The Deck Bar + Grill at Linekin Bay Resort | Boothbay Harbor
Locals and summer people in the know arrive by boat for lunch, dinner, and cocktails at this quintessential Maine summer retreat, where the indoor-outdoor restaurant offers one of the best views on the midcoast. The wide-ranging menu includes light bites, sandwiches, tacos, steak, and seafood dishes.

DiMillo’s on the Water | Portland
Take your boat to dine on a boat. DiMillo’s on the Water, a former car ferry repurposed in 1982 as a floating restaurant, is a Portland icon. Chef Melissa Bouchard’s menu includes both traditional and more inventive dishes, and the rear deck offers a broad view of Casco Bay.

The Dolphin Marina + Restaurant | Harpswell
On the edge of Potts Harbor, the Dolphin has its own marina and a deck with a sweeping vista of the Casco Bay islands. Known for traditional Maine fare served with blueberry muffins, the restaurant has been a local favorite since 1966.

Frisbee’s Wharf | Kittery Point
This outdoor restaurant is part of Pepperrell Cove, a dynamic food and drink complex on the property that once housed the historic, longstanding Frisbee’s Market. Take in the view from the open-air bar or one of the tables on the spacious patio.

Islesford Dock Restaurant + Gallery | Little Cranberry Island
You may share the dock with Seal Harbor summer resident Martha Stewart, who likes to make the trip for lunch in her Hinckley picnic boat. The excellent food, superb service, and friendly, relaxed vibe attract a steady crowd of islanders as well as visitors who arrive by mail boat.

Kelly’s Landing | Greenville
Depending on the season, outdoor enthusiasts arrive at Kelly’s by boat, seaplane, snowmobile, or four-wheeler (as well as by car). The deck is a fine spot for watching all the Moosehead Lake activity in the warmer months, and the rest of the year a fireplace takes the chill off in the cozy dining room. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a Sunday brunch buffet are served year-round.

North 43 Bistro | South Portland
Overlooking Port Harbor Marina, North 43 Bistro has decks on two levels and a contemporary feel. Chef Stephanie Brown’s sophisticated yet soulful menu changes every three weeks and has more varied choices than most waterside restaurants.

Robinson’s Wharf | Southport
On busy, picturesque Townsend Gut, Robinson’s offers a prime view of working and pleasure boats traveling past the swing bridge that connects Southport Island to the mainland. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and an awning-covered bar at the end of the pier has live music and a fun crowd on weekends.

Diamond’s Edge Restaurant and Marina | Great Diamond Island
On the grounds of historic Fort McKinley, Diamond’s Edge Restaurant and Marina gives boaters the chance to escape the hustle of Portland for a relaxed island setting. The lawn overlooking the cove is a serene spot to enjoy a meal and a glass of wine.

Dockside Grill | Falmouth
Nattily dressed couples share this convivial spot with salty, windblown boaters who radio the adjacent marina, Handy Boat, for access to guest moorings and launch rides to the dock. The restaurant is open year-round but buzzes between Memorial Day and Columbus Day weekend, when garage doors between the dining room and deck are rolled up to connect indoors and out. 

Royal River Grill House | Yarmouth
This stylish waterfront restaurant boasts a large deck with heaters, firepits, and a harbor view, with slips available for boaters at Yankee Marina and Boatyard next door. The lively bar is a popular gathering spot for locals, and the large menu offers something for everyone.

Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company | South Freeport
Cozy coastal vibes fill this seasonal, seaside pier in a working harbor. With bright red picnic tables, a lobster pound, and a classic Maine seafood shack menu, the restaurant provides a real taste of local character.

Five Islands Lobster Company | Georgetown
A quintessential summertime destination, this picturesque shack overlooks one of the prettiest harbors in Maine. Bring your own cooler of wine or beer, and top off a lobster dinner or Jenny’s special sandwich—grilled haddock topped with a crab cake—with Annabelle’s ice cream. 

Coveside Restaurant and Marina | South Bristol
In lovely Christmas Cove, this popular stop for boaters is just inside the mouth of the Damariscotta River. Yacht club burgees cover the walls of the snug bar, where sailors share stories and sling back rum drinks, and the menu goes beyond the standards.  

The Waterfront | Camden
There may be no better view of Camden Harbor than from the wide deck at the Waterfront, a local favorite since 1978. The popular restaurant is open daily year-round, offering happy hour specials from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and a burger night on Wednesdays. 

Beal’s Lobster Pier | Southwest Harbor
From its beginning as a working lobster wharf in 1932 to today, Beal’s has served seafood pulled by fishermen from Penobscot Bay. Its famous lobster rolls include garlic lovers’ and spicy buffalo in additional to the traditional style, and fuel is available at the boat dock. 

Village Inn and Tavern | Belgrade Lakes
Famous for its 12-hour roasted duck, this classic Maine inn on Great Pond has welcomed travelers since 1921. Boaters can pull into a slip for dinner in the main dining room, in the more casual Tavern Bar, or outside at the water’s edge. 

Frye’s Leap General Store and Cafe | Frye Island
It always feels like there’s a party going on the patio at Frye’s Leap Cafe, the only Sebago Lake restaurant accessible by boat. Signature menu items include pizza and a variety of mac and cheese bread bowls, and karaoke night on Wednesdays draws a crowd.

Captain Jack’s | Naples
Pub-style food, live music, and a fun-loving vibe are the hallmarks of this Sebago Lake region hotspot, which has slips for boaters and a gas dock. The deck is an ideal spot for watching all of the activity around the bustling Naples causeway, which bridges Long Lake and Brandy Pond. 

Schooner Landing | Damariscotta
You can’t get oysters any fresher than the ones that are pulled from the saltwater river that flows by Schooner Landing. On Fridays at 4 p.m. the briny bivalves are free at the dockside bar, which is a popular place to meet friends and soak up the summer sunshine.