A daily special once stacked two smash burgers, bacon, string fries, and an onion ring between slices of grilled white bread. Yes, a burger wearing its own side dish.
That one detail tells you a lot about this little Massachusetts kitchen.
The menu runs on smash burgers, hand-cut fries, and onion rings that keep popping up in conversation. Milkshakes come in flavors like Oreo.
There’s even a burger called the Hangover Burger, which feels honest.
I have a weakness for places that aren’t afraid to pile on the toppings and make a little mess. I’d probably tell myself to order something sensible, then see what comes out of the kitchen and immediately change my mind.
And let’s be fair, nobody orders a burger like that expecting to eat it neatly.
What I’d really like to know is whether these burgers are as good as they sound. Because getting my hands around one might be a challenge, but I have a feeling that would be the least of my worries once I took the first bite.
Smash Burgers Are The Reason You Will Plan This Trip
Crispy edges and juicy centers are the whole game at The Cormorant. The small Newburyport restaurant has built its reputation around smash burgers, and the menu gives them plenty of room to shine.
Smash burgers get pressed flat on a hot griddle. That press creates a browned, crunchy crust while the inside stays tender.
The Classic Burger keeps things simple for purists. Add cheese, and you’ve got a straightforward burger that doesn’t need a single gimmick.
Feeling bolder? The KC BBQ Bacon Burger brings smoky barbecue flavor and bacon to the party.
A pork belly smash burger has also appeared on the menu, complete with jalapeños for extra kick. Then there’s the Hangover Burger, a name that makes its mission pretty clear.
Smaller appetites have an option too. The Bitty Burger is a lighter pick, and it pairs nicely with curry ketchup.
Some burgers come on lightly buttered, grilled white bread instead of a bun. That small swap adds a toasty, almost grilled-cheese crunch.
My advice is to try a classic first. Once you know the base, every special makes more sense.
Save Room Because The Daily Special Can Get Wild
One day the special might be ordinary. The next day it could be two smash burgers wearing string fries and an onion ring like a crown.
The Cormorant runs a daily special, and that’s where the kitchen gets playful. One recent version stacked two patties with lettuce, bacon, mayo, string fries, and an onion ring on grilled white bread.
A muffuletta burger has also shown up as a special. That one borrows ideas from the famous New Orleans sandwich, known for its olive salad and cured meats.
Specials change, so you won’t always find the same creation twice. That’s half the fun.
It also gives you a great excuse to come back. Your favorite burger might be a limited guest that leaves soon.
Here’s a smart move before you order. Ask about the special right away, because it can change your whole plan.
Even if you stick with a classic, it’s fun to hear what the kitchen dreamed up. Sometimes the craziest ideas taste the best.
Think of the special as the restaurant’s sense of humor. It’s creative, a little messy, and very hard to ignore.
Onion Rings And Fries Deserve Their Own Spotlight
Golden onion rings might steal the show from the burger. At The Cormorant, the sides are no afterthought.
The fries are hand-cut, which means fresh potatoes get sliced in the kitchen. Hand-cut fries usually keep more real potato flavor than frozen ones.
Then come the onion rings. They pop up again and again when people talk about this place, and for good reason.
Can’t choose? Order one of each and share across the table.
Some meals also offer a half salad, half fries option. That’s a clever way to feel balanced while still getting your fry fix.
Curry ketchup is another fun twist worth trying. It adds a warm, gently spiced flavor that gives regular ketchup some real competition.
House-made pickled peppers have also earned attention here. Their tangy bite cuts through rich, salty foods nicely.
A good side can make a decent meal feel complete. A great side can make you plan a return trip.
Pro tip from a fellow fry lover: eat them first. Fries are always best in the first few minutes, right off the fryer.
Burgers Get Serious Competition From These Sandwiches
Not a burger person? No problem, because the sandwich lineup is surprisingly creative.
A buttermilk chicken sandwich comes stacked with crispy chicken. It can be generous enough to send you home with leftovers.
The schnitzel sandwich offers a breaded, pan-fried cutlet that feels a little European. A Cuban sandwich has also been part of the mix.
For something unexpected, look for the beet and artichoke sandwich. You can add chicken, and the combo is unlike most diner food.
There’s also a tuna sandwich with cannellini beans and tomatoes on sourdough. Cannellini beans are creamy white beans popular in Italian cooking.
That bean detail tells you something about the kitchen. It likes taking familiar foods and nudging them somewhere fresh.
The menu also includes starters and salads. It covers a nice range without feeling like a giant phone book.
Bringing a friend who skips red meat? They’ll have real choices here, not just a sad side salad.
My tip is to split one burger and one sandwich. You’ll get the best of both worlds at The Cormorant, and nobody has to feel left out.
Milkshakes And Homemade Treats Make Dessert Mandatory
A burger without a milkshake feels a little unfinished, doesn’t it? Luckily, The Cormorant takes shakes seriously.
Milkshakes are one of the most talked-about items here. The Oreo shake is a popular pick, and you can grab one to go.
Dessert doesn’t stop at shakes. Homemade pie and slices of cake show up too, so your sweet tooth has options.
Cookies are another easy win. A chocolate chip cookie here is loaded with chips, and it travels well for later.
For something lighter, a peach scone has appeared on the bakery side. It’s a nice match for coffee or a morning stop.
Kids and grown-ups alike might enjoy a Shirley Temple too. Mexican Coke, made with cane sugar, sits among the soda choices.
Here’s a little strategy. If you’re too full after lunch, order dessert to go and enjoy it that evening.
Cookies make a great car snack for the ride home. Pie makes a great reason to forget about dinner.
Either way, skipping dessert here feels like leaving a movie before the best part.
Sunday Brunch Brings Pancakes Into The Picture
A stack of buttermilk pancakes with real maple syrup. That sentence alone might have you rearranging your weekend.
The Cormorant serves brunch on Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM. The menu shifts away from burgers alone and adds morning favorites.
The pancakes come stacked three high, with butter and real maple syrup. Sometimes the simplest breakfast is exactly what you want.
Quiche is another brunch option. It’s a savory egg pie that works for anyone who prefers salty over sweet.
Then there’s the kimchi egg-and-cheese sandwich, a bold pick for a diner brunch. It combines two eggs, American and cheddar cheese, and tangy kimchi on sourdough.
Smash burgers can still make an appearance at brunch too. So nobody has to choose between breakfast and lunch.
Since Sunday hours end in the afternoon, plan ahead. Showing up late could mean missing the brunch window entirely.
Brunch here makes a great start to a day in town. You can eat, then stroll off those pancakes along the waterfront.
Honestly, it might be the tastiest way to kick off a Massachusetts Sunday. Your alarm clock will forgive you.
Colorful Retro Decor Turns Lunch Into A Mood
Bright colors greet you before the food does. The room feels like a classic diner that took a trip to the seashore.
The decor at The Cormorant is whimsical and retro. Picture-perfect details mix old-school diner style with a fun coastal twist.
The restaurant takes its name from the cormorant, a dark seabird found along the coast. It’s a fitting mascot for a spot near the Merrimack River.
Inside, the space is small and seating is limited. That cozy size gives it a true neighborhood feel.
Counter seats are a treat if you can grab one. You get a front-row view of the kitchen and the busy dining room.
Staff here are known for being friendly and warm. Regulars often get greeted by name, which says a lot about the vibe.
There’s also one small table out front. It’s perfect on a nice day if you’re lucky enough to snag it.
Free WiFi is available with a password. Still, this feels like a place to put the phone down and enjoy your burger.
A Little Planning Helps You Beat The Lunch Rush
Small restaurants and big popularity can mean a wait. Good news, you can outsmart it with a little planning.
The Cormorant sits at 228 Merrimac St, Newburyport, MA 01950. It’s just outside downtown, which makes it an easy stop.
Hours run Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM. Sunday brings brunch from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Mondays and Tuesdays are closed. Plenty of road-trippers have learned that the hard way, so check your calendar.
Wait times can be checked online before you go. That handy trick lets you decide whether to head over right away.
Arriving early is your best bet for a seat. The room fills fast because there just isn’t much space.
Takeout is a great backup plan. Pickups stay busy, so ordering ahead keeps things moving.
Parking is mostly on the street, with some spots in the back. A nearby park also makes a walk in pretty easy.
Think of these tips as your burger game plan. A little prep means more eating and less waiting.
Make A Whole Day Of This Charming Coastal City
Lunch is just the opening act. Newburyport is a lovely Massachusetts city to explore after your burger.
The downtown area sits close to The Cormorant. Its brick buildings, shops, and waterfront make for an easy afternoon stroll.
The Merrimack River runs right along the city. A walk by the water is a relaxing way to let lunch settle.
Beach lovers have options too. Plum Island is nearby, with sandy shores and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.
That refuge is a favorite for bird watching. Who knows, you might even spot a real cormorant.
Newburyport also makes a smart stop on a coastal road trip. It sits near the New Hampshire border, on the way toward Maine.
Plenty of travelers swing through between Boston and the northern coast. A burger break here beats a highway rest stop any day.
My favorite plan sounds simple. Grab lunch, walk the waterfront, then hit the beach before sunset.
Add a cookie to go, and the day is complete. Not bad for one small restaurant in a coastal town.
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