Birdies Grill & Tavern in Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Birdies Grill & Tavern is a sprawling spot in Old Orchard Beach that does straightforward American food: burgers, pies, appetizers, and drinks. The crowd ranges from families to bar regulars, especially during summer when the place fills up fast. Service is friendly, though timing can be uneven during busy stretches.

• Nachos are genuinely memorable, not just good.
• Staff will go off-menu for your kids.
• Happy hour deals and bar atmosphere worth a Friday night.
• Only American option for miles in the off-season.

Start with the nachos, which live up to the hype. The chipotle bacon meatballs come with garlic toast and a sauce that leans sweet. Cottage pie is solid if you accept the small portion. Grilled cheese off-menu proves the kitchen listens. The "One Putt Punch" nods to the golf theme; it's pricey but drinkable.

Cavernous when quiet, surprisingly loud when busy. Most of the room stays closed off-season, which can feel eerie on a slow night.

Prices run high for portion sizes, and some dishes feel undersized for the tab. But the food itself lands well, nachos get genuine praise, and the kitchen does comfort fare like cottage pie and chipotle bacon meatballs competently. Come early (right when they open) if you want to skip the wait.

Diners love the food quality and staff willingness to adapt. One guest called it "maybe the best nachos ever" and praised the service. Summer visitors should arrive before 4 p.m. to dodge crowds and longer waits.