727 Ocean Sunset Bar in Boothbay, Maine

727 Ocean Sunset Bar sits right at Smuggler's Cove Inn, a waterfront resort property on Linekin Bay. They're cooking seafood and steaks in a room with serious views. Guests staying at the inn can walk downstairs for breakfast and dinner. Locals and visitors both show up, especially when there's live music on the weekend.

• Seared scallops and cioppino that locals rave about
• Outdoor deck overlooks the bay at golden hour
• Warm service staff who genuinely pay attention
• Ribeye with mushroom sauce cooked to order

Start with the blood orange and maple salad. The seared scallops are worth ordering. The ribeye with mushroom sauce is a standout, cooked to your specification and rich without being heavy. The cioppino has a devoted following (one guest claimed it beats the Food Channel's West Coast version). Save room for the blueberry crisp. Portion sizes run large, so don't arrive hungry elsewhere.

The outdoor deck is the main draw, with water views and natural light. Inside is calm and unhurried, not loud or fussy. It's the kind of place where you can actually hear your dining partner.

This isn't a place to rush through. The portions are generous, the wine list is solid, and desserts like the blueberry crisp are worth leaving room for. It works for couples looking for a nice dinner, families with kids who want to eat without driving, or anyone craving seared scallops and live music on a summer night.

Guests consistently mention the combination of food quality and setting. The staff, especially longtime servers, know regulars by name and make people feel welcome. One recent visitor called it 'the highlight of our trip.' Families say the location (no driving required) plus the pool and beach access nearby makes it easy to linger in the evening.