Top Restaurants to Visit by Boat
Dockside Grill
Tucked into Handy Boat Marina in Falmouth, The Dockside Grill is a favorite among boaters for its casual elegance, coastal views, and dock-and-dine convenience. Grab a guest mooring, call the launch, and step ashore to enjoy fresh, modern takes on classic New England fare — from locally caught seafood to seasonal specials that change with the coast.
The vibe is upscale but unpretentious: you'll find sun-drenched cruisers in flip-flops next to couples out for date night, all soaking in the view across Casco Bay. Wall-to-wall glass garage doors open onto a patio that’s hard to leave, especially at golden hour. Whether you’re cruising in for lunch, catching a sunset cocktail, or planning a celebratory dinner, Dockside delivers the full Maine waterfront experience — just steps from your mooring.
Free tie-ups are available on the Handy Boat dock.
Cliff Island Store and Cafe
Sometimes the best stops are the sweetest. Tucked into the heart of Cliff Island, this tiny, seasonal café and general store is a favorite for boaters craving a low-key treat after a beach picnic or island hike. The ice cream? Arguably the best in Casco Bay. The vibe? Pure Maine charm.
Run by island local Hope MacVane, the Cliff Island Store & Café is a beloved summer fixture — part community hub, part supply stop, and 100% worth the detour. Swing by for a cone, a cold drink, or to stock up on fresh baked goods and local produce. Bonus points if you spot your name on the “Ice Cream Fairy Board” — a Cliff Island tradition that keeps the kindness flowing.
Easy to access by boat and full of old-school charm, this is one of those places you’ll want to return to every summer.
Cook’s Lobster and Ale House
For the full Maine experience — lobster, local beer, and unbeatable views — it’s hard to top Cook’s Lobster & Ale House. Located right on Garrison Cove at the end of Bailey Island, Cook’s is a classic waterfront stop where you can pull up by boat, grab a seat on the deck, and soak in the sights of Casco Bay and the iconic Cribstone Bridge.
The menu features fresh-caught seafood, laid-back coastal favorites, and over 20 Maine craft beers on tap. Whether you’re here for a sunset dinner, a breezy afternoon on the pub deck, or just a quick dockside drink, Cook’s delivers the perfect mix of salty air, live music, and casual charm. It’s a go-to stop for locals and cruisers alike — and a must-visit if you’re exploring the bay by boat.
Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company
If you're after the real-deal Maine seafood shack, this is it. Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Company has been serving up fresh lobster rolls, fried clams, and homemade pies on the South Freeport waterfront since 1970. Family-owned and operated, it’s part working lobster pound, part picnic-table hangout — and 100% worth the detour.
Boaters can tie up at the dock and order takeout at the window, then grab a table under the awning or eat dockside with views of the harbor and fishing boats unloading the day’s catch. It's bring-your-own-beer, come-as-you-are, and focused on the essentials: top-notch seafood, fast service, and zero fuss. Don’t skip the whoopie pies or blueberry pie — locals swear by them.
It’s everything you want in a boat-to-table experience, served with a side of sea breeze and tradition.
The Dophlin
Perched at the tip of Basin Point, The Dolphin is a Casco Bay institution — known for its famous fish chowder, warm blueberry muffins, and panoramic waterfront views. Boaters can tie up right at the marina and enjoy a meal steps from the dock, where dining feels more like a Maine tradition than a restaurant stop.
The menu leans classic coastal — think lobster stew, fried haddock, and seared scallops — with local specials and scratch-made desserts rounding things out. Inside, wall-to-wall windows wrap around the dining room, offering sweeping views of Potts Harbor, Eagle Island, and the surrounding bay. Outside, the deck and tavern are perfect for a casual drink in the sun.
It’s family-run, seasonally open (April–November), and a true destination for locals and cruisers alike. Come for the chowder, stay for the view — and leave already planning your next visit.
