And just because I used the word “grittier,” don’t be fooled into thinking this bustling (in-season, anyway) seaside hamlet doesn’t have some high-end culinary offerings for the discerning tourist—it certainly does—but Boothbay Harbor really is all about the waterside Maine seafood experience.
Map Of Boothbay Harbor Restaurants
The map below shows the locations of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
Lobsterman’s Wharf
This seasonal favorite recently underwent a serious renovation—including the complete reconstruction of the pier it sat on. Now, Lobsterman’s Wharf is 100% open-air (and fortuitously, these plans were in place before Covid reared its ugly head), and you can enjoy your Drunken Mussels with feta, Kalamata, and tomato while watching the boats come in with the day’s catch.
Location: 224 A Ocean Point Rd, East Boothbay, ME 04544
Website: Lobsterman’s Wharf
Boothbay Lobster Wharf
With both indoor and outdoor seating, Boothbay Lobster Wharf is one of those classic seafood establishments that allow you to choose your lobster from the tank (although as much as I love lobster, I take issue with watching my soon-to-be dinner experiencing its last few moments on this earth; I’d rather be blissfully ignorant of such imagery). With an extensive seafood-laden menu that includes a section of meal options that sported hooves or feathers instead of fins, the Boothbay Lobster Wharf is another prime spot to enjoy an authentic taste of Maine while taking in a postcard-perfect view.
Location: 97 Atlantic Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Boothbay Lobster Wharf
McSeagull’s Restaurant
This local fixture did not open during the 2021 season due to staffing issues; their loyal customers will be thrilled to learn they will be reopening their doors this spring. And for good reason: McSeagull’s (despite their goofy name) not only offers the traditional seafood dinners you’d expect from a waterfront dining establishment in coastal Maine, but they have rounded out their menu quite nicely with things like McSeagull’s Shrimp or Mahi Tacos, and Lobster and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya.
Location: 14 Wharf St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: McSeagull’s Restaurant
Kaler’s
Another seasonal waterfront gem, this casual spot also sprinkles some vim and vigor into their classic Maine seafood offerings. A bowl of their award-winning Spicy Lobster Corn Chowder is a meal in itself, as is the Kaler’s Famous Crab Dip (although the latter is listed as a mere appetizer). My personal favorite is their Crab Grilled Cheese (and a Bloody Good Mary with Pinnacle Habañero to wash it down).
Location: 48 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Kaler’s
Fisherman’s Wharf Inn Restaurant
Located at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn on the waterfront, this seasonal fixture has been filling empty bellies since 1946. With far fewer landlubber options than seafood, the Fisherman’s Wharf is true to its namesake…although they give some traditional options signature twists, like the Sherried Made-from-Scratch Lobster Bisque or the Panko Fried Haddock Sandwich with Malt Vinegar Tartar.
Location: 22 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Fisherman’s Wharf Inn Restaurant
Brady’s
Open year-round, Brady’s is a favorite of locals and tourists; their seasonal Foofa Deck is typically packed with happy folks eating, drinking, and listening to live music (Saturdays and Sundays). But their recently-updated indoor dining space—the “Shane Shack”—is also a happening spot, offering a full bar, cornhole, darts, and a great pub-style menu (their shellfish twist—Scallops Rockefeller—is a must-try, as is their gigantic House-made Fudge Brownie Sundae).
Location: 25 Union St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Brady’s
The Thistle Inn Restaurant
This restaurant, along with its casual counterpart, The Dory Pub, is located at The Thistle Inn. With both dinner and pub menus, you can choose between cloth- or paper-napkin-style dining (think Seared Salmon or Rack of Lamb versus Flatbread Pizza or the Dory Burger). The casual Dory Pub has happy hour from 4-5, and their menu is also available in The Thistle Inn Restaurant.
Location: 55 Oak St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: The Thistle Inn Restaurant
Mine Oyster and Taka Sushi
This twofer restaurant serves up authentic flavors of Maine in two different presentations. At Mine: Raw, local oysters on the ½ shell? Yup. Oysters cooked in seven different unbelievably delicious ways (like classic Rockefeller, South of the Border-style with goat cheese, mashed avocado, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips)? Gotcha covered. Creative salads, pizza, soups, skewers, sandwiches, tacos, and entrees? All that and much more on this really, really big menu. And at Taka, enjoy the freshest sushi the area has to offer from Kunio Takahashi, Mine Oyster’s own superb Sushi Chef.
Location: 16 Wharf St #1, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Mine Oyster
Paul’s Steak House / Grille 19
While both of these restaurants are located at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club, each has its own unique atmosphere—similar to the Thistle Inn’s two eateries. At Paul’s, expect a five-star-style experience; their dinner menu is, of course, built around their world-class steak offerings—but there is far more than beef on offer here, and their wine list is extensive. For a casual-yet-elevated dining experience and pub-style menu, Grill 19 is your other option at the country club.
Location: 50 Sugar Maple Lane, Boothbay, ME 04537
Website: Paul’s Steak House
Website: Grille 19
Coastal Prime
This new seasonal restaurant is located at the Boothbay Harbor Oceanside Golf Resort and offers both indoor and heated outdoor seating for their menus, which utilize as many locally-sourced ingredients as they can get their hands on. With gorgeous harbor views from every seat in the dining room, Coastal Prime offers a create-your-own platter from their chilled shellfish bar—choose from oysters, shrimp cocktail, and lobster—along with all the fixings. They’ve also got plenty of other options, including soups, salads, appetizers, and entrees—including a melt-in-your-mouth Roasted Halibut, a fabulous Udon Noodle Bowl, and a 14-ounce Greater Omaha Prime Ribeye.
Location: 35 Atlantic Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Coastal Prime
Boathouse Bistro
A fantastic spot to sit and watch the boats go by, the Boathouse Bistro is open year-round and offers an extensive, creative menu. Yes, they have plenty of delicious, coastal fare…but the Bistro also has an entire section devoted to their signature risotto entrees—10 variations, to be exact—including Spicy Shrimp, Pork, and Smoked Salmon versions, and you can add several different protein toppers, to boot. Yum!
Location: 12 By-Way, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Website: Boathouse Bistro
Boothbay Craft Brewery
With fantastic pub fare, a host of fresh-brewed beer, and even a secret speakeasy, the Boothbay Craft Brewery is an all-around winner. Open year-round, the atmosphere here is warm, friendly, and cozy; upstairs in the “speakeasy” (the host will escort you to the secret door if you wish to dine up there), the vibe is just as comfortable, but has a livelier feel to it, with a pool table and other tavern-ish pastimes. Be sure to try one of their skillet flambé appetizers for even more dinnertime excitement; the flatbreads are amazing, as are their desserts (I’m looking at you, Lava Cake!).
Location: 301 Adams Pond Rd, Boothbay, ME 04537
Website: Boothbay Craft Brewery
Carriage House Restaurant
With its dimmed-just-right lighting, kitschy signage, and warm wood interior, the Carriage House is the kind of place that makes you want to linger. Their simple tavern-style menu has a little of everything (I’m partial to their Reuben), and be sure to check the daily specials before you order. If you enjoy a well-crafted cocktail, order a Perch Island Painkillah (Bacardi, Myer’s, pineapple, orange, coconut, and nutmeg)—it’ll cure what ails you.
Location: 388 Ocean Point Rd, East Boothbay, ME 04544
Website: Carriage House Restaurant
Ocean Point Inn Resort Restaurant
This is one of the open-to-the-public dining options at the Ocean Point Inn Resort; you can eat in the restaurant’s formal dining room (choose from a host of amazing entrees like Delmonico Steak, Rack of New Zealand Lamb, and Fresh Swordfish), or—if you’re in the mood for pub fare—in the casual Tavern Lounge.
Location: 191 Shore Rd, East Boothbay, ME 04544
Website: Ocean Point Inn Resort Restaurant
Here are a handful of other spots you should certainly make time in your trip to stop into…and I’ll tell you why. Shannon’s Unshelled is THE place to go in Boothbay Harbor for a lobster roll—hands down.
For a large slice of breakfast pizza (yup, you read that right) in a cute, quirky dining space, get to the Red Cup Coffeehouse in Boothbay Harbor early to get a seat.
For 44 years, Downeast Ice Cream Factory has been serving up award-winning hard ice cream from their two Boothbay Harbor locations every summer—but be prepared to wait in line. This stuff’s good!
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