Spinnakers in Wells, Maine

Spinnakers is a casual seafood spot in Ogunquit that's built a reputation on hand-cut fries and fresh lobster. The dining room fills up quick, especially on the patio, but the crew keeps things moving. What sets them apart is a genuine commitment to gluten-free diners: dedicated fryers, prep stations, and a full menu of safe options that actually taste good.

• Hand-cut fries, fresh and abundant, no compromise
• Dedicated gluten-free fryers and prep space
• Lobster roll made with clearly fresh, sweet meat
• Staff asks about allergies immediately, takes them seriously

Start with the fries, full stop. The lobster roll deserves its reputation, especially if the catch came in that morning. If you're gluten-free, the fried whole belly clams are revelatory; the chicken tenders and shrimp platter are reliable, too. The crab roll is worth trying, though it's less consistent than the lobster. And don't skip the gluten-free versions if you need them, because they're fried separately and actually good.

Bright and clean inside, with a lively patio that gets packed in season. It's casual and a little loud when full, built for people in t-shirts, not tablecloths.

The fries are what started conversations, and they're worth the hype. But the kitchen shines brightest when it's handling seafood and gluten-free requests. The lobster roll doesn't hide behind sauces or frozen shortcuts. The fried clams, chicken tenders, and shrimp are breaded and fried to order in their own station. It's not fancy dining, just honest cooking done right.