Almost everyone surely remembers the old Harborside in Manchester-by-the-Sea. (it was usually referred to as the "garlic-side"). It became a Stromboli's pizza place, which flopped badly. Now, it's reincarnated as a German restaurant called the Hofbrau. What a pleasant surprise! First of all, a great view of Manchester's harbor and all the sailboat. Secondly, a neat view of the commuter trains which run to and from Boston (to Rockport), and the trains zip by about 10 feet from the restaurant. Quite dramatic! A very comfortable, casual atmosphere with 8 beers on tap, many of them German. I tried several and they were very good, both light and dark. The food contains some typical German fare such as sausages, knockwurst, etc. and they also do a few continental dishes like baked stuffed lobster. Since you're sitting there overlooking the ocean, it's always fun to eat seafood, especially lobsters which come out of the waters you're viewing. You know the food is good when you see radio personality Neil Chayet (WBZ's Looking at the Law) dining there! Neil is a definite gourmet. I was very impressed by all aspects of his place. The Manager Dennis is a nice fellow with a strong background in food service and he's done a hell of a good job getting this place off the ground. It is definitely worth a trip from anywhere in Massachusetts to Cape Ann for the Hofbrau. John Gallagher
Massachusetts