We very much enjoyed the view from the upper deck - what a perfect place to have drinks and a romantic dinner. I bumped up the review by a star for the setting. The food was not so great. We had the Asian lobster and crab cakes as a starter, and they were basically like not very meaty crab cakes without much flavor and a weird sauce. I had something which I'm not sure is a regular menu item, it was stuffed tomatoes with corn salsa. I thought the idea was nice as a vegetarian and low carb option, but again, this was very lacking in flavor and it was hard to eat most of it because it was just like eating plain tomato with plain corn. Husband had the catch of the day bistro sandwich, which was tuna - the tuna was overcooked and the sandwich was quite plain (we liked the chipotle mayo though). He was happy about the selection of beers on tap, which was quite good from what he tells me....
(3)
Robin M.
I have mixed feelings about the bistro. The food was OK, not great but not bad. To be fair, neither person in my party ordered seafood, so mane they're better with seafood dishes. The service was inconsistent. We went a few times while in Booth Bay, and I don't think I'd go back.
(3)
Joellen D.
We tried several different tapas and the risotto of the day . All the food and service was outstanding . Can't wait to go back, the chef was very mindful of my fish allergy .
(5)
John B.
The Boathouse is actually a great place if you can avoid the obnoxious touristas and their brats on the upper deck. Maybe it's relaxing in mid to late afternoon but I would only go up there after 7 or so in the evening. Their tapas style menu is eclectic and very good. We only tried a few before we had to leave...having arrived at 6P and being overwhelmed by the above. The waitress was totally understanding of our plight. If you want to dine/relax in the early evening, the bottom level is very pleasant and the second floor has a nice porch overlooking the harbor. Other reviews have described the menu items well. I only got to sample a cheese-grits/polenta with shrimp dish that was great before we "had" to leave. Prices are reasonable.
(4)
Denise M.
Was told by a local this is her favorite restaurant and that she's enjoyed everything she's had there. After visiting this place for dinner I'm not surprised! It was difficult to choose an entree because so many looked good. I had the saffron cream lobster tail and my husband had the Maine seafood stew. Both were excellent. Waitstaff was very attentive and easily accommodated my special request (I wanted the lobster over risotto instead of with potatoes). Good selection of local beers on draft.
(4)
Christine P.
Since first eating it in 2008, I have often dreamed about their Maine maple scallop dish - a perfect almost bite size dish of scallop, risotto ball, and blueberry sauce on a half shell. To return 5 years later and find that it was even better than what you remembered - heaven! And just like 5 years ago, my husband and I ate here 2 nights in a row, perfectly happy sitting on the roof deck enjoying the awesome food and serene view. In addition to the aforementioned scallops, we also greatly enjoyed the seafood risotto entree, the smoked seafood sampler, both the grilled and goat cheese shrimp, and the very unique smoked duck and pear. I think the only slight miss was the lobster scallion triangles (not all bites had lobster), but this is a minor quibble. The wine list is good, but definitely try the blueberry pomegranate sangria, their staple and a terrific drink. For dessert we had the trio of bread puddings (blueberry, raspberry, and peach/chocolate), another hit.
(4)
Keith A.
Wonderful experience ! Our server was terrific, the food was AMAZING! And the view was fantastic!
(5)
Westie W.
We decided to dine on the open deck on the third level one recent Thursday evening. All the tables were taken so we opted to sit at the bar and shared orders of spinach salad (very good) and a "wild" mushroom ragout that was made with nothing more exotic than button mushrooms (fair) On the second round we ordered baked goat cheese with figs that was, shall we say, weird tasting (fair) and Asian lobster and crab cakes that were almost completely devoid of flavor (poor). I am not sure if we would ever return.
(2)
Ken M.
Outdoor bar with tapas & good views. Not maintained well so I wonder how clean is the kitchen. I had the Asian lobster & crab cakes. Very small cakes not worth the price.
(3)
Greg L.
Blueberry sangria is the best!! The curry tofu and veggies is light and flavorful.
(5)
Susan H.
One of our favorite places. Service is great. Risotto even better!!!! Tapas is great if you want something small. Overall highly recommended.
(5)
Robert K.
Reading the other reviews I want to mention that both times I went it was not busy so that may have contributed to the quality of the food. This place is wonderfully decorated and has a huge menu. Many options meat and veggie. I had their veggie sandwich which was very very good. I saw they had a fried avocado salad and I knew I had to go back. I did and it was just as I expected, amazing. This place has unique taste and a wide selection. It seems all from scratch and quality ingredients. I even met the chef, she was wonderful. Definitely a place to check out. It is sad to see some people received less than quality food because delicacy is the only word that came to my mind.
(5)
Sean R.
Food was really good and service was great. Wide selection of food and beer, including solid vegetarian and gluten-free options.
(4)
Jim B.
Great menu choices, but the food is lacking in flavor. I had the Chicken-Prosciutto risotto and the chicken had no flavor whatsoever. The risotto was good otherwise. My wife had the curried tofu and vegetables and the curry seasoning was barely noticeable. We ate there on a Saturday night in late May so the dining room was not really crowded. Service was fine.
(3)
Cynthia L.
How is it that I find the most amazing Mexican seafood in a random little place on a random day on a random trip!? I can't stop thinking of this food. I love love the mango/lobster skewers & the mussels. Sorry it took so long to review this place but it's been on my mind! This place is so good it makes me want to curse!
(5)
Christine P.
The website describes this as one of Boothbay's finest dining experiences. Well, if you consider plastic tables and views of ugly rooftops fine dining, this is your spot. The food for my party of 5 was okay for everybody except me. I ordered a steak medium rare and got it well done. It was gray and tasteless. Disappointing. If you stay away from the steak, you'll probably be fine. But I won't be back.
(2)
Danielle S.
My husband and I ate here on our first night in the area. It was amazing! The menu was extensive and I had a hard time deciding what to get. In the end I enjoyed the risotto de jour (spinach) as well as the hummus starter. Both were delicious and fresh tasting. Tim had the sausage sampler. Not the best, he says, but to be fair were from TX and our preferences may just differ from the NE. We also split the crab/lobster wontons and both liked them. Only downside of our visit was service. It wasn't horrible but they were very busy and seemed a bit slow to take care of tables once food had been served. However, in their defense, they advertise a leisurely experience :) The atmosphere was my favorite thing about this place. I loved the decor and the cozy feel and found it to be a great way to start our trip. If there weren't so many other great options in town, I'd be going back again tonight!
(4)
Stephanie G.
Great view, yes. But the food wasn't very tasty and made me sick. Pricing also wasn't great. Maybe a better place to go for just drinks
(2)
Maggie K.
If you want the most amazing food you have ever eaten that doesn't cost you a small fortune, this is the place for you. Our B&B hosts recommended this place and it did not disappoint one bit, in fact we almost went back for lunch the next day. The menu has a wide selection of hot and cold tapas and a fair wine list. Tapas are priced from $6 - $10 and they recommend 2-3 tapas per person. My boyfriend and I had: Tuna roll Duck confit Scallops with berry sauce *** highly recommended Wild mushroom ragout *** highly recommended Oysters *** highly recommended Goat cheese prawns *** highly recommended Creme brulee *** highly recommended Plus a bottle of wine (Morgan, a good buttery Chardonnay) and our total came to $100 with tax and tip. If you had this kind of meal in NYC or Boston it would run you a couple hundred - it's THAT good. The chef is a trained tapas chef from Austria and her execution and food pairing was out of this world. You will not be disappointed - it's a must try! P.S. Great views of the area while you dine - bonus!
(5)
Ken J.
We discovered The Boathouse last Summer, the rooftop had us from the start! Today we dined, starters we had the Onion Tart, cheesy with onions and shallots all held together with sweet crispy crust, My girlfriend put the hurt to this tart! Entrees here we come my girl had the Salmon & Leeks the Salmon was cooked Perfectly, the goat cheese cream sauce great paring with the rice! I had the special which was Blackend Swordfish on a bed of lettuce with a pineapple onion chutney really scrumptious......The food really floored us were by no means um foodies but there food definately kicksass. If your in Boothbay Harbor ask or GPS yourselves to The Boathouse Bistro. Pssst eat upstairs the air and the food can't be beat. The Wait staff were remarkable, passionate and knowledgeable highly recommend the service and The Boathouse Bistro. Ken.
(5)
Janet M.
We went on a Kayak tour and our guide suggested the Bistro. We loved the view from the upper decks. The sea breeze was so nice. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The service was very prompt. I loved that you could order Tapas (smaller meals or appetizers) We got soups and three of the "Tapas" . Just enough for both of us. It was great food too.
(4)
Jane R.
The owner is friendly-chatty. His wife is the chef. We dined on the top terrace overlooking to ocean the weather was great. We has Tapas- Variety for 2 in fun. **** We had Lobster & Leek Crepes they were excellent and very light. ****Goat Cheese Prawns. also excellent and very fresh. ****Wild Mushroom Ragout-Wonderful blend of wild mushroom and herbs. ****We also had Red Beet Goat Cheese Salad it is so great with crispy prosciutto and creamy garlic dressing. This is my favorite place to eat. I am hard to please from NYC and a gourmet cook. Jane Roth
(5)
Seth D.
Roof top view is great. Location was awesome. Beer selection was good for local crafts. Portion sizes were very small for price. Very Small! Tourist trap, which is not a big surprise considering the location. We ordered two apps and two chowders, all to show at the same time as there were four of us and each ordered as our dish. Apps showed up quickly and were very small, hate to say that again, but small. Chowders never showed. Finally after the beers were gone and two apps were eaten, server showed to say, sorry about chowders but they were cold and they were working on heating them up. Really, in a town that specializes in seafood and chowder is a main dish on the menu. Does it take 20 plus minutes to heat up a chowder? Why was it not hot to begin with? We canceled that order and left.
(1)
emily R.
The Boathouse Bistro unveiled a new menu and new chef last summer, and both are really good. The menu has been fancy-fied, and is very creative and will please all those foodie types. I liked the fried manchego cheese! The roof top deck has a great view peeking over all the other buildings to see the harbor. I haven't tried the sangria, but I've heard it is great.
(5)
Jeff C.
We made it to Boothbay in the off season and walked around asking the different inns asking the rates. We normally just take the first place we find but this time we decided to use our head and comparison shop. Everyone had basic rooms going for $85 a night. But the lady at the desk of the tugboat offered us some free upgrades as an incentive. The place is not the Hilton but for weary road travellers it is just fine. The place is hardly busy in October, unlike Bar Harbor which is perpetually packed. There is free wifi, you get the password at the front desk. Most of the rooms are water front, in fact ours was right over the water and we could see the lobster boats in front of our room (the docks are right next door). A free continental breakfast was decent as well. Pastries, cereal, coffee, juice, as well as a waffle maker. For the price and the area it's a good deal. I can't speak for the restaurant, we went to Ports of Italy (1 min walk) for dinner.
(4)
Derek W.
The Boathouse Bistro is a really cool and tasty restaurant. +1 for rooftop dining. I had the wild mushroom ragout and the scallop and papardelle pasta. I was hoping to try the ceviche trio, but they were unfortunately out of it. The wild mushroom ragout served over warm polenta was very good and the scallop and mushroom pasta was delicious. My girlfriend got the Maine mussels which were served in an AMAZING Thai broth that was absolutely delicious. Our waitress actually offered to bring us some extra bread because she said we'd want it to sop up all the extra broth and she was definitely right.
(4)
Abbey L.
I dined here multiple times when I was visiting Boothbay Harbor over the summer. After going once, we decided it was unbeatable and we kept going back. The food is incredibly thoughtful and delicious. A highlight for me were the scallops served over maple risotto - wow. They also offer porrons to drink wine out of, which makes for a lot of fun. Lastly, I asked for a nightcap of Limoncello one night, and was told that they didn't keep at the bar, but several minutes later, they brought over a bottle. Someone had gone out to purchase a bottle just for us. Food and service that really can't be beat!
(5)
Melissa M.
We went here when we were in Boothbay Harbor for our friends' wedding last month. There are so many options on the menu and it was hard for us to choose. We ordered the warm olives appetizer to start and it was delicious. It was served with fresh Maine blueberries, nuts and olives. We had a pitcher of the peach sangria which was amazing! I ordered the vegetarian risotto and it was the most delicious risotto I have ever had. My boyfriend ordered a burger which was huge and delicious as well. If we are ever in the area we will definitely return to the Boathouse Bistro.
(4)
Doug T.
Menu is way too big. They are trying to be too much of everything. However the meals that we all had were very good. No complaints. We ordered a bottle of red wine but it was served in glasses fresh out of the dish washer....steamy hot! If you are vegan ..... the tofu steaks with ginger were excellent.
(3)
Jay M.
The Boathouse Bistro is a great place to gorge yourself with plates piled high with fresh Maine lobster and shellfish. Indoor or outdoor seating, weather permitting. Then enjoy a walk along the dock and around the charming little village of Booth Bay Harbor Maine.
(4)
jim h.
We had lunch at the Tapas Bar a couple of weeks ago. The third story view was nice, and the food was good but not great. The smoked shellfish platter had a nice assortment, but the smoke overpowered several of the items. The crab cakes and shrimp were very good. The Thai mussels had a nice sauce, but we had a couple of mussels that had a bad flavor which sort of ruined the dish. Service was a little slow, and the server was not particularly friendly.
(3)
Melissa G.
Food was great and the view was even better!!
(5)
Chris R.
Wow...amazing food, creative drinks and dog friendly!! How can you beat that?! I was able to enjoy some outstanding tapas over a few blueberry mojitos with my wife and our dog. Your furry friend is allowed on the outside deck which is technically the 3rd floor and the only place you want to be on a sunny day. Great views!
(5)
Becca D.
We went to this place for the first time yesterday after seeing great reviews on Yelp, and we weren't dissapointed. The tomato bruschetta and hummus and tabouli tappas were both excellent, with generous portions so that me and both my parents could have a fair share. I then ordered the pan-seared scallops and parmesan orzo. When I first got my plate, I thought it wouldn't be enough food. Boy, was I wrong. The scallops were huge and cooked to perfection. Even though the orzo supposedly was infused with parmesan cheese, it had an extremely mild flavor. However, when I added salt, all was well. My mom was psyched to see seafood paella on the menu, it's really hard to find good Spanish food in New England, especially Maine. She loved it, the only criticism she had was the lack of seasoning, which I guess was the same thing with my dish. We came to dinner fairly late, and luckily at that, for we only had to wait 10-or-so minutes to get rooftop seats. They were spectacular, by the way, and way better than we expected. Next time we come up to Boothbay, we're definitely coming back to this place.
(4)
Sarah F.
Maybe it's being on vacation. Maybe it's happening upon a great local restaurant. Whatever the reason, I had a food and drink high when I came here. Three level restaurant bar. The top level is the rooftop deck. The middle level is the bar area. The lower level is the restaurant area (I think). We parked it on the middle level, by the bar (of course). The kitchen was about to close, and so I quickly scanned the menu. This is a tapas restaurant. Now, I love tapas. In San Francisco, I feel like we have some great restaurants to choose from in the tapas genre. However, the one dish I ordered here blew any tapas dish I've had in the city out of the water. Here's what I had: the Maine Maple Scallops. Here's what it was: three medium rare scallops, served with a fresh blueberry sauce and cheese potato croquettes. Each scallop was paired with the croquette and served over the blueberries in 3 separate shell dishes, all on one plate. Here's the dirty-dirty: each scallop, cooked to perfection. The perfect marriage of sweet (maple and blueberry) with salty (croquettes). And here's the clencher: for $6! I totally felt like Rachael Ray on her "$40 a Day" t.v. show (just less annoying, hopefully). I don't think I've had something this delicious in a very, very long time. And, I was so stoked it was only $6. Unheard of. I also tried the oysters. They were okay, a bit big for my taste, but still very fresh tasting. My drink was awesome too. I had the blueberry pomegranate sangria. Doesn't that just sound so right?! Well, it did me good. It was sweet, tasty, cold, fresh, and served out of one of those spanish pitchers. A glass ran me $7. The bartender was really sweet, and though our group was very loud, and possibly obnoxious (the shame), she was a good sport.
(5)
Betsy G.
Wide variety of tapas, beer, and other pretty but bland treats. We were seeking a non-lobster dinner and spotted the menu in a local restaurant newspaper. The grilled flatbread sandwiches are hot and melty but my chicken was overcooked, bland, and tough. My companion's vegetarian risotto was super bland and void of any herbs or spices. Everything being delivered to us and those around us was very well presented and attractive. Ours was just really bland, not really a candidate for another visit during our stay in Maine.
(3)
Ashley M.
Wow. I was totally blown away. I was only in town for a few hours but was directed here when I asked a local where to eat. It looked kind of touristy and I'm always apprehensive about getting stuck at a tourist joint. But after perusing the menu there was something for everyone, I was with my parents, my mom is a vegetarian. There are 3 stories, the top being an open deck with incredible views of the harbor. The menu has so many good looking items, a little of everything. It has hot tapas, cold tapas, paella, dinners, sandwiches, plenty of seafood but not done in your average Maine seaside tourist town way. We got 4 tapas to share plus a couple of garden salads. Everything was executed perfectly, it was just amazing. I really recommend the chicken with the poblano cream listed under the hot tapas list. I will definitely make the 1.5 hour drive back for this place plus the view. This is the place to go in Boothbay.
(5)
R.J. R.
Tapas on the third floor. Sit at the bar. Say hello to Mark. Tapas are to die for!!!!!!
(5)
Chris W.
Great times on the third floor deck. Good drinks and excellent tapas.
(4)
Nicole B.
This place has a fantastic menu and was the first choice for me on my recent visit to BB Harbor. We started off with the blueberry pomegranate sangria. Delicious! Off to a good start boat house! We also sat on the rooftop which had a great view! Plus 2! Some friends of ours ate here the previous night and raved about it and the lobster creme brule(which is one of things on the menu that took me to this place). This was the biggest let down. I almost sent it back which I NEVER do! It was cold which I guess I just didnt expect. The texture was like a creme brulee but no sugar and the glaze was totally burnt and tasted like the fluid from the torch. We ended up just eating off the lobster chunks which unfortunately already tasted of this gross fluid. Also the sliders where so overcooked I had to saturate them in ketchup to choke down. Also on our table was the lobster scallion cream cheese triangles. First of all they are square, second I am not sure where the lobster was in these things. They tasted like crab rangoon from the chinese restaurant which is like 4.95 for 12 not 7.95 for 4 and the chinese restaurant taste better! My lobster bisque and the sangria was the best part of this meal. It was really a disappointment which is a shame because of the view and the potential of the menu.
(2)
Jason F.
Excellent spot and probably the best in Bootbay. Wonderful and affordable wine list. Good beer list with a couple Belgians on tap. The menu is surprisingly lengthy and hits on my different areas. Excellent original dishes. The roof deck is a perfect spot. A place where you can easily burn many hours sampling food and wine.
(4)
Mark N.
Oh, my. My best foodee experience in quite a while. We had six tapas -- five would have been plenty. Every one seemed to top the one before. I agree with previous review about lobster and leeks, plus consider scallops and maple syrup (really ... quite wonderful!), the cold lobster in little pastry cups, the cold vegetables with goat cheese and some reduced balsamic which was out of this world, yes to the mushrooms, and try the steamers -- a sauce that is indescribable. Also a nice beer and wine list -- good selection by the glass. Go to the top level if the weather is bearable -- wonderful view. Terrific restaurant!
(5)
Wes L.
Very good meal here. Steak was great. Service was outstanding. We will definitely be returning. We ate inside due to,weather but there is a roof top dining area weather permitting.
(5)
Brian G.
A recent visit to Boothbay Harbor had us strolling the streets with a thirst for sangria. Being dinner time, I whipped out my trusty Yelp app and after a quick search, I found numerous reviews of this restaurant speaking of a delicious "blueberry pomegranate sangria." Sold. This three-tier restaurant include a roof top deck and a second floor with indoor and outdoor seating. We opted for "second floor, outdoor" and quickly ordered a half-pitcher of the Sangria. At $18, this was a steal - it felt virtually endless, and it was every bit as good as advertised. The food was more of a mixed bag. In short, the tapas were excellent and the dinners were fair to disappointing. First, the tapas. We ordered stuffed peppadews, chicken empanadas and fried cheddar. These were all excellent. The peppadews had just enough spice, breaded and filled with a delicious cheese (burrata?). The chicken empanadas had a firm yet light shell and a tasty filling. The friend cheddar was incredible, with a smoky tomato jam that was highly memorable. They batted .1000 on the tapas. Very impressive. As for the dinners...there was a lot left to be desired with our choices. I ordered the Thai Halibut, which sounded like a winner on paper - poached in a yellow coconut curry sauce over sticky rice, and topped with wilted spinach. It came as advertised...but where was the flavor? At $26, this was a bland disappointment. My wife's coffee-chili rubbed filet mignon strangely lacked any of the flavorful seasoning described, and worst of all it was overcooked: ordered at medium, delivered on the cusp of well. I will say that they have a large, creative menu of risotto dishes, and they looked very appealing as they came out of the kitchen. I liked the tapas so much that I'll return at some point, and order a risotto instead. In totality, I would call this a 3-1/2 star experience, but since a half-star review is not an option, I'll round up for the tapas, the atmosphere and the cocktails.
(4)
A S.
When we first arrived at the steps, the hostess was not there because she probably seating other guests but there were a few other people waiting in front of us. The hostess then came down and was seating the other people in front of me and she said "I'll come back and deal---I mean help you guys!" Well, after that greeting I think I lost my impression of this place. There are three floors in this restaurant and we sat on the second floor with semi nice view. Our waitress was nice and friendly, quite attentive. We had the blueberry pomegranate sangaria and it was delicious! Highly recommend it! We ordered calamari, lobster mac and cheese and a steak burger. The food was mediocre. It really didn't impress me. I thought the lobster mac and cheese was not good at all but oily! It was a bit expensive for that dish ($26). Overall, service was good and food was alright!
(3)
Chaz A.
Best spot in Boothbay, Great view from 3rd level outside deck! Amazing food, great atmosphere, try the risottos.
(5)
A Z.
Wow, great view from the roof if you can get a seat and the lobster crepes are worth the climb up the stairs. Our steak tapas were very undercooked and the hummus dish was just OK but the crepes, wow.
(3)
K M.
As regular visitors to Boothbay, we had not had the pleasure of dining at the Boathouse Bistro and are now wondering why we waited until now. We didn't go upstairs, so did not get to see what has been reported as great views of the harbor, but did enjoy the first floor dining room. Tonight was a seafood night and everyone was not disappointed. As usual, the youngest got Steamers, which with a wine and garlic sauce smelled wonderful (and the smell was all she was willing to share). Two others of the crew got the Fish-of-the-Day sandwich, one grilled salmon and the other blackened salmon and both said that it was the best. My wife and oldest both got scallops with fettuccine in a mushroom Alfredo sauce that they said was devine. I rounded out the group with a Thai halibut over rice and wilted spinach in a coconut curry sauce - just tasty. So, not a bad meal in the bunch and there were other dishes that we want to go back to try. We certainly won't make the mistake of waiting too long for our return.
(5)
Stephanie M.
I saw this place from the boardwalk on a beautiful evening, so we went over to check it out. Naturally we won't to sit on the roof, maybe waited 15 minutes or so. Not too bad. Service was just okay, but with the great weather and watching the sunset, we didn't mind. I had the fried avocado salad, which was REALLY good and fresh, and a bloody mary (which was priced fantastically!). BF had a haddock sandwich, and his folks had burgers. We all enjoyed the food, lots of things on the menu looked good. I would love to go back just for drinks and a small plate or two at the bar.
(4)
Joel L.
Hungry and looking for a good spot for lunch, preferably with a view of the harbor, we decide on the Boathouse. One of the few places that was busy during the week, we figured that might be the spot. Steamed Mussels in wine & garlic: Excellent. We were in France last month and this Boathouse dish was better. Fried Scallops: Plenty and nicely done. This is a good spot to be.
(5)
Dan W.
Fantastic food! Kids ordered the hummus sandwich. It was large enough they could split it. Came with waffle fries. Yum The lobster bisque was descent. The hanger steak and goat cheese salad was fantastic! The seating is a little... dated. Old old wooden decking. Feels poorly maintained - as does the rest of the town. Highly recommend the food at this place.
(5)
Kate B.
Wonderful rooftop dining. Great views. Lots of vegetation selections. Root beer on tap, fried avacado salad. Over a neat place great food. Go!
(5)
Stan F.
Both food and service were spectacular. We arrived about 7:30 pm and had a drink at the 3rd floor bar during an expected 10 min wait for a table. After 10 mins, the hostess ushered us to a table between the bar and the prime seating ares overlooking the harbor. Several prime tables were being cleared so we asked for one of them. She said they were reserved for parties of four, but within minutes, she separated two tables and helped us move to one overlooking the harbor. We ordered grilled tuna and blackened swordfish and they were perfect. We eat a lot of seafood and are very exacting in taste. These dishes were perfectly done, the tuna rare & the sword not overcooked. Both very fresh. The sides of green beans and slightly spicy jasmine rice were excellent. The wait staff work incredibly hard, fast, efficient. Friendly, too. And they don't rush you. We'll be back.
(5)
Jennifer T.
A must stop if your in Boothbay Harbor Maine. We come back every year. Great blueberry sangria and Kobe sliders. We fell in love with seafood risotto and hot rock sirloin. They bring you a seared steak that is rare you cook yourself on a 400 degree hot rock at the table. End with an amazing blueberry pie!! Great views.
(5)
Maura H.
Food is excellent. Service not so much. 2 hours for dinner on a Monday. Had three different servers. No one could get it right. There are only two of us. How hard can this be???
(3)
Sarah M.
Incredibly inept and rude service tonight. We are longtime customers but I won't be back. Not worth it.
(1)
Susan C.
Great choice with roof top views! We had mussels, burrata and tomato salad and chowder! All were excellent and service was great. The house Sangria is to die for. A must if you like Sangria!
(4)
Shawn B.
The service was good. Everything we ordered was very tasty and came in a reasonable amount of time. Decent view from the top deck, although not picture perfect due to all the utility lines. Nothing they can do about that. I would eat here again.
(4)
T N.
Total tourist trap. Way overpriced for what you get, which is bland, mediocre food. The rooftop deck has great views, though.
(2)
R K.
Went for dinner. I had the salad with the hanger steak and my wife had the lobster tail in a mushroom sauce. We also had smoked duck with pear. While she thought her meal was ok, my salad was not great, the app was not great and we agreed that this place is over rated. The decor is horrible. Will not return.
(2)
E R.
Food was excellent! Try the blueberry sangria. Delicious! Our waitress was very kind and gave advice on ordering tapas, including her personal favorites. We sat at the roof top dining area and had an amazing view. Definitely will go back!
(5)
Heather S.
I first went to this place because it had a third-floor rooftop dining area and I was looking for someplace with a view to enjoy a simple meal. I went back the next day because of the food! First, they have a nice selection of specialty cocktails, which aren't ridiculously expensive. Second, the have a great variety of hot and cold tapas. I had the Deconstructed Coconut Shrimp - this is the dish that brought be back the next day. Also good: baked goat cheese and pears, maple scallops. Friendly service. As a solo diner, I'm used to being invisible to servers, but they did a nice job of paying just the right amount of attention to me. It's not a fancy place - plastic tables and chairs on the rooftop - but maybe that's why they can serve such great food at reasonable prices.
(4)
Chris S.
Still the best restaurant in Boothbay. Everything on the menu is awesome and the rooftop deck is spectacular. We've been coming here since Mark opened the place (2008, I think) and this joint is one of the reasons we vacation in Boothbay.
(5)
Phil M.
This place was fantastic! Get up to the third floor if you can. It's worth the wait for a table. We ordered a bunch of appetizers for the table and every single one was great. The bread pudding was quite possibly the best I've ever had. It came in 3 different flavors with 2 different sauces you could pour over the top. Essentially it's 6 desserts in one. My niece said she was cold and the waitress brought her her own sweatshirt. How sweet is that?!?!!! Anytime we're in the area, if we only have one meal there it will definitely be at The Boathouse.
(5)
David B.
Boothbay is a tourist town and we had expected food to match. What a nice surprise. Our waitress helped make our selections, she was great. We shared five different tapas selections. From the first bite we were happy. The courses were prepared quickly, another surprise because they were busy. We enjoyed the presentation, favors and frankly every bite. For desert we hade lobster crepes which were fabulous. Prices are fair. We only wish we had someplace like this at home. The venue on the first floor is nosy, a simple wood interior. The second floor deck or roof top deck is the place to be. No reservations so go early or expect to wait
(4)
Morris H.
Sat at bar on 3rd floor deck twice and ate and drank at the bar. Great views of the harbor. Food was very good. Lobster bisque one of the best we had over 10 days in Maine.
(4)
Will B.
Enjoyed the oysters, grilled swordfish salad, and crispy beer batter gulf shrimp. The blueberry mojito was excellent. Friendly, knowledgable staff and great beer selection. Will be back!
(5)
Nate F.
Great view from the top of the restaurant. Can be overcrowded in the summer. Good tapas. Entrees are hit or miss. Scallops were good; seafood stew was not great.
(4)
Patricia D.
Excellent food. Lobster club had at least two lobsters worth of meat on it. Highly recommend. Everyone enjoyed their meals - the only thing not liked were the crostinis that came with the goat cheese and pear fondue.
(4)
Chris M.
Stopped in for a cocktail on their third floor patio overlooking bay. Great views and ambience. Staff was very friendly and allowed us to bring our pet. Nice wine and beer selection.
(4)
B S.
Tough to say what's worse, the food or service. I'm going to say both. Appetizer served 45 minutes after we ordered, with our dinner. Food was mediocre.
(2)
Janice S.
Scallops risotto with tasso and corn..made me wanna cry...so good! Wine...amazing dessert... Even in a blizzard.. These guys rock.
(5)
Kate C.
The feeling on the outside was not at all what you get on the inside. In all fairness, I have only eaten downstairs but the atmosphere was a bit empty. I expected more I guess. And then when I saw the prices I looked around again and was even less thrilled. The food was good...and expensive.... I'm not going to be too harsh in this first review. Hopefully I will go back again and be pleasently surprised. Perhaps I will find improved ambience upstairs.
(3)
Alex G.
The best part about this place is the view. Almost unobstructed view of the inner harbor. You can sit up top on the roof. We only got tapas but they were very good. I'm from Vermont and regularly buy $7 beer. This is not $7 beer, but it is a tourist town sooo....
(4)
Katie G.
Came here for second dinner. We had the scallop tapas which was excellent, the hummus which was okay, and the spicy chicken epanadas which we didn't like very much. The wine was tasty and the flourless chocolate cake was out of this world. The service was friendly and helpful. Overall, I'd probably come here again for the experience (great deck views), but the food we had was solidly fine (except for the cake which was exquisite).
(3)
Emily L.
Visited this restaurant with seven people in our party. Hostess MJ (aka the soup nazi) said No and turned us away. Won't be back and now have a story about this restaurant for the next 25 years. Would have appreciated a recommendation. Spent 3 bills elsewhere. Your loss.
(1)
Brion K.
I have to start by saying that tapas restaurants are GREAT for families with kids. Tapas plates are medium sized (typically somewhere between an appetizer and an entree size), shareable, and modestly priced, so it's a great way to get the kids to try some new flavors without breaking the wallet. The Boathouse is quite a good tapas restaurant - the menu has a LOT of choices, which is usually a bad sign for me because I've found that the number of items on the menu is often inversely proportional to the quality of the food. But not in this case! Everything was fresh, inventive, and delicious. Oh, and best of all, they do a great job of catering to those of us who are allergic to gluten. They have LOTS of gluten free options. Did we like it? We sure did - enough to go back a second time during our 1-week stay in the Boothbay region.
(4)
Dave E.
The food is good, just good. You can not justify the price of the meals by the quality of the ingredients. I would say if the price were 25% less per item then this place would be 4 starts.
(3)
Lynda P.
Best meal in town! The seafood risotto and the seafood stew were delicious. The Blueberry Sangria is a must have!
(5)
Andy M.
I've been to the boathouse before for tapas and sangria. We stopped in after shopping for some adult beverages namely the blueberry pomegranate sangria by the pitcher. This stuff is addictive and refreshing after shopping or a nice hot day by the water. I'll add on the clam chowder was some of the best in the area.
(4)
Waleed A.
This might be biased, the location is great, the restaurant is nicely set up, and i had lobster for the second time, it was done properly, they did a very good job. Best part is the location is right in the center of town
(5)
ellen p.
Extensive menu, great service. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions were generous. Situated right down near the water.
(5)
Elizabeth R.
Spectacular lunch. Best meal we've had in Maine so far. The BLT risotto is out of this world!
(5)
Shannon L.
This place came highly recommended by the B&B we stayed in. I was totally unimpressed with the service and the food. The beers were the best part of our experience here. I would not come back here, nor would I recommend it to anyone. The polenta was very bland. The scallops were good, but not stellar. The cesar salad was subpar at best. I agree with other reviewers... the food was overpriced for what they were offering. This place was disappointing.
(2)
Mary D.
View from upper deck was fantastic. Great drink selection, too. Unfortunately, the food was good but not great. And most unfortunately, service left much to be desired. Once we got our meal, we never saw our waitress again. Had to flag her down for another drink and she totally forgot to bring it. Fifteen minutes later, had to go to the bar to retrieve it myself. Great view, but not so great service and food make it not worth a return for us.
(2)
Heather B.
Risotto was a bit soupy. I am used to it being less soupy. Chicken was a bit chargrilled on the risotto and I don't think I found a bit of prosciutto in the dish. A little disappointing. My mom loved the scallops and fettuccine. It was garlicky and not too saucy. The mushrooms were perfectly cooked. My Caesar salad had crisp romaine and wasn't overly dressed. It's a little dark in the booths as night as well.
(4)
Rob K.
Great variety of seafood and risotto. Fun atmosphere. Great service. Highly recommended. Warm weather and top deck for awesome views of Boothbay Harbor.
(5)
Mallory S.
The best part of our meal was the friendly service but the overpriced food and syrup-y sweet sangria are not recommended. We ordered mostly hot tapas to share and did not find any of the food memorable. And no "tapa" should be priced at $15... yikes. I do appreciate the friendly service, but I think a beer on the deck is the best way to enjoy this location.
(2)
Tim O.
Great drinks. Go for the boothbay blackout. It does what it says. Been coming up here for the past 20 years. Love the service and the wait staff. They are always friendly and attentive. Good tapas as well. I ordered the mozzarella cheese plate it was real good.
(4)
Dan M.
If you are in shape enough climb up to the 3rd floor outdoor dining room with a view of the harbor. You can order Tapas or off the regular menu we did both and the food was very good. Ordering about 3 tapas plates per person was more than enough. Lobster bisque was chock full of lobster and creamy without being too sweet. no way there was room for dessert.
(4)
Matt C.
Overpriced bar food with lackluster service. order what was billed as "kobe beef sliders" turned out to be nothing more than half dollar sized burgers topped with a glob of blur cheeze, over cooked bacon and onions. It was also served with greasy waffle fries and not much else. The service was run of the mill. If you like overpriced bar food...this place is for you. If not, consider an alternative.
(2)
Mike M.
The best part was the partial view from the top deck on an amazing weather day. The rest of the experience not so much. We just stopped in for drinks and a snack mid-day. The service and food where just ok, and over priced. The deck is really small, tight seating area, beat down and really needs a powerwasher cleaning. Its an interesting mix of customers as well. A lot of people around us that acted like someone owed them something. We left this place, and went back to the smaller towns a few minutes north and had a much better time.
(2)
Dorothy W.
Had a good time this evening, we sat on the 3rd Storey patio and the weather and view was awesome! The food was what I expected very good and presentation great. Defiantly recommend if visiting Boothbay.
(4)
Amanda B.
Surprisingly amazing Tapas. Can't wait to go back to try their unique dishes. The scallops with blueberry sauce and polenta is top notch!
(5)
Cujo S.
sit on the top floor at the bar - you get great service and a great view and the bar staff was very knowledgeable about the food and drink available.
(5)
Craig M.
Unexpectedly diverse and sophisticated menu at this rooftop bistro. The variety of lobster dishes was unmatched. Don't get me wrong... a fresh steamed lobster served with warm butter and a bib is tough to beat... but the Boathouse was creative and delicious. Was just what we were looking for, to celebrate my wife's birthday. Our six-year-old daughter joined us, and they were very accommodating I enjoyed a lobster salad appetizer - fresh lobster served chilled with mango and a vanilla foam. My wife loves cheese and has tried all kinds... but never a blue cheese cheesecake with a crushed walnut crust (as an appetizer). I enjoyed the pistachio encrusted scallops. Last, but certainly not least, was the most delicious lobster mac and cheese we've ever encountered. To boot, the best local IPA I've had all week. Dexter Rippa Red IPA, by Boothbay Craft Brewery.
(5)
Rich A.
When we first walked in we were both taken aback by the decor, being a bistro we were expecting it to be a bit more upscale but don't be fooled by this! The hostess came over and told us there is a second floor partially open to the elements and a third floor open air deck. We chose the second floor bar area. The menu is very extensive offering appetizers, tapas, and full entrees. I ordered the hangar steak with a peppercorn sauce, broccoli, and potatoes. It came exactly as prepared and was very good. The fingerling potatoes could have used a but of butter but later on I realized there was enough sauce from the steak for them. My partner had the seafood risotto and he said it was very good. We both enjoyed this place, it's very unpretentious and laid back but with great food.
(5)
Erika H.
Decided on eating here because it was one of the few places open after 8:00pm. Only complaint is that it was crowded on the top floor, so despite it being a beautiful setting, we were packed in with fellow patrons and unable to enjoy the views. Regardless, so glad we decided to eat here. Only wish we ate earlier because we overdid it - which is easy to do. My husband had the lobster club - it was piled high with claw meat. I had the seafood risotto, one of the best risotto dishes I have ever had. Very flavorful and seafood was cooked perfectly. Wait staff very attentive too.
(4)
Laura O.
Lovely dinner, a mixture of tapas and entrees for a party of 8, with excellent service. They were super accommodating and had a great variety of choice for our gluten-free friends. We especially enjoyed: lobster salad w mango foam, pistachio crusted scallops, oysters w/tequila lime mignonette, volcano stone New York strip! We topped it off with a chocolate flourless torte, again perfect for gluten free folks. Good kids menu as well. It was our first trip to The Boat House in 3 summer trips to Boothbay Harbor but we will definitely return!
(4)
Brian R.
I have to say this is an over-rate by the Yelpers. The food was good, not great. My lobster was over-steamed and could be used as a rubber band. The fried shrimp though, apparently was good. The service here is a big turnoff. The waitresses are, to put it politely, cold. The bartender ended up helping us after no-one bothered to take our order for nearly 20 minutes. These are seasonal employees, and the management obviously doesn't take too much pride in picking them. The third floor deck is only good for parties of 4 or more. They don't let twos sit by the deck railing, which they made so high and thick that it occludes the bay view, which is the money part of the deck. You can see it from the bar stools at the upstairs bar, but you have to eat at the bar, which is not a winner for everyone. The prices are more $$$ than $$, and they don't really earn it. The cuisine is tourist town average. No pop. I would go elsewhere if I came back. Not impressed.
(3)
James C.
Truly over the top. Very nice wine by the glass or bottle. The most incredible lobster club of all time. Great Caesar salad, duck breast, smoked duck and on and on. Super service.
(5)
Philip G.
I sat inside so I didn't get to enjoy the view. My 4-year-old daughter asked "Why is it so dark in here when there are so many light bulbs?" (the ceiling is criss-crossed with bulbs only slightly brighter than Christmas lights) If you can remember that "grilled" means "burned on the outside" you'll be less surprised when the food comes. Everything that was grilled had a strong burned flavor, leading the 4-year-old to spit out her chicken fingers and her 100-year-old dad (ouch!) to not finish the steak salad (was supposed to "hangar steak" but was in fact steak tips, each one thoroughly burned on all sides). The server was friendly. My adult companion rated her vegetable risotto "horrible." My daughter rated the packaged Oreo cookies that are included with every kid's meal as "fantastic." I'm rating by Boston/Cambridge standards.
(2)
Brittany A.
This place is amazing. Great drinks, great rooftop overlooking Boothbay Harbor, great service, decent prices, and a carefully-thought out menu with pretty tasty food. My friend and I came here twice on our trip to the area and we just couldn't get enough of the Blueberry Pomegranate Sangria. This is definitely a must visit place when you come to the area.
(4)
Brad G.
We've been to Boothbay Harbor a couple times, but just tried The Boathouse on our most recent trip. This is now easily our new favorite place to go. The menu was awesome with so many different choices it can be a little overwhelming at first, but with the millions of seafood choices around the harbor, it's nice to have options too. For dinner our first visit, I had the pan seared duck which was outstanding and my wife had the salmon & blue cheese salad & loved it. They make their own sangria too which is very good. My wife & I like there so much we went back a couple times for tapas on the rooftop deck overlooking the bay. On a nice day with an pint of Alagash White and a fresh Sangria you could stay up there for hours.
(5)
Jim M.
I vacation in Boothbay Harbor in July almost every year. I've been to this place more than 10 times. The reviews here are either not legitimate, or they are by people who are overly impressed by the views from the roof top. This place does have great views. I think the views are the best in the harbor. The food is average at best. Pretty expensive, often poorly cooked. I'd probably give 2 and a half stars if I could. I ate there last night, and the scallops and shrimp were under cooked. The seafood risotto had the tails on the shrimp (which is not unheard of, but is extremely irritating, since not one single diner has ever wanted to fish through their meal and pull off the tails). If you're looking for a nice place in the harbor, and you're not price-conscious, and you don't expect particularly good food, this place will be fine. If you're used to a good, or fine, dining experience, this place will disappoint. If it weren't for the view, I would never eat here again.
(3)
Tina S.
Sat 9/6/14 we called ahead to see what time the kitchen closes, and were told 930 pm. I arrived at 845 with my entire family 5, including my infant. We were left standing around for 10 minutes before anyone EVEN GREETED US. Then we spoke with a rude nasty bartender who then told us the kitchen was closed! It was only 855pm. Then she came back to us and said we could stay after checking with the kitchen. She preceded to rush us to order quickly. She made us feel completely uncomfortable and this was supposed to be a memorable family dinner. The food arrived so quickly and cold. The scallops and other items were uncooked! The food quality was terrible and the atmosphere was awkward and quiet as we were rushed to pay then leave. Also VERY PRICEY FOR DISGUSTING FOOD! Don't go
(1)
Kim H.
This restaurant was recommended to us by our innkeeper in Boothbay Harbor. I liked the quaint, nautical atmosphere and the food was decent. I gave it 3 stars for the service and the attitudes of the employees. When we first arrived, the restaurant was mostly empty but they sat us at a table smashed up against another couple, which was uncomfortable. The blueberry sangria was to die for though. Our burgers were just okay.
(3)
Obadiah S.
I have mixed feelings about Boathouse. I spent the summer in Boothbay, and my first experience at the Boathouse was incredible. I ordered the filet and lobster tail. The filet was cooked perfectly, and the quality of the meat was superb. The herb butter on the lobster tail is a great addition. Also, try their sangria, they make it in house. This particular summer, they had a peach sangria and Maine blueberry sangria. My first experience was so good, when friends came up to visit, I took them there. Sadly, the execution left much to be desired. My friend's filet was overcooked the first time. They gladly made another, but it seemed as though the second filet was half the size of the juicy cut I had my first visit. Also, his lobster tail had no herb butter this time. I will say, the quality seems to relate to the number of patrons. If you go when there is no rush, they kitchen tends to be more consistent. Just about everything I had on the menu was amazing. I particularly remember the smoked seafood chowder. If they offer it again, try it!
(3)
Ken B.
I love this place. We go several times during the week for a meal or a drink to the top deck. Food is good. Tapas is good. I love the lamb lollipops in the past years but didn't order them this year. Same price as last year but only two on a plate not three. There are 6 of us. We decided they priced themselves out of this market. Not that we cant afford it, its just too much. That was my only disappointment. Stellar view, friendly and pleasant staff....actually it's probably the best restaurant view in Booth Bay.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Thu Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Alison H.
We very much enjoyed the view from the upper deck - what a perfect place to have drinks and a romantic dinner. I bumped up the review by a star for the setting. The food was not so great. We had the Asian lobster and crab cakes as a starter, and they were basically like not very meaty crab cakes without much flavor and a weird sauce. I had something which I'm not sure is a regular menu item, it was stuffed tomatoes with corn salsa. I thought the idea was nice as a vegetarian and low carb option, but again, this was very lacking in flavor and it was hard to eat most of it because it was just like eating plain tomato with plain corn. Husband had the catch of the day bistro sandwich, which was tuna - the tuna was overcooked and the sandwich was quite plain (we liked the chipotle mayo though). He was happy about the selection of beers on tap, which was quite good from what he tells me....
(3)Robin M.
I have mixed feelings about the bistro. The food was OK, not great but not bad. To be fair, neither person in my party ordered seafood, so mane they're better with seafood dishes. The service was inconsistent. We went a few times while in Booth Bay, and I don't think I'd go back.
(3)Joellen D.
We tried several different tapas and the risotto of the day . All the food and service was outstanding . Can't wait to go back, the chef was very mindful of my fish allergy .
(5)John B.
The Boathouse is actually a great place if you can avoid the obnoxious touristas and their brats on the upper deck. Maybe it's relaxing in mid to late afternoon but I would only go up there after 7 or so in the evening. Their tapas style menu is eclectic and very good. We only tried a few before we had to leave...having arrived at 6P and being overwhelmed by the above. The waitress was totally understanding of our plight. If you want to dine/relax in the early evening, the bottom level is very pleasant and the second floor has a nice porch overlooking the harbor. Other reviews have described the menu items well. I only got to sample a cheese-grits/polenta with shrimp dish that was great before we "had" to leave. Prices are reasonable.
(4)Denise M.
Was told by a local this is her favorite restaurant and that she's enjoyed everything she's had there. After visiting this place for dinner I'm not surprised! It was difficult to choose an entree because so many looked good. I had the saffron cream lobster tail and my husband had the Maine seafood stew. Both were excellent. Waitstaff was very attentive and easily accommodated my special request (I wanted the lobster over risotto instead of with potatoes). Good selection of local beers on draft.
(4)Christine P.
Since first eating it in 2008, I have often dreamed about their Maine maple scallop dish - a perfect almost bite size dish of scallop, risotto ball, and blueberry sauce on a half shell. To return 5 years later and find that it was even better than what you remembered - heaven! And just like 5 years ago, my husband and I ate here 2 nights in a row, perfectly happy sitting on the roof deck enjoying the awesome food and serene view. In addition to the aforementioned scallops, we also greatly enjoyed the seafood risotto entree, the smoked seafood sampler, both the grilled and goat cheese shrimp, and the very unique smoked duck and pear. I think the only slight miss was the lobster scallion triangles (not all bites had lobster), but this is a minor quibble. The wine list is good, but definitely try the blueberry pomegranate sangria, their staple and a terrific drink. For dessert we had the trio of bread puddings (blueberry, raspberry, and peach/chocolate), another hit.
(4)Keith A.
Wonderful experience ! Our server was terrific, the food was AMAZING! And the view was fantastic!
(5)Westie W.
We decided to dine on the open deck on the third level one recent Thursday evening. All the tables were taken so we opted to sit at the bar and shared orders of spinach salad (very good) and a "wild" mushroom ragout that was made with nothing more exotic than button mushrooms (fair) On the second round we ordered baked goat cheese with figs that was, shall we say, weird tasting (fair) and Asian lobster and crab cakes that were almost completely devoid of flavor (poor). I am not sure if we would ever return.
(2)Ken M.
Outdoor bar with tapas & good views. Not maintained well so I wonder how clean is the kitchen. I had the Asian lobster & crab cakes. Very small cakes not worth the price.
(3)Greg L.
Blueberry sangria is the best!! The curry tofu and veggies is light and flavorful.
(5)Susan H.
One of our favorite places. Service is great. Risotto even better!!!! Tapas is great if you want something small. Overall highly recommended.
(5)Robert K.
Reading the other reviews I want to mention that both times I went it was not busy so that may have contributed to the quality of the food. This place is wonderfully decorated and has a huge menu. Many options meat and veggie. I had their veggie sandwich which was very very good. I saw they had a fried avocado salad and I knew I had to go back. I did and it was just as I expected, amazing. This place has unique taste and a wide selection. It seems all from scratch and quality ingredients. I even met the chef, she was wonderful. Definitely a place to check out. It is sad to see some people received less than quality food because delicacy is the only word that came to my mind.
(5)Sean R.
Food was really good and service was great. Wide selection of food and beer, including solid vegetarian and gluten-free options.
(4)Jim B.
Great menu choices, but the food is lacking in flavor. I had the Chicken-Prosciutto risotto and the chicken had no flavor whatsoever. The risotto was good otherwise. My wife had the curried tofu and vegetables and the curry seasoning was barely noticeable. We ate there on a Saturday night in late May so the dining room was not really crowded. Service was fine.
(3)Cynthia L.
How is it that I find the most amazing Mexican seafood in a random little place on a random day on a random trip!? I can't stop thinking of this food. I love love the mango/lobster skewers & the mussels. Sorry it took so long to review this place but it's been on my mind! This place is so good it makes me want to curse!
(5)Christine P.
The website describes this as one of Boothbay's finest dining experiences. Well, if you consider plastic tables and views of ugly rooftops fine dining, this is your spot. The food for my party of 5 was okay for everybody except me. I ordered a steak medium rare and got it well done. It was gray and tasteless. Disappointing. If you stay away from the steak, you'll probably be fine. But I won't be back.
(2)Danielle S.
My husband and I ate here on our first night in the area. It was amazing! The menu was extensive and I had a hard time deciding what to get. In the end I enjoyed the risotto de jour (spinach) as well as the hummus starter. Both were delicious and fresh tasting. Tim had the sausage sampler. Not the best, he says, but to be fair were from TX and our preferences may just differ from the NE. We also split the crab/lobster wontons and both liked them. Only downside of our visit was service. It wasn't horrible but they were very busy and seemed a bit slow to take care of tables once food had been served. However, in their defense, they advertise a leisurely experience :) The atmosphere was my favorite thing about this place. I loved the decor and the cozy feel and found it to be a great way to start our trip. If there weren't so many other great options in town, I'd be going back again tonight!
(4)Stephanie G.
Great view, yes. But the food wasn't very tasty and made me sick. Pricing also wasn't great. Maybe a better place to go for just drinks
(2)Maggie K.
If you want the most amazing food you have ever eaten that doesn't cost you a small fortune, this is the place for you. Our B&B hosts recommended this place and it did not disappoint one bit, in fact we almost went back for lunch the next day. The menu has a wide selection of hot and cold tapas and a fair wine list. Tapas are priced from $6 - $10 and they recommend 2-3 tapas per person. My boyfriend and I had: Tuna roll Duck confit Scallops with berry sauce *** highly recommended Wild mushroom ragout *** highly recommended Oysters *** highly recommended Goat cheese prawns *** highly recommended Creme brulee *** highly recommended Plus a bottle of wine (Morgan, a good buttery Chardonnay) and our total came to $100 with tax and tip. If you had this kind of meal in NYC or Boston it would run you a couple hundred - it's THAT good. The chef is a trained tapas chef from Austria and her execution and food pairing was out of this world. You will not be disappointed - it's a must try! P.S. Great views of the area while you dine - bonus!
(5)Ken J.
We discovered The Boathouse last Summer, the rooftop had us from the start! Today we dined, starters we had the Onion Tart, cheesy with onions and shallots all held together with sweet crispy crust, My girlfriend put the hurt to this tart! Entrees here we come my girl had the Salmon & Leeks the Salmon was cooked Perfectly, the goat cheese cream sauce great paring with the rice! I had the special which was Blackend Swordfish on a bed of lettuce with a pineapple onion chutney really scrumptious......The food really floored us were by no means um foodies but there food definately kicksass. If your in Boothbay Harbor ask or GPS yourselves to The Boathouse Bistro. Pssst eat upstairs the air and the food can't be beat. The Wait staff were remarkable, passionate and knowledgeable highly recommend the service and The Boathouse Bistro. Ken.
(5)Janet M.
We went on a Kayak tour and our guide suggested the Bistro. We loved the view from the upper decks. The sea breeze was so nice. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The service was very prompt. I loved that you could order Tapas (smaller meals or appetizers) We got soups and three of the "Tapas" . Just enough for both of us. It was great food too.
(4)Jane R.
The owner is friendly-chatty. His wife is the chef. We dined on the top terrace overlooking to ocean the weather was great. We has Tapas- Variety for 2 in fun. **** We had Lobster & Leek Crepes they were excellent and very light. ****Goat Cheese Prawns. also excellent and very fresh. ****Wild Mushroom Ragout-Wonderful blend of wild mushroom and herbs. ****We also had Red Beet Goat Cheese Salad it is so great with crispy prosciutto and creamy garlic dressing. This is my favorite place to eat. I am hard to please from NYC and a gourmet cook. Jane Roth
(5)Seth D.
Roof top view is great. Location was awesome. Beer selection was good for local crafts. Portion sizes were very small for price. Very Small! Tourist trap, which is not a big surprise considering the location. We ordered two apps and two chowders, all to show at the same time as there were four of us and each ordered as our dish. Apps showed up quickly and were very small, hate to say that again, but small. Chowders never showed. Finally after the beers were gone and two apps were eaten, server showed to say, sorry about chowders but they were cold and they were working on heating them up. Really, in a town that specializes in seafood and chowder is a main dish on the menu. Does it take 20 plus minutes to heat up a chowder? Why was it not hot to begin with? We canceled that order and left.
(1)emily R.
The Boathouse Bistro unveiled a new menu and new chef last summer, and both are really good. The menu has been fancy-fied, and is very creative and will please all those foodie types. I liked the fried manchego cheese! The roof top deck has a great view peeking over all the other buildings to see the harbor. I haven't tried the sangria, but I've heard it is great.
(5)Jeff C.
We made it to Boothbay in the off season and walked around asking the different inns asking the rates. We normally just take the first place we find but this time we decided to use our head and comparison shop. Everyone had basic rooms going for $85 a night. But the lady at the desk of the tugboat offered us some free upgrades as an incentive. The place is not the Hilton but for weary road travellers it is just fine. The place is hardly busy in October, unlike Bar Harbor which is perpetually packed. There is free wifi, you get the password at the front desk. Most of the rooms are water front, in fact ours was right over the water and we could see the lobster boats in front of our room (the docks are right next door). A free continental breakfast was decent as well. Pastries, cereal, coffee, juice, as well as a waffle maker. For the price and the area it's a good deal. I can't speak for the restaurant, we went to Ports of Italy (1 min walk) for dinner.
(4)Derek W.
The Boathouse Bistro is a really cool and tasty restaurant. +1 for rooftop dining. I had the wild mushroom ragout and the scallop and papardelle pasta. I was hoping to try the ceviche trio, but they were unfortunately out of it. The wild mushroom ragout served over warm polenta was very good and the scallop and mushroom pasta was delicious. My girlfriend got the Maine mussels which were served in an AMAZING Thai broth that was absolutely delicious. Our waitress actually offered to bring us some extra bread because she said we'd want it to sop up all the extra broth and she was definitely right.
(4)Abbey L.
I dined here multiple times when I was visiting Boothbay Harbor over the summer. After going once, we decided it was unbeatable and we kept going back. The food is incredibly thoughtful and delicious. A highlight for me were the scallops served over maple risotto - wow. They also offer porrons to drink wine out of, which makes for a lot of fun. Lastly, I asked for a nightcap of Limoncello one night, and was told that they didn't keep at the bar, but several minutes later, they brought over a bottle. Someone had gone out to purchase a bottle just for us. Food and service that really can't be beat!
(5)Melissa M.
We went here when we were in Boothbay Harbor for our friends' wedding last month. There are so many options on the menu and it was hard for us to choose. We ordered the warm olives appetizer to start and it was delicious. It was served with fresh Maine blueberries, nuts and olives. We had a pitcher of the peach sangria which was amazing! I ordered the vegetarian risotto and it was the most delicious risotto I have ever had. My boyfriend ordered a burger which was huge and delicious as well. If we are ever in the area we will definitely return to the Boathouse Bistro.
(4)Doug T.
Menu is way too big. They are trying to be too much of everything. However the meals that we all had were very good. No complaints. We ordered a bottle of red wine but it was served in glasses fresh out of the dish washer....steamy hot! If you are vegan ..... the tofu steaks with ginger were excellent.
(3)Jay M.
The Boathouse Bistro is a great place to gorge yourself with plates piled high with fresh Maine lobster and shellfish. Indoor or outdoor seating, weather permitting. Then enjoy a walk along the dock and around the charming little village of Booth Bay Harbor Maine.
(4)jim h.
We had lunch at the Tapas Bar a couple of weeks ago. The third story view was nice, and the food was good but not great. The smoked shellfish platter had a nice assortment, but the smoke overpowered several of the items. The crab cakes and shrimp were very good. The Thai mussels had a nice sauce, but we had a couple of mussels that had a bad flavor which sort of ruined the dish. Service was a little slow, and the server was not particularly friendly.
(3)Melissa G.
Food was great and the view was even better!!
(5)Chris R.
Wow...amazing food, creative drinks and dog friendly!! How can you beat that?! I was able to enjoy some outstanding tapas over a few blueberry mojitos with my wife and our dog. Your furry friend is allowed on the outside deck which is technically the 3rd floor and the only place you want to be on a sunny day. Great views!
(5)Becca D.
We went to this place for the first time yesterday after seeing great reviews on Yelp, and we weren't dissapointed. The tomato bruschetta and hummus and tabouli tappas were both excellent, with generous portions so that me and both my parents could have a fair share. I then ordered the pan-seared scallops and parmesan orzo. When I first got my plate, I thought it wouldn't be enough food. Boy, was I wrong. The scallops were huge and cooked to perfection. Even though the orzo supposedly was infused with parmesan cheese, it had an extremely mild flavor. However, when I added salt, all was well. My mom was psyched to see seafood paella on the menu, it's really hard to find good Spanish food in New England, especially Maine. She loved it, the only criticism she had was the lack of seasoning, which I guess was the same thing with my dish. We came to dinner fairly late, and luckily at that, for we only had to wait 10-or-so minutes to get rooftop seats. They were spectacular, by the way, and way better than we expected. Next time we come up to Boothbay, we're definitely coming back to this place.
(4)Sarah F.
Maybe it's being on vacation. Maybe it's happening upon a great local restaurant. Whatever the reason, I had a food and drink high when I came here. Three level restaurant bar. The top level is the rooftop deck. The middle level is the bar area. The lower level is the restaurant area (I think). We parked it on the middle level, by the bar (of course). The kitchen was about to close, and so I quickly scanned the menu. This is a tapas restaurant. Now, I love tapas. In San Francisco, I feel like we have some great restaurants to choose from in the tapas genre. However, the one dish I ordered here blew any tapas dish I've had in the city out of the water. Here's what I had: the Maine Maple Scallops. Here's what it was: three medium rare scallops, served with a fresh blueberry sauce and cheese potato croquettes. Each scallop was paired with the croquette and served over the blueberries in 3 separate shell dishes, all on one plate. Here's the dirty-dirty: each scallop, cooked to perfection. The perfect marriage of sweet (maple and blueberry) with salty (croquettes). And here's the clencher: for $6! I totally felt like Rachael Ray on her "$40 a Day" t.v. show (just less annoying, hopefully). I don't think I've had something this delicious in a very, very long time. And, I was so stoked it was only $6. Unheard of. I also tried the oysters. They were okay, a bit big for my taste, but still very fresh tasting. My drink was awesome too. I had the blueberry pomegranate sangria. Doesn't that just sound so right?! Well, it did me good. It was sweet, tasty, cold, fresh, and served out of one of those spanish pitchers. A glass ran me $7. The bartender was really sweet, and though our group was very loud, and possibly obnoxious (the shame), she was a good sport.
(5)Betsy G.
Wide variety of tapas, beer, and other pretty but bland treats. We were seeking a non-lobster dinner and spotted the menu in a local restaurant newspaper. The grilled flatbread sandwiches are hot and melty but my chicken was overcooked, bland, and tough. My companion's vegetarian risotto was super bland and void of any herbs or spices. Everything being delivered to us and those around us was very well presented and attractive. Ours was just really bland, not really a candidate for another visit during our stay in Maine.
(3)Ashley M.
Wow. I was totally blown away. I was only in town for a few hours but was directed here when I asked a local where to eat. It looked kind of touristy and I'm always apprehensive about getting stuck at a tourist joint. But after perusing the menu there was something for everyone, I was with my parents, my mom is a vegetarian. There are 3 stories, the top being an open deck with incredible views of the harbor. The menu has so many good looking items, a little of everything. It has hot tapas, cold tapas, paella, dinners, sandwiches, plenty of seafood but not done in your average Maine seaside tourist town way. We got 4 tapas to share plus a couple of garden salads. Everything was executed perfectly, it was just amazing. I really recommend the chicken with the poblano cream listed under the hot tapas list. I will definitely make the 1.5 hour drive back for this place plus the view. This is the place to go in Boothbay.
(5)R.J. R.
Tapas on the third floor. Sit at the bar. Say hello to Mark. Tapas are to die for!!!!!!
(5)Chris W.
Great times on the third floor deck. Good drinks and excellent tapas.
(4)Nicole B.
This place has a fantastic menu and was the first choice for me on my recent visit to BB Harbor. We started off with the blueberry pomegranate sangria. Delicious! Off to a good start boat house! We also sat on the rooftop which had a great view! Plus 2! Some friends of ours ate here the previous night and raved about it and the lobster creme brule(which is one of things on the menu that took me to this place). This was the biggest let down. I almost sent it back which I NEVER do! It was cold which I guess I just didnt expect. The texture was like a creme brulee but no sugar and the glaze was totally burnt and tasted like the fluid from the torch. We ended up just eating off the lobster chunks which unfortunately already tasted of this gross fluid. Also the sliders where so overcooked I had to saturate them in ketchup to choke down. Also on our table was the lobster scallion cream cheese triangles. First of all they are square, second I am not sure where the lobster was in these things. They tasted like crab rangoon from the chinese restaurant which is like 4.95 for 12 not 7.95 for 4 and the chinese restaurant taste better! My lobster bisque and the sangria was the best part of this meal. It was really a disappointment which is a shame because of the view and the potential of the menu.
(2)Jason F.
Excellent spot and probably the best in Bootbay. Wonderful and affordable wine list. Good beer list with a couple Belgians on tap. The menu is surprisingly lengthy and hits on my different areas. Excellent original dishes. The roof deck is a perfect spot. A place where you can easily burn many hours sampling food and wine.
(4)Mark N.
Oh, my. My best foodee experience in quite a while. We had six tapas -- five would have been plenty. Every one seemed to top the one before. I agree with previous review about lobster and leeks, plus consider scallops and maple syrup (really ... quite wonderful!), the cold lobster in little pastry cups, the cold vegetables with goat cheese and some reduced balsamic which was out of this world, yes to the mushrooms, and try the steamers -- a sauce that is indescribable. Also a nice beer and wine list -- good selection by the glass. Go to the top level if the weather is bearable -- wonderful view. Terrific restaurant!
(5)Wes L.
Very good meal here. Steak was great. Service was outstanding. We will definitely be returning. We ate inside due to,weather but there is a roof top dining area weather permitting.
(5)Brian G.
A recent visit to Boothbay Harbor had us strolling the streets with a thirst for sangria. Being dinner time, I whipped out my trusty Yelp app and after a quick search, I found numerous reviews of this restaurant speaking of a delicious "blueberry pomegranate sangria." Sold. This three-tier restaurant include a roof top deck and a second floor with indoor and outdoor seating. We opted for "second floor, outdoor" and quickly ordered a half-pitcher of the Sangria. At $18, this was a steal - it felt virtually endless, and it was every bit as good as advertised. The food was more of a mixed bag. In short, the tapas were excellent and the dinners were fair to disappointing. First, the tapas. We ordered stuffed peppadews, chicken empanadas and fried cheddar. These were all excellent. The peppadews had just enough spice, breaded and filled with a delicious cheese (burrata?). The chicken empanadas had a firm yet light shell and a tasty filling. The friend cheddar was incredible, with a smoky tomato jam that was highly memorable. They batted .1000 on the tapas. Very impressive. As for the dinners...there was a lot left to be desired with our choices. I ordered the Thai Halibut, which sounded like a winner on paper - poached in a yellow coconut curry sauce over sticky rice, and topped with wilted spinach. It came as advertised...but where was the flavor? At $26, this was a bland disappointment. My wife's coffee-chili rubbed filet mignon strangely lacked any of the flavorful seasoning described, and worst of all it was overcooked: ordered at medium, delivered on the cusp of well. I will say that they have a large, creative menu of risotto dishes, and they looked very appealing as they came out of the kitchen. I liked the tapas so much that I'll return at some point, and order a risotto instead. In totality, I would call this a 3-1/2 star experience, but since a half-star review is not an option, I'll round up for the tapas, the atmosphere and the cocktails.
(4)A S.
When we first arrived at the steps, the hostess was not there because she probably seating other guests but there were a few other people waiting in front of us. The hostess then came down and was seating the other people in front of me and she said "I'll come back and deal---I mean help you guys!" Well, after that greeting I think I lost my impression of this place. There are three floors in this restaurant and we sat on the second floor with semi nice view. Our waitress was nice and friendly, quite attentive. We had the blueberry pomegranate sangaria and it was delicious! Highly recommend it! We ordered calamari, lobster mac and cheese and a steak burger. The food was mediocre. It really didn't impress me. I thought the lobster mac and cheese was not good at all but oily! It was a bit expensive for that dish ($26). Overall, service was good and food was alright!
(3)Chaz A.
Best spot in Boothbay, Great view from 3rd level outside deck! Amazing food, great atmosphere, try the risottos.
(5)A Z.
Wow, great view from the roof if you can get a seat and the lobster crepes are worth the climb up the stairs. Our steak tapas were very undercooked and the hummus dish was just OK but the crepes, wow.
(3)K M.
As regular visitors to Boothbay, we had not had the pleasure of dining at the Boathouse Bistro and are now wondering why we waited until now. We didn't go upstairs, so did not get to see what has been reported as great views of the harbor, but did enjoy the first floor dining room. Tonight was a seafood night and everyone was not disappointed. As usual, the youngest got Steamers, which with a wine and garlic sauce smelled wonderful (and the smell was all she was willing to share). Two others of the crew got the Fish-of-the-Day sandwich, one grilled salmon and the other blackened salmon and both said that it was the best. My wife and oldest both got scallops with fettuccine in a mushroom Alfredo sauce that they said was devine. I rounded out the group with a Thai halibut over rice and wilted spinach in a coconut curry sauce - just tasty. So, not a bad meal in the bunch and there were other dishes that we want to go back to try. We certainly won't make the mistake of waiting too long for our return.
(5)Stephanie M.
I saw this place from the boardwalk on a beautiful evening, so we went over to check it out. Naturally we won't to sit on the roof, maybe waited 15 minutes or so. Not too bad. Service was just okay, but with the great weather and watching the sunset, we didn't mind. I had the fried avocado salad, which was REALLY good and fresh, and a bloody mary (which was priced fantastically!). BF had a haddock sandwich, and his folks had burgers. We all enjoyed the food, lots of things on the menu looked good. I would love to go back just for drinks and a small plate or two at the bar.
(4)Joel L.
Hungry and looking for a good spot for lunch, preferably with a view of the harbor, we decide on the Boathouse. One of the few places that was busy during the week, we figured that might be the spot. Steamed Mussels in wine & garlic: Excellent. We were in France last month and this Boathouse dish was better. Fried Scallops: Plenty and nicely done. This is a good spot to be.
(5)Dan W.
Fantastic food! Kids ordered the hummus sandwich. It was large enough they could split it. Came with waffle fries. Yum The lobster bisque was descent. The hanger steak and goat cheese salad was fantastic! The seating is a little... dated. Old old wooden decking. Feels poorly maintained - as does the rest of the town. Highly recommend the food at this place.
(5)Kate B.
Wonderful rooftop dining. Great views. Lots of vegetation selections. Root beer on tap, fried avacado salad. Over a neat place great food. Go!
(5)Stan F.
Both food and service were spectacular. We arrived about 7:30 pm and had a drink at the 3rd floor bar during an expected 10 min wait for a table. After 10 mins, the hostess ushered us to a table between the bar and the prime seating ares overlooking the harbor. Several prime tables were being cleared so we asked for one of them. She said they were reserved for parties of four, but within minutes, she separated two tables and helped us move to one overlooking the harbor. We ordered grilled tuna and blackened swordfish and they were perfect. We eat a lot of seafood and are very exacting in taste. These dishes were perfectly done, the tuna rare & the sword not overcooked. Both very fresh. The sides of green beans and slightly spicy jasmine rice were excellent. The wait staff work incredibly hard, fast, efficient. Friendly, too. And they don't rush you. We'll be back.
(5)Jennifer T.
A must stop if your in Boothbay Harbor Maine. We come back every year. Great blueberry sangria and Kobe sliders. We fell in love with seafood risotto and hot rock sirloin. They bring you a seared steak that is rare you cook yourself on a 400 degree hot rock at the table. End with an amazing blueberry pie!! Great views.
(5)Maura H.
Food is excellent. Service not so much. 2 hours for dinner on a Monday. Had three different servers. No one could get it right. There are only two of us. How hard can this be???
(3)Sarah M.
Incredibly inept and rude service tonight. We are longtime customers but I won't be back. Not worth it.
(1)Susan C.
Great choice with roof top views! We had mussels, burrata and tomato salad and chowder! All were excellent and service was great. The house Sangria is to die for. A must if you like Sangria!
(4)Shawn B.
The service was good. Everything we ordered was very tasty and came in a reasonable amount of time. Decent view from the top deck, although not picture perfect due to all the utility lines. Nothing they can do about that. I would eat here again.
(4)T N.
Total tourist trap. Way overpriced for what you get, which is bland, mediocre food. The rooftop deck has great views, though.
(2)R K.
Went for dinner. I had the salad with the hanger steak and my wife had the lobster tail in a mushroom sauce. We also had smoked duck with pear. While she thought her meal was ok, my salad was not great, the app was not great and we agreed that this place is over rated. The decor is horrible. Will not return.
(2)E R.
Food was excellent! Try the blueberry sangria. Delicious! Our waitress was very kind and gave advice on ordering tapas, including her personal favorites. We sat at the roof top dining area and had an amazing view. Definitely will go back!
(5)Heather S.
I first went to this place because it had a third-floor rooftop dining area and I was looking for someplace with a view to enjoy a simple meal. I went back the next day because of the food! First, they have a nice selection of specialty cocktails, which aren't ridiculously expensive. Second, the have a great variety of hot and cold tapas. I had the Deconstructed Coconut Shrimp - this is the dish that brought be back the next day. Also good: baked goat cheese and pears, maple scallops. Friendly service. As a solo diner, I'm used to being invisible to servers, but they did a nice job of paying just the right amount of attention to me. It's not a fancy place - plastic tables and chairs on the rooftop - but maybe that's why they can serve such great food at reasonable prices.
(4)Chris S.
Still the best restaurant in Boothbay. Everything on the menu is awesome and the rooftop deck is spectacular. We've been coming here since Mark opened the place (2008, I think) and this joint is one of the reasons we vacation in Boothbay.
(5)Phil M.
This place was fantastic! Get up to the third floor if you can. It's worth the wait for a table. We ordered a bunch of appetizers for the table and every single one was great. The bread pudding was quite possibly the best I've ever had. It came in 3 different flavors with 2 different sauces you could pour over the top. Essentially it's 6 desserts in one. My niece said she was cold and the waitress brought her her own sweatshirt. How sweet is that?!?!!! Anytime we're in the area, if we only have one meal there it will definitely be at The Boathouse.
(5)David B.
Boothbay is a tourist town and we had expected food to match. What a nice surprise. Our waitress helped make our selections, she was great. We shared five different tapas selections. From the first bite we were happy. The courses were prepared quickly, another surprise because they were busy. We enjoyed the presentation, favors and frankly every bite. For desert we hade lobster crepes which were fabulous. Prices are fair. We only wish we had someplace like this at home. The venue on the first floor is nosy, a simple wood interior. The second floor deck or roof top deck is the place to be. No reservations so go early or expect to wait
(4)Morris H.
Sat at bar on 3rd floor deck twice and ate and drank at the bar. Great views of the harbor. Food was very good. Lobster bisque one of the best we had over 10 days in Maine.
(4)Will B.
Enjoyed the oysters, grilled swordfish salad, and crispy beer batter gulf shrimp. The blueberry mojito was excellent. Friendly, knowledgable staff and great beer selection. Will be back!
(5)Nate F.
Great view from the top of the restaurant. Can be overcrowded in the summer. Good tapas. Entrees are hit or miss. Scallops were good; seafood stew was not great.
(4)Patricia D.
Excellent food. Lobster club had at least two lobsters worth of meat on it. Highly recommend. Everyone enjoyed their meals - the only thing not liked were the crostinis that came with the goat cheese and pear fondue.
(4)Chris M.
Stopped in for a cocktail on their third floor patio overlooking bay. Great views and ambience. Staff was very friendly and allowed us to bring our pet. Nice wine and beer selection.
(4)B S.
Tough to say what's worse, the food or service. I'm going to say both. Appetizer served 45 minutes after we ordered, with our dinner. Food was mediocre.
(2)Janice S.
Scallops risotto with tasso and corn..made me wanna cry...so good! Wine...amazing dessert... Even in a blizzard.. These guys rock.
(5)Kate C.
The feeling on the outside was not at all what you get on the inside. In all fairness, I have only eaten downstairs but the atmosphere was a bit empty. I expected more I guess. And then when I saw the prices I looked around again and was even less thrilled. The food was good...and expensive.... I'm not going to be too harsh in this first review. Hopefully I will go back again and be pleasently surprised. Perhaps I will find improved ambience upstairs.
(3)Alex G.
The best part about this place is the view. Almost unobstructed view of the inner harbor. You can sit up top on the roof. We only got tapas but they were very good. I'm from Vermont and regularly buy $7 beer. This is not $7 beer, but it is a tourist town sooo....
(4)Katie G.
Came here for second dinner. We had the scallop tapas which was excellent, the hummus which was okay, and the spicy chicken epanadas which we didn't like very much. The wine was tasty and the flourless chocolate cake was out of this world. The service was friendly and helpful. Overall, I'd probably come here again for the experience (great deck views), but the food we had was solidly fine (except for the cake which was exquisite).
(3)Emily L.
Visited this restaurant with seven people in our party. Hostess MJ (aka the soup nazi) said No and turned us away. Won't be back and now have a story about this restaurant for the next 25 years. Would have appreciated a recommendation. Spent 3 bills elsewhere. Your loss.
(1)Brion K.
I have to start by saying that tapas restaurants are GREAT for families with kids. Tapas plates are medium sized (typically somewhere between an appetizer and an entree size), shareable, and modestly priced, so it's a great way to get the kids to try some new flavors without breaking the wallet. The Boathouse is quite a good tapas restaurant - the menu has a LOT of choices, which is usually a bad sign for me because I've found that the number of items on the menu is often inversely proportional to the quality of the food. But not in this case! Everything was fresh, inventive, and delicious. Oh, and best of all, they do a great job of catering to those of us who are allergic to gluten. They have LOTS of gluten free options. Did we like it? We sure did - enough to go back a second time during our 1-week stay in the Boothbay region.
(4)Dave E.
The food is good, just good. You can not justify the price of the meals by the quality of the ingredients. I would say if the price were 25% less per item then this place would be 4 starts.
(3)Lynda P.
Best meal in town! The seafood risotto and the seafood stew were delicious. The Blueberry Sangria is a must have!
(5)Andy M.
I've been to the boathouse before for tapas and sangria. We stopped in after shopping for some adult beverages namely the blueberry pomegranate sangria by the pitcher. This stuff is addictive and refreshing after shopping or a nice hot day by the water. I'll add on the clam chowder was some of the best in the area.
(4)Waleed A.
This might be biased, the location is great, the restaurant is nicely set up, and i had lobster for the second time, it was done properly, they did a very good job. Best part is the location is right in the center of town
(5)ellen p.
Extensive menu, great service. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions were generous. Situated right down near the water.
(5)Elizabeth R.
Spectacular lunch. Best meal we've had in Maine so far. The BLT risotto is out of this world!
(5)Shannon L.
This place came highly recommended by the B&B we stayed in. I was totally unimpressed with the service and the food. The beers were the best part of our experience here. I would not come back here, nor would I recommend it to anyone. The polenta was very bland. The scallops were good, but not stellar. The cesar salad was subpar at best. I agree with other reviewers... the food was overpriced for what they were offering. This place was disappointing.
(2)Mary D.
View from upper deck was fantastic. Great drink selection, too. Unfortunately, the food was good but not great. And most unfortunately, service left much to be desired. Once we got our meal, we never saw our waitress again. Had to flag her down for another drink and she totally forgot to bring it. Fifteen minutes later, had to go to the bar to retrieve it myself. Great view, but not so great service and food make it not worth a return for us.
(2)Heather B.
Risotto was a bit soupy. I am used to it being less soupy. Chicken was a bit chargrilled on the risotto and I don't think I found a bit of prosciutto in the dish. A little disappointing. My mom loved the scallops and fettuccine. It was garlicky and not too saucy. The mushrooms were perfectly cooked. My Caesar salad had crisp romaine and wasn't overly dressed. It's a little dark in the booths as night as well.
(4)Rob K.
Great variety of seafood and risotto. Fun atmosphere. Great service. Highly recommended. Warm weather and top deck for awesome views of Boothbay Harbor.
(5)Mallory S.
The best part of our meal was the friendly service but the overpriced food and syrup-y sweet sangria are not recommended. We ordered mostly hot tapas to share and did not find any of the food memorable. And no "tapa" should be priced at $15... yikes. I do appreciate the friendly service, but I think a beer on the deck is the best way to enjoy this location.
(2)Tim O.
Great drinks. Go for the boothbay blackout. It does what it says. Been coming up here for the past 20 years. Love the service and the wait staff. They are always friendly and attentive. Good tapas as well. I ordered the mozzarella cheese plate it was real good.
(4)Dan M.
If you are in shape enough climb up to the 3rd floor outdoor dining room with a view of the harbor. You can order Tapas or off the regular menu we did both and the food was very good. Ordering about 3 tapas plates per person was more than enough. Lobster bisque was chock full of lobster and creamy without being too sweet. no way there was room for dessert.
(4)Matt C.
Overpriced bar food with lackluster service. order what was billed as "kobe beef sliders" turned out to be nothing more than half dollar sized burgers topped with a glob of blur cheeze, over cooked bacon and onions. It was also served with greasy waffle fries and not much else. The service was run of the mill. If you like overpriced bar food...this place is for you. If not, consider an alternative.
(2)Mike M.
The best part was the partial view from the top deck on an amazing weather day. The rest of the experience not so much. We just stopped in for drinks and a snack mid-day. The service and food where just ok, and over priced. The deck is really small, tight seating area, beat down and really needs a powerwasher cleaning. Its an interesting mix of customers as well. A lot of people around us that acted like someone owed them something. We left this place, and went back to the smaller towns a few minutes north and had a much better time.
(2)Dorothy W.
Had a good time this evening, we sat on the 3rd Storey patio and the weather and view was awesome! The food was what I expected very good and presentation great. Defiantly recommend if visiting Boothbay.
(4)Amanda B.
Surprisingly amazing Tapas. Can't wait to go back to try their unique dishes. The scallops with blueberry sauce and polenta is top notch!
(5)Cujo S.
sit on the top floor at the bar - you get great service and a great view and the bar staff was very knowledgeable about the food and drink available.
(5)Craig M.
Unexpectedly diverse and sophisticated menu at this rooftop bistro. The variety of lobster dishes was unmatched. Don't get me wrong... a fresh steamed lobster served with warm butter and a bib is tough to beat... but the Boathouse was creative and delicious. Was just what we were looking for, to celebrate my wife's birthday. Our six-year-old daughter joined us, and they were very accommodating I enjoyed a lobster salad appetizer - fresh lobster served chilled with mango and a vanilla foam. My wife loves cheese and has tried all kinds... but never a blue cheese cheesecake with a crushed walnut crust (as an appetizer). I enjoyed the pistachio encrusted scallops. Last, but certainly not least, was the most delicious lobster mac and cheese we've ever encountered. To boot, the best local IPA I've had all week. Dexter Rippa Red IPA, by Boothbay Craft Brewery.
(5)Rich A.
When we first walked in we were both taken aback by the decor, being a bistro we were expecting it to be a bit more upscale but don't be fooled by this! The hostess came over and told us there is a second floor partially open to the elements and a third floor open air deck. We chose the second floor bar area. The menu is very extensive offering appetizers, tapas, and full entrees. I ordered the hangar steak with a peppercorn sauce, broccoli, and potatoes. It came exactly as prepared and was very good. The fingerling potatoes could have used a but of butter but later on I realized there was enough sauce from the steak for them. My partner had the seafood risotto and he said it was very good. We both enjoyed this place, it's very unpretentious and laid back but with great food.
(5)Erika H.
Decided on eating here because it was one of the few places open after 8:00pm. Only complaint is that it was crowded on the top floor, so despite it being a beautiful setting, we were packed in with fellow patrons and unable to enjoy the views. Regardless, so glad we decided to eat here. Only wish we ate earlier because we overdid it - which is easy to do. My husband had the lobster club - it was piled high with claw meat. I had the seafood risotto, one of the best risotto dishes I have ever had. Very flavorful and seafood was cooked perfectly. Wait staff very attentive too.
(4)Laura O.
Lovely dinner, a mixture of tapas and entrees for a party of 8, with excellent service. They were super accommodating and had a great variety of choice for our gluten-free friends. We especially enjoyed: lobster salad w mango foam, pistachio crusted scallops, oysters w/tequila lime mignonette, volcano stone New York strip! We topped it off with a chocolate flourless torte, again perfect for gluten free folks. Good kids menu as well. It was our first trip to The Boat House in 3 summer trips to Boothbay Harbor but we will definitely return!
(4)Brian R.
I have to say this is an over-rate by the Yelpers. The food was good, not great. My lobster was over-steamed and could be used as a rubber band. The fried shrimp though, apparently was good. The service here is a big turnoff. The waitresses are, to put it politely, cold. The bartender ended up helping us after no-one bothered to take our order for nearly 20 minutes. These are seasonal employees, and the management obviously doesn't take too much pride in picking them. The third floor deck is only good for parties of 4 or more. They don't let twos sit by the deck railing, which they made so high and thick that it occludes the bay view, which is the money part of the deck. You can see it from the bar stools at the upstairs bar, but you have to eat at the bar, which is not a winner for everyone. The prices are more $$$ than $$, and they don't really earn it. The cuisine is tourist town average. No pop. I would go elsewhere if I came back. Not impressed.
(3)James C.
Truly over the top. Very nice wine by the glass or bottle. The most incredible lobster club of all time. Great Caesar salad, duck breast, smoked duck and on and on. Super service.
(5)Philip G.
I sat inside so I didn't get to enjoy the view. My 4-year-old daughter asked "Why is it so dark in here when there are so many light bulbs?" (the ceiling is criss-crossed with bulbs only slightly brighter than Christmas lights) If you can remember that "grilled" means "burned on the outside" you'll be less surprised when the food comes. Everything that was grilled had a strong burned flavor, leading the 4-year-old to spit out her chicken fingers and her 100-year-old dad (ouch!) to not finish the steak salad (was supposed to "hangar steak" but was in fact steak tips, each one thoroughly burned on all sides). The server was friendly. My adult companion rated her vegetable risotto "horrible." My daughter rated the packaged Oreo cookies that are included with every kid's meal as "fantastic." I'm rating by Boston/Cambridge standards.
(2)Brittany A.
This place is amazing. Great drinks, great rooftop overlooking Boothbay Harbor, great service, decent prices, and a carefully-thought out menu with pretty tasty food. My friend and I came here twice on our trip to the area and we just couldn't get enough of the Blueberry Pomegranate Sangria. This is definitely a must visit place when you come to the area.
(4)Brad G.
We've been to Boothbay Harbor a couple times, but just tried The Boathouse on our most recent trip. This is now easily our new favorite place to go. The menu was awesome with so many different choices it can be a little overwhelming at first, but with the millions of seafood choices around the harbor, it's nice to have options too. For dinner our first visit, I had the pan seared duck which was outstanding and my wife had the salmon & blue cheese salad & loved it. They make their own sangria too which is very good. My wife & I like there so much we went back a couple times for tapas on the rooftop deck overlooking the bay. On a nice day with an pint of Alagash White and a fresh Sangria you could stay up there for hours.
(5)Jim M.
I vacation in Boothbay Harbor in July almost every year. I've been to this place more than 10 times. The reviews here are either not legitimate, or they are by people who are overly impressed by the views from the roof top. This place does have great views. I think the views are the best in the harbor. The food is average at best. Pretty expensive, often poorly cooked. I'd probably give 2 and a half stars if I could. I ate there last night, and the scallops and shrimp were under cooked. The seafood risotto had the tails on the shrimp (which is not unheard of, but is extremely irritating, since not one single diner has ever wanted to fish through their meal and pull off the tails). If you're looking for a nice place in the harbor, and you're not price-conscious, and you don't expect particularly good food, this place will be fine. If you're used to a good, or fine, dining experience, this place will disappoint. If it weren't for the view, I would never eat here again.
(3)Tina S.
Sat 9/6/14 we called ahead to see what time the kitchen closes, and were told 930 pm. I arrived at 845 with my entire family 5, including my infant. We were left standing around for 10 minutes before anyone EVEN GREETED US. Then we spoke with a rude nasty bartender who then told us the kitchen was closed! It was only 855pm. Then she came back to us and said we could stay after checking with the kitchen. She preceded to rush us to order quickly. She made us feel completely uncomfortable and this was supposed to be a memorable family dinner. The food arrived so quickly and cold. The scallops and other items were uncooked! The food quality was terrible and the atmosphere was awkward and quiet as we were rushed to pay then leave. Also VERY PRICEY FOR DISGUSTING FOOD! Don't go
(1)Kim H.
This restaurant was recommended to us by our innkeeper in Boothbay Harbor. I liked the quaint, nautical atmosphere and the food was decent. I gave it 3 stars for the service and the attitudes of the employees. When we first arrived, the restaurant was mostly empty but they sat us at a table smashed up against another couple, which was uncomfortable. The blueberry sangria was to die for though. Our burgers were just okay.
(3)Obadiah S.
I have mixed feelings about Boathouse. I spent the summer in Boothbay, and my first experience at the Boathouse was incredible. I ordered the filet and lobster tail. The filet was cooked perfectly, and the quality of the meat was superb. The herb butter on the lobster tail is a great addition. Also, try their sangria, they make it in house. This particular summer, they had a peach sangria and Maine blueberry sangria. My first experience was so good, when friends came up to visit, I took them there. Sadly, the execution left much to be desired. My friend's filet was overcooked the first time. They gladly made another, but it seemed as though the second filet was half the size of the juicy cut I had my first visit. Also, his lobster tail had no herb butter this time. I will say, the quality seems to relate to the number of patrons. If you go when there is no rush, they kitchen tends to be more consistent. Just about everything I had on the menu was amazing. I particularly remember the smoked seafood chowder. If they offer it again, try it!
(3)Ken B.
I love this place. We go several times during the week for a meal or a drink to the top deck. Food is good. Tapas is good. I love the lamb lollipops in the past years but didn't order them this year. Same price as last year but only two on a plate not three. There are 6 of us. We decided they priced themselves out of this market. Not that we cant afford it, its just too much. That was my only disappointment. Stellar view, friendly and pleasant staff....actually it's probably the best restaurant view in Booth Bay.
(4)