by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: April 27, 2009   Last Updated: December 10, 2009

When you think of Newburyport, visions of the Atlantic Ocean and the Merrimack River come to mind. Seafood is king but if you are a carnivore don't despair, there are some really good restaurants that cater to just the type of food that any meat lover will want to indulge in.

Mission Oak Grill

Mission Oak grill has all the wood and leather that we have come to expect in our steakhouses. The mission style furniture adds the perfect feeling of warmth. You can choose to sit in the bar or in the dining room with its booths and tables. You will enjoy the historic church exterior of this the former Steeple Hall.

The kitchen has an open concept. Not surprisingly the menu is heavy on beef. For something a little more unique try the churrasco, skirt steak done Brazilian style with chimichurri sauce, steak fries and carrot salad. It comes in two sizes. If you are a filet mignon lover The Mission Grill serves theirs with a Madeira demi glaze and the char grilled Kansas City sirloin is a 14oz beauty. A pepper and herb crusted hanger steak is served with a perfect green peppercorn sauce. Sides can include roasted baby red bliss potatoes, mashed potatoes or French fries. If you are really hungry for a huge steak then the 22oz cowboy rib eye served with sweet potato fries is a sure winner.

While this is first and foremost a steakhouse they haven't limited themselves to just that. There are pork chops, rack of lamb, diver scallops and surf and turf among their many offerings.

The starters menu is heavy on seafood, stuffed clams, PEI mussels, tuna tartar and escargot. But it's the Poutine Quebecoise that is the most unique offering. If you have never tried this, it is French fries, Grafton cheddar cheese and brown sauce, artery clogging but delicious.

You can come in for the special drinks and a lighter menu in the bar. They offer a martini menu with some unique and delicious offerings. For fans of the James Bond movies the James Bond made with Grey Goose L'Orange, orange juice and soda water is sure to please and will always be shaken, never stirred.

The Bond Girl Martini adds a splash of cranberry juice to the James Bond. If you are feeling nutty Susan's Hazelnut martini will please with Frangelico and Baileys. They also have an extensive wine list.

The lighter food menu includes the Mission Oak steak sandwich, haddock kabobs or a salmon Caesar salad.

Sunday through Friday enjoy their Happy Hour with a half price bar menu.

For a great night out with a warm and casual atmosphere you can't really do better in Newburyport than the Mission Oak Grill. You will pay the price but the food will be worth it.

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