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    Billy's Chowder House

    3.5 (535 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Billy's Chowder House Photos

    Business Info

    BILLY'S CHOWDER HOUSE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Billy's Chowder House

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    Fish and Chips with share of Lobster Cake.

    A very popular Wells staple. Located along the Mile Road within the Salt Marsh, so a picture spot. Friendly, efficient staff. Sadly the fare disappoints. Stuffed seafood items fill the menu and are themselves filled with bread crumbs, short on seafood. French fries so-so. Cole Slaw, however, is exceptional. Prices trend high, higher than the food deserves. Still, if you want a landmark, this is one.

    Dining area
    Will P.

    This was the first time I've been to this location on Mile Road. The many years have been up here. I've never taken a trip down the road and wow did I miss this place! Very good and friendly service. Very casual atmosphere. The food was excellent. I can see this becoming very touristy. When you drive by there doesn't look like there's much parking but on the east side of the building, there's plenty. Definitely on my repeat list. Anecdote: a little girl across from us mentioned... "I wish we went to McDonald's." Can't please everybody with quality. Definitely was not my wish.

    Best marsh views around
    Krista R.

    Haddock chowder was all potato, fish and chips were bland (with the fries being obviously food service grade/previously frozen), tacos were bland and oddly preportioned, drinks were uninspired and weak. Much better seafood spots in the area - trust me, save yourself the funds. This is a drinking hole for retirees pretending to be a seafood destination.

    Lobster Mac and cheese
    Joan M.

    We were in the area and remembered how much we enjoyed our dinner here last year so we had to return. My daughter started with the New England clam chowder which we both love. It is different from other chowders, not creamy but my daughter loved it. I agreed, it was delicious! I had the shrimp scampi, with linguini and it has a side, so I chose the green beans. Everything tasted great! My daughter got the lobster Mac and Cheese, with Cole Slaw as a side. She enjoyed them both. The restaurant is clean, beautiful view of the water with some boats. It was later in the day and foggy out but still enjoyed the view. The waitress was very nice and attentive. It's a bit pricy but worth it. The parking is small so beware coming. All in all, another great experience. We will be back when visiting here in Wells.

    View
    Michelle M.

    Nestled along the scenic Webhannet River, and minutes away from Wells Beach, Billy's offers a charming, classic Maine dining experience with rustic interiors and picturesque water views. Whether you're drawn to the cozy buzz of the bar area or prefer a quieter meal in the peaceful dining room--as we did--you'll find a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features a well-rounded mix of fresh seafood and land-based dishes, making it a great spot for any palate. When dining at Billy's, starting with their signature clam chowder is a must. Unlike the thick, creamy versions many are used to, this chowder has a thin, buttery broth--my personal favorite. It's light, flavorful, and perfect as a starter. I could've easily had a full bowl. For my main course, I went with the Lobster Mac n' Cheese. Served fresh from the oven, it was a generous portion with a good amount of lobster throughout--definitely a great value. It came with a choice of side, and I went with the coleslaw, which was tasty. A small tip: they offer warm rolls for the table, but you'll need to ask for them. Billy's also runs daily specials, including $1 cocktail shrimp on Tuesdays--a great deal that seemed to draw quite a crowd. The place was filled with locals, which is always a good sign and speaks to its popularity in town. If you're looking for a laid-back, satisfying meal in a quintessential Maine setting, Billy's is worth the visit.

    We have been here before but it's been a few years. Ordered what we ordered last time and loved, the Half & Half platter. We chose whole belly clams and sea scallops with fries and cole slaw. My husband had a cup of clam chowder which was delicious. Not so much for the clams and shrimp. Looked like what was left in the fry basket. The clams were more like clam strips than the big and briny ones we were looking forward to and the sea scallops were pretty small. Love the atmosphere and the bartender and the service were great. Just terribly disappointed in the clams and scallops.

    Kale salad
    Wanda G.

    Taken to a table with a great view as soon as we walked in the door. We stopped there because they had ample parking. Waitress was efficient. Clam chowder had large chunks of clams and potato cubes. Also had a kale salad. They give you just one little container of dressing...could have used two. I liked that they had onions, peppers, tomatoes, etc stacked on side so you could decide how much you wanted mixed in. Menu said bread came with soup & salad but none was brought to table. Also ordered chicken wings with fries. Fries were crispy and seasoned well. Wings were average.

    Lobster stew and me smiling eating it. It was excellent. Big lobster claws.
    Susan V.

    After reading mixed reviews we pulled the trigger. Glad we did. Had about a 20 minute wait which is reasonable for a Saturday pm in August. The lobster stew was wonderful. My daughter said it was her favorite food of the trip. The shrimp scampi is fantastic. Loaded with garlic which I love. The spinach was a nice touch. Absolutely huge! My daughter was not a fan of her clam strips but the tartar was good. Thankfully she helped me eat the shrimp scampi.

    See picture unbelievable tiny. Still hungry $36.99  Next time Petey's for sure...
    Greg M.

    Portions way Small. Never had a fisherman platter so small. Left hungry ? First time a fisherman plate and left hungry.

    Jennifer M.

    I'm still in a state of disbelief after our nightmare of a Birthday dinner last night. As you all know I always post about how delicious their chowder is and every time we are here in Maine we have to stop! Well, it was Jesse's Birthday last night and we of course decided to go there... long story short, my baked stuffed shrimp came out CHARRED and it tasted so burnt and the shrimp were so dry and uneatable. I had no choice but to inform the waiter and he offered to make another so I accepted. In the mean time Jesse got to eat his birthday meal alone as I watched because my new plate didn't arrive til he was done. On my first attempt to cut into the shrimp on the second plate, the damn casserole dish shattered and it couldn't be eaten!!! First off the charred meal SHOULD NEVER HAVE LEFT THE KITCHEN! After all that, they comped my draft hard cider that I drank half of and a draft beer and of course removed the meal I never got to eat. In my opinion they should have comped the entire bill for all of the stress that brought us. Instead I paid them fifty some odd dollars for my husband's meal and 2 cups of chowder! Won't be going back!

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    7 months ago

    We encountered lovely helpful staff and delicious hot dogs and a delicious lobster roll.

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    11 months ago

    Food was ok but most dishes came out warm, not hot including clam chowder, a bucket of steamers and a whole lobster.

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    Page 1 of 14

    Ask the Community - Billy's Chowder House

    Do they take reservations?

    They do not

    View All 2 Questions

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    Lovely evening sitting by the water!

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