Millbrook Tavern & Grille in Bethel, Maine

The Millbrook Tavern sits inside The Bethel Resort, a historic lodge property that gives the place an old-school New England feel. They're working with local ingredients and seasonal Maine classics, though consistency seems to be their battle. The wood-fired oven and central fireplace make it worth a visit, especially if you're staying at the resort or exploring downtown Bethel.

• Wood-fired oven and fireplace set a proper Maine atmosphere.
• Fresh whole lobster and grilled scallops at their best.
• Blueberry crisp and pie deliver when you reach dessert.
• Garden seating is a draw, especially in warm months.

Start with the complimentary crab cakes if there's a wait. The oven-roasted mussels are worth ordering, and you should dip your bread in the broth. Grilled scallops and whole lobster are solid bets when they're fresh. Finish with the blueberry and peach crisp or blueberry pie, which guests consistently praise.

Rustic and lodge-like with a central fireplace that anchors the room. An outdoor garden area offers relief from the sometimes-crowded indoor space. Expect noise during busy service.

The kitchen is capable of real quality when it's firing on all cylinders. Fresh seafood, whole lobster, scallops, mussels, shows up on good days. Other nights, you'll hit mediocre entrées or reheated dishes. It's a gamble. Service tends to be earnest even when slammed.

Guests rave about the fresh lobster and seafood when everything clicks, and the blueberry desserts are reliably strong. One diner called a recent anniversary lunch 'the best ever,' though others have struggled with inconsistency and overpriced mediocrity. Service gets mixed reviews depending on how slammed the kitchen is. The garden seating is a frequent highlight.