Monday, August 31, 2020

Top Seafood Restaurants in Maine (recommended by the locals)






Maine is well known for its lobster shacks and fried fish joints. Here's a list of the 17 must try coastal gems which are a mix of sit-down restaurants and take-out shacks and are the most recommended by the locals and Maine natives.

The first four seafood restaurants mentioned are located in Scarborough, Maine near the Old Orchard Beach area; Ken's Place, Bayley's Seafood Restaurant, The Clambake, Salty Bay and in Saco Maine Huot's Seafood restaurant.


Ken's Place

Ken's Place - 207 Pine Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074 - Phone: (207) 883-6611

Located on the way to Old Orchard Beach on Pine Point Rd in Scarborough, Maine just beyond Bayley's Seafood Restaurant and before the Clambake this seafood spot offers everything from fish, steamed lobster to steamed and fried clams, lobster rolls, deep-fried scallops and a raw bar. When it comes to fried clams, Ken’s gets it right. It's no wonder, this place has been frying clams since 1927, and has generations of Mainers as devotees. Ken's daily selects the best-grade fish, right off the boat.



While the whole belly clams are most popular fried in batter, fried clams are also available in crumbs. Ken's made-to-order clam cakes that are the biggest sellers while their seafood platter feeds two.



Website: https://www.facebook.com/KensPlace1927/




Bayley's Seafood Restaurant

Bayley's Seafood Restaurant - 165 Pine Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074 - Phone: (207) 885-9754

For a fast pit stop for Maine seafood, like steamed lobsters & clams, clam chowder, clam cakes, crab cakes, fried haddock dinners that included french fries, cole slaw, and a dinner roll, at picnic tables or inside.

Lobster Roll and Fries


Website (menu): http://www.bayleysseafood.com/index_htm_files/Bayleys%20Menu.pdf




Clambake Seafood Restaurant

Clambake Seafood Restaurant - 354 Pine Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074 - Phone: (207) 883-4871


With portions are just as good as the food, this place is considered by many to be one of the best seafood restaurants around.  You wont leave disappointed or hungry! The Clambake specializes in Maine seafood dishes and overlooks the salt marsh and has 4 dining rooms!



Website (menu): https://www.theclambake.com/menus/





Salty Bay Seafood Take-Out

Salty Bay Seafood Take-Out - 68 Jones Creek Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074 - Phone: (207) 883-9717

Just beyond the Clambake heading south on Pine Point Road, make a left at the intersection on to Jones Creek Drive and up a bit on the left and you will find this typical New England fried seafood shack. This place is definitely worth getting a little off the Old Orchard Beach Grid and trying out next time you are in the mood for seafood. Order at the window, wait for your number to be called and eat either in your car or on one of the picnic tables out back along the marsh. This place is known for its clam cakes, fried clams, fried scallops, clam chowder, lobster rolls, fish,  and they make a great pepperburger as well!


Huot's Seafood Restaurant

Huot's Seafood Restaurant - 29 Eastern Avenue, Camp Ellis Beach, Saco, ME - Phone: (207) 282-1642

Located in Saco just south of Old Orchard Beach and along the water, this Family-run venue has been offering New England seafood classics, plus a takeout window, since 1935! Located conveniently by Camp Ellis, Huot's attracts many tourists, visitors as well as locals looking to fill their craving of Maine seafood.



Huot's offers two options: you can either order from the outside and take your food to the beach or the car, or you can dine inside. Whether you enjoy scallops, clams, haddock or combo, this is the place to go. You must try their clam chowder and freshly made clam cakes. They're out of this world!

Website: http://huotsseafoodrestaurant.com/index.html




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The Lobster Shack at Two Lights

The Lobster Shack - 225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 - Phone: (207) 799-1677



 Perched above the rocks at the end of Two Lights Road on the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, this lobster-&-fried-seafood spot has the commanding ocean & lighthouse views. There are few places that compare to The Lobster Shack at Two Lights for both delicious seafood fare and surrounding scenery.



The Lobster Shack is an award-winning restaurant that has been a local landmark since the 1920s, but when it comes to the view nothing compares with The Lobster Shack at Two Lights. Here vacationers, especially, are in abundance at The Lobster Shack during the summer season. Families can be seen enjoying their meal ocean-side on the picnic tables, perched just above the crashing waves, below the lighthouse and next to the fog horn. Or for a more intimate dining experience stay in the cozy dining room, where you can watch the ships entering Portland Harbor and the local fishermen haul up their daily catch.



 The favorites here include the Lobster Roll, Lobster Dinner, Haddock Plate and Shrimp Plate. The Lobster Stew and Clam Chowder are both thick and hearty with lobster and clams in every bite.




Website: http://www.lobstershacktwolights.com/menu.html




DiMillo’s on the Waterfront

DiMillos's On The Water - 25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 772-2216
DiMillo's On The Water is an upscale seafood restaurant directly on the water in a huge former New York City ferry nicely renovated. DiMillo's  features seafood, steaks, local Maine Seafood with nautical decor & harbor views.

25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 772-2216

Landmark floating seafood restaurant. “The clams you eat here today slept last night in Casco Bay.”




Website: https://www.dimillos.com/



Js Oyster

5 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 772-4828

Nicknamed "the pearl of the waterfront", J's Oyster is a small seafood restaurant by the dock which has been a local favorite since 1977. You want a local Portland Maine lobster roll - this is your place. J's also has a full bar and some non seafood menu items.

This place will be full of regulars, local fishermen as well as airline personnel and tourists. You can even spot business people here during the lunch hour. It's decor and atmosphere is like that you'd see in a New England fishing town drama or television show which seems to add to the whole experience of the meal. You'll no doubt feel like you are living and eating like the local dockworkers and fishermen do, even if it is just for an hour or so.

Website: http://jsoysterportland.com/menu/


Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room



Rustic, historic setting. Country-chic 2-story seafood venue with wood-grilled entrees, a raw bar & waterfront views. This place has patio seating on both levels. If the bar downstairs is crowded, try heading to the second floor for more seating. They are known for their baked stuffed lobster but will see just about every typical Maine seafood dish on their menu.






Website: https://www.boonesfishhouse.com/


The Porthole Restaurant & Pub

Porthole Restaurant - 20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 773-4653
This place is an authentic Maine experience and another favorite of the locals. The Porthole offers seafood and diner type food at decent prices and huge portions. You would swear the fish is so fresh that they were swimming in the Atlantic just this morning. And probably were! You can't beat the outdoor deck/patio. For one, it's huge and facing the ocean! There are two bars on the back patio facing the water and a few picnic tables for seating. There is almost always live music playing and it's just a great spot to hang out. Drinks are cheap and the lines are not long. Service is friendly inside and outside. If you're looking for fresh seafood such as mussels, lobster rolls, fish and chips, scallops, swordfish, haddock just to mention a few, the Porthole is the place to be.






Website: http://portholemaine.com/menu


Gilberts Chowder House

Gilbert's Chowder House - 92 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 871-5636
Great little place on the waterfront in Portland. The staff is friendly and the food is great. This place has the best chowders in a bread bowl. Definitely check it out if you're in town.





Website: http://www.gilbertschowderhouse.com/




Susan's Fish-n-Chips

Susan's Fish-N-Chips - 1135 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103 - Phone: (207) 878-3240
Hefty portions of deep-fried fish, clams, lobster & ice cream sundaes in a nautically-themed garage-like space.



This garage-turned-fish shack evokes the sea, from the mermaids and fish painted on the exterior to the netting hanging over the counter inside. But don’t expect a fishy odor, Susan’s is clean, efficient, and dishes out some of Portland’s best and cheapest fried seafood. Owner Susan Eklund makes sure Susan’s delivers on its motto: “Our fish is so fresh, you’ll want to slap it.” Big portions, low prices, crispy flavorful fish and daily specials reel in the locals. Open year round.






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Docks Seafood

Dock's Seafood - 15 Evans St, South Portland, ME 04106 - Phone: (207) 899-4432


Fish-focused eatery with simple decor. Casual kitchen & fish market offering fried & steamed seafood platters, plus sandwiches & chowders. This is a place where locals eat. Docks is known for quality fresh seafood at an affordable price. Ask any local for suggestions on where to go for the full lobster experience and the answer will always be Docks Seafood. The staff is friendly and patient as there were so many food options to pick from. The lobster roll platter comes with fries and cole slaw. Try their delicious lobster rolls. They also put out a great haddock sandwich with tartar sauce.




Bay Haven Lobster Pound

Bay Haven Lobster Pound - 101 Maple St, Cornish, ME 04020 - Phone: (207) 625-7303

A drive inland and away from the coast you will find the Bay Haven in Cornish, Maine. This place is definitely a favorite of the locals and native Mainers from as far away as Portland. If you're craving seafood this is the place to go! The seafood is fresh, hot and the portions are huge! You'll hear more of the Maine accent here as this is where local farmers and families from the surrounding towns come to enjoy their seafood. Very few tourists here but the seafood here is hard to match.


Website: https://www.bayhavenlobsterpound.com/


Warren's Lobster House

Warren's Lobster House - 11 Water St, Kittery, ME 03904 - Phone: (207) 439-1630
Coming into Maine from New Hampshire Warren's Lobster House has made a name for itself by the quality of seafood it's been serving over the many years it's been in business. It's also known very well for its salad bar which is genuinely impressive. If you're headed into Maine for seafood but cannot wait until you get to some of the above mentioned seafood restaurants, you certainly cannot go wrong stopping at Warren's Lobster House in Kittery near the Maine / New Hampshire border.

Warren's Lobster House Salad bar




The Clam Shack

The Clam Shack - 2 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043 - Phone: (207) 967-3321

The lobster roll here has an interesting take - circular bun but still remains very honest to the ingredients - the lobster is king and no mayo or sauce getting in the way.  When they tell you it's the meat of a 1.25 pound lobster in your lobster roll, they really are serious. The meat is basically each portion of the lobster (tail, claw, etc) simply cut in half, as opposed to diced up.




Website: http://www.theclamshack.net/menu



Red's Eats

Red's Eats - 41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578 - Phone: (207) 882-6128
Very well known for their award winning lobster roll, there are literally people who have driven from as far away as New York City to get a lobster roll at Red's Eats. The lobster roll at Red's Eats comes on a perfectly toasted bun where it's crunchy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. They top it off with a generous amount of lobster.

Red's Eats infamous Lobster Roll




Website: http://www.redseatsmaine.com/





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