Excellent food, atmosphere, and view. We were here at 5:30 on a Wednesday evening in mid-September. When we arrived they said it would be a 10 min wait but we'd just moved to the waiting area when they called out name, maybe a two min wait. Our waitress was very busy but always stopped by when we needed her. The food was excellent. The lobster Mac and Cheese was very flavorful and filled with lobster. The surf and turf was good as well. The shrimp we buttery and perfectly cooked. The filet was a bit salty and not quite as tender as I'd expect a glut to be but was still good overall. We ordered dessert, a piece of blueberry pie with ice cream and a blueberry shortcake sundae. They were able to package them to go for and we ate them looking out at the ice. Both were very good, 100% would order again. When we left around 6:30 the place was totally packed and lots of people were waiting. About 7:15 we drove back by, after dessert on the beach, and noticed the parking lot had more open spots and no one was waiting outside anymore. Great place, will be dining here again. read more

Billy's Chowder House - Lobster Mac and Cheese. - Seafood Near Me - Wells, Maine

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LOVED IT!!!!!!!!! I stayed right on mile road and it was such a good place to stop and get dinner. 5 stars read more

We must have caught Billy's on a bad night. Our party of 2 was seated quickly, but at a table 3 feet away from the barstools/bar. Very noisy. Husband got fish and chips and 3 oysters (they were $1 each as told by our server). I got fried clams (can't get fried clams in California). I was very excited. I got scallops as well. The scallops were delicious, but the clams were terrible - muddy tasting. I think I would have preferred a bit of sand in them. Server forgot the order of oysters, and when reminded acted as if she didn't believe we'd ordered them. When she confirmed we had, we told her never mind as we were almost done with our dinners. It was extremely expensive, and we were extremely disappointed. We won't go back. read more

How can you go wrong with a $15.00 full lobster dinner? Need I say more!? Staff is great, view is amazing and my pictures will tell you everything else. It's only until 3:30 every day so don't miss it. read more

Billy's Chowder House - Seafood Near Me - Wells, Maine

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Visit every time we are in Ogunquit/Wells. Good seafood! Friendly staff. Fair price. Nice view of the salt marsh.

Probably my favorite place in all of New England, not only Maine. Always great food, drinks, and atmosphere. read more

Spotted the Billy's Chowder House sign out on the main road and took a chance. We were looking for a fried food place that was on the water. Bingo. Got seated right away by a really pleasant man, waitress came right over. We had the lobster roll with melted butter, onion rings, fried whole belly clams with fried shrimp. All perfect. The batter was golden brown and delicious. Sides were fries and cole slaw. Both were great. Friendly, clean, great food. Being from Boston we loved the decor. Bruins, Celts, Sox and Pats! Can't wait to go back. Family friendly and a great value. read more

The views of the marsh area are one of the best in the Well's area... The lobster soup is amazing the salads are incredible... all the food portions sizes are comparable to price.. read more

Billy's Chowder House - Stuffed clams... Callimari.. Salad - Seafood Near Me - Wells, Maine

Very positive experience. We got take out just before closing and the staff was great. We got haddock chowder delicious and a burger which was also very good. We would definitely go back. read more

Brian with an "i" is a top notch server. He had a great sense of humor and kept the table in stitches.

Billy's holds up the reputation for Maine customer service... poor and snooty. But if you like seafood tacos, for god's sake go to Mexico, or California or Florida, anywhere but here. But when you visit this cute little community, make sure you budget an extra 20% for no particular reason but quaint, Maine charm. read more

Great seafood served to us by Secily our waitress! Not only was Secily attentive and timely with food she gave our family a great destination to watch sunset at Drakes Island! Will return next visit indeed! read more

Great view, cute atmosphere. Chowder is great. Plenty of fish and nice broth. Huge, delicious lobster rolls and fries. Highly recommend

Beautiful view, we were lucky to get a window seat. Oysters on the half shell were fresh and tasty! Calamari was very tender.

This restaurant was recomended to my husband and I by a local. Great choice!! We had great clam chowder! It probably tasted so good because it had two pounds of butter in it....who cares!! Vacation-you know. My husband had small fried clam platter. It was more than enough and very tasty. I had the large lobster roll-WONDERFUL!. It was huge and I almost could not finish it-but I managed. The down side to our visit was-we chose to sit in the bar because of the view (lovey marsh) but it was sooooo noisey. We will absoutely go back and highly recommend this restaurant. read more

2 pound lobster and a Stella on a beautiful marsh. Great deals and great waitstaff in this wonderful location. it doesn't get better than this read more

Billy's Chowder House - Seafood Near Me - Wells, Maine

A great place to stuff your face with seafood on the cheap. I had the 1 1/4 steamed lobster with baked potato and coleslaw for $20, practically free by Boston standards. The lobster was sweet and perfectly steamed and I dipped everything into the tasty vat of drawn butter awesomeness (am drooling like Pavlov's dog just thinking of it). We shared the onion rings (good batter, oddly high priced at $8) and my friends had the burger (lame non seafood eater but he liked it) and scallop roll (fresh tasty scallops perfectly battered). The ambiance was ok, what you would expect for a little seaside joint and the service was friendly and attentive. read more

Billy's remains home to the best clam chowder I've ever had, and having lived in Maine for a few years, I've had my fair share of chowder. The rest of the food would probably earn it a 3/5 in my book -- it's okay but not great (although I should add I'm not that much for lobster; some members of my family are huge fans of Billy's lobster rolls) -- but their chowder is worth a trip by itself. If you're staying on the beach and have a place with a nice view, there's not much reason to wait in line at the restaurant as opposed to the "to go" operation down the street, but if you're just passing though, the dining rooms have a nice view of the tidal area. Especially in the off-season -- they're open year-round except December or so -- it tends to be a pretty laid-back place. Just thinking about the chowder almost has me planning a trip right now... read more

Although I was very impressed with the Covid-19 precautions at Billy's, I have to say that after frequenting this restaurant for over 27 years, I had the worst meal there ever on Friday evening, July 3, 2020. I ordered a cheeseburger for my special needs daughter. I clearly stated that she did not want any pink, but she also did not want it burnt. When it came, it was so well done that she couldn't eat it. She ordered a diet coke - we had to return it and get a glass of water because the diet coke tasted like Root Beer (yet we were still charged for it.) I personally ordered a combo platter of scallops and bull-bellied clams. The clams were cooked beyond the point of consumption, yet they were still served to me. The scallops, although very few (3) were quite good. Unfortunately, after all these years, I probably will not return. The bill was over $60 and not worth more than $10. read more

Cozy atmosphere with good views of the surrounding marsh, if you're into looking at marshes. Small parking lot. Stopped in for lunch. We were seated in the bar area, sports bar theme in there and probably a good place to watch a game. They had a couple of local craft beers on tap. The wife had a fish and chips plate and I had a fried fish sandwich (haddock). The server was prompt and professional and the food came out very quickly. The fish was a bit mealy instead of flaky the way fresh fish is, I got the idea that it may have been previously frozen. For the prices and location I hope I'm wrong. The server brought the bill and then disappeared for a while. Overall it's an okay place but the food should be better for these prices. read more

Eh.. this was OK. First of all they put us 3 kind of "big" adults plus 1 hefty child at a small booth near another family when there was plenty of other empty bigger booths available. We squeezed in. We were starving... The rolls provided were really really good... " I had the fried clam / fried scallop plate, LARGE that I shared with my son as he wanted the same thing but the prices were pretty high and NO children seafood plates! The fried scallops were some of the best I ever had... the fried clams were the worst I ever had. Tartar sauce was good... coleslaw was awesome... french fries were good. My dear wife who "fish phobia" asked if they cooked the fried chicken, fries, etc. in the same vat as the seafood... they do... GROSS.. a place this big should separate things especially those with allergies. Waitress service was good. read more

Nice views and ample portions. Very friendly, homey place.

Firstly, this establishment's pricing is way more than the quality of the cuisine merits. $26 for a "large" lobster roll is highway robbery. The junior version at $18 is no bargain either. I had the fish and chips. The fish appeared to be fish sticks that were fried, but had probably been around for a few days and were hardly fresh. The chips and coleslaw were acceptable, barely. My partner had a spinach salad with a $7 crab addition that was mostly mayonnaise with crab that was not fresh and overly processed. The clam chowder was watery and also lacking flavor. The wait staff was courteous and helpful, which saves this place from getting one star! Avoid this eatery on your tour of the Maine seashore! read more

This place was great - great seafood, well priced wine, and great sides! Best of all - they had Lazy Lobster - no more getting pruny figners trying to pry lobster meat out of of those tiny little claws. The lazy lobster meal already takes the lobster out of the shell for you - making it super easy to stuff your face with buttery lobster! I went here for dinner with a large party of co-workers while visiting Wells, ME on a business trip. We were seated in the front dining room in front of the beautiful gas fireplace, which one day ahead of a snowstorm was very welcome! The waitress, Victoria, was amazing and took care of us all evening! This place has two Maine brewed beers on draft which I suggest you try! Finally - don't be a fatty and get the fries and coleslaw with your meal - you will inevitably be disappointed. I got the vegetable of the day - peas, onions, and red peppers (although they nicely left out the red peppers for me because I am allegric) which were amazing! Boilded and then sauted in olive oil. Everyone at my table was making fun of me because I raved more about the peas than the lobster, but honestly a well cooked vegetable beats anything anyday! read more

I ordered broiled scallops to take out. 27$. what a ripoff! Won't be back. Tiny portion. About 8 little scallops. Must be a tourist trap.

My family has been coming to BIlly's for decades. We live in Western Massachusetts and many times have driven to Maine just for the day after craving a Billy's lobster roll. It saddens me to have to say anything negative about this long-time establishment but... They have cut back considerably on the size of their "large" lobster roll over the years. Yesterday was the tipping point for this review. They have changed their roll to a very hardy roll instead of the light weight hot dog style roll. We're guessing the reasoning is that they have cut down so drastically on the amount of lobster in the roll that they're trying to make up for it with more bread. The price for a large lobster roll is $36.99. We get the fact that the price of lobster is high. However, to pay that price for such a small portion of lobster, fries and a pickle is over the top. Ending on a positive note: Their service is always top notch and the location on the back water is lovely. read more

Meh....2.5. I honestly wasn't that impressed. Service was fine, nothing blew me away. I went with what I consider a standard in Maine (and NE) for seafood....NE Clam Chowder (the ONLY kind of clam chowder, in my book.) I was not impressed. It was a very thin chowder, and lacking in clams--way more potatoes. My friend has the lazy lobster...it was fine, but a little lacking on meat. If you are looking for views, not the best place to go (if you sit in the front room) either. I probably will not go back next time I'm in Maine. read more

Not sure why so many people reviewed Billy's Chowder House so harshly...I had a great meal sitting at the bar, watching sunset from windows on 3 sides of the restaurant. Basically I was surrounded by water, sunset and clams...I was in heaven. Not to mention the TVs mounted on the wall, showing US Open tennis and a Red Sox Yankees game...it was beyond heaven. I guess during summer, it can probably get crowded and service may not be as attentive, but I had no problems at all. The bartenders are quick, efficient, and rock great New England accents. They know the regulars by name, and their banter creates a warm atmosphere. I had a great local beer to start (a recommendation from the bartender she called "summah ale"), and dived right into the bucket of clams. Having missed out on having great steamers for the last few years while living in Atlanta, the clams were exactly what I was looking for...plump, huge, clean, simply steamed, delicious! Two containers of melted butter accompanied, even though the clams didn't really need it. would have like a container of boiled clam water instead, even though the clams were perfectly cleaned...there was not a spec of sand at all in the entire bucket of clams. Clam chowder (yeah, I couldn't get enough of clams) was delicious and simple...no overly floured base, or weird herbs or spices...just simple creamy clam chowder. As always I don't like as many potatoes, and would rather have more clams, but who wouldn't? Menu is pretty extensive, but of course, the star is the seafood...get it simple and steamed, and you shouldn't have any issues. Parking situation is tricky...they have a small lot that gets full fast, and there are no overflow or surrounding lots because the restaurant is on its own surrounded by marsh. I luckily snagged one of the last spots, but not sure I would have been able to wait if it had been full. read more

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Service was great. But the lobster roll, at$20 was an embarrassment. It shouldn't have been more than $6. Hardly anything on it and even a poorly toasted bun. Waitress apologized but that's it. Hubby liked the oysters. The chowder was fine. But we won't be back. read more

One of our dinner stops on our honeymoon. Delicious!!!!! I hope one day to return. I will definately want another set of twins. (lobsters!) read more

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Billy's always continues to impress me. I eat here maybe 2x a year and food is always superb. Hot, fresh and delicious. Servers are always welcoming and attentive. I always get the lobster bisque which is hands down best I've ever had. read more

The bartender at lunch on October 18 was friendly and gave great service, as well as making great drinks. Food was excellent We went back that evening to get food to go and have a drink and the evening bartenders were unfriendly, unattentive and gave horrible service. And the drinks were horrible. When we got back to the hotel just a minute away, with our takeout lobster stew, it was ice cold. If I ever walk in again and see those horrible bartenders on duty, I would turn around and walk out. It's a shame, what a great restaurant with a great afternoon crew, night ruined it. read more

Our party of 6 had a great time at Billy's tonight! We've been coming to Billy's for years and tonight was just as good (if not better) as it's always been. Chris Varano, the Billy's GM, greated us and sat us immediately. The food was fantastic -- some favorites included the baked stuff haddock, fish and chips and broiled salmon. Our waitress, Stephanie, was excellent. She was busy (Billy's is packed every night of the summer) but did a great job accomodating us (and we're a demanding group). We love Billy's. You should go! :) read more

This place is not the same since the previous owner sold it. The seafood is not Maine quality. The clam chowder had two BIG whole clams in it, definitely not New England clams! Ughhh... PS- As someone who lived in Maine for 8 years, I know Maine seafood. read more

Excellent baked haddock dinners w/o crumbs. Touch of butter cooked perfectly. My wife and I got fries, coleslaw and green beans for side dishes. French fries were great, wonderful creamy coleslaw and green beans right off the farm. Folks, the seafood we had was as fresh as you will ever get. Our waitress Janelle was spot on and friendly. Thanks read more

Love this place! Excellent service with friendly, well-organized, patient servers. Great food, decent views, and buck-a-shuck Wednesdays well worth the visit. read more

Clam chowder was awesome! Never had so many clams in one place at one time! Kids chicken fingers came out very dry and Inedible. Everything else was great! Great service and very busy location. Very picturesque Overlooking the scenery. read more

This is a casual seafood place in a beautiful setting on the water. The lobster roll was good but what really stood out were the fried oysters. They were absolutely amazing, and the appetizer size came with a generous amount. I will come back here just to enjoy those fried oysters again, along with a nice cold beer. read more

Great place to eat, nice selection of beers on tap. Had the famous clam chowder and it was delicious. Followed that up with the lobster roll which did not disappoint. Server was also super friendly. Would recommend to friends as a place to check out. read more

I come to Wells Beach with my family every single year for as long as I can remember... but This experience was something different... I ordered clam chowder, and a fried famous platter, a fish sandwich, And chicken strips for my daughter. First I have to say that I've never quite seen clam chowder like this. Had the same consistency as regular old milk. It did have potatoes which Seemed undercooked to me... And I'm really not sure how it became so famous since there really wasn't much actual clam in the clam chowder. The Seafood in the seafood platter was absolutely nothing to write home about. The bellies on the so-called whole belly clams strips were basically nonexistent. The taste of the food was really rather bland... eSpecially for the price tag. I guess if you like your clam chowder with no "thickeners" and without too much clam then this might be the place for you... but personally I will never eat here again. Shocked and disappointed. Never again. read more