Newburyport, Massachusetts Has a Grass-Fed Smash Burger Shop With a Natural Wine List

Newburyport is one of New England's most charming historic port cities, and The Cormorant at 228 Merrimac Street has quietly become one of its most distinctive dining spots.

The menu is focused: grass-fed smash burgers, fried chicken, pork schnitzel sandwiches, a salmon burger, and a natural wine list that rotates regularly. Everything is made with scratch preparation and a commitment to local sourcing.

Newburyport locals have made it a regular stop for lunch and early dinner, and the dining room fills on weekends with a crowd that drives specifically for the food. It made Only In Your State's burger guide for all 50 states.

The Cormorant is owned by Kristen and Katie, who describe their main point of disagreement as whether sandwiches are subs or hoagies. Both know their way around either. The restaurant reflects their commitment to quality ingredients and consistent execution.

What to Order

The classic smash burger: one grass-fed patty, special sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house-made pickles. Add cheese for a dollar.

The Double Down uses two smashed patties with raw onion grilled directly into the beef, finished with American cheese and pickles on a grilled bun. It's the regular order for anyone who's been more than once. The raw onion cooking into the patty during the smash creates a flavor that's different from any other preparation.

All buns are toasted; all patties are fresh. Half-size options are available for a lighter lunch. The natural wine list and rotating local draft beers make lingering feel entirely justified.

The half-size smash burger, available for a lighter lunch, uses the same fresh ingredients as the full version. It is the right order if you want to sample both the burger and the milkshake without overextending.

The natural wine list at The Cormorant is worth asking about. The staff knows the selections and can pair based on what you are ordering. For more on the food scene nearby, see the best restaurants in Newburyport.

A Focused Merrimac Street Operation

The restaurant has built its following through consistency, a willingness to experiment with specials, and a genuine commitment to scratch preparation across every item on the menu.

Rotating specials keep regulars engaged and give the kitchen creative room. The KC Bacon BBQ Burger and a salmon burger with kimchi mayo are recurring favorites that earn their own loyal followings. For more of the state's dining history, see North Shore restaurants worth a day trip.

A Local Gathering Place

The welcoming atmosphere encourages guests to linger long after their meal. Whether you are stopping in for a quick weekday lunch or catching up with friends over the weekend, the exceptional hospitality and carefully curated flavor profiles guarantee an unforgettable North Shore dining experience.

Plan Your Visit

The Cormorant is at 228 Merrimac Street in Newburyport. Hours run Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Call (978) 961-7421. Street parking available in the Merrimac Street area. While you're planning the trip, check out hidden gem restaurants in Massachusetts.