The Crooked Pine

The Crooked Pine is a converted house in Ogunquit serving New England seafood and meat dishes that punch way above their weight. You'll find locals and tourists packed into a cozy, multi-room space with a patio, a bar, and the kind of energy that makes you want to linger. The kitchen takes its work seriously, and it shows. Just know parking is tight in summer, and you'll want a reservation on weekends.

• Steak frites and short ribs with serious depth of flavor.
• Fresh catch daily: lobster rolls, baked cod, grilled salmon.
• Strong cocktail program; wines by the glass rotate well.
• Attentive service, even when the restaurant's packed.

Start with the wings, which manage to be both crunchy and juicy. The steak frites is the anchor, perfectly cooked and tender. If you land the whole branzino special, order it. Otherwise, the lobster roll comes loaded with meat in a toasted bun, the halibut pasta is rich and bright, and the risotto earns raves. The grilled salmon sandwich at lunch holds up well too.

Converted house with cozy indoor rooms, a patio, and a bar area. Tables sit close together, so noise builds when it's full, which is most nights in July and August.

The kitchen leans into straightforward, well-executed dishes: steak frites with real crust and tenderness, braised short ribs that don't need a knife, fresh fish like baked cod and halibut. Cocktails are strong and balanced. The wings come crunchy and juicy. Some dishes shine brighter than others on any given night, especially when the kitchen's slammed, but the best meals here hit hard.

Guests rave about the steak frites and braised short ribs as standouts, with one recent visitor noting the food arrives as 'a carefully engineered emotional event.' The service stays friendly and attentive, and regulars keep coming back night after night. One diner mentioned returning two days in a row.