We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Alchemy Cafe & Bistro

3 Duncan St, Gloucester, MA 01930-6001
978-281-3997
Website
Menu
Update restaurant details
Ranked #14 of 108 restaurants in Gloucester
Cuisines: American
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Bar Scene, Business, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Cross street: 185 Main St.
Description: Alchemy Cafe and Bistro offers a suburban-chic dining environment located in the heart of downtown Gloucester, Massachusetts. Our Restaurant offers upscale casual dining at affordable prices, and our adventurous menus provide enough choices to please everybody.
Reserve with OpenTable
Please enter a later date and time
Write a Review

98 reviews from our community

77% Recommend
    51
    25
    13
    7
    2
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Boston, Mass
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
16 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Nice bar selection - sorry I wasn't their long enough to sample. I ordered mussels and a drink at lunch - and promptly got an emergency phone call. The staff kindly cooked my food and prepared it for take-out, . Prices seem a bit high, but if they do the rest of the menu as well as the mussels I... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Springfield, Missouri
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

Danny, the front of house, was very helpful and had good insight about the menu and chef's intentions. The prices were reasonable for the quality, presentation, and knowledge. Food was exceptional - dinner service was a bit slow, but the quality absolutely made up for it. Do be sure to ask for extra items not listed, especially local beers. Expect... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by Edward S for Gloucester
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
64 reviews 64 reviews
33 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

Have gone to this restaurant for several years, but last week we stopped in for lunch...small alcoholic beverages were creative, but were $12 each...regular sandwiches and a flat bread were priced as evening meals...the caesar salad was incredibly small at $8. I will not return which is too bad...I loved bringing my out of town guests to this funky restaurant... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 20 more reviews by pamsgood for Gloucester
Marblehead, MA
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

I have eaten here twice. My bottom line is nice restaurant if you are in town but not worth traveling up there for it. I live in Marblehead and have met people for dinner twice. I have enjoyed both dinners. I find the restaurant pleasant and the wait staff both knowledgeable and attentive, but my last dinner, the special a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Williamstown, MA
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
11 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 March 2013

The flat bread was a great starter and the flavor was quite good. The service was good too. The menu is a little pretentious which may put some people off, but I'm glad we pushed through. Nice combinations of flavor.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Gopher0011 for Gloucester
Swampscott MA
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 March 2013

OK, I admit it, I hear the retail music in every store, but that's what clicked in my head when I walked into Alchemy - great downtempo grooves washing the room. The menu is adventurous for those who dare and dressedup pub fare for those who want to go "nice." Throw in original cocktails and you have a great Gloucester... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by SocialAmigo for Gloucester
New Haven, Connecticut
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 February 2013

Very cool place, lots of different zones with different kinds of seating. Regular restaurant tables, a nice, classy bar area, and couches in a little lounge. The menu was amazing if you like tapas (I do!). Things weren't done perfectly - I had bacon wrapped dates and the bacon was not crispy. The pork belly tacos were great once I... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Beverly, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
67 reviews 67 reviews
47 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 February 2013

On our most recent of many visits we enjoyed an early dinner at the bar. Alchemy always has a really inspired selection of craft beers on draft and as always the bartender was truly knowledgeable and helpful. The bar is a very friendly area with great conversation. The food is consistently excellent and creative from great small plates to delicious... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Denise_and_Dana for Gloucester
boston
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
20 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
38 helpful votes 38 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 February 2013

We've been here before, enjoyed it immensely and therefore we booked for brunch to celebrate my birthday. It was very disappointing this time. The service was slow and inattentive. Our waitress brought me coffee that had grounds in the cup and a cup of decaf for one of our companions that was cold. When she returned with another cup of... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Massachusetts
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 January 2013

Alchemy's interesting menu, offering entres, tapas and dishes to share is creative and delicious. The management is imaginative and up to date with food trends. Intelligent staff knowledgable and attentive. Bartenders like scientists! Prices very good. Great beer and wine selection. Plus the place is gorgeous and comfy. Alchemy is well-crafted in all areas.

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Alchemy Cafe & Bistro also viewed

 
Gloucester, Cape Ann
Gloucester, Cape Ann
 

Been to Alchemy Cafe & Bistro? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Alchemy Cafe & Bistro, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing