Waves Restaurant in Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Waves is a tiny, perpetually packed daytime cafe right on Boothbay Harbor's main drag. They sling eggs Benedict, sandwiches, and seafood, but the real draw is their homemade corned beef hash, slow-cooked and shredded in house. Expect wooden booths, nautical touches, narrow aisles, and a wait on summer mornings. Arrive early or come off-season if you can.

• House-made corned beef hash, slow-cooked and shredded daily.
• Banana pancakes with real fruit baked throughout.
• Fresh-squeezed orange juice and strong coffee.
• Reasonable prices and generous portion sizes.

The corned beef hash is the standout. Try it with the marble rye toast. The banana pancakes are loaded with real fruit, thick slices of banana baked into the batter. Blueberry stuffed French toast is another regular pick. Poached eggs come done right. The Hangover Hash (loaded with hash, eggs, meat, and fixings) is worth the hype.

Tight, cozy, and bustling. Booths are snug, aisles narrow, and you're sitting elbow-to-elbow with other diners. Noise level picks up fast during breakfast rush.

It's the kind of place where the server is friendly but clearly stretched thin. The food is solid, portions don't skimp, and the prices won't wreck you. Locals and tourists both line up here, especially in summer. If mobility is a concern, this spot's tight quarters and stairs may be tough.

Guests rave about the corned beef hash most of all, calling it some of the best they've had. One recent visitor said the banana pancakes tasted like 'real banana slices you can feel and taste in each bite.' The kitchen's care with homemade prep stands out. Fair warning: the space is tight and waits can be long in peak season.