Billy's Chowder House

Billy's Chowder House sits on the causeway to Wells Beach, where you can watch the estuary and marsh while eating. They do the Maine seafood basics really well: clam chowder, baked stuffed lobster, fried haddock. The crowd is relaxed and mixed, from locals to out-of-staters on their first whole lobster.

• Award-winning clam chowder, butter and cream classic style
• Whole baked stuffed lobster at reasonable prices
• Marsh views from the dining room
• Fried haddock with perfectly crispy fries

Start with a bowl of clam chowder or haddock chowder. For a main, the baked stuffed lobster is what most guests order and remember. Fried fish and chips come with thick, lightly battered haddock sticks and fries. Shrimp tacos are solid if you want something off the usual seafood track. The staff will steer you toward daily specials.

The room is casual and clean with views of the estuary and marshes. It's not loud, and you won't feel pressured to hurry through your meal.

Service is warm and attentive without being fussy. Prices sit right in line with other Maine seafood spots. You'll find a decent bar with cocktails, mocktails, IPAs, and local beer.

Guests rave about the service and the setting. One recent visitor, visiting Maine for the first time, called it a jackpot after searching for a whole lobster spot. Another praised the award-winning chowder and said the staff made them feel genuinely welcome. Even people who've switched from their usual restaurant keep coming back.