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General New England Archive

Tips for Dining, Eating and Food Shopping in the New England

How's my list for Mass, Maine Coast, NH, Vt?

I love lobster, fried clams, prefer casual places. How's this list?

Woodman's -- Essex
Alberto's -- Hyannis
Lobsters Shack at 2 Lights -- Cape Elizabeth
Red's Eats -- Wiscasset
Paolina's Way -- Camden
Moody's Diner -- Waldoboro for walnut pie
Chauncey Creek -- Kittery
Duck Fat -- Portland
Harrasskeet Lunch -- Freeport
Stewman's Lobster -- Bar Harbor
Hart's Turkey Farm -- Meredith
A Single Pebble -- Burlington
Neptune Oyster -- Boston
Modern & Mike's -- Boston
Kelly's Roast Beef -- Revere

I don't have enough meals/days to cover all this in one vacation.
What shouldn't I miss???

    34 Replies so Far

    1. I would skip Paolina's Way in Camden; it's not nearly as good as it was when it first opened. Instead, I would head over to Rockland and have a casual meal at In Good Company, the wine bar/foodie spot par excellence!

        1. i'm not a fan of woodman's.

            1. Drop Stewman's in BH too. Will be shut and is over priced. Don't miss Jordan's Snack Bar in Ellsworth for fried clams. Hit Just Barb's too on rt 1 Sandy Pt/Searsport.

                1. re: Passadumkeg

                  Is Just Barb's still good? Heard a downhill alert....the place is up for sale. Or, has it been sold, re-opened, and still good????

                    1. re: jackattack

                      Yes, still good. Places like this are often on the market for years. Ruth & Wimpies and Chester Pike's Galley are on the market too.
                      Walker, add them to your list too.

                    2. Definately skip Hart's Turkey Farm in Meredith, if you are going to be in teh lakes region and love a great lobster roll - hit Sam & Rosies in Ctr. Harbor (just up rt 25 from Meredith) and it's across from the lake so nice views.

                      there is lots on this board about the Lakes Region if you'll be up there for a night or two. Sam & Rosie's is a lunch place. for dinner - my choice would be the Corner House Inn in Ctr Sandwich or Largo in Meredith or Church Landing in Meredith (last two still casual if you eat in teh bar).

                        1. re: lexpatti

                          Last Sat night I had a very good seafood lasagna at The Homestead in Bristol which is close to Meredith exit 23/Rt 93. We like the nice homey feel of smallish rooms in an old farmhouse. It's not as casual as Red's but jeans and a flannel shirt would be fine. The Corner House is a great suggestion.

                          A very casual place about 20 minutes south of Meredith is the Pizza Market on Rt 3A heading out of Franklin NH (exit 20 Rt 93, then south of Rt 3 thru Tilton and Franklin, then turn right onto 3A ... or maybe it's 3B). This place is biker casual but it's still a decent family place. New owners trying to make a go in a restaurant that had been closed for awhile. Last time we had fried clams the market price was just under $16 and they let you sub onion rings for french fries. Neither DH or I were able to finish all the rings. Good cole slaw. Very friendly wait staff. It would be cheaper than The Homestead (the Homestead has some good seafood dishes but no fried clams).

                          If it's too cold to eat at Red's, I would substitute the Sea Basket on Rt 1/Wiscasset.

                            1. re: lexpatti

                              I looked up the menu for Corner House and it looks good. It's in Center Sandwich -- do you have an idea how long a drive it would be from N. Conway? Thanks.

                                1. re: walker

                                  About 45 minutes or so. Agree about Harts. Corner House is OK, but stick to the simple stuff, sometimes its reach exceeds its grasp.

                                  • re: lexpatti

                                    I agree with lexpatti about Hart's Turkey Farm--nothing special.

                                    • Yikes, your itinerary doesn't include any ice creameries! Four Seas near Hyannis, John's Homemade near Camden/Waldoboro, Toot's near Freeport, and Toscanini's in Boston would be my choices.

                                      Also, when's this trip? Half of those seafood joints will be closing for the season soon.

                                        1. re: jackattack

                                          You like these creameries equally?
                                          AR Boston Sunday, Oct 4. Drive to Woods Hole, ferry to MV. Next day, Nantucket (so that 2 hotel nights in Hyannis.) Drive the coast, next 2 nights in Camden -- might try to get to Acadia.
                                          2 in N. Conway, 1 in Stowe, then outside Boston 1 and a friend will show me around Boston before I return Oct 13-- thought I'd try to go to Neptune Oyster.
                                          Perhaps I should skip A Single Pebble in Burlington because that day I'll be driving from N Conway to Stowe. (I like to drive but I should not get ridiculous.)
                                          There are many more places I'd like to try in Maine, not so much in NH and Vt. I need to keep costs down, no $50 dinners for me.
                                          I called Thurston's Lobster Pound today (it's on Mt Desert Island -- near Acadia, I guess) and they are open until Oct 18 and I'd really like to try them.
                                          I know I want to go to Lobster Shack at 2 Lights and Red's Eats. (I'll get some blueberry pie somewhere, too!)
                                          I'll just have to go back next year and try the ones I miss.

                                            1. re: walker

                                              If you're staying in Camden you might check the little local markets for "Amy's Pies", she makes a very good blueberry and an excellent chocolate cream. I know they sell them at Thomaston Grocery on route 1, downtown Thomaston if you're driving in that way. If you don't get up to Thurstons...check to see if Waterman's Lobster/Owl's Head is still open for the season. And Bayview Lobster in Camden will do just fine in a pinch, more than fine in fact.

                                                1. re: walker

                                                  Hey, walker. Have a great time. We were on Cape Cod for ten days in June and loved every bite of it :) And such nice people.

                                                    1. re: c oliver

                                                      Too bad you won't be there at the same time!

                                                      Where do you like around Hyannis? - not high end!

                                                      Is that where Friendly Fisherman is located?

                                                        1. re: walker

                                                          We were on the north side of the Cape at Denis. We thoroughly enjoyed the fried clams at Sesuit Harbor Cafe there. Definitely not high end. Yeah,too bad we're not going to be there. We're budget travellers for sure and quite easy to please.

                                                    2. While I really like Single Pebble, it's awfully out of the way from the other places.

                                                        1. For a real old fashioned, but hard to find Downeast breakfast, try the fish cakes and beans with a fried egg at the Rockland Cafe, local diner style food.

                                                            1. Because the restaurant link is not operational yet and because this thread is so hard to follow:

                                                              Alberto's Ristorante
                                                              360 Main St,
                                                              Hyannis, MA 02601
                                                              (508) 778-1770

                                                              Lobster Shack (a seafood shack)
                                                              225 Two Lights Rd
                                                              Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107-9515
                                                              (207) 799-1677
                                                              lobstershacktwolights.com

                                                              Red's Eats (a seafood shack)
                                                              41 Water Street
                                                              Wiscasset, ME 04578
                                                              (207) 882-6128

                                                              Moody's Diner
                                                              1885 Atlantic Hwy
                                                              Waldoboro, ME 04572
                                                              (207) 832-7785
                                                              moodysdiner.com

                                                              In Good Company (upscale restaurant)
                                                              415 Main St
                                                              Rockland, ME 04841-3305
                                                              (207) 593-9110

                                                              Bay View Lobster
                                                              1 Bayview Landing
                                                              Camden, ME 04843-2249
                                                              (207) 236-2005
                                                              bayviewlobster.com‎

                                                              Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier (a seafood shack-closes after Columbus Day)
                                                              16 Chauncey Creek Rd
                                                              Kittery Point, ME 03905-5200
                                                              (207) 439-1030
                                                              chaunceycreek.com

                                                              Duck Fat (restaurant)
                                                              43 Middle Street
                                                              Portland, ME 04101
                                                              (207) 774-8080
                                                              duckfat.com‎

                                                              Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company (restaurant closing 10-15)
                                                              36 Main Street
                                                              South Freeport, ME 04078
                                                              (207) 865-4888
                                                              harraseeketlunchandlobster.com

                                                              Thurston's Lobster Pound
                                                              1 Thurston Rd
                                                              Bernard, ME 04612
                                                              (207) 244-7600
                                                              thurstonslobster.com

                                                              Rockland Cafe
                                                              441 Main St
                                                              Rockland, ME 04841-3383
                                                              (207) 596-7556
                                                              rocklandcafe.com

                                                              Watermans Beach Lobster
                                                              343 Waterman Beach Rd
                                                              South Thomaston, ME 04858-3325
                                                              (207) 596-7819
                                                              watermanhouse.com

                                                              Jordan's Snack Bar (seafood shack-probably closes after Columbus Day)
                                                              200 Downeast Hwy
                                                              Ellsworth, ME 04605-2520
                                                              (207) 667-2174

                                                              Ruth & Wimpie's Kitchen
                                                              792 US Hwy 1
                                                              Hancock, ME 04640

                                                              Chester Pike's Galley
                                                              2336 Us Hwy 1
                                                              Sullivan, ME 04664-3330
                                                              (207) 422-8200
                                                              http://www.downeastmaineonline.com/In...

                                                              Corner House Inn
                                                              22 Main St
                                                              Center Sandwich, NH 03227
                                                              (603) 284-6219
                                                              cornerhouseinn.com

                                                              The Homestead Restaurant
                                                              1567 Summer St
                                                              Bristol, NH 03222-3238
                                                              (603) 744-2022
                                                              homesteadnh.com

                                                              A Single Pebble (Chinese
                                                              )133 Bank St
                                                              Burlington, VT 05401-4409
                                                              (802) 865-5200
                                                              asinglepebble.com

                                                              Neptune Oyster (small oyster bar)
                                                              63 Salem St
                                                              Boston, MA 02113
                                                              (617) 742-3474

                                                              Modern Pastry
                                                              257 Hanover St
                                                              Boston, MA 02113-2322
                                                              (617) 523-3783modernpastry.com‎

                                                              Mike's Pastry
                                                              300 Hanover St
                                                              Boston, MA 02113-1835
                                                              (617) 742-3050mikespastry.com‎

                                                              Kelly's Roast Beef (famous sandwich?)
                                                              410 Revere Beach Blvd
                                                              Revere, MA 02151-4705
                                                              (781) 284-9129
                                                              kellysroastbeef.com

                                                                1. re: Scargod

                                                                  Wow! Jordan's is open until the end of the first week in Nov. BYOB too.

                                                                  • I would avoid Chauncey Creek. Of all the places I have ever eaten lobster--and it's a lot of places--the lobster there was by far the worst.

                                                                      1. I have this for places in Massachusetts: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&...
                                                                        I've personally only eaten at a few. Most recommendations leading to a restaurant's inclusion are based on Chowhound recommendations.
                                                                        I have other maps for Maine, Boston, New Hampshire, Vermont and more under "Scargo".

                                                                          1. Scrap Woodman's, replace with Clam Box, in Ipswich.
                                                                            Scrap Mikes in Boston, keep Modern
                                                                            Harrassekeet, awesome, Duck Fat as well
                                                                            Neptune also a keeper

                                                                            Enjoy

                                                                              1. Jeesum Crow Walkah, yah gotta do more research! Your batting average is worse than the Red Sox against the Yankees. Through out that lobster pot again on the search this board; you're coming up w/ shorts and eggers!

                                                                                  1. re: Passadumkeg

                                                                                    Now, son, you be nice. Walker is a wonderful woman (I started out thinking *she* was a young, gay man) who lives in SF, cooks up a storm (helped me with my first pasta making) and is SO nice. She's gone fishin' in a pretty big pond and will listen to all recs. Good boy.

                                                                                      1. re: c oliver

                                                                                        OK, Susan's Fish 'N Chips in Portland and Baggaduce Lunch in Brooksville, but don't expect none of that Left Coast Ciappino winey stuff, just good wholesome lahd.
                                                                                        CO, don't they do homework in Californicationia?

                                                                                          1. re: Passadumkeg

                                                                                            I secretly thought you all would be impressed with my research!! You would not believe the hours I've "wasted" on all this. I don't eat cioppino (who wants to dip their fingers in hot tomato sauce to scoop up crab in the shell?) I'm just after FRESH lobster.

                                                                                            I've decided Thurston's is too hard a drive.

                                                                                            A friend here likes Swan River in Dennisport -- anyone know of this place for lobster?

                                                                                              1. re: walker

                                                                                                P-keg is being a bit of a doodoo-head :) but rumor has it that he's sleep deprived. I'm VERY impressed with your research. I'm trying to remember if Swan River was a place that we looked at but was very expensive; can't remember. Maybe someone else will help here.

                                                                                                  1. re: c oliver

                                                                                                    Yes, Dennisport to Thurston's is like SF to LA, a bit of a trek. You'll find lots of lobbers, but many shore shacks will be shut for the season. I'm not sleep deprived, just hungry.
                                                                                                    I make a wicked good ciapino. I may be in Walnut Creek for a week in April. No Fisherman's Warf, though.
                                                                                                    Eat steamers an full bellied clams too. I wouldn't admit to knowing CO. though.

                                                                                                      1. re: Passadumkeg

                                                                                                        Bad boy, bad boy. Here I was thinking about picking up Alan Barnes and coming to Walnut Creek and you get all obstreperous(?sp).

                                                                                                          1. re: c oliver

                                                                                                            Don't worry about your spelling since P. can't spell at all and I only half the time.
                                                                                                            English is hella hard to spell! The menu of the Swan place looked ok.

                                                                                                            • re: Passadumkeg

                                                                                                              It seems Bagaduce Lunch is closed for the season.
                                                                                                              If I drive from Camden to Bar Harbor and Acadia for the day, where should I go for FRESH lobster cooked on premises that would not be a pain to drive to, like Thurston's?
                                                                                                              Later, I'll be in N. Conway and Stowe and now I'm thinking (since I'll be doing so much driving just going from motel to motel) maybe I should just try to have dinner closer to these 2 towns. Any recs?

                                                                                                                1. re: walker

                                                                                                                  We stopped at a pretty decent BBQ place in N. Conway, by the outlets

                                                                                                                  http://www.hillbillyssouthernbbq.com/

                                                                                                                  But, what towns will you pass through to get from one place to the other...you may be passing by some good spots that would be worth stopping for!

                                                                                                                    1. re: walker

                                                                                                                      Both Trenton Lobster Pound and Downeast Lobster are right on Rt 3 just before you cross the tiny bridge to MDI. As good as any.

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