Good eating in the offseason
For those of us who are lucky enough (or not) to be in the Boothbay region for the fall/winter, many eateries do remain open either the entire offseason, or a good portion of it. If you see your favorite year-round restaurant missing from the list, email news@boothbayregister.com.
Where to dine this winter
Baker's Way: A local favorite for 20 years for its huge omelets, breakfast sandwiches and fresh donuts in the morning, and authentic Vietnamese dishes made fresh from scratch by the Vietnamese family. The portions are large and the food is aromatic and satisfying. There are substantial sandwiches too, made with freshly baked bread and croissants. Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m daily.; open until 3 p.m. in February. Will close for two weeks after Thanksgiving. 207-633-1119.
Boathouse Bistro: Chefs Karin Guerin and Ralph Smith will be cooking up a variety of menu items over the winter. A refreshing alternative to typical coastal fare, the bistro specializes in tapas and internationally inspired entrees, as well as classic Maine dishes. The menu will change monthly. Open every day from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and lunch on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Brunch served on Sunday; Happy Hour is from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday with drink specials and $3 off tapas. 207-633-0400; www.theboathousebistro.com
Boothbay Harbor House of Pizza: Serving pizza, including a Greek one overloaded with creamy, salty feta cheese and black olives, and hot sandwiches with with crispy rolls, this restaurant caters to the winter crowd. Try the thin crust pizza and a spinach and cheese stromboli. Open daily at 11 a.m. Closing time varies. 207-633-3238; www.boothbayhouseofpizza.com.
Bridge Street Cafe: A quaint little place on the slope heading down to Boothbay Harbor’s footbridge, this cafe is known for its “good old-fashioned home cooking.” The food is good and comforting, service is efficient and friendly, and the morning sun shining in is a big plus on an icy winter morning. 207-633-7447; www.bridgestreetcafebbh.com.
Capers: A new restaurant in town, Capers opened in early March, and offers delectable soups, sandwiches and pastries made by owner and proprietor Stacy McLellan. Try the any-way-you-like-it egg sandwich with roasted garlic and rosemary mayo or gingerbread pancakes for breakfast. Special soups, chowders and sandwiches change daily. Capers also has a nice selection of wines. 207-315-6066; 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday; 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; Breakfast until 11 a.m. Closed Sunday. Check out Capers on Facebook.
China By The Sea: Diagonally across the street from Baker's Way, China By The Sea serves Chinese and Thai specialties, and there's a bar with Wi-Fi. Lobster specials are offered, with lunch specials until 3 p.m. every day. A great place for a hot lunch on a cold day. Hours are Sunday to Thursday (but closed Tuesday) 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 207-633-4449; www.chinabythesea.net.
Ebb Tide: A small, casual diner, Ebb Tide has been a gathering place where locals and summer folks have enjoyed good, comforting home cooked food for 40 years. Breakfast is served all day, along with 21 dinner choices. Lunches will warm and fill the heartiest appetites, with chowders, burgers and lobster rolls and much more to choose from. Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 207-633-5692; Check out Ebb Tide on Facebook.
Mama D's: Sitting at the “head of the harbor” this casual, homey space offers friendly service and exceptional food.Quiche specials, panini sandwiches, beer and wine and Internet access. Take your dog for a walk on a snowy morning and stop in for some hot waffles. Your well-mannered dog is welcome, too! 207-633-3464; www.mamadscafe.com.
Mel's Place: A new addition to Boothbay Harbor is this brick oven pizza joint. Owners Chris and Michele welcome people to see their self-built brick oven that heats to 900 F and throws out a pizza in 90 seconds. Their hand-made crust is heavenly, as is the finished product. Also serving sandwiches, calzones and lots of other yummy items. Starting Sunday, Nov. 16, Mel's will be serving brunch, with breakfast pizza, omelets, Belgian waffles, pancakes, roast beef hash with two eggs (and mimosas!) Open Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., (except Wednesdays); Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 207-315-6243; Check out Mel's on Facebook.
McSeagull's: Located on Pier 1, over the harbor, McSeagull's offers a great view and great food. The menu changed recently, so be sure to check out the new offerings, including a “wedge” salad, and chicken pot pie that looks hard to resist. A local and visitor favorite since its inception in 1975, McSeagull's remains a go-to place in the harbor. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. 207-633-5900; www.mcseagullsonline.com.
Mr. C's: Home of the infamous Bubba Burger, Mr. C aims to please. An inviting, down-home feel, and a combination of good home cooking and generous portions. Go for the fried fillet of haddock sandwich, or the prime rib, served nightly. Open Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m, and Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. 207-633-0005; Check out Mr. C's on Facebook.
Pier One Pizza: “Home of the Big 20 Inch,” Pier One has been a local favorite pizza place since 2002. Serving pizza, calzones and sandwiches, the restaurant and bar are open Tuesday through Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Monday. 207-633-5586; www.pieronepizzame.com.
Red Cup Coffeehouse: A destination for specialty coffees, espressos, cappuccinos and delectable pastries with bagels to rival any in Brooklyn. Specialty soups, sandwiches and salads daily. During November, get 5 percent of Friday's sales will be donated to the local food pantry. Also taking food donations for the food pantry. Open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Monday. Closing after Christmas and reopening early March. 207-350-4228; Check out Red Cup Coffeehouse on Facebook.
Robinson's Wharf: Robinson's is a working waterfront restaurant on Southport, just over the bridge, that can be reached by car or boat. Enjoy a daily specials of winter comfort foods, or the slider of the day, while watching lobster boats come up to the dock with their daily catch. Call for hours. 207-633-3830; www.robinsons-wharf.com.
Thistle Inn: The Thistle has long been a favorite among locals. Years ago you'd find the bar lined with fishermen, bankers, newspaper editors, teachers, ministers — people from all walks of life. Nowadays the warm, easy-going atmosphere is much the same and locals still line up at the bar, especially in the winter. A go-to place for great dining and a daily happy hour. Open Tuesday through Saturday at 5 p.m. with a one-hour happy hour, serving half-priced drinks, daily. 207-633-3541; www.thethistleinn.com.
Watershed Tavern/Boothbay Craft Brewery: A cozy, inviting place with typical farm to fork tavern fare. Enjoy a wood-fired flatbread pizza and a handcrafted beer while sitting by the fireplace. Take a tour of their beer craft brewery, then grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a beer and one of the tavern-style sandwiches. Happy Hour 3 to 5 p.m. with $1 off any beer on tap. Friday is TGIF Steak Night. Closed Thanksgiving week, then open Wednesday and Thursday 3 p.m. to close (8-ish p.m.); Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to close. Closed March. 207-633-3411; www.watershedtavern.com.
The East Boothbay General Store: On Ocean Point Road, this is a great place for hearty, specialty sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, salads, soups and chowders. There are also specialty breakfast sandwiches and pizzas, like the white sauce, egg, mozzarella, American cheese, sausage and bacon one. That and an espresso make an elegant breakfast. A different specialty pizza, soup, and a $7 “Big Deal” hot meal are offered each open day. Fresh baked goods too. Tuesday to Thursday 8-3, and Friday and Saturday 8-7. 207-633-7800; www.ebgs.us
Southport General Store: A gathering place for locals year-round, and summer visitors during the warm months. Stop by for hot breakfast pizza or a breakfast sandwich on cold winter mornings. Or grab a cup of hot Seacoast coffee and a freshly baked muffin or scone. If it’s Saturday Oliver will be flipping hot pancakes from 8 to 10:30. There are homemade soups, shepherds pie and mac and cheese for lunch and dinner, and an array of baked goods and desserts. 207-633-6666; www.southportgeneralstore.com.
Trevett Country Store: Another place to get some good, hot food, including fresh lobster and crabmeat rolls and fresh fried haddock sandwiches. Sitting on a wharf over salt water, the store is a favorite for locals and summer folks alike. There are breakfast sandwiches, hash browns and fresh baked muffins for breakfast, and sandwiches and haddock chowder for lunch and dinner. 207-633-1140; Check out Trevett Country Store on Facebook.
So cheer up. It’s getting colder, and it will snow, but there are lots of places in the area to go for some fabulous hot food and good conversation.
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