What a gem this place is! Located in Alfred, Maine, this restaurant has a friendly yet fancy vibe. Sit at the bar where one of the best bartenders, Connor, will set you up with a tasty beverage and ensure your meal is perfect. The scallop risotto was recommended to me and it did not disappoint! I am looking forward to waiting the leftovers! Creamy, smoky, perfectly cooked scallops accompany a creamy risotto with baby spinach and sun dried tomatoes with fresh prosciutto... heaven in a bite! If seafood is not your thing, don't worry! Their selection of steaks are mouth-watering and are accompanied with options such as mushroom demi-glaze (so delicious), cowboy butter, or horseradish sauce.You can cut the steak with a butter knife!! Add dessert to go- the chocolate lava cake and cheesecake are fresh and yummy too. We will definitely be back for more! Highly recommend! read more

Oak Street Bistro - Yummy prosecco! - American Near Me - Alfred, Maine

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One of the worst dining experience of my life. We attended a group function with a choice of 3 entrees. All entrees were - in our estimation - cooked previously and reheated. There was no choice of sides - and the side provided was steamed (barely) broccoli and potato. No substitutions. I could go on and on but don't want to relive the experience. Except I must say - no desert and only 1 cup of coffee ‍ We had been holding an annual event at the Bistro but all agreed - never again! read more

Went here last week for the very first time I have to say the food was pretty good and I will definitely be going back and not just because my daughter lives down the street because it actually was pretty good. I can tell you the Home made onion rings are absolutely delicious., I ordered the steak tips but they ran out so I was offered a sirloin steak. It wasn't what I asked for but it was OK. I got that with a baked potato.. Our waitress was very friendly and accommodating to the four-year-old that was with us... she had a bowl of pasta and loved it. We were also served bread and butter, which tasted very fresh. I suggest to check it out if you're in the area oh yes, and they had a full bar with Sports on the TV. read more

Went for lunch everything was bad, from the steak tips being under cooked for one and another serving over cooked when both were supposed to be medium rare, onion soup tasted like dish water and broccolli and corn were ice cold, Cole slaw was dreadful.The only minigating factor was our server, she was great and handled the situation perfectly. Our only bad meal while on vacation. read more

Just because it has one star doesn't mean it's terrible! They just could improve on the flavor. My steak tasted like it barely had any seasoning on it. All I could taste was meat. The potatoes were very bland and watery. I think the only thing on my plate that had flavor was the squash. The prices are fair but not good for what the flavor is. I would try it again to give it another shot for sure. read more

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Excellent food, great ambience, great drinks. A little pricey for my taste, $25 for two 3.5 in. crab cakes

We had a great time here! Nice space inside all beautifully decked out for the holiday. Staff was very friendly. The food was yummy! The bang bang shrimp were plentiful and we got some nice warm dinner rolls. I had the half chicken which was juicy and delicious. My guy had the prime rib which was well seasoned and perfectly cooked to his liking. Add a baked potato and done! Coke on tap!! read more

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The food is amazing. The specials of the day had so many options. It is a bit pricey, but good to splurge at every once in a while. it's not an every Friday evening place with my budget. It would be nice to see a few less expensive plates. Even that starters were typical dinner prices. The waitress was super friendly and very accommodating. We didn't have to wait at all to be seated and food was out promptly. read more

We have been coming to Oak St. for the better part of 10yrs. James was one of a kind, no doubt, but the quality control that he oversaw as well as the wonderful way he took care of patrons, both young and old, are something you don't find much anymore. We were glad to know he was moving onto his next chapter and so sad to see him go at the same time but we hoped all would remain the same for the most part. I'm sad to say it isn't even close to what it was other than the decor. Although the new owners/managers appear to be lovely humans, whoever is running the show over there renders one speechless as to the lack of quality control over the last 3 times we visited. The food has been subpar at best but on Valentines night, it was the worst restaurant experience I've been party to in decades other than our server who was lovely and felt so bad she kept apologizing for the kitchens mistakes. First we made reservations just about 10 business days in advance, almost 2wks and specifically said, dining room and not the bar for seating as I have a hearing issue and the bar is just far too noisy for me to have a functional conversation in any restaurant and we've always been accommodated. Well, guess where we were seated?! When questioned all we got is an exasperated sigh and a "this is all we have" although the dining room had plenty of room as we walked by. I should have put my foot down right there but I knew it was a busy night and wasn't looking to be "that" customer. So we were seated by the fireplace and next to a table of 7 or 8 who were having a great time and I would never fault them for that but they were loud and I couldn't hear myself think let alone have a conversation. Then the drinks were brought to the table. Two lemon drop martinis with one so 'off' and so strong it was completely undrinkable. Then it continued to get worse. 2 orders of Filet Oscar and 1 order of Prime Rib for the 3 of us. Given the menu was limited, the kitchen should have had a easier time with not having so many other options to have to fire on a busy night. NOT the case at all. Myself, my husband and my sister all ordered as medium. All 3 meals had issues. Both FO's came well done. NO pink and both were very tough. Not what you'd expect with a Filet. One of them was ordered with rice and it came with mashed with an extreme amount of sauce on the mashers and little to none on the crab cake atop this piece of meat. If that wasn't bad enough, my medium prime rib came to the table practically raw. The waitress didn't hesitate and took it right away to be dealt with. The second one was even worse. It was 100% inedible. It may or may not have been cooked better but when it got to the table I was shocked at the appearance. Not only was it only ¼" thick (pretty dang thin for a prime rib), it was gray and looked like it had been through a meat grinder and was almost complete mush and I was unable to barely cut it let alone eat it. By this time I was almost in tears and just asked for the check but we made sure what they took off the bill was accounted for in our waitress's tip so she wouldn't be held responsible. I have never be so completely disgusted and disappointed and we will not return which is heartbreaking after this last time and especially given the 2 times prior were meh... This is NOT the quality Oak St. has been known for, for years. Such a shame. And don't tell me I'm supposed to be grateful they took things off our bill. They should have regardless! What we wanted, and were quite willing to pay for, was a nice meal. It wasn't even close to that. I suspect that Oak St will be nothing more than a place that used to be great that is now awful. Extremely disappointed. read more

Great menu and service. Food is delicious and cooked to perfection. Nice atmosphere and plenty of convenient parking. read more

Entered the restaurant and the owner who was sitting in the lobby never even glanced up to greet us. They were more crowded than they expected and saw only one waitress working (she was doing her best) but was not anywhere near her usual proficiency! perhaps the owner could have interrupted his doing nothing to help her out! The turkey sandwich was served with Swiss cheese rather than the provolone as stated in the menu and the bread was so over toasted I thought I might break a tooth! We used to really enjoy Oak St Bistro but how many times do you go back hoping things have improved? read more

Service was non-existent It wasn't busy, but because I ordered hot tea instead of something from the bar, the visit didn't go well. The tea water holder wasn't even half full when delivered and the server blamed the size of the cup and stated she would bring more hot water...she didn't I asked again when his salad came and was again ignored for at least 15 minutes until I pointed out I had no beverage for 30 minutes, but other parties were being seated and served beverages. The atmosphere was LOUD I felt as though I was swimming upstream though loud piano and guitar and hundreds of voices which had no where to go but to swirl around all the hard surfaces. The food was the tasty, EXCEPT for the Luke warm baked potato that wouldn't melt the ONE pat of butter and MAYBE A TEASPOON of sour cream This $100 meal was our last at Oak Street Bistro Too Loud Poor Service Long wait Don't bother read more

Very nice place, and very comfortable. Food and service good. We don't stop there often but try to get there when we can.

The best restaurant in the Sanford area. When our family and friends have special celebrations, we go to the Bistro because of their pleasant atmosphere and never-disappointing food. Their steaks and chicken entrees are delicious, but (guilty pleasure advisory) I can't pass up the onion rings even if we go for dessert and coffee. I just get a takeout order to bring home. They do not skimp on quantities either and are still delicious the next day. My mouth is watering just thinking about them. Think I'll make a trip to Alfred today! read more

We arrived at Oak Street Bistro around 5:45, and there was a short wait, about 15-20 mins, which was perfectly acceptable. This was our first visit, as we always drive by and see the place packed and bumping. The decor was a bit older school (pictures below) but the set up was nice and classy. The inside fire place and lighting was actually very beautiful. The cutlery provided included a salad fork, an entree fork, a spoon and knife. They served bread, water, and a paper menu right off the bat. We got our beverages in after a short wait for the server. They were very busy after all, and being in the industry we totally understand. We started with an app of spinach dip, and then both got the cheeseburgers. The spin dip took a while, and then our server came to say he had dropped it at another table by mistake and it wouldn't be out until after the entrees. That's fine, I guess, not a huge deal. However when the dip did finally come out, it had the burnt charred taste to it. It was awful. We sent it back. It was taken off of the bill without being asked. The cheeseburgers however were fantastic! Absolutely delicious if I do say so myself, and my fiancé thought so as well. Some of the best burgers we've ever had to be honest. The prices here are a bit much to be honest, but I guess it goes with the ambiance and decor. While a tad over priced, it really was the best burger we've had in some time, and for that this review is 4 stars. read more

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Enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Oak Street Bistro tonight! The salad was tossed in the dressing I ordered and was perfectly delicious! It wasn't too much or too little. I enjoyed the bang, bang shrimp immensely! The shrimp were cooked perfectly. We also had steak tips that were perfect medium rare and our fries were fresh hand-cut, hot, and delicious! We were promptly seated in their warm and lovely dining room and enjoyed our drinks immensely! Our waiter was efficient and friendly. A restaurant's success relies mostly on the Chef. Compliments to the Chef!!! We won't be strangers. We love well-prepared food and Oak Street Bistro left us both very happy. Kudos to the wonderful chef and we very much appreciated our waiter who provided excellent service! We'll be back!!! read more

I went to the Oak Street Bistro and had an amazing meal. I had the prime rib which was delicious. My wife had fish which was amazing with a sweet fruit sauce. There were 8 of us all together and we all left full and happy! My compliments to Chef Mike! read more

Oak Street Bistro - My wife and I with Chef Mike in the middle at Oak Street Bistro - American Near Me - Alfred, Maine

This place has it all great food, great service and the inside is beautiful (especially during holidays). I wish it was closer to my home and I would go everyday! read more

I would dine here everyday if I could. I always order the steak tips because you can cut the tips with a butter knife they are so tender. The blueberry vinaigrette is so perfect for the garden salad. The service, portions and quality of ingredients makes this place outstanding. read more

Oak Street Bistro - Steak tips - American Near Me - Alfred, Maine

we have been here a few times prior and the food was amazing, we went today I ordered a glass of wine, it was very bitter the waitress brought me another glass and it was just as bad she said they are now using a new brand of wine, I ordered full belly clams my husband ordered steak tips, my clams were burnt and my husbands steak tips were very over cooked, I feel the waitress should never had brought out the clams as you could clearly see they were burnt. we will NOT be back again. such a shame. read more

The service could have been better. the food took so long to come. i threw my knife on the floor out of pure rage. took about 10 hours til the check came. my order was made wrong. my mom threw tomato all over the stained glass and her phone on the floor because she was so annoyed. the food was not very great. my dad was scowling at our waitress out of pure irritation. if it weren't for the cheesecake i would have made a scene myself. read more

Beautifully decorated for all holidays. Fireplaces and lovely comfortable atmosphere. Food is good and plentiful... read more

Good food that is not pretentious. Wonderful bar that can handle a crowd. Server was attentive and friendly.

I have thought about this salad for over a week straight. We came to this place when up in Maine visiting family. The space was nice and we enjoyed live music that evening. The bread basket was good, and they did a great job accommodating one person's gluten restriction. But this salad. You wouldn't think it would work but it was *so* good. The chicken was extremely tender. The blueberry vinaigrette was incredible. This is going to be my white whale salad. There was a bit of a wait, but it made sense given how good the food was and the fact it was a Saturday night. They had good chairs to sit in while we waited. read more

Oak Street Bistro - American Near Me - Alfred, Maine

We've been coming here for quite some time..... Lovely piano playing in the next room, the smells, the atmosphere, lovely staff and of course James...thank you!!! This place NEVER disappoints! read more

Oak Street Bistro - And the Sangria isn't bad either...order with a bit of Grand Marnier ..yummm - American Near Me - Alfred, Maine

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Went for 6pm. They were a little crowded so we sat at the bar. There were two bartenders, tending the bar, one of which waited on us. We put in an order for appetizer and entrées. Quite a while later, she admitted that she forgot to put the appetizer in so not that one has been started. The appetizer was rushed out and raw (scallops). At 7:30 we still have not received our entrées. When I asked about them, she said they were two tickets-- which generally means two tickets ahead of us before they start our meal. When I told her since they hadn't started it to go ahead and cancel because I don't eat this late, she responded that they were playing them right now. I asked if they be boxed for takeout. She went into the kitchen and still hadn't returned several minutes later I don't appreciate being lied to because clearly they had not started our entrées when I told her to go ahead and cancel them. I threw the cash I had on the bar for the drinks and we left without a meal. We will not be back. read more

We were greeted immediately by the owner and didn't have to wait for a table. It's a beautiful spot. Great food! The server was super pleasant and the birthday cake was a great touch! read more

The food is absolutely delicious no matter what you water. The service is wonderful, polite and very attentive. The ambience is something you must say, especially around the holidays and Christmas is the best decorations in a restaurant that I've seen anywhere. read more

Oak Street Bistro - New Front entrance and then once entered to an incredible experience of ambiance and delicious food experience: - American Near Me - Alfred, Maine

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We were visiting Maine and looking for lunch when we came upon the Oak Street Bistro. It had a lovely exterior and upon entering I found the layout really charming. I really liked the fireplace. We were greeted by a very friendly man who I think might be an owner as we overheard him chatting with other guests as we ate. Really nice welcome. I absolutely adored the tree design on the menus. So cute and actually something I'd hang as decoration (I'm a fall tree person)! The menu is nice. Lots of options. Our waitress read off the specials and we decided to try the seafood chowder. She warned us it was huge but we figured it wouldn't be that big and we were splitting it so no big deal. Ha, wrong. When she said huge, she meant huge. It was amazingly delicious though and featured either salmon or trout which you don't normally see in seafood soups around here. If they have that as a special - get it! We noticed that plates were huge and after the soup we realized that you get a really big portion no matter what you order. My partner got the steak tips. They were massive and so good. Done exactly as ordered. His mashed potatoes were also really nice (not garlic, yay) and you could tell homemade. I went with the Ossippee chicken salad sandwich. Really lovely chicken salad with melted cheese and a tomato. The french fries were good and a plentiful amount. After the soup, I only ate half of the sandwich and took it to go (it held up well- tasted just as good for dinner). We were intrigued when our waitress read the dessert list. Normally if it's just us we don't order dessert but went for it this time and it's tied with the soup for most amazing part of the meal (and you guessed it, also huge). We went with the apple bread pudding. Unbelievably delicious. Still thinking about how good it was! My only two complaints (and one was not really the fault of the restaurant) was our waitress was very slow. We could see her sitting down and chatting and it was getting frustrating when we were finished and waiting and especially when we were waiting for her to bring the check, take payment, come back. Took much longer than it should have. And second, they were hosting a private party and the group pretty much took over the parking area (no social distancing, no masks). As we were pulling out, thankfully slowly, a child ran right in front of the car to join the group. Could have been a dangerous situation. All in all though, prices were great and the food was out of this world so if in the area we would definitely stop in again. read more

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We went here with another couple never been here so we arrived about 515 pm on Saturday. Host/owner greeted us said 5-10 minutes and we waited like 6mins . We had Lexi as a server very good greeted us and brought a drink menu, each of us had drinks. Myself and Mike had Rum punch , so good, Toni got Razzle Dazzle and loved it, and wife go Caribbean Martini and loved. No apps My wife got the pot roast special with mashed and loved it. I got the French dip sandwich with onion rings and loved,Toni got the haddock special with shrimp stuff with a lemon sauce and loved it, and Mike got the sirloin tips and raved about . Both women dusted their plates but so full , as usual I had 1/2 and finished the following day for lunch, and Mike had a few steak tips left and had for breakfast with eggs. Desert was offered but we all declined. The ambiance with great but remind me of a banquet hall feeling. Family owned and Waitress killed it We definitely will be back!!! read more

This would have been the second visit to this establishment. Food is overpriced for the quality ( prime rib 1st visit overcooked and very fatty, chicken Marsala 2nd visit watery sauce with bacon in it). Service both times was mediocre charged 42 dollars for a cake that looked like a two year old made. Also the decor is outdated. read more

Oak Street Bistro - 80th birthday celebration - American Near Me - Alfred, Maine

I really really wanted to love this place. It's nearby and has lovely decor. The wait staff appeared overwhelmed but did their best. But I expected more from the food based on pricing. I guess "bland" best describes it. The "stuffed mushrooms" are just small whole mushrooms with melted (provolone?) cheese and bread crumbs on top. The brussel sprouts were pre steamed/boiled then burned under a broiler w/NO seasoning at all. Skip the "meh" overcooked haddock but the fried whole belly clams were nicely done! read more

Food is ok. My sandwich had 3 times as much bun as chicken and staff is overwhelmed. Won't come back, too slow and food is average read more

Oak Street Bistro - Is this half sandwich? - American Near Me - Alfred, Maine

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My wife and I recently moved to Sanford and this restaurant was recommended to us. We have now eaten here twice and both times have been an excellent experience. The service is excellent and both times we have been greeted by the owner who is also friendly. In addition to excellent service the food is also excellent. All-in-all the Oak Street Bistro is an excellent restaurant and we really enjoy and highly recommend it. read more

Oak street Bistro is one of my favorite places to dine! The atmosphere is elegant, food is delicious and the service is one of the best around! read more

We love this place. We take our friends there all the time. Only question your prime rib is so delicious but every time we get it it is a different cut! Can you work on being more consistent with that please? Thanks read more

Oak St Bistro is located in Alfred, my husband and I just happened upon it on a mid-week drive about 6 years ago, (retirement is fun). The restaurant from the outside was not impressive but very neat, inside was a nice surprise it was lovely, nicely furnished and had a full bar, with a few people at the bar, nothing rowdy, the dining area was three quarters full with an over fifties crowd, I picked up on the vibe that the customers were "returnees "and mostly from the nearby areas. Since that first visit I have been back many times. The owner is always there to welcome diners. The staff rarely changes, always professional and they know their menu! I have never gone for dinner because I no longer drive at night, I don't think I've ever seen children although I'm sure well-behaved children would be cherished. Their menu is well chosen for variety, some things never go off because they become favorites my favorite choice is from the lunch menu, it's the best French Dip I have ever had anywhere! The owner told me they do a large roast beef every night, very tender, French roll is crispy and fresh and served with homemade Onion soup rather than au jus with a side of your choice being potato salad, French fries, onion fries, small fresh cold house salad. When I think about this restaurant I think Fresh and Homemade! Visit their website to view their menu. I have never had a disappointing meal at the Oak Street Bistro! read more

Great food, service and ambiance. We had not been there since pre-pandemic, so it was nice to be back.

Our favorite place to enjoy a local seafood platter and a rum punch. Kid friendly and always great service. We love going in the summer and having lunch on the patio. read more

One of my favorite places to go. I love the ambiance with lower lights and different rooms to dine in. The staff is always friends and the food... well you just have to try it. Exquisite. read more