Dining out while on vacation is so much fun. You get to try new restaurants, sample regional cuisine, and experience local culture. Essentially, the act of dining out is a gift for you tastebuds and your brain. Sometimes choosing where to eat can be a bit daunting so here are a few suggestions to get you started. Please note that many Boothbay restaurants are open seasonally.
Where to go for quirky decor – Carriage House Restaurant
Be sure to look around when you visit Carriage House. The bar looks like a boat. The old Kingsbury piano has a Chris Craft boat emblem. Make sure to read the fun sayings and investigate the history on the signs throughout the restaurant.
Carriage House features a seasonal menu of farm to table entrees. A list of the local partnerships is highlighted on their website. The menu includes gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
This restaurant does accept reservations.
Where to watch the sunset while you dine – Ocean Point Kitchen
If you time your dinner right, you will be able to watch the sunset from the ocean overlook. There are water views from all three of the dining areas. If sunsets are not your thing, they also have a breakfast menu.
The menu boasts local seafood and farm-fresh salads. Be sure to check out their cocktail menu.
Enjoy live music on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
This restaurant does accept reservations.
Where to find blueberry coleslaw – Shannon’s Unshelled
You read that right – blueberry coleslaw. This is Maine so it is expected that you will find blueberry pancakes, blueberry muffins, fresh blueberries, and even blueberry beer. Shannon’s has created a truly unique side with their blueberry coleslaw. Guests can choose between the blueberry coleslaw and seaweed salad with just about any of the meal options.
This quintessential lobster shack strives to offer the best lobster roll in town. Order at the shack and grab a seat at a picnic table. If you prefer to dine indoors, you can get takeout and bring your meal back to Five Gables Inn.
There are gluten free options on the menu.
Where to get a local beer from the source – Boothbay Craft Brewery
Boothbay Craft Brewery typically has at least ten beers on tap to choose from and all are made onsite. Styles range from IPAs to stouts, and pale ales to brown ales. Want to sample lots of beers? Start with 8-ounce pours before deciding on a full 16-ounce of your favorite. Wine, bourbon, scotch, and whiskey are available if you do not want beer.
The menu features woodfired pizzas. The house crust is vegan and vegan cheese is available. They also offer a gluten free crust.
Choose between the dark pub-style indoor restaurant or the bright and sunny outdoor patio. Make sure to find the hidden door to the speakeasy and game room.
Where to find over 20 flavors of ice cream – Ice Cream Hut
For over 20 years, the Ice Cream Hut has been serving up every frozen treat you could want. The menu has soft serve, hard ice cream, frozen yogurt, sugar free ice, popsicles, and milkshakes. Want to add toppings? They have a large selection. All of their ice cream is from Round Top in nearby Damariscotta.
The Ice Cream Hut does have gluten free cones available.
While you are there, play a round of miniature golf, play games in the arcade, or explore the shell collection. Visit in September to join the mini golf tournament. All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Shriners Hospital.
Where to find a restaurant with only three items on the menu – Bet’s Fish Fry
It may seem odd to recommend an establishment with so few items on the menu but if you want haddock and fries this is the place to go. The quick bites shack has perfected Fish in a Dish (fried haddock in a basket), Fish Sandwich (fried haddock on a roll), and Fresh Cut Fries. Be sure to get some of the house made tartar or lemon dill sauce and do not forget to bring your own drink.
They are open Tuesday through Saturday. They start selling at 11 am and close when they sell out, which is usually by 2 pm, so be sure to get there early.
With 30 years of experience under their belts it is no surprise that this place is so good. Bring your food to one of their picnic tables or walk the short distance to the town square.
Where to go for the best tapas in town – Boathouse Bistro
Do you enjoy trying a little bit of everything on the menu? Order a bunch of tapas for the whole table to share. Do you prefer to have your own meal without having to share? The menu also boasts tacos, sandwiches, and full entrees.
There are three distinct dining options at Boathouse Bistro. On a hot day sit in the comfortably air conditioned first floor dining room. The second floor features a bar and patio room. Lastly, dine al fresco on the third-floor open deck with water views.
Boathouse Bistro offers many gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options on their menu. They take pride in making sure those options are just as good as everything else on the menu.
Where to go for Italian – Ports of Italy
Boothbay is known for fresh seafood but sometimes you want the comfort of a hearty Italian meal. Ports of Italy makes their own pasta, ravioli, bread, focaccia, and desserts. There are seafood and meat dishes on the menu if your dining party is torn between types of food for the evening.
This restaurant boasts an extensive menu of wines by the glass and by the bottle.
Reservations are recommended to dine at Ports of Italy.
If you are looking for pizza, visit their sister restaurant: Ports Pizzeria.
