not a bad place. smells pretty bad though, was a big turnoff but I decided to suck it up and eat. The chicken fingers were very good. My friend got the fried clams. good but not great. You know? French fries A1, onion rings B-. It is either a hit or miss. I would rate a 7/10. Good for a quick causal bite. But if you want more, find yourself some better seafood. A causal relationship. read more

We will never know, because they don't list a close time, and we were walking to the door around 6:30 when someone came out and flipped the "open" sign to "closed." We stood there a little dumbfounded, and then left. Oh well. Looks like a cool spot, but if they don't post a close time, and you go at a reasonable hour and they literally close in your face, what can do you do? Guess you should call ahead if you're planning on going. read more

Pathetic, dry, tough, tasteless teeny-tiny lobster roll.... how can it be when they come right out of the sea??

I visited Kennebunkport 10 years ago and remembered this place as having my favorite lobster roll. Therefore, when we visited this week, we drove straight from NYC to this place and it didn't disappoint. While I had several other lobster rolls during my Kennebunkport trip this time around too, again this was my favorite. The roll is just perfect...not greasy like most other places, nice portion of meat, and the perfect setting. We also had the clam chowder and fries. Both were OK, although the clam chowder was only lukewarm. I hear the fried clams are amazing, but we didn't have a chance to try them. Prices were much lower than any other place we went to...only $12 for the lobster roll compared to up to $18 at other places. read more

5 star scenery and hit or miss food. There are not many places with as awesome a location as this place. Fishing boats on one side of you, lighthouse on the other. Its like you are removed from the over-packed world of Vacationland. Its more than just scenery, its a great vibe. But having been here probably 5 times I have to say the food can be decent, but also can be sub-par. And the lady can give 2 craps, or so it seems. She actually laughed at my daughter once when she wanted to eat as they were getting ready to close up in the off-season. (no posted closing time). But I will still come here, hope for the best, enjoy the awesomeness of Cape Porpoise harbor and drink $4 Shipyards. read more

The Chowder House RAN OUT OF CHOWDER. Seriously?! It's a Monday night. Although I was irritated, my friend wanted her lobster roll. So we stayed. Mistake. Lobster roll should have been called a lobster slider. So much bread...so little lobster. Woman at register was surly and unpleasant. It's not worth the drive here. Never again. read more

We stopped for lunch a few days before fall closing for the season, and it was delicious and fresh! My husband had the fried haddock sandwich and onion rings, and I had the Seafood chowder (lobster, small Maine shrimp & scallops) in a delectable sauce -- specially good on a gray day. The view of the harbor and lighthouse and fishing boats is so relaxing. We'll go back when it opens in the spring! read more

perfect place to watch the sunset and enjoy a LOBSTA ROLL!!!!!!!!!!

Absolutely the best lobster roll yet!! Great clam chowder and seafood chowder. Wud rate as excellent and a beautiful view. People were so awesome and informative. You can also order live lobster to b delivered next day. read more

We were recommended to come here by some ladies working at an Art Fair in Kennebunk. It's at the very end of the pier in Cape Porpoise next to 77 Restaurant. Hubby got the lobster stew. It had chunks of lobster in a butter cream soup base. Loved the lobster but I wasn't a huge fan of the soup. We both agreed the lobster in a chowder sauce would have been better. I had the clam chowder bowl. It was delicious. I wish there were more clams but the chowder was great. I'd get it again though. For a light lunch, this place was perfect and casual. read more

you have to go looking for this place--it won't jump out at you. once you find it, parking is a disaster, but the lobster rolls are fantastic and the fries are delicious. the cost? it's fresh seafood, so don't expect a $5 meal. that said, i've definitely paid more for lobster rolls that weren't this good. read more

Went here with the family for a nice cup of chowder. The owner was extremely rude to us so we left while we were in line to order. Went next door to the ramp. Very friendly & amazing food. So glad the owner next door forced us out. Thank you miss rude owner for the nice meal that was not in your establishment:) read more

Great spot to overlook the water and eat a lobster roll. Very casual and beach shack feel.

This is a really great place in Kennebunkport. We always go to Cape Pier with a huge family group. The atmosphere is great for kids who have lots of places to explore while you wait for your food. I grew up in Maine and I know lobster rolls, and this place beats out every other place in Kennebunkport hands down. We'll be back for sure! read more

For what it is it's the best. Good food out on the porch overlooking the harbor. Picnic style dinning at its best

Good chicken sandwich but the fries are not the best. They are slightly overcooked. The lobster stew is very good. Offer a warm lobster roll. read more

After reading all the reviews we were disappointed . The staff were very abrupt , not too friendly. We ate inside because the flies were terrible outside ,not much better inside. Views were as expected. We had the whole lobster dinners and they were average. Would not go back. read more

Enjoyable fried seafood with a great view. If you have the time, find a legal parking spot on Langsford Rd (just off Route 9 at the start of Pier Rd) and walk to the end of Pier road, enjoying the scenery and working up an appetite. Take some time to check out the view at the other side of the parking lot. read more

Exactly what you're looking for. Good view, working pier, excellent fried seafood, or do what I did and have the fresh pan seared salmon sandwich cooked to perfection. Prices very reasonable compared to the competition. You'll be back. read more

maybe I expect better. it was regular. had haddock, clams, and onion rings. just standard fried seafood. nothing out of the ordinary. avg quality. if people were more demanding on the quality go the food, restaurants would be better, but too many people are satisfied with regular mediocre food. read more

Stopped here during a bike ride today for lunch, I had grilled tuna sandwich and my wife had grilled swordfish, both were delicious with the homemade Cajun tartar sauce, YUM! Also ha a cup of the clam chowder which was thick and creamy, nice flavor but a bit heavy in potatoes and light in clams. The view was ideal, and while the breeze was a bit brisk after a storm yesterday, we would certainly go back. Great spot! read more

First time eating at the Cape Pier Chowder House Had the lobster chowder and it was terrible. It had a thick layer of oil/grease on the top, it was watery and the lobster chunks were tough and difficult to chew. My stomach hurt afterwards (for hours). My husband's fried haddock and fries were fine. read more

I kept seeing signs along the road announcing the way to numerous places, the problem is many of them were few and far between and obscured by branches and leaves, and had to keep pulling over to read them. I drove and drove, all the while thinking I was hopelessly lost and about to turn around. But, I eventually arrived at a place that had me wondering, should I go in or just turn around and forget about it? It looked liked an intriguing yet hole in the wall place from the outside that may not be welcoming to outsiders. I had visions of loud burly drunken fishermen twirling me around over their head or something. Well, I decided to go for it and go in. When I stepped inside, my first reaction was not good. There was someone washing the windows slowly and with what looked like painful effort, and a fly buzzing around, and it stuck me as a hole in the wall fast food joint masquerading as a quality seafood restaurant, trying to sell itself on intrigue and mystique alone. A place lost in time and not necessarily in a good way, with what appeared to be dated pictures, dated accolades (2001 Phantom Gourmet), and all too obvious fishing paraphernalia everywhere. But as always when eating out, I consider food the top priority over more trivial concerns like wait time and decor, and try not to be overly picky. Unlike other places I visited while in Maine, I was not looked at as a lab specimen or someone who just stepped off a ship from another planet. Instead, I did not know what to do and was not told. I sat down at a table and had some elite-looking old lady customer go ahead of me at the register, all the while staring, smurking, rolling her eyes and looking down her nose at me, looking away, and doing it all over again and again. If I was the oddball she apparently thought I was, I would not have resisted my urge to poke out those rude eyeballs! After she ordered, I figured out I was not going to get served but had to order at the register like you would in a cafeteria-style place. I approached the register and ordered a bowl of New England Clam Chowder (that's what Mrs. Hoity-Toity ordered too) and a fried haddock sandwich. They asked if I wanted the chowder now or later. Not knowing quite what they meant, I said I would have it now. They said they would bring the sandwich when ready . I ate the chowder while noticing the decor, and the fly, and all the while a woman proceeded to wash every window in the place as I ate, well I was the only one there after all! Hey I am glad and relieved that despite the fly that was my only company, they had such a (newfound?) emphasis on cleanliness! In all fairness, the door and at least one window was open to the open air, easy opportunity for an opportunistic fly. What really counts, the food, was delicious and near perfection! The chowder was sweet and hearty, and the fish sandwich was hot, sweet, melt in your mouth heaven. They suggested "have cole slaw in the sandwich, that's the way we do it here", so I did. The buns got saturated quick and it fell apart as a fish sandwich elsewhere did, but I expected it and it was not a big deal (how do you eat a fish sandwich correctly anyway?). I appreciated the decorations before I walked out and it was perfect for the place, like a true rustic New England fishing village gem. I realized my first impressions were off base and I was wrong about the place. The scenery outside was exquisite even on a rainy windy day, and I admired the amazing scenery and the sea ducks and sandpipers and lobster traps. A truly transcendental experience I recommend to everyone. read more

THE BEST, THE BEST, THE BEST!!!! Living in Boston MA I've grown up around seafood. The fried clams you get here are the best there are. They bring back memories from my childhood. They make their own onion rings here and you can certainly tell. They're light, crisp and tasty. The personnel are wonderful. They work hard in that kitchen so tip them well. I spend a few weeks a year in Kennebunkport and make sure I visit the Chowder House two or three times while I'm there. I also take a drive in the Spring before my stay and the Fall after my stay before they close for the season. If you're looking for great food and view you won't be disappointed. If you're looking for white tablecloths and waiter service this isn't the place for you. Let you hair down and remember what it's like to be a kid after the beach and visit the Cape Pier Chowder House. You won't regret it. read more