Boothbay Harbor might not be a large city, but it has an abundance of restaurants, especially along the harbor. Whether you want seafood, American, Italian, or pizza, there’s a restaurant to satisfy every craving. Among the many Boothbay Harbor restaurants, you’ll come across Maine-made ice cream and other desserts as well. Let’s take a look at the best of the best local restaurants in Boothbay Harbor Maine.
Our property is conveniently located close to some of the best things to do and see in Midcoast Maine. A variety of places to eat, and Boothbay Harbor is filled with exceptional restaurants that’ll satisfy even your pickiest eaters. First, our on-site restaurant and bar, Anchor Restaurant is within steps from your accommodation, making it easy to walk over and back!
Anchor Restaurant
Serving American cuisine – from bar bites like wings and bang-bang shrimp to salads, sandwiches, burgers, burritos, and nightly dinner specials. A central location in Boothbay Harbor to gather with friends and family over delicious drinks, good food, fun, and a relaxing atmosphere.
“The food was absolutely delicious and the waitstaff was incredibly friendly and attentive. Absolutely amazing experience. I ordered a burger whose patty was cooked exactly as I requested it. It had a delightfully smooth cheddar cheese atop the patty, and it had a subtly favored sauce which was applied in just enough quantity — which was also absolutely delicious: rich but not taking away from the rest — but not enough sauce to make a mess while eating. The vegetables were crisp, fresh, flavorful and portioned out in a manner consistent with how I enjoy a burger. Absolutely one of the best restaurants I’ve eaten at — and that’s coming from a lifelong Mainer. Absolutely will eat here again if visiting the area!” – Andy D., Google
photo from review of Anchor Restaurant at the Flagship Inn in Boothbay Harbor
Best Seafood Restaurants in Boothbay Harbor
If there’s one thing that Maine is known for, it’s great seafood with an ocean view. As a coastal town, Boothbay Harbor is popular for its fresh seafood dishes, including the lobster roll, lobster stew, and clam chowder. With so many seafood restaurants, though, you need to know which ones are the best ones!
Kaler’s Restaurant
Since 1998, Kaler’s Restaurant has been serving the best, most affordable fresh seafood in Boothbay Harbor. The family restaurant specializes in lobster and crab meals, however, it also serves full clams, haddock, burgers, and more. Kaler’s Restaurant is located in the center of downtown and offers a casual, inviting, and relaxed atmosphere.
Mine Oyster
Along with being one of the best seafood restaurants in Boothbay Harbor Maine, Mine Oyster is one of the best restaurants on the water. Its raw bar has some of the best oysters in the area. The Boothbay Harbor restaurant is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike due to its multiple dining rooms and bars. They also include several gluten-free and vegetarian dishes on their menu, and you can often catch a live music show while you dine!
“We accidentally stumbled in here and we’re glad we did. Lobster rolls are fantastic and staff was very friendly.” – Joe M., Facebook
Boothbay Lobster Wharf
When you’re craving fresh lobster, the Boothbay Lobster Wharf is exactly what you want. It’s a working wharf with a boat-to-table restaurant that has an enclosed dining area and an outdoor deck. You can watch each step of the lobster-handling process. In addition to lobster, the menu includes sandwiches, grilled foods, chowders, and steamers. There’s a full bar with wine and beer, too. If you go on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you can listen to live music while you eat.
Best Boothbay Harbor Restaurants for Casual Dining
There’s no shortage of casual bars and restaurants in Boothbay Harbor. They serve everything from breakfast to dinner, and they have libations to pair with each meal. Here are four that really stand out above them all.
Blue Moon Cafe
One of the best breakfast restaurants in the area, Blue Moon Cafe is a small eatery with a shaded deck. Because of its location, you get a beautiful view of the harbor while you eat. It serves breakfast and lunch every day from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and serves brunch on Sundays until noon. The breakfast menu is full of great food, such as cinnamon-pecan French toast and Maine blueberry pancakes. The lunch menu features burgers, cold and hot sandwiches, salads, and soups. Beer, wine, and spirits are available as well.
Harborside Tavern
You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Harborside Tavern which has a cozy and comfy atmosphere. Since 2016, the restaurant has become popular among locals and visitors alike. It serves fresh seafood and American dishes, and the menu offers gluten-free and vegetarian dishes, too. Aside from terrific food, patrons go to the tavern for crafted cocktails and housemade desserts.
The Boathouse Bistro
Owned by family and friends, The Boathouse Bistro is one of the top-rated bars and Boothbay Harbor restaurants. Everything on its menu is made with fresh, local ingredients (including vegan options) and served with artful flair. Patrons can experience rooftop dining or enjoy the view of the harbor from one of the lower levels. The well-balanced menu has something for everyone!
“…it started out as a watering hole then progressed into dinner. Excellent!”
– Donald C., Facebook
Brady’s
As one of the top Boothbay Harbor restaurants on the water, Brady’s is a hot hangout spot. The culinary team creates homestyle dishes, such as steak, seafood, soups, and salads. If you’re visiting Boothbay Harbor in the winter months, you’ll want to be sure to take advantage of its modern, cozy atmosphere for a warm meal that delights your taste buds.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Boothbay Harbor
While the overall atmosphere in Boothbay Harbor Maine leans toward casual, there are a few Boothbay Harbor restaurants that could be considered fine dining if you’re looking for something more upscale. They’d make a great date-night option!
Ports of Italy
If you’re in the mood for Italian, there’s no better restaurant than Ports of Italy. It’s one of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in Boothbay Harbor Maine, and the chef creates everything with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant is particularly famous for its homemade pastas, including spaghetti and ravioli. The bread, focaccia, and desserts, which are all made with free-range eggs, are also favorites. Local seafood and meats are on the menu, too.
The Thistle Inn
With four intimate and unique dining rooms, two of which have fireplaces creating a cozy ambiance during cold winter months, The Thistle Inn’s restaurant is the perfect dining location for any occasion throughout the year. A quick glance through their dinner menu will have your mouth watering over offerings such as grilled peach salad, tuna tartare, Maine crab cakes, brandied lobster, linguine primavera, roasted duck, and more. If you prefer a more casual fare, their pub menu offers favorites such as a corned beef Reuben and beer-battered fish and chips. Their library is also available for receptions or private dinner parties.
Best Restaurants in Boothbay Harbor for a Quick Bite
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you might not always have time to sit down and eat in a restaurant. Fortunately, Boothbay Harbor has two fantastic spots for a quick bite.
Red Cup Coffeehouse
At Red Cup Coffeehouse, you can indulge in something sweet or get a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. This downtown coffee shop and internet cafe most notably serves fresh-baked goods and free trade coffee, however, there are other quick and delicious foods on the menu too.
“Hands down the BEST coffee shop!! Great environment, great service and great play area for kids!” – Alexandria F., Facebook
Shannon’s Unshelled
For a more substantial meal on the go, Shannon’s Unshelled is best-known for its lobster roll. If you ask the locals, they’ll tell you that it’s overflowing with flavor and the best of the best. Outside seating is available and makes this place one of the best pet-friendly restaurants in Boothbay Harbor.
Best Ice Cream Shops in Boothbay Harbor
When your sweet tooth is calling, you won’t have a problem satisfying it. In fact, Maine is known for its ice cream, and several places in Boothbay Harbor serve the best.
Downeast Ice Cream Factory
Every day, Downeast Ice Cream Factory makes fresh, homemade concoctions. For more than 40 years, it has been serving unforgettably creative combinations. It has more than 60 flavors including apple pie, whoopie pie, and peanut butter fantasy. There are sugar-free ice cream, sherbet, sorbet, and low-fat frozen yogurt too.
Sarah’s Scoops
Family-owned and operated, Sarah’s Scoops is an ice cream stand that features Gifford’s ice cream. Its soft-serve system has at least 24 flavors at all times, and you can combine them for endless possibilities. Along with cones, cups, and sundaes, the menu includes sorbet, sherbet, frozen yogurt, and signature frappes. As a bonus, this stand is located next to Flagship Inn.
Wannawaf
Since 2003, Wannawaf has been a dream come true for locals and visitors with a sweet tooth. This stand has hot Belgian waffles, ice cream sundaes, and gourmet hot dogs. For the ultimate dessert, you can top a waffle with Shain’s of Maine ice cream, homemade sauces, and fresh fruit. You can even get your hot dog in a waffle.
“The best waffles with ice cream and fresh fruit toppings. Great food. Fun place and the customer service is amazing!” – Amy M., Facebook
More Best Restaurants in the Boothbay Harbor Area
If you want to take your restaurant adventures just outside of Boothbay Harbor, there are many great places in the surrounding area. The following restaurants are within 10 minutes of Flagship Inn.
Bet’s Fish Fry
On Route 27 in Boothbay, Bet’s Fish Fry is a great stop for fresh fish and chips. This shack is most well-known for its huge portions of haddock sandwiches and freshly cut fries. Although there’s no indoor seating, the back lawn has a couple of picnic tables. Be sure to bring cash as they don’t currently accept credit cards.
Robinson’s Wharf
Just across the swing bridge to Southport, Robinson’s Wharf is a seafood market as well as a full-service pub and restaurant. It has been serving the Boothbay Harbor area for more than 40 years. The restaurant serves fresh lobster, scallops, and shrimp on the dock. Its menu also includes burgers and creative dishes.
“The fishermen bring the lobsters right up to Robinson’s dock. Great seafood and other stuff too. Kids love it… great service. So good even the fishermen eat here.” – Bob B., Facebook
Carriage House Restaurant
Reestablished in 2016, Carriage House Restaurant is located in East Boothbay. This comfortable, friendly spot serves a seasonal range of farm-to-table dishes, such as fish and chips, lobster, and ribs. Don’t fill up on the main course, though, because you’ll want to save room for dessert – the pies and creme brulee are delicious! You’ll also find cocktails, microbrews, and wines on the menu.
Best Affordable Hotel in Boothbay Harbor
Flagship Inn is the best place to stay if you want to get around Boothbay Harbor Maine with ease. In fact, the majority of the restaurants above are within walking distance because we’re located in the downtown area.
If you plan to travel with a pet, you’ll be happy to know that our hotel is pet-friendly. Our pet-friendly rooms are stocked with items from Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters, and there’s lots of room for your four-legged friend to roam at Penny Lake Preserve – adjacent to our property.
Check out photos of our inn and the area and call us today to start planning your coastal Maine vacation!