New Bedford Eats: Seafood on the pier, crabs for under a $1, and jonnycakes

Faith Harrington, Standard-Times
·4 min read

Can't you just feel the cool breeze in your hair and the smell of the ocean in the air? Well, you are about to with outdoor patios and seasonal spots opening up.

It's the best time of the year to try out updated menus, new places, or revisit your old favorites. There are so many places to try and dishes to indulge in. Each week we bring you New Bedford Eats to give you ideas of where to dine, food specials, and events happening on the SouthCoast.

So grab the family, your friends, or take a solo trip to one of these places serving great food and even better prices.

Get your seafood fix on the Pier

The Whale's Tail Clam Bar on Pier 3 in New Bedford.
The Whale's Tail Clam Bar on Pier 3 in New Bedford.

Pier 3 is filled with the alluring scent of fried seafood once again as The Whale’s Tail officially opened for the season. Head down to 52 Fisherman’s Wharf, New Bedford to dig into these golden delicious treats while enjoying the ocean breeze. Try the Scallop Roll filled with nbma’s finest scallops, tartar, griddled brioche served with fries for $19.95; or share the Fishermen’s Platter loaded with scallops, shrimp, whole belly clams, lightly breaded or battered fish served with fries slaw for $38.95.

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A taste of history with a side of maple syrup

Enjoy a taste of the past with a meal of jonnycakes, made of native flint corn, grown and ground at Harry Here Farm, and served with Massachusetts tapped maple syrup, local jam, and coffee roasted fresh at the Dartmouth Grange 162. From 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22 and April 29 enjoy a locally-sourced, family-style meal that will cost $12 per adult and $8 per child – tickets will be sold at the door on both days, and take-out is available (cash or check only). Homemade baked goods will also be for sale. The Dartmouth Grange is located at 1133 Fisher Road, Dartmouth.

Arcade games and food specials in New Bedford? Sign me up!

Check out the Capri Island Sliders at Play Arcade.
Check out the Capri Island Sliders at Play Arcade.

Bring back the nostalgia of simpler times by spending the day or night playing some old-school arcade games and eating some grub. The Play Arcade has new specials each month,  his month you can chow on Capri Island Sliders made with fresh-cut fried mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, freshly made pesto, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze; or The BLasTer Pizza with a garlic oil base, pizza blend cheese, bacon pieces, with cold crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of Mayo on top. The gaming begins at 34 Union St., New Bedford.

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Feeling crabby?

Get your live Jonah Crab for $.99 a pound at Fisherman's Market Seafood Outlet.
Get your live Jonah Crab for $.99 a pound at Fisherman's Market Seafood Outlet.

Want to cook a nice quiet dinner at home? Drive over to Fisherman's Market Seafood Outlet at 20 Blackmer St., New Bedford. This week’s special is live Jonah Crab for $.99 a pound; they also have fresh tuna fillets for $14.99 per pound or 10/20 dry day boat sea scallops for $18.99 a pound. Make yourself, your family, or your friends a seafood feast this weekend.

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New menu alert

New on Thirsty Whale Tavern's menu is the Baked Stuffed Salmon.
New on Thirsty Whale Tavern's menu is the Baked Stuffed Salmon.

The Thirsty Whale Tavern is kicking off new menu items this week sure to hit any craving you may have. Check out the Baked Stuffed Salmon which is stuffed with crab meat, served with broccoli, and topped with a lemon beurre blanc for $20; or the Chicken Tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and Boom Boom Sauce for $16. There are more items to try at 24 Cove Road, South Dartmouth.

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The patio is open!

Eat the Chilean Seabass on the patio at The Cove.
Eat the Chilean Seabass on the patio at The Cove.

Ready to feel the cool breeze on your face while you try some new summer menu items at The Cove Restaurant? With the patio now open and the warmer weather heading our way it’s the perfect time to try some new menu items like the Chilean Seabass topped with a passion fruit and herb butter, served with rainbow carrots and cilantro rice for $38; or the Honey Miso Baby Back Ribs which is fire braised ribs glazed with a red miso sauce served with fries and a honey Asian slaw for $28. Located at 392 Davol St., Fall River.

14 is a lucky number for lunch specials

What's for lunch? The Reuben Pretzel Sliders at Fireside Classic American Grille.
What's for lunch? The Reuben Pretzel Sliders at Fireside Classic American Grille.

A special lunch menu awaits at Fireside Classic American Grille, 30 Bedford St., Middleboro. They have 14 items for $14 that can be prepared in 14 minutes. Can’t beat the Reuben Pretzel Slider, Braised corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese on three salted pretzel sliders; Chicken Stir Fry, Fireside Rice, stir fry vegetables, crispy rice noodles, and grilled teriyaki chicken; The Pilgrim, oven roasted turkey, sausage stuffing cranberry mayo gravy served multigrain bread served with whipped potatoes; or Teriyaki Salmon, salmon covered in a teriyaki glaze with grilled pineapple served with fireside rice and rice noodles. All these and more are served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Do you have a special deal, menu item, or food-related events to entice the local foodies? Share it with us at fharrington@s-t.com.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Summer menu items, seafood specials, arcades: NB Eats