Joseph's By the Sea in Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Joseph's By the Sea is the kind of place you book for an occasion, though they'll squeeze you in if they can. The menu centers on seafood and steak, from stuffed lobster to the house's signature Best of Both Worlds (filet and hand-picked lobster). Water views and a view-hungry crowd make this feel more formal than casual, but the staff keeps things warm and unhurried.

• Ocean views from an upstairs perch overlooking the beach.
• Best of Both Worlds: filet and hand-picked lobster.
• Attentive waitstaff who handle mishaps with grace.
• Stuffed lobster and fresh soups keep regulars coming back.

The Best of Both Worlds is the signature play: filet paired with hand-picked lobster, and it shows up in multiple rave reviews. Get the stuffed lobster if you're hungry and don't mind the commitment. Haddock and pasta dishes are solid, less showy options. Start with the lobster bisque. Save room for dessert, which one diner called consistently delicious.

Upstairs dining room with ocean views and picture windows. Lively and sociable, can get loud during peak service.

This is where you go when you want to treat someone, and the staff seem to get that. They've juggled no-show reservations into window seats, kept water glasses full, and made sure timing feels unhurried even when the room's packed.

Guests consistently praise the water views and attentive service, especially when things go sideways. Multiple visitors mentioned the staff accommodated last-minute changes with warmth. One recent visitor noted the Best of Both Worlds was "soooo good." The food earns steady praise, though a few diners mentioned the room can run warm.