10 Restaurants In Maine With The Most Amazing Dockside Dining
As the weather continues to warm, all we want to do is spend time outside. Between hiking, swimming, and boating there are plenty of ways to while away the hours with a fresh Maine breeze. But, I think we can all agree that everything is better when it involves a meal. So, today we’re talking about the best way to enjoy the fresh air AND a solid meal in Vacationland. Check out these spots for some of the best dockside dining in Maine.
Head down Harpswell Neck towards Dolphin Marina and you'll think the views can't get much better — until you look out onto Potts Harbor. Here, even the tables inside have incredible views of the dock. Dig into the fish chowder after enjoying the complimentary blueberry muffins that arrive prior to every meal.
They're located at 515 Basin Point Rd., Harpswell / (207) 833-6000
They're located at 515 Basin Point Rd., Harpswell / (207) 833-6000
Cyndi's Dockside is located on Middle Range Pond. They're open all year and offer rentals for things like kayaks and paddle boards. But, the food is why you're really there so be sure to check out the Haddock Fish Fry Night where you'll enjoy all-you-can-eat hand battered fried haddock served with french fries, coleslaw, and a soda.
They're located at 723 Maine St., Poland Spring / (207) 998-5008
They're located at 723 Maine St., Poland Spring / (207) 998-5008
With live music and a decidedly casual vibe, locals wait for this spot to re-open every spring as if they're waiting for a treasured friend to return from a long vacation. And don't forget about the food. Served on trays with plenty of butter, lobster rolls with a local beer are a must-order.
They're located at 180 Commercial St., Portland / (207)-775-2112
They're located at 180 Commercial St., Portland / (207)-775-2112
The main dining room here is directly over Boothbay Harbor, so even if you can't get a seat outside you'll still have the best seat in the house. Enjoy an extensive menu, including their crispy fried lobster gruyere mac and cheese.
They're located at 22 Commercial St., Boothbay Harbor / (207) 633-5090
They're located at 22 Commercial St., Boothbay Harbor / (207) 633-5090
While not entirely ON the dock, this gorgeous setting provides beautiful views of the lake and dock. Part of the Kawanhee Inn, this restaurant offers one of the best restaurants in the area perfect for people who want to make an easy weekend trip of their meals. The service is wonderful and the menu is delicious.
They're located at 2 Annes Way, Weld / (207) 585-2000
They're located at 2 Annes Way, Weld / (207) 585-2000
Another lobster shack might come to mind when you think of Wiscasset, but this one is right across the street and lacks the epic line you'll find at the other. Sprague's serves up delicious casual seafood including lobster rolls that are packed with juicy meat.
They're located at 2 Main Rd., Wiscasset / (207) 882-1236
They're located at 2 Main Rd., Wiscasset / (207) 882-1236
If you're looking for quintessential Maine views, you'll find them here. The menu has something for everyone — seafood lovers and burger munchers included. The lobster cobb salad gets rave reviews, though!
They're located at 48 Bayview St., Camden / (207) 236-3747
They're located at 48 Bayview St., Camden / (207) 236-3747
While we love the casual spots on this list, some events call for a special dinner. For those times, head out on the Casco Bay Ferry Lines from Portland to Great Diamond Island where you'll enjoy a menu full of seafood and the air full of salty breezes coming straight off the bay.
They're located at Diamond Cove on Great Diamond Island, Portland / (207) 766-5850
They're located at Diamond Cove on Great Diamond Island, Portland / (207) 766-5850
The Lakeshore House is well-known among hikers of the AT. Its location makes it a popular stopping point along the way. The hospitality doesn't hurt either. Make sure to take some time to enjoy the outdoors here. And, cross your fingers that you've shown up on a night that baked mac and cheese is on the list of specials.
They're located at 9 Tenney Hill Rd., Monson / (207) 343-5033
They're located at 9 Tenney Hill Rd., Monson / (207) 343-5033
Stop by Federal Jack's for a beer on the deck, or an entire meal. Either way, you'll want to soak up the views and salty air for hours. If you end up ordering from the menu, make sure you opt for something seafood-related. Delicious!
They're located at 8 Western Ave., Kennebunk / (207) 967-4322
They're located at 8 Western Ave., Kennebunk / (207) 967-4322
It’s lucky for everyone in Maine that eating here is just as great even when it’s not on the water. A great example is this hot dog joint hidden in plain sight on the side of Route 1.
