Merrill's on the Waterfront

Merrill's on the Waterfront stands as a beacon for seafood lovers and culinary enthusiasts in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Nestled at 36 Homer's Wharf, this charming restaurant offers a delightful escape for locals and visitors alike. Known for its stunning waterfront views and a menu brimming with fresh, locally sourced seafood, Merrill’s is where flavor meets atmosphere.

Upon stepping inside, you're greeted by a warm ambiance and friendly staff dedicated to making your dining experience exceptional. The menu is diverse, showcasing not only the bounty of the sea but also a range of satisfying options that cater to various palates. Highlights include:

  • Point Judith Calamari: Fried to perfection and served with marinara and lemon basil aioli for a tantalizing start at just $15.00.
  • New England Sampler: A taste of tradition featuring clam chowder, stuffed quahog, and a delectable lobster-crab cake for $20.00.
  • Lobster Crab Cakes: Paired with a corn salsa and chipotle aioli, these cakes at $17.00 are a must-try for any seafood aficionado.
  • Bam Bam Shrimp: Sweet chili tossed, garnished with sesame seeds, and served with housemade ranch for a zesty punch at $16.00.

Customer reviews consistently speak to the quality and presentation of the food. Jessica Van Giesen raves about the flavor-packed Fish & Chips and praises the attentive staff who work diligently to ensure a pleasant dining experience from start to finish. Meanwhile, Heather Rene describes the lobster mac-n-cheese as “some of the best” she's ever tasted, emphasizing the delightful seasoning and consistent quality.

Merrill’s isn’t just a seafood haven; it serves as a versatile venue for special occasions. Many patrons, like Susan Pochon and Irene Mahoney, have celebrated personal milestones within its lovely setting, highlighting the accommodating service and superb food. The staff, known for their professionalism and kindness, takes pride in creating memorable experiences, as evidenced by Lisa Plant's glowing account of her wedding reception and the seamless execution of her vision amid the event.

Your visit to Merrill's on the Waterfront is not just about dining—it's about indulging in a culinary journey enriched by stunning views and heartfelt service. Whether you’re feasting on fresh seafood or enjoying a relaxing evening with a burger, you will leave with a smile and a satisfied palate. So, if you find yourself in New Bedford, make it a point to experience the essence of Merrill's—you won’t regret it!

Location

Address: 36 Homer's Wharf, New Bedford, MA 02740, United States
Phone: +1 508-997-7010

🕓 Work Hours
MON Closed
TUE Closed
WED 4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
THU 4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
FRI 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SAT 12:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SUN 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Business info

  • Wheelchair-accessible Car Park
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Entrance
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Seating
    Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible Toilet
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeaway
    Yes
  • Serves Dine-in
    Yes
  • Fast Service
    Yes
  • Fireplace
    Yes
  • Great Beer Selection
    Yes
  • Serves Great Cocktails
    Yes
  • Serves Great Dessert
    Yes
  • Great Wine List
    Yes
  • Popular For Lunch
    Yes
  • Popular For Dinner
    Yes
  • Good For Solo Dining
    Yes
  • Serves Alcohol
    Yes
  • Serves Beer
    Yes
  • Serves Cocktails
    Yes
  • Serves Coffee
    Yes
  • Serves Comfort Food
    Yes
  • Serves Healthy Options
    Yes
  • Serves Small Plates
    Yes
  • Serves Spirits
    Yes
  • Serves Vegetarian Dishes
    Yes
  • Serves Wine
    Yes
  • Serves Breakfast
    Yes
  • Serves Brunch
    Yes
  • Serves Lunch
    Yes
  • Serves Dinner
    Yes
  • Serves Dessert
    Yes
  • Seating
    Yes
  • Bar On Site
    Yes
  • Toilet
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Cosy
    Yes
  • Romantic
    Yes
  • Trendy
    Yes
  • Upmarket
    Yes
  • Family Friendly
    Yes
  • Good For Groups
    Yes
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly
    Yes
  • Popular With Tourists
    Yes
  • Brunch Reservations Recommended
    Yes
  • Dinner Reservations Recommended
    Yes
  • Accepts Reservations
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Debit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts NFC Mobile Payments
    Yes
  • Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • High Chairs Available
    Yes
  • Kids' Menu
    Yes
  • Free Of Charge Street Parking
    Yes
  • Free Parking Lot
    Yes
  • Plenty Of Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Jessica Van Giesen

    08 June 2025

    The menu is diverse and features fresh, local seafood alongside other delicious options. I highly recommend trying the Fish & Chips or the Lobster Roll—they’re both flavorful and satisfying. The staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience from start to finish. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Merrill’s is a must-visit restaurant in New Bedford!

  • Author: Lisa Plant

    16 May 2025

    RJ went a above and beyond on our wedding day! He was on top of everything and did an amazing job decorating with my 'extra decor". He was knowledgeable a d personable. Place looked gorgeous and everything went according to plan! My guests are still raving about it! Since booking our reception here, we have returned several times for dinner and brunch. It's always a great experience! We can't thank them enough for the perfect day!

  • Author: Heather Rene

    11 May 2025

    What a lovely restaurant! I ordered takeout and it was all delicious and perfectly seasoned. Seriously some of the best lobster mac-n-cheese we have ever tasted. Absolutely worth every penny! I sat in the bar and had a glass of wine while I waited for the food and it was very clean and casual. The staff was friendly and extremely hard working. Would love to eat here properly one day.

  • Author: Susan Pochon

    01 May 2025

    Victoria and her team went above and beyond to make me and my family feel welcomed. Customer service was outstanding! I had a small function (20 people). It was a 2 entree selection- Steak Tips or Baked Cod served with Chowder and Chocolate Lava Cake for dessert. The food was delicious and perfectly prepared. Thank you Victoria and thank you to your team! Everyone was so nice and accommodating as well as professional. It was a very positive experience, reasonably priced and I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for venue to celebrate a special occasion.