Mekhong Thai Wells in Wells, Maine

Mekhong Thai sits in Wells serving solid Thai food to a mix of locals and visitors hunting something different from the seafood-heavy coast. The kitchen does grilled salmon in red curry, panang curry, and noodle dishes with portions big enough to take home. Service and consistency have been uneven lately, so it's worth calling ahead or asking locals who've had good runs here.

• Grilled salmon in red curry, perfectly cooked, keeps its char.
• Brown rice comes plump and nutty, not mushy.
• Portions large enough for leftovers the next day.
• Quiet, Thai-decorated room feels like a real escape.

Start with the grilled salmon in red curry at a 3 out of 5 heat level. Brown rice on the side. The panang curry works well too. Pad thai is solid. Skip the appetizers unless they're fresh that day. Ask your server or call ahead about the vegetarian menu, which is thin.

Quiet, Thai-decorated room that feels separate from Wells' seafood scene. Mid-week it's especially calm.

The menu skews light on vegetarian options, so plan accordingly. Grilled salmon holds up best when you ask for a medium heat level (3 out of 5 on their scale) so the smoky flavor stays front and center. Brown rice comes plump and nutty. Panang curry and pad thai round out the reliable picks. One note: the kitchen has had some off nights recently, and staff behavior isn't always gracious. Call ahead if you're going, or ask a regular.

Regulars and first-timers alike have praised the salmon and big portions. One recent visitor called it "seriously good for takeout" and noted the grilled salmon was perfectly cooked. But recent visits have turned some longtime fans away. Service quality and kitchen consistency swing, so it's hit or miss.