Magnolia 525 Tavern

Their menu is eclectic, lots of various options (seafood, burgers, chicken, buffalo nachos). Great covered outdoor seating available.We started with the buffalo chicken dip, which was delicious, not too spicy. My wife ordered the chicken sandwich, which I felt was a little pricey at $20, but was quite tasty. I ordered the swordfish picata special, which was a decent size portion, but too lemony (that was the only flavor I could taste, and a lot of it); that may be personal preference, i just like a milder lemon/butter flavor vs. sucking on a lemon directly. We didn't have room for desert, but they had several options that sounded very good. Service was good. Luckily we got there just before the dinner rush, as they started filling up halfway through our meal.

It's a smaller cozy atmosphere. Dimmer lighting than a typical restaurant. The service was ok, it could have been better. The drinks were decent. I thought this place would be really good just from looking at the menu online. But I was utterly disappointed in my dish. I got the Haddock Francese. Everything was cooked to par but it was lacking a lot of seasoning and flavor in both the white wine sauce as well as the haddock. And it was a bit chilly in there.

The 525 tavern has good food and it is consistent. And the service people are friendly. But don't dare linger over a meal or coffee or a drink. You are on the clock. We have had a tab delivered while still eating an entree (no mention of dessert) and talking over a drink at the bar. The pressure to turn tables over quickly is worthy of Boston, not an out-of-the-way neighborhood venue in Gloucester. And it happens often enough to indicate strict admin policy. I realize the restaurant business is tough, but the hard nosed big city approach may not be effective. It is a big turnoff for locals on whom the 525 must depend in the bleak season.

If you are looking for a hidden gem with great food, fantastic drinks, and outstanding servers, then Magnolia 525 is the place to go. For the customers that went there years ago it has changed hands, and the owners, Larry and Tamie, are amazing. They are always checking on the customers to make sure that they are satisfied We have eaten there at least 50 times... and never had a bad experience. Sometimes when a restaurant is busy, there are those customers that just can't be happy... free drinks... free appetizers... something taken off of the bill? Not good enough- the prices are excellent, and you get huge portions. Everything is made to order and I highly recommend it. The atmosphere is great and it is very clean! Stop in bring your friends and eat up you won't be disappointted...

Just walking out of there - and it will be the last time I walk out of there. Customer service wasn't good and the food that we were brought was fully burnt (Irish nachos and Brussel sprouts). It embarrassingly burnt, shouldn't have been brought to a table type burnt - unless the hope was that the burnt food would make sure we didn't return? The only positives were the drinks were decent and the music was good.

Food and service friendly and tasteful. Welcomed in by owner and greeted like a friend before I even had a chance to tell them his wife was our wedding planner and this was our first time here. Made us feel very welcomed from entry until exit and food was delicious and cocktails great too! It's a keeper we will return and reccomend!

I have eaten here several times this summer and have really enjoyed. This evening, however, despite a reservation, we waited over an hour and never even spoke to a server. Hostess said "just clearing a table for you" 15 minutes in. Took another 15 minutes and me inquiring to even get seated. Once seated, waited 30 minutes but no one even spoke to us. I get that it was a busy evening, but this was beyond annoying.

Exceptional food, service, and hospitality! Seriously kind staff and great quaint atmosphere.

This place used to have good food and was a fun place to visit. Our meal this weekend was terrible at best. Pizza was raw, apps were cooked twice and dried out. Took an hour for our food to come out so it sat under the lamps for ever. The help walks around unhappy. The place has become toxic.

We had a reservation, requesting a booth,and were seated right away. The atmosphere was fun, with live music and friendly patrons. The owner's son, Tyler, was our waiter....very attentive , what a good job he did!I had the harvest salad with grilled shrimp (so many shrimp ! ) and dining companion had the swordfish (yum). Food was fresh and well-prepared. The atmosphere was so comfortable ...and the pizza looked excellent, also.A good choice,for sure.