Cape Porpoise is only about 5 miles from downtown Kennebunkport, but remains pretty much untouched by the tourism industry which has turned Kennebunkport into a total tourist trap. We first ate here in 1993, when Mimsy owned and operated a B&B in K'port. It hasn't changed. The harbor is still a working port, dotted with lobster boats. Great views. That's what you get by going there. Maine coast beauty and no douchebags with huge yachts. Be warned, though, because this is a working lobstering harbor, with the boats right there next to the restaurant, you might get a good whiff of lobster bait from time to time. Pungent. The food is average, you order inside and they bring it to your table. A bit pricey for fried seafood. They fry all seafood, you're not gonna get a grilled anything here. Freezer bag fries, deep-fried average crab cakes. You are here for the view, which is wonderful. read more

Cape Pier Chowder House - Deck view - Seafood Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine

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This a great place for all your seafood desires. The location and outside view is fantastic. Order inside, then they bring out your order. The covered dock has plenty of picnic tables to fit a couple or family of 6 or more. We enjoyed their clam chowder first, which was served hot, just the right thickness and tasted very good. But the lobster roll was even better, a grilled roll filled with meaty lobster. We added fries and loved eating with the scenic view. Service was friendly from beginning to end. read more

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Great location. Passable fried oysters and clams. Cole slaw doused with mayo. But $57 pre-tip for two beers, one clam roll, 5 oz fried oysters, minuscule serving of Cole slaw (not that we wanted even that much once we tasted it)....just not worth it. read more

This was one of the best meals I had on my weeklong trip through Maine. My only regret is we didn't order more! We had the whole belly clams, scallops, haddock chowder and seafood chowder, as well as blueberry pie. All were amazing, with the exception of the haddock chowder (too thin). The prices were also the cheapest of any comparable place we went to for these items, so a major plus there. If I lived nearby, I feel like I'd go for every meal I wanted seafood. Highly recommend for anyone in Maine. read more

Cape Pier Chowder House - Seafood Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine

This will be a short review of the Chowder House because I simply don't want to say too much. The food here is really good and the location is in Cape Porpoise...one of my favorite places in Maine. Make a day trip out of it and check out the Bush complex -- it's right nearby! read more

Cape Pier Chowder House - Lobster rolls - Seafood Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine

If you go out for lobster roll at one place in the greater Kennebunk area, it should be this one. This place was apparently a cafe for lobstermen in only, and it still looks like it. Very clean and simple decor. Very limited menu. No merch. But the best meal in Maine: lobster stew. Not bisque. Not chowder. But stew. Just massive chunks of lobster meat in a buttery broth. Heaven in a bowl. The Clam Shack has met its match. read more

Great food and views staffed by nice people. Excellent chowder and lobster rolls looking out at Cape Porpoise.

The best lobster roll and seafood chowder in the Kennebunkport area. Beautiful views of the bay on a top of delicious and fresh seafood read more

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After a long day of hanging out at the beach we were excited to eat here with our large party. We rode our boat from goose rocks, docked it, and confidently walked towards the entrance of the restaurant. After taking a quick glance at the menu (6:57) we walked into the order room/station (7:01). We were unaware of the absurd close time and we were harshly informed that we could not be served even though they had closed one minute ago. It was very frustrating and not a great look for a restaurant in my opinion. We ended up going to another restaurant nearby. The funniest thing about this whole situation is that the clock is one minute behind and we were just on time to be the last ones to receive food for the night. But it's OK. We end up figuring out and went to an better restaurant nearby. read more

It took two tries to get here because the parking is so bad. But very worth it! The clam cakes we fantastic. Haddock sandwich was the best one we have had all vacation! Someone in our party got the fried dinner combo and it was amazing. The fried lobster dinner was incredible. Everything that was fried was delicately battered so you didn't feel like crap after and the seafood was still the front flavor. The coleslaw was bland (I don't think Maine style coleslaw is for us). The blueberry pie was as expected for Maine; perfectly sweet with a light and buttery crust. The whoopie pies were good, maybe just a bit too cakey because that overpowered the cream filling a bit. read more

Cape Pier Chowder House - Fried dinner combo with clam cakes - Seafood Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine

Can't go wrong with fried fish! After a relaxing day at Goose Rocks beach, my husband and I came here for a late lunch. We ordered the small seafood combo and beer and it was definitely enough to satisfy the both of us. read more

Cape Pier Chowder House - Small seafood combo - Seafood Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine

Asked several locals for the best Lobster Rolls near KPT and I kid you not I received three responses: Cape Pier Chowder house (here), The Ramp, and Pier 77 - all next door to each other on Cape Porpoise Harbor. I arrived just before 11 am knowing it would get crowded when they opened. Sure enough, there was very limited parking. I ended up circling back to park on the street. I ordered a delicious New England Clam Chowder, a Lobster Roll that was cold (as advertised) on a toasted roll. That was a little disappointing as I wish it could have been warm/topped with hot butter. Still fresh and good. Washed that all down with an Allagash White Beer (when in Maine)! Wish I had time to scope out the other places and compare - really glad I went and the views of the harbor were fantastic. read more

Cape Pier Chowder House - New England Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll, and a Beer on the Pier. - Seafood Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine

Quintessential chowder house with beautiful views all around. Very dog friendly! Fish and chips were fresh and tasty. The staff and other diners were pleasant and service was great. Went in mid-May before summer rush, but could see parking being an issue in the summer. read more

Cape Pier Chowder House - View across from the restaurant - Cape porpoise harbor. - Seafood Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine

Get their crab cakes!!! Their lobster is fresh and the fisherman are right next door. All very fresh with a great view of the water. You order at the counter and the food is promptly brought to you. read more

Been eating here in spring and fall since around 1982 (I think it had a slightly different name back then). Great location overseeing a working fishing peer, river, boats, etc. Nice view of Goat's Island light house in the open ocean. Parking is at a premium with a limited area (some reserved) serving a working peer, a restaurant and a place with cocktails, etc. Hard to get parking on a busy weekend when weather is nice. Food is typical Maine seafood, nothing fancy or pretentious. Just good ol', fish, shrimp, lobster, scallops with side of slaw and fries. What it does not have in pretentiousness it makes up for with well cooked, fresh food and a great view. Most seating is outside at picnic tables. Usually it has umbrellas at most of the tables (at least it used to) but the day we went it had been windy and they were not in sight. If sunny plan to wear sun screen. There is some indoor (limited) seating, but on a busy day I'd not expect it to be available. read more

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I've been going to the "chowdah house" since I was a little girl. Now that I'm older and not ordering chicken tenders anymore, I really enjoy their fresh seafood. Their fried haddock sandwich came with a big piece of fresh fish and with a side of their homemade tartar sauce. Delicious and cheap -- only $13 (just the sandwich) which is a steal! Shared some fries and coleslaw with the family. My brother who is gluten free got the salmon plate and also said it was delicious. Even better than the food is the setting. Chowder house sits at the end of Pier Road and right on the water where you can watch the lobster boat traffic go by. Only downside is that it closes at 7pm but not their fault -- due to supply issues and not having enough food. I recommend for tourists to come drive to Cape Porpoise, see the lighthouse and enjoy some fresh seafood! read more

Not open this time of the year but we have eaten there and it's exelent right on the water classic maine style

Holy cow, this place is a staple if you are coming to town. Amazing food, great prices, spectacular views!The location is quite remote so if you're not from the area driving there is scenic. I found the area to be so beautiful, so different from what I am used to living in NY. I had New England clam chowder (Gluten-Free ) which was quite tasty indeed and a fillet of grilled salmon (also Gluten-Free ). Love this place and the people. Great atmosphere. I will definitely be back. I recommend! read more

Excellent fried clams! Lobster roll was very good, plain Jane, the way I like it. However, it was pretty small. Lovely setting when it isn't jam packed. read more

As a local Mainer, this place must be a tourist trap. The food is really mediocre. Worst lobster roll I have had, definitely was not fresh. Staff is nice though. read more

So grateful to have received this recommendation before I left Kennebunkport. They described it to me as "divey but delicious" and that was definitely true! The lobster and crab rolls were so good - for sure the best in Kennebunkport (don't bother waiting in that long line in town for sub par rolls) . The crab cake could be skipped. Clam chowder is another must! read more

Good seafood and ambiance. Seafood soup was very tasty and nicely tucked away location by the Atlantic.

Best priced lobster roll and dinner! Outdoor seating made it easy to bring the dog with us read more

Cape Pier Chowder House - Best priced lobster roll and dinner! - Seafood Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine

Fried clam basket oh so good You order at the counter but they deliver which is perfect. Sitting outside surrounded by water, can it get any better! read more

If you are in the area and can find a place to park, this is a great choice for a casual seafood meal. The outside deck is lovely on a nice day. I had a fried haddock sandwich. Both the fried haddock and bun were excellent. Highly recommend! Great service too. The young woman bringing out the food and cleaning the tables was hustling. read more

As the last reviewer noted, this was one of the best meals we had on our 10-day trip through New England. Both the lobster roll and 2 lb lobster were amazing, and the kids even enjoyed the hot dogs. Shhhh - don't tell the owners but the pricing here is one of the best deals around. Good beer on tap - the wine selection is maybe the only weak spot. Plenty of outdoor seating with a view of the coastline. What more could you want. read more

The fried food was fabulous. Not heavy and very tasty! Good service and a beautiful working waterfront view!

Solid Maine fried fare. Best around. Absolutely beautiful area. Food came out fast. Have no complaints

The seafood here is top notch, you can taste the freshness. My friend and I got the lobster roll, a small order of the fried scallops, and a cup of clam chowder. Everything was delicious, especially the scallops. We sat outside and it was the perfect weather with a scenic view. Will come back if ever in New England. read more

Seafood and clam chowder was delicious! Fried haddock sandwich was a nice portion and delicious! Crab roll was okay- not the best and not the worse. Crinkly Fries were nice and crispy! I would come back! Only issue I had was there were flies flying around inside....I guess not much you can do as you're on the docks. Nice view of boats read more

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This one is easy.... You have a choice... Find a boat that catches fish, lobster, scallops, and clams, cooks it fresh with chowder, beer, wine...OR GO HERE! You will never find a place on earth serves fresh seafood lik ethis place. If you come to Kennebunkport and you don't go to the Chowder House, you haven't been to Kennebunkport. Simple! read more

Seafood as fresh as it gets! This place is right on the pier, where the lobster boats come in. Even the hamburgers are perfect! We will certainly return! Five stars, all the way! read more

Cape Pier Chowder House - Lobster tank - Seafood Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine

With chowder in the name, this fast casual spot did not disappoint. We had had a few appetizers at a nearby restaurant, but after seeing the line for this place, decided to check it out. We got the namesake chowder, and it was delicious. Creamy, comforting, perfectly seasoned and with lots of clam and potato chunks, this was probably the best of the chowders we tried on our trip to Maine. You can even sit outside and enjoy a view of the water. Definitely recommend. read more

Cape Pier Chowder House - Delicious clam chowder - Seafood Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine

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This is Maine! The food is amazing! Laid back & friendly, we went for lunch & dinner. We had scallops, haddock @ fried clams. The lobsters are in a tank & they weigh them in front of u just before putting them in a pot. Our food was piping hot & delicious. They serve beer & wine and the views are beautiful. Forget all the gimmick places & go try some of the freshest food out there! read more

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We biked here from kennebunkport (approx 1.5 hours) and arrived around 1130 just before the lunch rush (and there is definitely a rush!! The place got packed by 12). We like but don't love lobster rolls. This one is pretty good. It is lightly buttered and jam packed in the typical roll. I liked how all the lobster pieces are large chunks and you can see which part of the crustacean it is. Sometimes you get a mushy lobster salad which is not the best. The clam chowder was really good. We got a cup to share which is more than enough on a hot day. I wish it was a bit hotter as it was served a tad above room temp. The star for us was the Maine crab cakes with their house made tarter. They come three to an order with fries and slaw. The crab cakes are fried perfectly with very thin breading. I like how there was crab lump meat. Absolutely divine. They have allagash on tap and I swear on draft it's always better! I wish they had like a homemade ice tea or lemonade for those who don't drink alcohol but there are sodas and waters. This was a perfect pit stop on our way to the Tides. read more

I wish there was a six star rating to give this local fresh seafood joint. My wife and I went there for dinner one night on vacation in Kennebunkport and decided that it was so good we would go back the next day for lunch, which we did. we then decided to go back again for lunch before we went home. The steamers were the best I have ever had, they literally melt in your mouth. The fresh steamed lobster, you could tell it was caught within hours of eating. You did not need a nut cracker to break the claws and the meat was also melt in your mouth. All that, and not to mention the clam chowder was also about the best we have ever had! Kudos to this ocean side, ocean view, awesome fresh seafood restaurant. read more

We were going for lunch next door to Cape Pier Chowder House to The Ramp. We have been going to The Ramp for years and really like it. This place was a different story ... unfriendly staff inside and an outright rude server outside. To put it in perspective, I dine out (lunch and dinner) about 6-8 times per week and this might have been the worst attitude I have encountered in many years. Aside from the aggressively nasty attitude, the food was subpar and we should have found another place for lunch when we saw that The Ramp was closed. By the way, it wasn't just us as other people were openly talking about how rude the server was at Cape Pier Chowder House. read more

Cape Pier Chowder House - Rude (lack of) service - Seafood Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine

fried scallop roll (which I was craving, wasn't on the menu but "no problem , we can make that for you") was delish & piping hot. Fish chiwda was yummy .... his haddock sandwich was great:) Maine fishing harbor atmosphere- doesn't get much better than that. read more

Fried haddock still on the skin on. Aren't you supposed to remove that before frying?! Haddock chowder was sooo watery and filled with onions. Just fish and a ton of onions. Only good thing was the seafood chowder. Which was pretty good. So get that. read more

Great food and even better atmosphere. Nothing better than cracking open a lobster while sitting outdoors near an idyllic ocean view. Our party ordered, whole lobsters, lobster rolls, fried clams, steamed clams and onion rings. Everything was so good! Fried food was crisp and light. The steamers were cooked perfectly and no sand. The lobsters were steamed to perfection and where hard shelled. All paired with a a cold refreshing beer! This place checks off all the boxes of when you think seafood in New England. read more

Cape Pier Chowder House - 1 1/2 lb hard shelled lobster cooked perfectly. So delish! - Seafood Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine