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
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| 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.
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
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| Bayley's Seafood Restaurant - 165 Pine Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074 - Phone: (207) 885-9754 |
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| Lobster Roll and Fries |
Website (menu): http://www.bayleysseafood.com/index_htm_files/Bayleys%20Menu.pdf
Clambake Seafood Restaurant
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| DiMillos's On The Water - 25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 772-2216 |
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
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| 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
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| Porthole Restaurant - 20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 773-4653 |
Website: http://portholemaine.com/menu
Gilberts Chowder House
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| Gilbert's Chowder House - 92 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 871-5636 |
Website: http://www.gilbertschowderhouse.com/
Susan's Fish-n-Chips
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| Susan's Fish-N-Chips - 1135 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103 - Phone: (207) 878-3240 |
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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Bull N' Claw
The Bull and Claw in Wells, Maine is a popular old-school surf 'n' turf eatery & watering hole, featuring a soup-&-salad bar. Th Bull N' Claw offers the highest quality seafood and steaks at the reasonable prices with portions that will make you smile. Open all year round, the Bull N' Claw is a favorite destination for locals and visitors to Maine to who enjoy deliciously fresh and authentic Maine seafood.
Service options: Fireplace · Private dining room · Great cocktails
Try the Bull N' Claw's "2-FOOTER", Maine's (possibly the World's)
Largest Lobster Roll measuring at 2 feet long with the meat of 3 lobsters!
Website: https://www.bullnclaw.com/
Bay Haven Lobster Pound
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| 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
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| Warren's Lobster House - 11 Water St, Kittery, ME 03904 - Phone: (207) 439-1630 |
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| Warren's Lobster House Salad bar |
The Clam Shack
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| 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
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| Red's Eats - 41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578 - Phone: (207) 882-6128 |
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| Red's Eats infamous Lobster Roll |
Website: http://www.redseatsmaine.com/
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