Harborside 1901 in Boothbay Harbor, Maine

HarborSide 1901 is an airy, easygoing spot right on the water in Boothbay Harbor where you can get breakfast, seafood, sushi, or steak depending on the mood. The place draws a mix of tourists and locals who come for the harbor views, the cocktails, and the fact that you can order tuna nachos followed by a rainbow roll without anyone blinking. It's the kind of restaurant that feels casual enough for a weeknight beer at the bar but polished enough for a birthday dinner.

• Fresh sushi, tuna tartare, and rainbow rolls are legitimately good.
• Tuna nachos are light, refreshing, and worth ordering twice.
• Servers like Nelly and Khan make you feel like a regular.
• Harbor views and happy hour cocktails keep people coming back.

Start with the tuna nachos or order the tuna tartare if you want something raw. The crab and shrimp ravioli is a solid main, as are the sea scallops and haddock. If you're here for sushi, the rainbow roll and crunchy tuna roll both hold up. Try the warm Maine blueberry pie with ice cream for dessert, and ask the bartender about the bourbon cinnamon lemon sour special.

Bright and airy with water views. The bar side can get lively and humming on busy nights, while the dining room has quieter corners with comfortable seating.

Regulars rave about the attentive servers by name (Khan, Nelly, A.K. the bartender). Fresh fish shows up in unexpected places: the tuna nachos are light and don't leave you stuffed before the main event. Portions land somewhere between generous and reasonable. This is a place where you can grab a cold Boothbay beer after a road trip or sit down for a full seafood blowout.

Guests consistently praise the service, naming specific servers who were friendly and attentive without rushing. One visitor called the experience "impeccable and memorable." The fresh fish, creative dishes like watermelon salad, and strong cocktails keep people returning. Many mention the sunset harbor view as a nice bonus.