BeachFire Bar & Grille

BeachFire Bar & Grille sits right on Route 1 in Ogunquit and does real wood-fired cooking, from ribs and brisket to smoked lobster and wings. It's a casual, lively local bar that fills up on weeknights, drawing both families and couples looking for something beyond the usual coastal seafood. The place is built around a massive outdoor fire pit, though the real magic happens inside.

• Smoked lobster is not what you'd expect, but worth ordering.
• Baby back ribs tender, flavorful, melt-off-the-bone good.
• Outdoor fire pit with full bar cocktails, weather permitting.
• Attentive staff that keeps the pace moving even when slammed.

Start with the garlic parmesan smoked wings if they're on the menu, they're meaty and layered. Get the baby back ribs or brisket platter as your main. The smoked lobster is unconventional but it works. Lobster mac is huge and worth splitting. Pulled pork fries are a solid side move. Skip the blueberry pie unless you love undersized slices.

Casual, loud in a good way, and often packed on weeknights. The outdoor fire pit is a draw in cooler months, though the picnic tables don't hold heat well, so most folks grab a drink by the fire and head inside.

The kitchen takes its time with smoke and heat. Baby back ribs come tender enough to slide off the bone, and the smoked lobster is the kind of dish that makes you mad you didn't find this place sooner. Sides like creamed corn and pulled pork fries land solid. Don't expect fancy plating or tiny portions. Expect straightforward, generous plates that taste like someone cared.

Guests consistently praise the smoked meats, attentive bartenders, and speed of service even when the place is slammed. One recent visitor called the smoked lobster "an absolute gem." Families say the kids leave happy, and groups appreciate the bar seating option when table waits run long.