Yes, Fathoms offers outdoor seating, often described as being right by the water's edge with views of the harbor and boats. ^M1, ^R3, ^R10
Popular dishes include their fresh oysters, clam chowder, calamari, fish and chips, and lobster rolls. ^R1, ^R4, ^R6
Reservations can be made, but some diners have reported long wait times even with a reservation. It's advisable to confirm policies and arrive early if possible. ^R1, ^R2, ^R7
Yes, Fathoms is known for live music nights, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere. ^M5
While not explicitly stated, the restaurant appears to have a relaxed, waterfront vibe, suitable for casual dining. ^M1
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The 10 Best Restaurants In New Bedford, Massachusetts
Many of the best restaurants in New Bedford – including several of those featured in this list – are in downtown New Bedford, in close proximity to the city’s iconic port, but Waterfront Grille is one of the few to be right on the waterfront. It’s easy to guess that the picturesque view of the docks it overlooks, bustling with boats and fishermen, is a show- stopper, especially if enjoyed from the enchanting outdoor patio. Inside, the restaurant is equally captivating, and decorated with spot-on fixtures in a maritime theme.
New Bedford Halal Food & Travel
Waterfront Grille - 36 Homers Wharf ☎ +1 508 997-7010 Opening Hours: Lunch-9, 10, or11PM $$ Big, spacious family seafood restaurant with sushi bar, amid historic stone counting houses and customs buildings on the harbor with a nice view of New Bedford's fishing fleet docked. Excellent food, which you don't always find in a restaurant of its size. Arguably the best fried calamari in Massachusetts.
Top 7 Southcoast Sushi Spots
Located on the docks of Downtown New Bedford overlooking the Acushnet River, The Waterfront Grille offers up both a scenic view and delicious sushi bar where the fish is truly caught fresh from the backyard of the restaurant. Between the scrumptious appetizers and the premier seafood, I highly suggest the Waterfront Grille for a date night or an evening outing.
Outdoor Dining? Here Are Your Favorites
Just west of the New Bedford-Fairhaven bridge, Fathom’s Waterfront Bar and Grille serves a range of specialties, but fresh seafood is a mainstay, straight from fishing boats that catch seafood daily. Both commercial and personal boats dock a few feet away from the restaurant’s popular deck.
11 Best Restaurants in New Bedford, MA for 2025 (Top Eats!)
255 Popes IslandNew Bedford, MA 02740(866) 946-3360 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. In a riverside hangout with a boat dock for guests, Fathoms Bar and Grill, which was created in 2010, serves seafood, beverages, and provides live music nights.
The Best 5 Seafood Restaurants in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Talk about fresh: Owned by a local fisherman and seafood wholesaler, Fathoms goes deep on seafood options from its sister fleet of boats. 255 Popes Island, New Bedford, 508-993-3400, fathomsbarandgrille.com.
Events from August 31, 2023 – September 1, 2023 › Music
He also is the lead singer for the popular band What Matters?. March 20 @ 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm John Debellis at Cisco
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit