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.
- Dolphin Marina & Restaurant, Harpswell
Mike C / TripAdvisor
davefoshee / TripAdvisor
Curtis N / TripAdvisor 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
- Cyndi’s Dockside Restaurant, Poland Spring
management / TripAdvisor
Cyndi’s Dockside Restaurant / Facebook
Cyndi’s Dockside Restaurant / Facebook 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
- Portland Lobster Company, Portland
misopiso88 / TripAdvisor
Samm850 / TripAdvisor
The_Concierge_8 / TripAdvisor 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
- Fisherman’s Wharf Inn, Boothbay Harbor
Im_traveling_solo / TripAdvisor
management / TripAdvisor
sbj04769 / TripAdvisor 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
- Kawanhee Inn Restaurant, Weld
KristyL72 / TripAdvisor
DavidL40950 / TripAdvisor
Toru M / TripAdvisor 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
- Sprague’s Lobster, Wiscasset
Nancy J / TripAdvisor
Rick C / TripAdvisor
Lucinda302 / TripAdvisor 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
- Waterfront, Camden
Kick8a / TripAdvisor
ChipD58 / TripAdvisor
Claudine R / TripAdvisor 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
- Diamond’s Edge Restaurant and Marina, Great Diamond Island
management / TripAdvisor
Scitterygusset / TripAdvisor
management / TripAdvisor 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
- The Lakeshore House, Monson
packupupandaway / TripAdvisor
Wahzah / TripAdvisor
The Lakeshore House / Facebook 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
- Federal Jack’s, Kennebunk
Federal Jack’s / Facebook
Lee S / TripAdvisor
mylittlehummingbird / TripAdvisor 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
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.
Mike C / TripAdvisor
davefoshee / TripAdvisor
Curtis N / TripAdvisor
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
management / TripAdvisor
Cyndi’s Dockside Restaurant / Facebook
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
misopiso88 / TripAdvisor
Samm850 / TripAdvisor
The_Concierge_8 / TripAdvisor
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
Im_traveling_solo / TripAdvisor
sbj04769 / TripAdvisor
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
KristyL72 / TripAdvisor
DavidL40950 / TripAdvisor
Toru M / TripAdvisor
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
Nancy J / TripAdvisor
Rick C / TripAdvisor
Lucinda302 / TripAdvisor
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
Kick8a / TripAdvisor
ChipD58 / TripAdvisor
Claudine R / TripAdvisor
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
Scitterygusset / TripAdvisor
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
packupupandaway / TripAdvisor
Wahzah / TripAdvisor
The Lakeshore House / Facebook
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
Federal Jack’s / Facebook
Lee S / TripAdvisor
mylittlehummingbird / TripAdvisor
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
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