God, I WISH this place were called Stripper's because then we could have seen that sexy British bartender get naked for us! Loved the cocktails, gorgeous view, and the food was AWESOME. Had a great time here the other night and we come every summer; always good service and good looking bartenders. I will not give it five stars because the hostess was a huge biatch when we asked to be seated when our reservation actually was (at 7:30pm) and we finally got inside seating at 8pm 1/2 hour after we had arrived. Not a huge deal at all but her attitude was uncalled for and uncomfortable. Will be back!
(4)
Debbie F.
We went here for drinks on a Friday night and decided to have dinner in the dining room after our drinks. The venue is incredible and the setting is absolutely amazing. The service was fine, very friendly and efficient. The food however was almost inedible. Two of us ordered burgers and they had the strangest taste and consistency. We should have sent them back but it was late and we just wanted to be done. Two others had the fish & chips and it was okay nothing special. We would go back for cocktails and the fabulous views but never to eat there again.
(2)
Steff D.
What my friend and I wanted: cocktails in an Adirondack chair on a grassy knoll overlooking the ocean. What my friend and I got: cocktails in an Adirondack chair on a grassy knoll overlooking the ocean. If you come here for this, you will leave very happy. We came on a deliriously delicious Sunday afternoon in the summer... There was barely anyone here. We ordered cocktails at the bar and asked if we could also also order snacks there even though we wanted to be outside. They said yes and they'd even bring them down to us wherever we were sat. Which we did. And they did. Her cocktail: a margarita. My cocktail: a bourbon cooler. Both hit the spot just perfectly for a hot day! We also ordered the French fries (which comes with your choice of tofu ranch dressing, truffle ketchup, or sriracha mayo; when we asked if they might give us all three they did without hesitation - how lovely!) and BBQ cauliflower bites. The BBQ cauliflower bites were kind of dry and unmemorable (and mostly went untouched). The French fries, however, were yummy and the perfect seaside snack. Thick and salty, and those three dipping sauces? I couldn't figure out which was my favorite (I think the tofu ranch dressing... my tofu ranch dressing never tastes that good!). I have a confession to make: I could have eaten them all, but not wanting to seem like a pig in front of a new friend, I held back. Next time, I won't. Get ready, fries. You belong to my hips. So, if you want to come here to enjoy a cocktail in an Adirondack chair on a grassy knoll overlooking the ocean...you should. It's a great way to start a day of KPort shopping!
(4)
H.B. ..
My husband and I went here for our anniversary, great little place! The guy who did the lobster bake did a fantastic job. It was great to sit with people who we didn't know and get a chance to mingle and laugh! The view was fantastic and the people working there were super friendly; they went to measures to make sure my husband and I received the best care! Will recommend this place to everyone - for sure!
(4)
Andrew K.
This is a perfect spot to casually sip wine, sitting on an Adirondack chair, watching a serene Maine view. A winner!
(4)
Tom F.
I've been to stripers several times in years past and found the service and food to be excellent - however there was a huge drop-off this year. Overall the food was mediocre. The oysters were good, as were the lobster tacos. The bread was stale. The clam chowder tasted like cream. The redfish was cold and tasteless. The service was about as bad as I've seen. The server did not seem to understand anything, whether it was about oysters, serving wine or simply refilling water glasses. In my opinion the server at this type of place should provide more than the bare minimum. At the end of the meal, she brought us a drink menu instead of a dessert menu.
(2)
Hans H.
A gorgeous view destroyed by bad food and measured, overpriced cocktails.
(1)
Barbara D.
The ambiance was great, we scored a romantic table for two in front on a fireplace with a great view outside. I was very excited about the lobster stew and was really confused when I was served a crock of hot tasteless milk with lobster chunks. It was clear that no one took the time to develop a deep-flavored broth with the shells. The milk base would have been best consumed with a straw. The lobster was good, but this "stew" was anything but. I ordered the pork three ways but opted to replace the sausage with mashed potatoes because the dish did not include a starch. The pork belly was wonderful, but the tenderloin was underdone. The waitress forgot my veggies and when she did bring them I was underwhelmed...pretty bland and mushy. Drinks were good and service was good as well. I think I'd try someplace else next time.
(3)
Natalie A.
Husband and I were staying at the inn and this was a lovely addition to our stay. My cocktail, the bramble, was a good start to the meal. I ordered the pumpkin and ricotta ravioli and it was heavenly. Flavors were very fresh and appropriate celebration for fall. The nuts, apple slivers, and piccorino shavings combined into a fantastic dish, with just the right size for a serving. Husband ordered the clam chowder and oh'ed with his first bite saying that the clams were delicious. Friendly service as well. Go during sunset and you will have a good time indeed.
(5)
Ashley E.
Begrudgingly 3 stars...food was ok but views and ambience amazing. Don't get the tuna ceviche; inedibly lemony. Didn't even touch it, but wasn't taken off bill. Too bad.
(3)
Jake K.
One of the best views in town. Food and drinks are good, not spectacular. It's definitely perfect for a quiet sunset in the chairs on the water....
We went back again with a few friends. The pork was still delicious. The red fish was fine but not exciting. The duck was cooked as asked, but the sausage was nothing special. Their wines are very good, especially the rose and the zin. One friend thought the pours were on the small side. My friend liked her tuna. Her husband thought his haddock was too salty. The lobster salad looked wonderful. Their soups are good, too. Service is always pleasant and accommodating. The view is outstanding. The place was packed.
(4)
Toni N.
From the hostess, to the bar tender, to servers and Chef Gary Caron - everything exceeded my expectations! The beautiful location and view from the Adirondack chairs on the lawn were a treat but the warm, inviting attention we were paid made us feel like they were genuinely happy to serve us. I started with an "angry girlfriend" margarita that was a delight with a spicy note that awakened my palate. Thankfully my party of 6 all ordered different things so we all got to sample the brilliance that is Chef Gary. I could have eaten a truck load of the asparagus with aioli topped with a perfect runny egg. The crab cakes are among the best - if you love crab that is! Alone they are yummy but topped with a smoked tomato - what? - brilliant! I figured the picked garnish was unnecessary - but I was wrong. The pork belly was the perfect combination of sweet and tangy with a warm butter-like finish. The scallops, muscles, and fish were prepared perfectly. The burgers would rival the best from any pub. They were BIG and juicy with house made buns. The blueberry bread pudding was heavenly sinful with a wonderful kick of cinnamon. The rhubarb tart served with ginger ice cream was alone worth the 45 minute drive. Well done Stripers!
(5)
Michael H.
The view of the river (not the ocean) is wonderful especially at high tide. Nice adirondack seats on the lawn for your use. It's like sitting on a lake house deck, but you have to pay for it. I had the lobster roll which was far more pricey than Mabel's across the street. Not sure why. We were there every morning for breakfast as we were guests at the Breakwater Inn where it is complimentary. Hard to get in and out of the restaurant with plates full of food and all the patio doors closed. We saw a waitress struggle as well. Otherwise, a nice clean look and seems relatively new or recently remodeled.
(4)
Eugene D.
Great location and view of the kennebuckport river and sunset. Service was prompt and the food was very good and plentiful. The restaurant is part of a spa hotel and looks relatively new. After diner we enjoyed sitting outside on the adirondack chairs and watching the sunset.
The customer service is horrendous! I loved the view and location and wanted to hold my wedding at the restaurant. The Wedding Coordinator was to send me a proposal and after leaving 2 messages and 1 follow up email, I didn't receive anything or a response. Thus, I contacted the Restaurant Manager who said she would help me; however, a week later I have nothing. Well, I guess they just lost a minimum of $5000.
(1)
Jack T.
I wish I could give this place a good review. I really wish I could. Maybe I'm not the right cliental for what they are trying to sell. The view is incredible especially around sunset I should at least give them credit for a great location. Unfortunately that's about all the Kudos I can muster up. As Seinfeld once said "You know how to take a reservation, but not how to hold one." An 8:00 outside dining turned into an 8:30 inside tucked away in a corner. With no apology or explanation. The seating area was stark and barren of any plants or fabrics to give it a feel of comfort dare I say even romance. Of course I guess I'm not into post modern or whatever they were trying to sell it as. If I didn't know better I'd say they ran out of money. The waitress greeted us with a yawn. You could see where this was heading. Bread never delivered, water glasses never refilled. Menu was eclectic (subtitle: we pretty much needed everything explained to us). Food was good but not in my opinion valued of the price. Tone up the ambiance and tone down the the stuck up image. The location is incredible let's upgrade the rest of the experience.
(2)
Ellen O.
I hate to do this, but we have been going to Stripers for years. Unfortunately, this year we went at the end of August on a lovely night. We had a table with a great view, and the only thing I could focus on was how dirty the windows were...not just the ones leading to the outside, but inside ones as well.They haven't managed to fix the glare problem during sunset, like Pier 77 did by installing solar shades. I ordered a $15 lobster spring roll, and that was it, ONE tiny spring roll. It was not even share-able. The food was just OK. Portions were tiny, moreso than I remember from the past. We used to love it but something is going on there. It was not as welcoming, we had to chase down the waitress to take our check, and the food was only so-so. Will go to Pier 77 or David's from now on.
(2)
Jenni M.
Very attentive staff with my 2.5 year old out to dinner! We were so grateful. Dinner was very good. I had the white fish taco and my husband had the fish and chips. Excellent!
(5)
Scott A.
Phenomenal! Great meal and super attentive service...it helped that I was with the most beautiful woman in the world..Happy 20th anniversary baby!
(5)
Chris R.
An impromptu stop last night as our favorite local spot, Bandaloop, was jammed thanks to the busy tourist season and its Dock Square location. We dropped in at 7:00pm on a Saturday night, and were told they could accommodate us if we would dine on the deck. Couldn't have worked out better on a gorgeous July night. The views of the breakwater and Kennebunk Beach are gorgeous. Tom, our server, was pleasant and efficient, on the spot when we wanted something, yet never a pestering presence. We ordered the tuna carpaccio and lobster bisque as starters. The bisque was solidly executed, but nothing exceptional. The carpaccio was excellent, with shaved slices of melon and a touch of remoulade beneath. For entrees we had the roast chicken with fingerling potatoes and grilled summer vegetables, and the grilled duck breast with the same sides. Both were done simply and exceptionally well. This isn't an inexpensive indulgence, but the combination of stunning views, good service and fresh, simple food expertly executed make it an ideal spot for a relaxing summer's dinner al fresco. Enjoy!
(4)
Susan M.
Loved the Breakwater years back, the new improved version(Stripers) is very corporate, limited menu very limited for regional dishes. Service was fine, food was good but not what I'd come to know from some years back. Same great views but the menu didn't reflect the area. Never acknowledged our anniversary which was noted on the reservation. Definitely has the feel of non-Maine experience. (not at all what I was hoping for). I'd say a great place to go in and have a drink and watch the sunset but I'd skip dinner. Felt more like FL than Kennebunkport. Next worthy occasion we'll go to the Hurricane or Bandiloop.
(3)
Daniel L.
Had dinner here last night as we were staying at the Breakwater. We had a good experience, primarily because of the excellent water views and because our server/bartender, Neils, was exceptional. We actually stopped at the bar/lounge area earlier in the afternoon for happy hour and Neils served us then. The drinks were good and he was able to keep our tab open to be included with our dinner check, which was convenient. For dinner my wife started with the martini salad, which is a Caesar salad they mix table side. She said it was tasty. I had the shrimp spring roll, which was chock full of shrimp, crispy and yummy. For our entrees, she had a roasted cod dish and I had the chilled seafood dish, which came with four clams, four oysters, two crab claws, and half a lobster. My wife never finishes her dinner entrees (portion control) but she liked the cod so much she ate all of it. I was stunned. My entree was mostly good; the crab claws were a little dry, like they had been frozen a while. Everything else was fresh and tasty though. For dessert we had the bread pudding, which was excellent. I think we would come back to eat here. I would probably try a different entree though.
(4)
Tammie P.
Tuna ceviche, blue point oysters, cod. Great views and ambiance. 3.5
(3)
Robert Y.
Had dinner here with my wife and couldn't have been happier with the food, service and scenery. It's a beautiful spot by the river as noted by other reviewers. We only ordered appetizers to share (no entrees), in order to keep the portion sizes reasonable. The appetizers are appropriately sized, meaning they are not too large. The lobster salad, while pricey, is outstanding. It's fresh and flavorful and the presentation is beautiful. The crab cakes and spring roll were also tasty and presented very nicely. We had the homemade ice cream for dessert and it was very good as well. All in all, a great romantic evening. We look forward to going back to Stripers on our next vacation.
(5)
J S.
Lovely setting and wonderful water views abound from this quaint, new inn that, although only a few years old, feels like it's been a part of Kennebunkport for fifty years. It reminds me of the Hamptons a bit. The table settings are adorable with slip covered chairs and there are adirondack chairs out in the lawn to relax in after dining. I had the lobster benedict, which although slightly undercooked, was very good and I would still recommend it and will also return. The home made cranberry mini muffins to start the meal are an exceptional treat.
(4)
Lynne M.
Food was delicious! Waitress was really nice and made some good suggestions. Atmosphere was very nice. They let me bring a cake for my boyfriends birthday and plated it for us, charging $2.50 a plate. Sadly, it was dark out could not enjoy the view of the water. They should put lights out there, that would be nice. Overall very nice dinner and a great evening.
(4)
Rose F.
Happy hour with $4 glasses of wine. But the bartender here is awesome. Ask for an Angry Girlfriend a unique margarita with a spicy finish. All the speciality drinks are fantastic ($10). The hand cut fries ($6) are amazing and come with a choice of 3 dipping sauces. (I got all three) yum!!! The bread is soft and comes with whipped butter. Arugula salad ($6) is good and not a lot of dressing. Views are fantastic. Ben is the best bartender. 5 stars
The view is what really makes this place. It's right on the water and absolutely gorgeously outfitted in shades of blue. We had a 9pm reservation (a bit late to give us a chance to beat the traffic out of Boston and check into our hotel) and we were definitely the last people there at 10pm. It was soooo quiet (almost strangely so) but I guess this is what happens on the Maine coast after Labor Day. Also, given the choices in the area (White Barn Inn is crazy expensive, and all other restaurants in the area seemed to be bar-food type places) it was a good fit. I started off with a jalapeno martini that was perfectly spicy and smooth and totally delicious. I had the lobster bisque and the boy had the clam chowder. My bisque wasn't really bisque-y at all and was surprisingly thin (kind of a disappointment actually) but the flavor was nice. I then moved on to a cod dish that came with crab smashed potatoes and an artichoke ravioli while the boy had a filet with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. Everything was... good. Not amazing, not bad at all. I really think my plate (including the sauces) had been sitting at the ready to be heated up when ordered. The steak, though, was cooked to order and delicious. The accompanying potatoes were oddly smooth and reminded me of cream of wheat. The boy loved that they were salty and buttery. My crab potatoes were a but cold and hard for my taste. Overall it was a lovely evening, even if mainly due to the company at my table. The setting was mostly worth the price, and the good parts of the meal were GOOD. Not big-city gourmet good, but definitely gorgeous view - date night - fun cocktail - romantic setting good.
(3)
A W.
I was staying at the Inn this winter, and the dining options in Kennebunkport were very limited so I was very fortunate to have such a great restaurant at the hotel available. I was first encouraged by the continental breakfast spread laid out each morning. I've never seen such a wonderful variety of pastries, quiche, cereals, and fruit so I expected dinner to be a wonderful experience, and it was. The Pumpkin Soup I had was very savory and quite excellent. It didn't have the sweetness that I expected, and I found the hints of smokiness rewardingly different. For an entree, I had the steak. It was excellent as well and the vegetables and Red Wine Sauce were perfect accompaniments.
(4)
Arthur K.
This restaurant is part of the Breakwater Inn & Spa. It is not very big...probably around 20 tables + a couple out on the deck. Pretty cozy and romantic. The decor is tastefully done in a kind of modern California style. Almost every table has a panoramic view of the river that runs through Kennebunkport. The food is contemporary American with a focus on seafood (well, what else would you expect in Maine). I would say NY quality and almost NY prices. The heirloom tomatos I had for appetizer was delicious and my miso glazed Salmon entree was very tender. Also, this being the summer season, we spotted Bush Senior and his clans a couple tables from us.
(5)
Gary G.
On my 2nd night we went to Stripers. Our trolley driver recommended it to us. It was located down the street from our hotel, The Nonantum. Stripers is located at the Breakwater Inn. It is a really nice restaurant. The decor is very modern with a water feel to it. The views are of the river. We actually drove because it was raining out and they had a valet service. We were greeted by a pleasant hostess. She seated us next to the Bush's. It must be my good looks. Yes, that is right George ( #41) and Barbara were at the table next to us. They were a very nice couple. They said hello to us and asked how we were doing. My wife thought they were a such a cute couple. George looked really good for someone who is 85 years old. After the moment set in that I was sitting next to the one time President my focus turned to the menu. I know when a restaurant will be good is when I want to order everything off the menu. We started off with Popcorn Shrimp. I try to stay away from fried foods. But I had to do it this time. The shrimp were really good. I got the halibut and wifey got the salmon. My dish was outstanding. it came with pieces of lobster meat and tiny potatoes. Excellent dish. Wifey's dish came with noodles and she was very happy. Then the Bush's said goodbye to us. I told him i would see him next summer. Yes, that is right I roll with the A List. Then I saw some cougar from who knows where chase George for a picture. My man can still pull women. Right in front of Barbara. But back to dessert. Dessert was awesome. We got blueberry cake with white chocolate. It was excellent. To sum it up great restaurant. Look forward to eating here again.
(4)
Peter C.
The wife was shooting a wedding across the street at the Colony so I went with her to visit a friend. I found myself at Stripers after finding out that the outdoor lounge at the Colony didn't allow beverages in glass. I find it impossible to drink a maritini out of plastic; so I ended up at Stripers. The sun was setting and the view was beautiful; my server (a young college student) was great, very attentive and polite. You could tell he was into the food that they serve and was eager to talk about the menu. My Hendrick's martini was perfect and the glass was chilled (as it should be). I ordered the octopus salad with soba noodles; it was good (but not great), needed a little something else. I asked the server for pepper and in three seconds he was grinding some over my dish. I also ordered the tuna carpaccio which was cured; the texture was delicate and it went well with the melon. The prices were in line with a waterfront restaurant; and I left pleased with my visit.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Tamara W.
God, I WISH this place were called Stripper's because then we could have seen that sexy British bartender get naked for us! Loved the cocktails, gorgeous view, and the food was AWESOME. Had a great time here the other night and we come every summer; always good service and good looking bartenders. I will not give it five stars because the hostess was a huge biatch when we asked to be seated when our reservation actually was (at 7:30pm) and we finally got inside seating at 8pm 1/2 hour after we had arrived. Not a huge deal at all but her attitude was uncalled for and uncomfortable. Will be back!
(4)Debbie F.
We went here for drinks on a Friday night and decided to have dinner in the dining room after our drinks. The venue is incredible and the setting is absolutely amazing. The service was fine, very friendly and efficient. The food however was almost inedible. Two of us ordered burgers and they had the strangest taste and consistency. We should have sent them back but it was late and we just wanted to be done. Two others had the fish & chips and it was okay nothing special. We would go back for cocktails and the fabulous views but never to eat there again.
(2)Steff D.
What my friend and I wanted: cocktails in an Adirondack chair on a grassy knoll overlooking the ocean. What my friend and I got: cocktails in an Adirondack chair on a grassy knoll overlooking the ocean. If you come here for this, you will leave very happy. We came on a deliriously delicious Sunday afternoon in the summer... There was barely anyone here. We ordered cocktails at the bar and asked if we could also also order snacks there even though we wanted to be outside. They said yes and they'd even bring them down to us wherever we were sat. Which we did. And they did. Her cocktail: a margarita. My cocktail: a bourbon cooler. Both hit the spot just perfectly for a hot day! We also ordered the French fries (which comes with your choice of tofu ranch dressing, truffle ketchup, or sriracha mayo; when we asked if they might give us all three they did without hesitation - how lovely!) and BBQ cauliflower bites. The BBQ cauliflower bites were kind of dry and unmemorable (and mostly went untouched). The French fries, however, were yummy and the perfect seaside snack. Thick and salty, and those three dipping sauces? I couldn't figure out which was my favorite (I think the tofu ranch dressing... my tofu ranch dressing never tastes that good!). I have a confession to make: I could have eaten them all, but not wanting to seem like a pig in front of a new friend, I held back. Next time, I won't. Get ready, fries. You belong to my hips. So, if you want to come here to enjoy a cocktail in an Adirondack chair on a grassy knoll overlooking the ocean...you should. It's a great way to start a day of KPort shopping!
(4)H.B. ..
My husband and I went here for our anniversary, great little place! The guy who did the lobster bake did a fantastic job. It was great to sit with people who we didn't know and get a chance to mingle and laugh! The view was fantastic and the people working there were super friendly; they went to measures to make sure my husband and I received the best care! Will recommend this place to everyone - for sure!
(4)Andrew K.
This is a perfect spot to casually sip wine, sitting on an Adirondack chair, watching a serene Maine view. A winner!
(4)Tom F.
I've been to stripers several times in years past and found the service and food to be excellent - however there was a huge drop-off this year. Overall the food was mediocre. The oysters were good, as were the lobster tacos. The bread was stale. The clam chowder tasted like cream. The redfish was cold and tasteless. The service was about as bad as I've seen. The server did not seem to understand anything, whether it was about oysters, serving wine or simply refilling water glasses. In my opinion the server at this type of place should provide more than the bare minimum. At the end of the meal, she brought us a drink menu instead of a dessert menu.
(2)Hans H.
A gorgeous view destroyed by bad food and measured, overpriced cocktails.
(1)Barbara D.
The ambiance was great, we scored a romantic table for two in front on a fireplace with a great view outside. I was very excited about the lobster stew and was really confused when I was served a crock of hot tasteless milk with lobster chunks. It was clear that no one took the time to develop a deep-flavored broth with the shells. The milk base would have been best consumed with a straw. The lobster was good, but this "stew" was anything but. I ordered the pork three ways but opted to replace the sausage with mashed potatoes because the dish did not include a starch. The pork belly was wonderful, but the tenderloin was underdone. The waitress forgot my veggies and when she did bring them I was underwhelmed...pretty bland and mushy. Drinks were good and service was good as well. I think I'd try someplace else next time.
(3)Natalie A.
Husband and I were staying at the inn and this was a lovely addition to our stay. My cocktail, the bramble, was a good start to the meal. I ordered the pumpkin and ricotta ravioli and it was heavenly. Flavors were very fresh and appropriate celebration for fall. The nuts, apple slivers, and piccorino shavings combined into a fantastic dish, with just the right size for a serving. Husband ordered the clam chowder and oh'ed with his first bite saying that the clams were delicious. Friendly service as well. Go during sunset and you will have a good time indeed.
(5)Ashley E.
Begrudgingly 3 stars...food was ok but views and ambience amazing. Don't get the tuna ceviche; inedibly lemony. Didn't even touch it, but wasn't taken off bill. Too bad.
(3)Jake K.
One of the best views in town. Food and drinks are good, not spectacular. It's definitely perfect for a quiet sunset in the chairs on the water....
(4)Heywood J.
We were here late on a Saturday night. The hostess asked us if we had reservations. The place was half full. She told us it would be 10 minutes before a table was ready. we sat at the bar and ordered there instead. The bartender was a nice guy but the food was not good. The fried fish was burned and the fries had clearly been sitting out for a while. The Beer selection was limited, the oysters were bad, and the cocktail my fiancée had was syrup instead of actual ingredients. It's on the water and has a nice lawn but I think that the quality lies with the hotel rather than the restaurant. Would not return and feel like they duped us
(2)A. K.
We went back again with a few friends. The pork was still delicious. The red fish was fine but not exciting. The duck was cooked as asked, but the sausage was nothing special. Their wines are very good, especially the rose and the zin. One friend thought the pours were on the small side. My friend liked her tuna. Her husband thought his haddock was too salty. The lobster salad looked wonderful. Their soups are good, too. Service is always pleasant and accommodating. The view is outstanding. The place was packed.
(4)Toni N.
From the hostess, to the bar tender, to servers and Chef Gary Caron - everything exceeded my expectations! The beautiful location and view from the Adirondack chairs on the lawn were a treat but the warm, inviting attention we were paid made us feel like they were genuinely happy to serve us. I started with an "angry girlfriend" margarita that was a delight with a spicy note that awakened my palate. Thankfully my party of 6 all ordered different things so we all got to sample the brilliance that is Chef Gary. I could have eaten a truck load of the asparagus with aioli topped with a perfect runny egg. The crab cakes are among the best - if you love crab that is! Alone they are yummy but topped with a smoked tomato - what? - brilliant! I figured the picked garnish was unnecessary - but I was wrong. The pork belly was the perfect combination of sweet and tangy with a warm butter-like finish. The scallops, muscles, and fish were prepared perfectly. The burgers would rival the best from any pub. They were BIG and juicy with house made buns. The blueberry bread pudding was heavenly sinful with a wonderful kick of cinnamon. The rhubarb tart served with ginger ice cream was alone worth the 45 minute drive. Well done Stripers!
(5)Michael H.
The view of the river (not the ocean) is wonderful especially at high tide. Nice adirondack seats on the lawn for your use. It's like sitting on a lake house deck, but you have to pay for it. I had the lobster roll which was far more pricey than Mabel's across the street. Not sure why. We were there every morning for breakfast as we were guests at the Breakwater Inn where it is complimentary. Hard to get in and out of the restaurant with plates full of food and all the patio doors closed. We saw a waitress struggle as well. Otherwise, a nice clean look and seems relatively new or recently remodeled.
(4)Eugene D.
Great location and view of the kennebuckport river and sunset. Service was prompt and the food was very good and plentiful. The restaurant is part of a spa hotel and looks relatively new. After diner we enjoyed sitting outside on the adirondack chairs and watching the sunset.
(4)Susan S.
Beautiful view of the water and great drinks at the bar, however, we were very disappointed in the service because our waitress got our order wrong and never brought out my husband's entrée. When we asked her about it after quite a while, she realized that she never wrote it down and begrudgingly apologized. The food was quite good but the service was lacking for a restaurant of this caliber.
(3)Regina R.
The customer service is horrendous! I loved the view and location and wanted to hold my wedding at the restaurant. The Wedding Coordinator was to send me a proposal and after leaving 2 messages and 1 follow up email, I didn't receive anything or a response. Thus, I contacted the Restaurant Manager who said she would help me; however, a week later I have nothing. Well, I guess they just lost a minimum of $5000.
(1)Jack T.
I wish I could give this place a good review. I really wish I could. Maybe I'm not the right cliental for what they are trying to sell. The view is incredible especially around sunset I should at least give them credit for a great location. Unfortunately that's about all the Kudos I can muster up. As Seinfeld once said "You know how to take a reservation, but not how to hold one." An 8:00 outside dining turned into an 8:30 inside tucked away in a corner. With no apology or explanation. The seating area was stark and barren of any plants or fabrics to give it a feel of comfort dare I say even romance. Of course I guess I'm not into post modern or whatever they were trying to sell it as. If I didn't know better I'd say they ran out of money. The waitress greeted us with a yawn. You could see where this was heading. Bread never delivered, water glasses never refilled. Menu was eclectic (subtitle: we pretty much needed everything explained to us). Food was good but not in my opinion valued of the price. Tone up the ambiance and tone down the the stuck up image. The location is incredible let's upgrade the rest of the experience.
(2)Ellen O.
I hate to do this, but we have been going to Stripers for years. Unfortunately, this year we went at the end of August on a lovely night. We had a table with a great view, and the only thing I could focus on was how dirty the windows were...not just the ones leading to the outside, but inside ones as well.They haven't managed to fix the glare problem during sunset, like Pier 77 did by installing solar shades. I ordered a $15 lobster spring roll, and that was it, ONE tiny spring roll. It was not even share-able. The food was just OK. Portions were tiny, moreso than I remember from the past. We used to love it but something is going on there. It was not as welcoming, we had to chase down the waitress to take our check, and the food was only so-so. Will go to Pier 77 or David's from now on.
(2)Jenni M.
Very attentive staff with my 2.5 year old out to dinner! We were so grateful. Dinner was very good. I had the white fish taco and my husband had the fish and chips. Excellent!
(5)Scott A.
Phenomenal! Great meal and super attentive service...it helped that I was with the most beautiful woman in the world..Happy 20th anniversary baby!
(5)Chris R.
An impromptu stop last night as our favorite local spot, Bandaloop, was jammed thanks to the busy tourist season and its Dock Square location. We dropped in at 7:00pm on a Saturday night, and were told they could accommodate us if we would dine on the deck. Couldn't have worked out better on a gorgeous July night. The views of the breakwater and Kennebunk Beach are gorgeous. Tom, our server, was pleasant and efficient, on the spot when we wanted something, yet never a pestering presence. We ordered the tuna carpaccio and lobster bisque as starters. The bisque was solidly executed, but nothing exceptional. The carpaccio was excellent, with shaved slices of melon and a touch of remoulade beneath. For entrees we had the roast chicken with fingerling potatoes and grilled summer vegetables, and the grilled duck breast with the same sides. Both were done simply and exceptionally well. This isn't an inexpensive indulgence, but the combination of stunning views, good service and fresh, simple food expertly executed make it an ideal spot for a relaxing summer's dinner al fresco. Enjoy!
(4)Susan M.
Loved the Breakwater years back, the new improved version(Stripers) is very corporate, limited menu very limited for regional dishes. Service was fine, food was good but not what I'd come to know from some years back. Same great views but the menu didn't reflect the area. Never acknowledged our anniversary which was noted on the reservation. Definitely has the feel of non-Maine experience. (not at all what I was hoping for). I'd say a great place to go in and have a drink and watch the sunset but I'd skip dinner. Felt more like FL than Kennebunkport. Next worthy occasion we'll go to the Hurricane or Bandiloop.
(3)Daniel L.
Had dinner here last night as we were staying at the Breakwater. We had a good experience, primarily because of the excellent water views and because our server/bartender, Neils, was exceptional. We actually stopped at the bar/lounge area earlier in the afternoon for happy hour and Neils served us then. The drinks were good and he was able to keep our tab open to be included with our dinner check, which was convenient. For dinner my wife started with the martini salad, which is a Caesar salad they mix table side. She said it was tasty. I had the shrimp spring roll, which was chock full of shrimp, crispy and yummy. For our entrees, she had a roasted cod dish and I had the chilled seafood dish, which came with four clams, four oysters, two crab claws, and half a lobster. My wife never finishes her dinner entrees (portion control) but she liked the cod so much she ate all of it. I was stunned. My entree was mostly good; the crab claws were a little dry, like they had been frozen a while. Everything else was fresh and tasty though. For dessert we had the bread pudding, which was excellent. I think we would come back to eat here. I would probably try a different entree though.
(4)Tammie P.
Tuna ceviche, blue point oysters, cod. Great views and ambiance. 3.5
(3)Robert Y.
Had dinner here with my wife and couldn't have been happier with the food, service and scenery. It's a beautiful spot by the river as noted by other reviewers. We only ordered appetizers to share (no entrees), in order to keep the portion sizes reasonable. The appetizers are appropriately sized, meaning they are not too large. The lobster salad, while pricey, is outstanding. It's fresh and flavorful and the presentation is beautiful. The crab cakes and spring roll were also tasty and presented very nicely. We had the homemade ice cream for dessert and it was very good as well. All in all, a great romantic evening. We look forward to going back to Stripers on our next vacation.
(5)J S.
Lovely setting and wonderful water views abound from this quaint, new inn that, although only a few years old, feels like it's been a part of Kennebunkport for fifty years. It reminds me of the Hamptons a bit. The table settings are adorable with slip covered chairs and there are adirondack chairs out in the lawn to relax in after dining. I had the lobster benedict, which although slightly undercooked, was very good and I would still recommend it and will also return. The home made cranberry mini muffins to start the meal are an exceptional treat.
(4)Lynne M.
Food was delicious! Waitress was really nice and made some good suggestions. Atmosphere was very nice. They let me bring a cake for my boyfriends birthday and plated it for us, charging $2.50 a plate. Sadly, it was dark out could not enjoy the view of the water. They should put lights out there, that would be nice. Overall very nice dinner and a great evening.
(4)Rose F.
Happy hour with $4 glasses of wine. But the bartender here is awesome. Ask for an Angry Girlfriend a unique margarita with a spicy finish. All the speciality drinks are fantastic ($10). The hand cut fries ($6) are amazing and come with a choice of 3 dipping sauces. (I got all three) yum!!! The bread is soft and comes with whipped butter. Arugula salad ($6) is good and not a lot of dressing. Views are fantastic. Ben is the best bartender. 5 stars
(5)Tom M.
After being turned away from Pier 77 (no reservations) we tried our luck Stripers. We had a great meal! Crab cakes and scallop crudo for appetizers. Native cod on a bed of purée squash with beet purée accents and grilled tuna (rare of course) with ponzu. The tuna was very good, no surprise there, but the native cod was AMAZING. Cooked perfectly, not over done. I would go back here in a heartbeat. Give it a try...
(4)Katie W.
The view is what really makes this place. It's right on the water and absolutely gorgeously outfitted in shades of blue. We had a 9pm reservation (a bit late to give us a chance to beat the traffic out of Boston and check into our hotel) and we were definitely the last people there at 10pm. It was soooo quiet (almost strangely so) but I guess this is what happens on the Maine coast after Labor Day. Also, given the choices in the area (White Barn Inn is crazy expensive, and all other restaurants in the area seemed to be bar-food type places) it was a good fit. I started off with a jalapeno martini that was perfectly spicy and smooth and totally delicious. I had the lobster bisque and the boy had the clam chowder. My bisque wasn't really bisque-y at all and was surprisingly thin (kind of a disappointment actually) but the flavor was nice. I then moved on to a cod dish that came with crab smashed potatoes and an artichoke ravioli while the boy had a filet with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. Everything was... good. Not amazing, not bad at all. I really think my plate (including the sauces) had been sitting at the ready to be heated up when ordered. The steak, though, was cooked to order and delicious. The accompanying potatoes were oddly smooth and reminded me of cream of wheat. The boy loved that they were salty and buttery. My crab potatoes were a but cold and hard for my taste. Overall it was a lovely evening, even if mainly due to the company at my table. The setting was mostly worth the price, and the good parts of the meal were GOOD. Not big-city gourmet good, but definitely gorgeous view - date night - fun cocktail - romantic setting good.
(3)A W.
I was staying at the Inn this winter, and the dining options in Kennebunkport were very limited so I was very fortunate to have such a great restaurant at the hotel available. I was first encouraged by the continental breakfast spread laid out each morning. I've never seen such a wonderful variety of pastries, quiche, cereals, and fruit so I expected dinner to be a wonderful experience, and it was. The Pumpkin Soup I had was very savory and quite excellent. It didn't have the sweetness that I expected, and I found the hints of smokiness rewardingly different. For an entree, I had the steak. It was excellent as well and the vegetables and Red Wine Sauce were perfect accompaniments.
(4)Arthur K.
This restaurant is part of the Breakwater Inn & Spa. It is not very big...probably around 20 tables + a couple out on the deck. Pretty cozy and romantic. The decor is tastefully done in a kind of modern California style. Almost every table has a panoramic view of the river that runs through Kennebunkport. The food is contemporary American with a focus on seafood (well, what else would you expect in Maine). I would say NY quality and almost NY prices. The heirloom tomatos I had for appetizer was delicious and my miso glazed Salmon entree was very tender. Also, this being the summer season, we spotted Bush Senior and his clans a couple tables from us.
(5)Gary G.
On my 2nd night we went to Stripers. Our trolley driver recommended it to us. It was located down the street from our hotel, The Nonantum. Stripers is located at the Breakwater Inn. It is a really nice restaurant. The decor is very modern with a water feel to it. The views are of the river. We actually drove because it was raining out and they had a valet service. We were greeted by a pleasant hostess. She seated us next to the Bush's. It must be my good looks. Yes, that is right George ( #41) and Barbara were at the table next to us. They were a very nice couple. They said hello to us and asked how we were doing. My wife thought they were a such a cute couple. George looked really good for someone who is 85 years old. After the moment set in that I was sitting next to the one time President my focus turned to the menu. I know when a restaurant will be good is when I want to order everything off the menu. We started off with Popcorn Shrimp. I try to stay away from fried foods. But I had to do it this time. The shrimp were really good. I got the halibut and wifey got the salmon. My dish was outstanding. it came with pieces of lobster meat and tiny potatoes. Excellent dish. Wifey's dish came with noodles and she was very happy. Then the Bush's said goodbye to us. I told him i would see him next summer. Yes, that is right I roll with the A List. Then I saw some cougar from who knows where chase George for a picture. My man can still pull women. Right in front of Barbara. But back to dessert. Dessert was awesome. We got blueberry cake with white chocolate. It was excellent. To sum it up great restaurant. Look forward to eating here again.
(4)Peter C.
The wife was shooting a wedding across the street at the Colony so I went with her to visit a friend. I found myself at Stripers after finding out that the outdoor lounge at the Colony didn't allow beverages in glass. I find it impossible to drink a maritini out of plastic; so I ended up at Stripers. The sun was setting and the view was beautiful; my server (a young college student) was great, very attentive and polite. You could tell he was into the food that they serve and was eager to talk about the menu. My Hendrick's martini was perfect and the glass was chilled (as it should be). I ordered the octopus salad with soba noodles; it was good (but not great), needed a little something else. I asked the server for pepper and in three seconds he was grinding some over my dish. I also ordered the tuna carpaccio which was cured; the texture was delicate and it went well with the melon. The prices were in line with a waterfront restaurant; and I left pleased with my visit.
(4)