Chippers Restaurant

Chippers is a straightforward American restaurant in Ellsworth that leans hard into Maine seafood. The kitchen turns out reliable haddock chowder, lobster stew loaded with actual meat, and crab cakes that locals and travelers both make the trip for. It's the kind of place that doesn't need gimmicks because the food and attentive staff do the talking.

• Haddock chowder and lobster stew are the real deal.
• Crab cakes crispy outside, tender and full of meat inside.
• Friendly, attentive staff who move with purpose.
• Worth the drive from Bar Harbor or anywhere nearby.

Start with the haddock chowder or lobster stew if you want proof the kitchen cares about seafood. The crab cakes are the entree people return for, served with a baked potato and asparagus. One visitor praised a de-shelled lobster sandwiched between two crab cakes. The menu is fairly large, but don't overthink it; stick with the seafood.

Casual, clean, and busy enough to feel alive without being loud. It fills up, especially on weekends, so get a reservation.

The kitchen respects its ingredients. Portions land at that sweet spot between generous and not absurd. Chowder comes in a cup that makes you want to drink the broth. Crab cakes have a crispy exterior and tender, actually-crab-forward insides. Asparagus and baked potatoes aren't afterthoughts.

Guests who've eaten here once often come back. People drive from Bar Harbor for this meal. One recent visitor called it the best thing they ate all week in Maine. The consistent praise centers on fresh ingredients, right-sized portions, and staff that actually pay attention.