New Bedford
New Bedford is a city in Bristol County, Massachusetts, United States. It is located on the Acushnet River in what is known as the South Coast region, abutting Buzzards Bay. At the 2020 census, New Bedford had a population of 101,079, making it the state's ninth-largest city and the largest of the South Coast region. Wikipedia.
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Attractions
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Cheap eats
Breakfast and brunch
Bakeries
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Museums
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Multi-city stops
Top places to visit
Museum
Specialty Museums
The New Bedford Whaling Museum, located in the historic whaling capital of the world, offers a comprehensive look into the global whaling industry. The museum boasts a vast collection of artifacts including complete whale skeletons, preserved body parts, harpoons, and whalebone carvings. Visitors can explore a half-scale model of a whaling ship and learn about the city's significant role in driving the economy through whaling activities.
Great little museum with good amount of information about whaling history. We really like the large boat model in the museum. You will need at least 2hours to read through the information.
Ming C — Google review
This place not only has a great deal about the whaling industry in general, but also how it affected New Bedford’s growth as a town. Fascinating to see all of the ways the immigrants came from across the globe to the US/New Bedford due to whaling and also
how they helped contribute to US history for hundreds of years.
The museum strikes a balance between showing the usefulness of whaling and details about how things were done, and a realization that while at first the whaling was a helpful source for humans eventually it became too much due to superfluous desires of materials goods and led to the large population decline of the whales.
There’s a lot to see, we spent a couple of hours and plan to go back as we couldn’t take it all in. Additionally there are some areas for smaller kids specifically which is nice for the whole family.
Took my daughter here thanks to Bank of America Museum on Us program. It's small enough to spend an afternoon (unless you really dig into the facts and history). They got friendly staff members and volunteers. The 3D movie was also a pleasant experience.
This museum is hard to find, but it is well worth it. It is incredibly interesting and full of all kinds of New England whaling memorabilia, including a replica of a whaling ship. There are skeletons of whales and just an incredible amount of interesting things in this museum. I must’ve spent at least an hour in just the scrimshaw room alone. I can’t recommend this Museum enough.
An Incredible Cultural and Educational Experience!
I brought my family to the New Bedford Whaling Museum to experience the Indigenous People’s culture, and the exhibit exceeded my expectations! It was beautifully curated and deeply informative.
Parking can be a little tricky to find, so I recommend arriving early. Once inside, though, it’s absolutely worth it. The 3D sea lion movie was a highlight for all of us — so fun and engaging!
There are so many exhibits about the whaling industry, marine life, and ocean habitats, and they really make you reflect on the history and importance of conservation. It even inspired me to plan a whale watching trip soon!
If you love history, culture, and the sea, this museum is a must-visit. 🌊🐋
Absolutely stunning museum in a beautiful part of New Bedford. I went on a Saturday and there were barely any crowds. Which honestly made me sad because this is such an excellent museum.
The staff are friendly and do a great job up keeping this museum. There are so many interactive pieces and so much history of the surrounding area, not just whaling.
When I first walked in I didn’t realize how big the museum was either- it’s massive. You can easily make a day trip out of this. The observation deck was easily my favorite part of the museum and there are so many cute shops and restaurants around it as well. I highly recommend everyone stops here!
On the one hand this museum was an amazing history of whaling and the local environment. But on the other hand, it bears witness to the wholesale slaughter and near extinction of whole species of whales, and so it's also very depressing. But I learned a lot and enjoyed my visit overall.
WOW - this is a fantastic museum. It captures the rich history of whaling in New Bedford and so much more. Ecosystems, multi-cultural contributions, half-scale whaling ship model, indigenous-colonist relations, etc, etc. Worth many visits. I will return.
18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA•
Visitor center
Sights & Landmarks
The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center is a district rich in history, dedicated to the town's 19th-century whaling industry. This area spans thirteen city blocks and features numerous landmarks, museums, and the quaint Historic District. Visitors can explore cobblestone streets and join ranger-led tours on select days to immerse themselves in the bygone whaling era.
Excellent museum! Not only are there huge whale skeletons to amaze visitors, but a great guide who provided information about the different museum rooms and the facts about the whaling history out of New Bedford. Especially liked the scrimshaw and ships inside the museum. And great restaurants nearby!
M. M — Google review
I'm not sure if we just got lucky, but on-street parking was easy. The front desk staff was friendly, and the other staff in the museum were helpful but not overbearing.
I was expecting to see a lot more whaling info related to New Bedford ... My narrow mind didn't consider the fact that whaling was international. That said, there's a lot of history and interesting artifacts. I really enjoyed the visit. We spent about 3 hours in that seemed sufficient.
The museum was very interesting but we felt rushed thru it due to parking being restricted to 3 hours and we also wanted to visit the visitor center, Bethel house and more in the historic district. Also, beware of a volunteer named Diane who wanted to blame Pres. Trump for the halt of wind turbines....we weren't there about wind turbines, we wanted to hear Whaling history. This was not the place for politics.
We visited on a Sunday morning in mid-June 2025. At the time they were open Wed-Sun 9-5PM.
We had to find parking on the street because with our roof top carrier we would not fit into the parking garage.
The visitor itself is larger than it looks inside as the building goes further out back. The National Park Service Passport Cancellation Stamp is located to the right when you walk in. There is a large info desk with a number of rangers and volunteers to help answer any questions. My two younger kids asked to do the junior ranger which we completed on site.
Directly to the left when you walk in is the small park store they have there. There was a small selection of items there.
We went to the back of the building where they have a theater and a short film. The back of the building is also where the wheelchair entrance is and there are ramps inside the building. There is also a nice outdoor picnic looking area around the back of the building as well.
They also offered a couple ranger programs the day we were there but we only had a limited amount of time with other activities planned for the day and we really wanted to check out the New Bedford Whaling Museum across the street.
Overall I don't think we would visit again after our first visit but it was worth the first visit.
All the NPS properties were fantastic and the town of New Bedford is super charming. However, we were disappointed to find the highly advertised whaling museum is not part of the NPS and quite expensive. Be prepared to throw down over $70 for a family of 4.
The visitor center was closed due to the federal government shutdown. The visitor center is in the middle of historic downtown New Bedford and there are some interpretive signs in the vicinity. I look forward to visiting after the shutdown to get some information from the great park rangers.
Awesome place, great displays! We learned a lot. Tip: Wear a hard hat on the ship. Nice gift shop.
Fascinating place located in old historic area of New Bedford. My husband and I could have spent much longer than thr 2 hours we were there if we wanted to. There is so much to see and learn about whales and whaling.
33 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA•
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Buttonwood Park Zoo is a 7-acre zoo situated in New Bedford, Massachusetts, within a larger 97-acre park. The zoo is named after Buttonwood Brook, which runs through the area. It takes about 2 hours to explore the zoo and its surroundings, where visitors can also spot local wildlife such as frogs and birds. The zoo features animals from various continents and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Buttonwood Park Zoo is one of those rare gems: small enough for young kids to enjoy without needing a map, but packed with enough charm and variety to make every visit feel special. Tucked right in New Bedford, it’s perfect for families looking for a fun, low-stress day out.
You’ll find mostly New England animals here—think black bears, river otters, lynxes, and whitetail deer—but there are a few standout stars that add something extra. The red pandas are adorable and usually napping in impossible positions, and the Asian elephant, Ruth, is a gentle icon of the zoo who’s been there for years.
There’s a sweet little train ride and a classic carousel that kids absolutely love, plus a clean, safe playground with views of the animal habitats. You can grab lunch at the café (prices are surprisingly reasonable), or bring your own food and picnic around the grounds.
If you’re a member of the Museum of Science in Boston, good news: your membership gets you in here for free thanks to their reciprocal program. That makes it an easy choice for a spontaneous afternoon visit or a weekend tradition.
Buttonwood isn’t flashy, but it doesn’t try to be. It’s a calm, friendly space where kids can get close to animals, parents can relax, and nobody leaves feeling overwhelmed. For families in southern Massachusetts, it’s the kind of place that quickly becomes a favorite.
David B — Google review
Good smaller zoo. Easy to walk around. Had stroller rentals. Very reasonably priced which was nice. Not tons of animals, but some nice ones. Seal area was cool. We came on a Sunday in June, wasn’t too busy. They have a short train ride around the zoo. I wouldn’t recommend having lunch or using the cafeteria but overall was a good place to visit! Clean and well maintained.
I visited the zoo recently, and it was such an enjoyable experience from start to finish. The place was clean, organized, and easy to explore. One of my favorite parts was seeing the elephant. Overall, it was a great day for relaxing, educational, and full of beautiful animals. I’d definitely recommend visiting if you’re looking for something fun to do outdoors or just want to spend the day surrounded by nature and wildlife.
Place is great! Nicely kept grounds and everything is spread out nicely for an enjoyable walk around without crowding. My kids loved it, especially the sensory touch tank and Emily the Elephant! The Cafe also has very affordable snacks and food options. My oldest loved his mini pizza! The cheap admission price was the cherry on top. Highly recommend!
Wonderful zoo!! So much to offer. Great variety. Much care to the animals and grounds is done here. Wonderful to see. Thank you! ... I wish I took more pix, sorry.
Awesome renovations have been made to include indoor section with monkeys, sloths, birds etc. They are continuing to revamp their farm life section with horses, pigs, goats etc. This is a great quick 1-2 hour stroll for families. They have teain rides and a carpool for the kids along with a food court. Some of my favorite animals were the seals, otters, bears, elephant, and buffalo.
Well maintained and animals are cared for expertly! Well suited for toddlers with a merry-go-round and a "train" to take a kid size tour of the park. Lots of hands on stuff to do!
Awesome zoo!! My granddaughter and daughter love it as I do!! Worth a visit never gets old!! Two thumbs 👍
425 Hawthorn St, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA•
Park
Museums
Military Museums
Fort Taber Park, also known as the Fort at Clark's Point, is a 47-acre waterfront park located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. It features a 19th-century fort with historical military significance from the American Civil War era. The park offers expansive green spaces, a playground, and a museum that provides insight into its rich history and military architecture. Situated on Buzzards Bay, the park boasts picturesque ocean views and a mile of ocean-frontage for visitors to enjoy.
My wife and I visited our grandson at College in Boston, and the way home we stopped at Castle Island for a stroll and ice cream at Sullivan's. Love to go people watch. Used to fish here as a child before Pleasure Bay was created. Lovely scenery.
William F — Google review
Pretty cool place to explore. And you can fish bike walk etc. Kids playground also.
Disappointing really. Could be a cool place for history but seems that's gotten lost in the waste. The military museum was a pleasant surprise but that was the only good thing. Don't go if you think you'll be able to tour the fort, it's locked up and overgrown. The only fort ruin you can walk through, the smell of urine permeating just from the outside of it was disgusting. The inside is just gross and a sad reminder how no one gives a crap about the history of the forts. Speaking of crap, the smell from the wastewater treatment facility right there is nauseating to say the least. Very unfortunate. Sad to see.
Wonderful location but not maintained properly
Beautiful scenery.. Volleyball courts, pickleball courts... playground, nice beach ⛱️
Beautiful place, Went there after I finished working and the cool sea breeze just relaxed you and put you at ease.
It’s got everything a beach, walking trail, a park, fort, two lighthouses, is dog,kid and elderly friendly,great sunset views and free parking in the winter. Just gorgeous.
This park is beautiful. The water views are out of this world, plenty of food spots abound nearby, great for all.
1000C S Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744, USA•
Museum
Gift shop
Specialty Museums
The New Bedford Museum of Glass is a treasure trove of over 7,000 stunning glass pieces that showcase the city's rich history as a hub for glassmaking during the 19th century. The collection includes works from renowned local companies like The Mount Washington Glass Company and the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company, as well as pieces from esteemed makers such as Tiffany and Steuben.
A must see in the city of New Bedford. Kirk is a wonderful and funny tour guide with great theories on some art mysteries that have strong roots in New Bedford. If you are an art or history nerd, I would recommend calling ahead to make sure you can get a tour. We got a nice discount having a large group and we're catered to beautifully by the tour guide! Photos are an item from the gift shop and some fabulous pieces! I won't give away the mysteries, go visit and learn about them!
Do not miss this place!!!
Sara A — Google review
I went with a friend, and we were unprepared for the incredible side quest we just unlocked. We planned to just pop in and look around, but for only $10 we got a full two hour tour. Because we went at an odd time on a day with poor weather, we were the only two people on the tour. That meant that we were free to ask as many questions as we had. The guide was kind and had an incredible wealth of knowledge. His storytelling was captivating and while previously disinterested in glass, we hung on to every word. He brought out the black light to showcase uranium containing glass which was really cool. Very interesting experience, and we highly recommend checking it out.
Absolute gem of the New Bedford. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable with good storytelling skills and wonderful sense of humour. I really enjoyed my visit. Thank you so much!
A wonderful glass museum. If you want to know more about glass this is the place ! Kirk gives an amazing tour. Trust me go here.
I had an incredible experience at the New Bedford Glass Museum with my boyfriend. The museum, nestled in a charming historical building, is an absolute gem. Every corner is filled with stunning glass pieces that span history and styles, each with its own unique story. We also had the pleasure of meeting the museum cat, Angus, who added a touch of whimsy to our visit. Our guide's passion and extensive knowledge were truly remarkable and added significantly to our experience.
We spent about two hours learning about fun Easter eggs in glass history, completely transfixed by the exquisite artifacts. The $10 admission fee is a small price to pay for the wealth of knowledge and beauty you'll encounter. Additionally, the museum houses a delightful gift shop with a range of unique and beautiful glass pieces. I left the museum not just with a greater appreciation for the art of glassmaking, but also brimming with inspiration. I highly recommend the New Bedford Glass Museum to everyone - it's a must-see!
Beautiful museum and huge collection of glass and decorative pieces. Great spot to check out however it does require a $10 entry fee per person which I feel could be lowered a bit considering it can be walked thru in 10 minutes maybe 15 if you’re in a group. Giving maximum stars for the love of the glass pieces and the museum was inside a lovely old house
I just stopped by today for the first time and had an amazing time. The museum is located downstairs in a historical building which offers its own parking lot. The museum consists of one room however there are plenty of displays and if you enjoy the pieces and join the small tour of the pieces an hour will go by fast here. Admission is $10/adult but it was worth it for me to view these glass artworks and to support a local museum.
Fantastic small glass museum with a wonderful director. The gentleman that gave the guided tour is very personable with enjoyable details of all the glass showcased.
The museum is on the lower level of the mansion with a very nice offering of assorted glassware for sale in the gift shop. Pieces for sale are donated items. I found a Westmoreland duck in wonderful condition and a very fair price. Now resting on the sideboard in the living room.
427 County St, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA•
Top places to eat
cheap
Restaurant
No Problemo is a vibrant and trendy taqueria located in downtown New Bedford, offering a diverse menu of Tex-Mex favorites such as burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and more. With over 20 years of experience, this spot is known for its quick service and high-quality food. The restaurant's eclectic decor features folk art-style skateboards, adding to its hipster-chic vibe.
Having heard about the place from Fall River to locals in New Bedford I knew I had to give this place a try. Just walking by the corner of the block you can smell how good the food is. The receiving area is wicked nice, clean, and well decorated with a large, easy to read menu up in the wall. There is also a large dark and warm feeling seating area if you choose to dine in.The staff, especially Justin, were welcoming and informative on guiding a new comers first choice. I opted for the Beef Buritto and within minutes was gifted a beast of a tortilla filled with a hefty amount of rice, beans, salsa, cheese, and meat. The place is CASH ONLY so come with some dollars as the price was modest and matches the amount and quality of the food.
At first I was a bit intimidated by the size of such a meal that I had to finish quickly due to my schedule, but it was SO delicious I practically inhaled the thing!
Can't wait to go back and try more of the options, as some nearby shop workers told me they dream of the chips and salsa and items like the buffalo chicken and BBQ are go to choices.
Thanks for the awesome experience and I can't wait to go back.
Charles I — Google review
The food was excellent but the service was ok. The inside is quite dark and loud. The chips, salsa and guacamole is delicious along with the tacos, burritos, and rice and beans. Prices are very reasonable. Note that kid meals for a taco only have 1 taco and chips.
We are inside. The atmosphere is all right. There are a couple of two person tables on the sidewalk outdoors.
Be aware they only take cash.
After hearing rave reviews about No Problemo for years, I was finally able to try them out for myself after moving back to the area.
Let me just say that I get it now. I ordered two chicken burritos for myself and a family member and was pleasantly shocked at how large it was. Now, I’ve had big burritos before from other establishments only to be let down by quality. That was NOT the case with No Problemo. Not only was my burrito delicious, it was clear that the ingredients were fresh and of high quality.
And all of this for a very fair and reasonable price to boot - a rarity nowadays! I’m definitely going to be a repeat customer!
*Cash only, with an ATM on premises*
No Problemo in New Bedford is a solid spot for Mexican food. I’ve tried their loaded nachos, quesadillas, salads and tacos — the Korean chicken barbecue tacos are a favorite! Cocktails are great too, with lots of variety. Overall, really good food and a fun place to eat.
The food is so so good! Tacos are AMAZING!!! Crispy and tasty with incredible melty cheese. I drove all the way Down from Boston for This.
My wife and I were looking for a restaurant while staying in the area that was open late and had great reviews which is how we found this local gem. The atmosphere and decor is very cool coming from a Hispanic and has a great vibe. Our waiter was nice and he did a great job explaining some of the plates as it was our first time and was alsoveey accommodating when i requested a taco variation that was not on the menu options. I would highly recommend this place as good go to if you're feeling like Mexican food and a good selection of items. Having Del's lemonade was a positive since I had heard it was the lemonade of the Northeast. They also have in house red and green salsas, which were both very good but I enjoyed the green one more.
I'm writing this not after my first visit and it will definitely not be my last. No Problemo DEFINITELY has the best burrito in all of the south coast. Make sure to bring cash. I'd advise to order take out - the service is not the best when you dine in, I mean, the waitress doesn't need to be giggling all the time and riding a unicorn but she could definitely work on trying to be a bit nicer, but the guys in the kitchen side are the best. This has already become my go to.
I travel a lot for work and just got back from Arizona, a place you would think would have some exceptional Mexican food and in some places it did BUT all I could wait to do was get back to New B and No Problemo for my Stinkin' Rose.
Hands down some of the best if not THE best food in the South Coast area.
The only other city that reminds me of this restaurant would be San Diego definitely got that vibe too and it's my favorite place to go for work so make sense why I love No Problemo.
Chill vibe, legendary food and great staff. You can't ask for much more.
813 Purchase St, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA•
affordable
Seafood restaurant
Fine dining restaurant
The Black Whale is a contemporary bar and eatery located on the Working Waterfront Pier 3 in New Bedford. It was established by locals to celebrate the city's seafaring heritage and its abundant seafood offerings. The restaurant prides itself on serving fresh, innovative seafood dishes and raw shellfish while offering picturesque harbor views. The friendly staff is knowledgeable about the menu and provides excellent customer service.
Stopped in for a quick lunch and bellied up to the bar. The place is clean and staff is wicked friendly. While I just got Sushi and Raw oysters, I was peeping the heaping plates of other entrees going by and they're quality looking and smelling dishes. The sushi tasted fresh and delicious. The oysters weren't bad for $3 a pop. Also, I was stoked they had multiple options for NA beers as it pairs well with food guilt free for the sober patrons. Connor was an absolute gem. I can't wait to go back for their Happy hour with $1 oysters. Try this scenic spot out in historical downtown and you won't be upset.
Charles I — Google review
We had just returned from Nantucket by ferry. We were hungry so we were looking for somewhere convenient and close. We didn’t expect to find such a wonderful restaurant. It was fully booked but we were able to sit at the bar which serves the entire food menu. The vibe was upbeat and the food was fantastic. I had the seafood soup and my cousins had the chowder. Both were excellent but if I were to come back I would order the chowder, I just wanted to save in the calories. The oysters were super fresh and delicious. The desert was not memorable, too sweet. And I was surprised that they did not serve key lime pie which is a staple in any seafood restaurant’s menu.
We had dinner here on vacation. I really loved the fact that they gave us a complimentary smoked fish dip with crackers which was delicious. They had gluten free options. The chicken lettuce wrap appetizer, the salmon & the breaded cod aa well as the sushi were flavorful & delicious. The lavender lemonade was to die for.
We had a fantastic dinner at the Black Whale.
Appetizer: Blue Fin Tuna Nachos. They were incredible, perfectly balanced flavors. The cilantro and scallions made the nachos pop!
We had the Jerk Salmon Salad and Lemon Pesto Halibut. Both entrees were great. Good serving sizes, not too big- the tuna nachos were quite a bit of food for two people.
The view out the back of the restaurant was great during sunset (opposite side of restaurant). All the boats in the harbor were lit up in golden hour.
2 people: two drinks, 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, $130 after tip.
This spot was very highly recommended, but I am not sure it lived up to the hype. Everything was good, but I expected a bit more more based on the reviews and comments.
The first night, one bacon wrapped scallop, the calamari and a Portuguese stew was all I could muster the strength to eat (had been feasting all day on other stuff in the area). The stew was outstanding, the calamari was good but not amazing.
Pro tip: drizzle the honey from the scallops in the calamari 🐽🐽
The following morning I ordered (to go) a lobster roll and the crab cakes. The lobster roll was a bit small but good, I was just not a huge fan of the diner roll. The crab cakes were good but a bit on the fishy side. The fries were very good lol.
Absolutely fabulous - once again. The Black Whale is over an hour drive from our home, but well worth it. This time we tried the sashimi. The yellowtail was like butter. For entrees we had the Sesame-Crusted Seared Tuna with Jicama Slaw and Black Forbidden Rice (don’t miss this one!) and the Blackened Swordfish with Crispy Polenta and Roasted Broccolini. Both very well created, cooked and presented with very generous portions. Especially impressed with the thick cut of swordfish. The tuna entrée was especially good with the soy sauce and wasabi from our sashimi appetizer. One of the best meals out we’ve had in quite a while - and service was excellent thanks to our server. Thank you, Paul!
Stopped by after a road trip from the South shore. We were seated at a high top in the bar. We had a lovely server named Margarita. We had delicious meals, fried scallops and baked stuff sole. We will be back!!
A Great Upscale Place, Good Food, With A Laid-back Vibe... 👍😎👌
I usually enjoy the bar, but the dining room and outdoor seating are very nice as well.
Good for families, date nights, or business lunches. 🍸
The oysters and sushi rolls are always great... Seafood is obviously super fresh...
My favorite go-to here has to be the "Fisherman Stew"... It's to die for!
🐟🎣🐠
- Hats off to their kitchen crew and the kitchen manager! 👏
*My only complaint about this visit was that all the floor staff seemed very stressed out even though it wasn't that busy...
Maybe ownership should spring for a yoga retreat... 😅
104 Co Op Wharf, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA•
Permanently Closed
affordable
American restaurant
Freestone's City Grill, a historic bank building constructed in 1877, offers a diverse menu featuring an array of fish, steaks, and margaritas. This establishment serves up delectable dishes such as French Onion Soup and Syrian Nachos smothered in a secret red sauce that is far from your ordinary ketchup with red pepper flakes. The combination of this sauce with layers of sour cream creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Came here for the first time and really enjoyed it !! I had the steak tips and my wife and the scallops casserole both cooked to perfection!! Really loved the atmosphere definitely coming back again !!
Tony C — Google review
This place is great. We had a surprise birthday party in the separate room. Atmosphere, food, and service are excellent. I had the best Moscato I've ever tasted. The salmon, ribs tips, chicken, and ceasar salad were delicious. I would try this place again.
Update: 6/3/23
2nd time visiting Freestones since New management took over. Todays visit was excellent. Let me just say the steak tips and chicken pasta was outstanding. Best I've had from here. Smooth transaction, food ready upon arrival. Added an order of ultimate Nachos which was good as well. Wife was happy with the traditional French dip as well. Bumped up the score. Today's visit was close to 5-stars. They did miss the au jus sauce for the French dip. 🤷♂️
Previous Review:
Ordered take out on a busy Saturday night and let's just say they tested my patience. Made the call, placed on hold. 15 minutes later, still nothing. Call back, someone takes my order. Quoted 40 minutes, okay no problem. Show up, sir it's gonna be another 10 minutes, okay no problem. Well 10 minutes turned into 30 minutes. 🤦🏻♂️Now I'm hangry. Anyways beyond the horrible time management, the good news is that the food was good. Started with the fish chowder and it was good. Not quite award winning, but runner up quality. Main dish was tips and chicken pasta and it was solid. Rest of the family went with French onion soup, Firecracker chicken wrap, and tenders. Everyone was either happy or just really hungry from the extra wait. 🤣 Be patient people, it was good.
Went here for cocktails and was pleased with my Old Fashioned & Sangria. Both were delicious and fairly-priced.
Service was very friendly and attentive.
I love the ambiance & decor of this place. It was originally a 19th century bank and the owners retained many of the old world design cues and charm of the building. Big thumbs up for that.
I was very pleased with my inaugural visit to Freestone’s and look forward to dining in on my next visit.
Such a cute little restaurant set in Downtown New Bedford! From the outside cute little bistro tables with ivy and vines on the front of the brick building to the cobblestone streets. Inside its a quiet little dining spot. So truth be told I came here 2 times in the past week because the food was so good. I ordered the quesadillas and my friend ordered the gold fever mac and cheese when we dined in the first day. I couldn't stop eating the mac and cheese. So I had to order out 3 days later the same mac and cheese for myself. The server was very friendly and attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. It is definitely a restaurant I recommend highly and I will be going back many times.
Loved our experience here. We were seated quickly and the food was delicious! The price point was not outrageous and definitely worth the value in what you pay. I was impressed with our server as she was attentive but not overbearing. Staying on top of refills and checking in without pestering. This allowed us to enjoy a great dinner conversation and enjoy our food to the max!
I have to put a plug in specifically for the fish soup. I got a cup and wish it had been a bowl! Haha. Definitely a must try! Both my wife and I did burgers for our main course and they were juicy, well cooked, and flavorful.
The atmosphere is fun! Great touches throughout the space and even above average finishes in the restrooms!
We will definitely be back again!
I am not one to complain unless I have a really bad experience at a restaurant. I truly could not believe how much the quality tanked at Freestones since they re-opened. I went on a Tuesday night for trivia and though it was not busy, it took a very long time for my drink order. I ordered the nachos and was very disappointed in the quality. The guacamole (basically just mashed up dry avocado with no flavor) tasted like paste and the nachos also had little to no flavor. There was barely any pico de galo sauce so they were very dry. The menu said they came with sour cream, but I had to ask the server for some, to which they replied "Well you have to ask for that".... My friends Firecracker Chicken wrap was basically a few pieces of chicken in a sad little wrap with barely anything else in it. If I hadn't paid half price I probably would have complained. I also could not believe how expensive everything on the menu was. I know prices have gone up, but the food I saw was nothing to rave about and not worth the price tag. The only thing they seem to have going for them is the atmosphere, it's a beautiful place, but the food was absolutely sub-par. Save your $ and eat at one of the better places downtown.
We went for lunch on a Friday. Place was not busy. Got seated immediately. Cool little restaurant downtown with interesting ambiance. Drinks are great! I recommend the compassion martini. Best part was the food. Fresh fresh fresh. And the waitstaff was so attentive. She was super friendly and careful about my food allergy.
41 William St, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA•
affordable
Portuguese restaurant
Antonio's Restaurant is a well-established, family-owned Portuguese eatery in New Bedford, known for serving generous portions of traditional seafood dishes. The restaurant has been a favorite among locals for over 30 years and has been recognized as the best ethnic restaurant in New England by Bon Appetit magazine. With a strong influence from Portugal and its former colonial islands, Antonio's offers authentic Portuguese cuisine, including specialties like pork alentejana and cacoila.
Service was amazing! Portions were extraordinary! Price was right on point. Party of 8. They took us at 8, they close at 9. We left at 10. They did not force us out, they allowed us enough time. Enjoy this beautiful Portuguese food. You won't regret it. Thank you Victoria for a pleasant experience.
Michelle G — Google review
People raved about this restaurant, so I was excited to order the "Chicken Antonio and Shrimp." The menu description said the dish came with Mozambique sauce and fried potatoes.
The restaurant name is in the dish. That must be good, right?
Nope.
When the plate arrived, the fried potatoes were potato chips... and they covered the entire meal. See picture.
For my first time at a restaurant that people raved, I was disappointed. Next time, I'll get salmon or beef or something with veggies.
Good quality food with generous portions. The Filetes a Portuguesa is outstanding. The roasted potatoes are a perfect side with any meal. The green beans were very fresh and tasty. We got take out and the food stayed hot for our entire meal.
Antonio’s is a New Bedford “must visit “!
The food is always delicious, service is great and prices are awesome! We will always support Antonio’s.
We went for a quick lunch. The cod fish cakes appetizer was very good. My husband had a bifana sandwich with round fries. He enjoyed the flavor. I had a steak sandwich with peppers and onions and fries. Everything was good. I appreciate that the meat was seasoned well.
We had a wonderful meal at Antonio's! Hands down The Best crab cake, I've ever had. Scallops and clams were excellent too. Everyone loved their meals. A shout out to Ely for his kindness and help with my elderly parents navigating the steps into the restaurant and for taking good care of us. Great service all around. We look forward to returning!
Food was amazing hit the spot really enjoyed very comfortable old guy who works at the bar is a character good guy thanks for the good beer recommendation will be back back
Best Portuguese food
Taken here by a regular who insisted it was one of the best restaurants in NB and had been coming here for decades. Busy night, but seated right away. Waited about 15 minutes before a very seasoned and sassy waitress finally took a drink order. Ordered a Sam Oktoberfest on draft. That was a mistake. Smelled and tasted like the buttery sourness of a dirty draft line first-pour. Would've sent it back, but the waitress was again gone for another 15 minutes and by then just ordered food and an easy mixed cocktail.
Fried seafood appetizers were great. Calamari and cod cakes. Fantastic. Littlenecks in a great garlicky broth were also wonderful. Ordered halibut with shrimp and scallops on special. Was excited as halibut isn't seen much these days on menus. Shrimp and scallops were great. The halibut was very over-cooked and leathery. Huge disappointment. "Round l-fries" are just potato chips. Should've had the mashed. Two swordfish orders at the table said the same of their fish. Maybe try a lunch sandwich here if nowhere else to go, but sticking with bottled beer and no grilled/baked fish.
267 Coggeshall St, New Bedford, MA 02746, USA•
affordable
Seafood restaurant
Fathoms Waterfront Bar & Grille is a popular spot in New Bedford, offering seafood, cocktails, and live music nights. Situated by the harbor with a boat dock for customers, it has become an integral part of the city's diverse eateries. The restaurant is known for its rich culture and historical fishing industry. Customers can enjoy delicious dishes like scallop pesto pasta and surf & turf with prime rib and baked stuffed shrimp while taking in the waterfront views.
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 — Google review
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.
The food was amazing, a must is the clam chowder the best I ever had .Our waitress was great. A little confusing at the front desk, when busy. It is also a bar a little loud, hard to talk to each other. And a seafood market.
Loved this place! I got the surf and turf and it was AMAZING! The steak tips were to die for! I also got the French onion soup which was also very good! Great atmosphere, we ate outside, and our waitress was great too!
Top tier place imo. We started with the white cheddar tots and calamari, both were straight up amazing. I got the special lobster sauté and it might be the best meal I’ve had ever at a restaurant. Everything was super fresh and cooked perfectly. The waterfront view just makes it even better. Easily my new favorite spot around. props to the crew here and big props to brooke she was amazing.
Wonderful lunch. We had clam chowder, lobster roll, and burger. Clam chowder was awesome, lobster salad was great, but bun was over cooked. Berry lemon cake for dessert was the perfect ending. Would definitely come back if we were local. Loved looking outside and seeing the all the boats.
We had a great experience at the sushi table located in the seafood market. The sushi guys are great company and the rolls were super fresh and very well executed. We will be back for sure. Please, please get some good saki and a good Japanese beer on the menu.
Sunday night around 5:30. We were greeted immediately. Got a good vibe right away. The bar was jammed and people were having a good time—some had food. Bartenders were extremely busy.
We sat outside (not at a hi-top)) with a nice water view. Server, Carla came right away. Room was busy but not crazy. Wine first and chowder next—absolutely delicious—then we ordered pan fried scallops and a fried clam dinner. By far the most satisfying and memorable seafood we have had in months!
Clams crispy. Fresh, cooked to perfection. Scallops melt in your mouth savory and tasted like just caught but not the least bit sandy.
For dessert we shared a slice of carrot cake that was soooo light with frosting not too sticky sweet—just perfect. And we already know we found a new place for a satisfying dinner. And the prices were very fair as well.
Thank you Carla!
255 Popes Island, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA•
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