Robert's Maine Grill in Kittery, Maine

Robert's Maine Grill sits in Kittery as a refreshed take on the New England seafood shack. They work with local fish and shellfish, pour craft beer, and draw a mix of travelers, locals, and weekend trippers. The kitchen swings between strait-ahead classics (chowder, lobster rolls, fried clams) and riffs that shouldn't work but do, like a haddock Reuben. Service is attentive without hovering.

• New England chowder rivals anything on the coast.
• Lobster roll uses fresh meat, soft brioche, nothing else.
• Haddock Reuben daily special is genuinely excellent.
• Fried clams and oyster selection consistently impress.
• House cocktails worth ordering on their own.

Start with the Maine cheese curds or oysters (the unicorn variety shows up often). Get the New England clam chowder, which people order twice. The lobster roll, mayo-based, butter on the side, is the anchor. Try the haddock Reuben if it's running as a daily special. Fried clams are worth it. If you're not doing lobster, the crab and avocado melt or lobster Cobb salad both hold their own.

Bright and casual, with that working Maine-coast vibe. Bustling but not chaotic, and loud enough that you won't feel like you're eating in a library.

Food lands solidly every time. Portions are generous. The chowder is properly seasoned and rich enough to split a bowl then order another. Oysters rotate and come fresh. Cocktails lean creative but grounded (the Apple Crush and Sipper Margarita both make repeat appearances). Even sides like Brussels sprouts and Maine cheese curds get the same attention as the mains.

Guests praise the freshness and portion sizes, and they come back. Staff knows the menu and makes solid recommendations. One recent visitor called it 'their favorite Reuben ever,' and the chowder inspires people to order seconds. The cocktail program draws praise for both creativity and execution.