Food was good and the waitress was very pleasant and did her best but it took a really long time to deliver even bread no less our meal. Also be sure to request downstairs seating, upstairs lacks the charm and may have contributed to the very slow service. read more

Back again...18 Below has it going! Recently went back to the "Local Steak House" and again I was terribly disappointed with their steak. 18 Below rocks again with there NY Strip prime aged steak at $23 vs $20+ at the Local Steak House! Chicken Strips are the best! Best place for all your taste buds needs! read more

First time trying 18 below. The atmosphere is very cozy and a little bit dark. The wait staff was definitely hustling that night, so it took a little bit to get our food and drinks, but they were apologetic and working incredibly hard, so no big deal. The food was very good. Large quantities and a very reasonable price. The escargot were absolutely delicious, as well as my stuffed haddock. My husband enjoyed his meal as well. We will definitely be back. read more

Extremely slow service not very busy yet waited close to 35 min for app to arrive at table - kitchen staff coming out and serving food very disorganized Won't go back read more

Another one of my go to's. I always, always get the raw oysters. Mussels are also a good starter. My favorite entrees are the lobster cutlet when they have it, prime rib is good and the duck. They make good strong drinks and have a good wine selection. Definitely a must in the Waterville area. read more

18 Below us one of the nicer places in Downtown Waterville for a nice dinner out. Upscale menu, but not stuffy. One of my favorite local places when I want to go out for a nice dinner read more

An unassuming front, and a flight of stairs into a comfortably spare set of dining rooms in the basement. The atmosphere is casual, modern and simple, but it's the food that has me doling out the 5. The crab cakes were solid but nothing spectacular, and the oysters were excellent, as you'd expect when in Maine. Six or so local brews on tap, and a very tasty, if untraditional Paella. Here's the kicker, though: panko crusted lobster cutlets over risotto with asparagus spears. I wouldn't kill for this dish, but I'd consider doing some grievous harm to get to it. Just superb. Looking forward to going again and trying some of the rest of the items on the menu. Quick note - pricier than your average Waterville restaurant, but absolutely top notch quality on the night we went made it more than worth it. read more

I rarely write bad reviews for restaurants, but the abysmal meal I received at 18 Below did not leave me much choice. I have eaten at the restaurant before and held a positive review of the establishment based on the solid quality of the food for a fair price. Unfortunately I cannot say the same about my meal tonight. I ordered a special that was advertized as a seared beef tournedos, but was clearly a very different cut of meat. My meal was composed of incredibly thin cuts of beef that could not have exceeded of an inch in thickness, with an almost gritty texture that I could never imagine coming from a tenderloin cut. Due to the thinness of the meat, my steak was unsurprisingly well done without even a trace of pink, a clear departure from my order for medium rare. Almost as if to compliment the terrible texture of the beef, the meal was over salted and generally lackluster. Our waiter did not check back in with us for quite some time, at which point I had already eaten most of the lack luster dinner. When I complained about the cut and how the beef was cooked, the waiter checked with the kitchen and confirmed that it was indeed the correct cut, and said that he was "surprised" about my complaint, and said that it was the first he had heard of it. I was not offered an apology, which seems absurd, especially given that my meal was probably the most expensive thing on the menu for the evening, priced at $26. Having worked at a restaurant before, I understand that not everything can go well all the time. I consider myself a flexible diner. This being said, I regret not sending back my meal when I first saw it, let alone after I cut into it and tasted it. When all is said and done, it was the kind of meal I would have expected from Applebee's, and even then it would have been priced better. Who knows, if I had eaten there instead, I might have even gotten an apology as opposed to mere "surprise." While this restaurant does have some good food, I would advise future customers to be wary of what they order and not expect much if something goes wrong. read more

We've been going to this place for years when we were willing to splurge a bit for a guaranteed good meal. Well something has changed as this most recent visit was off on both meals and we're not likely not to return. The quality and past obvious care put into preparation was missing even though the wait time was as long as always. The crabcake appetizer came quickly only to discover they were previously frozen and re heated and were more stuffing than crab. The usual beautiful sauce on the lobster cutlet was bitter and thin. The asparagus was thick, pale and tasteless. The risotto was also thick and dull tasting. And to top it off both our meals were lukewarm at best( it's not like it was busy either. Only one other couple there) Someone has either been replaced in the kitchen or corners are being cut. But we won't be back until we here that things are back on track. read more

Sorry to give this just two stars, but it's not quite worth 3. The service was fine and very friendly, but the food, unfortunately, was less so. Raw oysters and clams were tiny and not great (if they're going to be that small, they better be tasty!) The lobster "stew" had generous pieces of lobster (it is Maine, after all) but in a soup that was basically straight cream with a little sherry (yuck). And no other fresh lobster or crab on the menu (this is a raw bar?) B had the paella which was goupy* and plain with zero edge or kick. My scallops were the worst part of the meal: large and meaty (good) covered in a strange tomato cream paste (less good) and with a faint gamey/turned taste (decidedly bad). Both of us spent the night in indigestive discomfort. Could have been worse but I won't go back (pricey for the area, too!) read more

I first walked down the steps to be greeted by the hostess, who was dull and had little personality. The waitress was prompt and took our order. The start of a seem to be nice dinner. The wait was very lengthy and NO bread was served which should be a staple for the long wait as my stomach was eating itself. I had gotten the maple salmon which was ok, a tad dry and the mash potatoes were very salty. The other person in my party got the haddock which seemed to be not cooked all the way threw resulting in a slimy texture, I had tried it to see if it was true and couldn't even stomach swallowing it. There where many other minimal issues but the best part was the chocolate candy at the end. I WILLL not be returning to 18 below. read more

Went tonight after a friend recommended to us. Did not disappoint. It was a busy night but as a party of two we were seated right away. The service was a bit slower than what we're used to but the drinks were on point and food was great. We had raw oysters (great mignonette) and bruschetta for apps then had 5 spice chicken (An Asian dish with perfect heat) and a scallop casserole (something Saint Jacques). All fantastic. read more

First and foremost, "IN WATERVILLE, MAINE!!? Yes, what an experience in such a small, rural part of an already small and rural state! 18 Below is a fine dining experience with a local wait staff. With such a local crew working their you would think that the fine dining experience would be amiss since not to many people from Maine travel often (New Hampshire doesn't count as traveling!). Regardless, somebody somewhere took time to TRAIN THEIR WAIT STAFF and it shows. The basement location did not suffer the experience nor drag it down (HA!). Plenty of space available and being seated right away was not a troubling experience. The server was friendly and named our server by name which was a nice touch, The wife had the haddock which ruined future haddock eating for her since this was a prime experience and I had the Blueberry Duck. Absolutely scandalous how delicious the duck tasted. I tried the snails for my starter which were not the best snails (first snails were at Pike's Market in Seattle at a small French restaurant so...) but were fantastic considering Maine is better known for seafood. We'll go again, not something I want to pay on a weekly basis but perfect for a monthly night out or for friends visiting from other states. Now that I'm a local here (I just shuddered...) for the next 2-3 years I'm going to max my exploration. read more

Don't waste your money. We will never eat there again. We use to love this restaurant and were looking forward to returning post Covid. What a disappointment. The food was horrible. The salmon was dry. The escargot chewy. The calamari ok. It was served with tartar sauce, not marina sauce or lemons. The so called large sized ribeye steak was so thin it was almost invisible. The mashed potatoes so watery that it ran across the entire surface of the plates engulfing the meat. Vegetables over cooked and soaked with watery mashed potatoes. I will say thankfully I enjoyed my rack of lamb the most expensive item we ordered with the paper thin ribeye running a close second. Food took forever to arrive but I guess that's way it was over cooked and chewy. read more

18 Below is a nice addition to the Waterville dining scene. The dining area is handsome, with exposed brick. The no reservations policy is a bit of a bummer. The waitstaff were pleasant and earnest. Cocktails and wine by the glass were good. The oysters on the half shell were very good. The littleneck clams were really small. Fortunately, they tasted good and were relatively inexpensive. The salmon was good. My wife absolutely loved the panko crusted lobster cutlet. I had the paella. It was very good and was paelle insofar as there was seafood, sausages and rice. The chef had taken some liberties with the flavor profile. I enjoyed it anyway. We shared a very good apple crisp. Overall, a nice evening. read more

My favorite place of all times. Raw bar, superb decor, locally raised and grown food. Wait staff very attentive and friendly. Although somewhat hidden away downstairs, it is always busy and for good reason. read more

18 below - Raw clams and oysters with wine. - Seafood Near Me - Waterville, Maine

Sorry to say our experience was very below average. We ordered New York sirloin not only was the steak cut in slices but it was overcooked. Vegetables and potatoes were cold. Bread is cooked to order which takes more time ends up to be garlic bread.on regular toast. Overall it took an hour to receive our dinners. Unfortunately we spent a lot of money for mediocre if not poor food. Very disappointing read more

Just full and happy..generous portions, not loaded w rice..excellent prep, just got lucky tonight....going to sleep now w a smile

This restaurant has all the bases covered. Safe, sanitized, social distancing, spot less and the food is awesome

It was either this or the Mexican restaurant next door... this was the superior choice. The paella was delicious as well as the coquilles st. Jacques. The raw oysters were also quite yummy, although the crab cakes weren't on the same level. The portions were pretty big and filling. Overall quite good food and a pleasant atmosphere. read more

We have been coming here for a few years now. Usually food is amazing and service is on point. Unfortunately this evening not so much, our food came out cold, tried to flag our server multiple times without acknowledgement. We waited an hour for our meal and after our server finally checked on us, we told him how we felt did offer to put it back in the grill. Well we were hungry and whoopady do offered 25% off. I worked as a server for many years and this was a terrible recovery. We probably won't be back, because for the price it surely wasn't worth it! read more

Blue points from Long Island were fresh and tasty, still salty. Cajun tiger shrimp "flash fried" were nothing special and deep fried but OK, aioli sauce was mediocre. Scallops and Rack of lamb, bouillabaisse all good choices and large portions, no complaints. Pork tenderloin was OK but a bit dry on outside, served with a Tex-Mex style "salsa" that was OK. Service very very friendly considering the hard time we gave our server Rene, but food arrived a bit slow on a Tuesday night, and only about half full. All in all this is a great choice in Waterville and I'll be back. Be sure to call ahead off season, as seasonally not open every day. Surprised to see poor reviews, this is my 3rd or 4th dinner here and always with larger groups and it has always been a fine experience. read more

18 below - Specials, 2-11-2014 - Seafood Near Me - Waterville, Maine

Best restraunt I've been to beat service ever and beat food. The flaymon mignon was amazing!

Was on a business trip from Texas. Food was delicious setting was outstanding, sat in the bar area to watch the game with my wife but there was a more intimate setting as well. Definitely recommend. read more

Great Seafood in Downtown Waterville. Quality food that is well prepared. Friendly service and nice atmosphere. What is not to like?

We had a great experience here for date night. We decided to sit at the bar for food and drinks. The bar staff was very attentive and friendly. Everything we ordered was prepared very well and was delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant and will be returning often! read more

We live in the area but somehow overlooked this GEM of a restaurant/bar until tonight. My wife had the pork tenderloin, which was cooked perfectly, sliced, and had a wonderful cream sauce over it. Delicious mashed potatoes and a veggie mix of fresh petite green beans and baby carrots. There wasn't much left on the plate when she was done. I had the grilled chicken breast, which was seared to perfection, thick, tender, juicy, oh my how does the cook do that with a simple piece of chicken?! Just the right amount of a wonderful sweet sauce, not too sweet and with a tiny kick of something hot/spicy. Halves of red roasted potatoes with that salted crunchy skin on them (my mouth is watering again) were served over a smattering of mashed potato hidden underneath (nice surprise). I had the same green been/carrot veggie. We'll be back. read more

going into the restaurant you go downstairs to the basement, it is very darkly lit with an old time rustic feel. the staff is nice and friendly. I ordered a lobster cutlet dish. it was very tasty with a cream sauce on it. it came with asparagus that was also cooked perfectly. it was a little pricey but we'll worth it. read more

Seafood trio, chipotle shrimp and pork tenderloin were all great. The salad was good and the desserts scrumptious. They served their coffee cream in little ceramic cows that barf their goodness into your cup. The service was super friendly and smart. Will definitely go back. read more

excellent food and a very good wine list, especially for the area. i was a little thrown because it has a relatively pricey menu and romantic lighting, but the ambiance feels a little like a dive or any normal raw bar. because of this, i wouldn't make a habit out of going here. read more

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Yelpers done steered me wrong. The appetizers started off in good shape - local oysters (hard to mess up as long as they are fresh) and seafood chowder for my son. However, they were slow to bring the oysters out, so we have to wait forever, and then half way through the appetizers they bring out the main courses. I was eating with a 17 year old so it's not like we eat slowly. Turns out we should have stopped at the appetizers anyway - both specials were barely edible, with gluey sauce, gloppy risotto and overdone fish. The crime brûlée was good, bringing it from a one star to two. My son is likely to end up in college here but there is little chance we'd go back.. read more

We went here and were pleasantly surprised by the sophistication of the menu, the generous portions, and the good service. We didn't realize exactly how big the portions would be and definitely overordered. The cocktail/wine list is extensive, so that's also a plus. The raw oysters were really good. I wish that their cocktail sauce had more kick, but you can't please everyone. The mussel appetizer was, first of all, huge. It was also very tasty and the broth was unique because it had mandarin oranges or something like that in it. Worth trying. I ordered the paella and my boyfriend had the tuna special. His tuna was supposed to be cooked rare but it was more like medium. It was also supposed to be prepare in a Mexican style (served with salsa and gauc). It was kind of weird because it wasn't really Mexican or anything else, but it was tasty and a great value for the price. My paella was also huge and a good value, though it was NOT authentic. I don't think it was cooked in a cask iron skilled in the oven and there wasn't enough saffron (rice was a dull yellow). Again, they didn't skip at all on the seafood but I found the chorizo pieces to be way too big. Overall, pretty tasty if not necessarily true to the original dish. This place is definitely worth a try! read more

Scallops were not cooked well which is a shame because they are my favorite dish. Unfortunately, the service was poor and things came out at different times, staff seemed annoyed when I brought it up. I was looking for a decent upscale meal for my son who goes to college up here, but this wasn't a good choice. read more

My go-to place for cocktails--they are all very original and very tasty. The food is also fantastic--I have yet to try something here that I don't like. It can be busy on a Friday night, but most of the time I haven't had a problem getting a table. The prices are higher than most, but I'm willing to pay for good food in a small town where the options are limited. read more

Cozy little place this 18 Below is, its a great setting...Service: We were seated quickly, our waitress Angela went outta her way to inform us about the menu, apps and entrees. My Girlfriend decided to have Eggplant with risoto vegetable mix, let me attempt to repeat her word about the taste...Yum! I had the Maple Ceder plank Salmon with grilled aspargus , smashed potatoes and vegetable medley. Goodstuff! Also tried the Vanilla bean cheesecake....Goodeats! Overall you get a fantastic meal, affordable prices combined with our super knowledgeable waitress Angela a Good experience your destined for.....Stop reading this an get there! read more

Tried this restaurant for the first time tonight and I was not disappointed!! Escargot, raw oysters and lobster cutlet=Amazing!!! I look forward to trying more from the menu. Highly recommend!! read more

NYer visiting ME. Entrance goes down stairs don't let that deter you. Seafood is very good and fresh. Had oysters - delightful. Salmon entree and scallops entree both very good. The food took a little long to come out - 45 minutes - which was surprising since restaurant was empty (we were early 5pm) But quality of food was good so it makes up for the wait. House wine poor to average. I will be back. read more

We have eaten here multiple times; more than a dozen. Last night we were sat and then ignored for 40 minutes. Seems no server was assigned to us or was too busy or whatever. The food is outstanding and always has been. The service however is poor consistently. read more

18 Below was a fantastic experience from start to finish. As described by others, the front is unassuming at most. But once you descend the flight of stairs and enter the dining spaces, you will know you have arrived! The raw bar offerings are excellent, the wine list, though small, has some very good selections, and the food is topnotch! My wife and I shared entrees of shrimp and scallops. Both were beautifully prepared with sauces that enhanced the flavors. Dessert was also excellent - creme brulee and a flour-less chocolate cake with a strawberry sauce. Service was friendly and efficient, and everything arrived quickly. In short, this was a place I would highly recommend for an upscale meal in a casual unpretentious environment. read more

Ron Jon is a great bartender. Travis has done an amazing job creating an elegant and warm atmosphere. i love this place. It has become the new favorite hang out for more than a few of us. read more