Allen's Seafood, Harpwell, Maine

Once in a while you come across something that exceeds all expectations. Something truly extraordinary. Enter Allen’s Seafood: the best water-accessible, authentic Maine fresh seafood outside restaurant this writer has ever experienced, hands-down.

First Impressions

It started with a call ahead. We were about 10 minutes out, a small sailing group consisting of six trailer-sailors from the North East Trailer Sailing Association. Allen’s replied that they had moorings and room for several boats at the dock. They said they’d greet us when we arrived.

(We were motoring along Harpswell Neck, Casco Bay with the intention to visit the Gooslings - a great gunk hole, beach and camp area.)

By “greet us,” I expected to see someone on the dock helping boats tie up. But that’s not what they meant! Instead, what they really mean is that a shuttle boat would come out to show several of us to the moorings (and others to the dock), then shuttle our crews to shore. They didn’t have to do this - the moorings were very well marked, but they did anyway. It was truly amazing service - first class. Once on shore, the young man who cheerfully shuttled us refused a tip, saying his satisfaction was to live and work here.

On the way to the restaurant we walked past storage bins of live lobster, crabs, clams and other bounties of the sea. The man working them nodded hello in true Mainer fashion - very friendly! But he had to move on as a lobster boat pulled along side to offload their latest catch while taking on barrels of salted lobster bait.

Then paydirt - the restaurant itself. This is a classic example of not judging a book by it’s cover. From the outside it’s just a plain white building with a couple of serving windows. But if you want fresh, authentic Maine seafood, this is the place.

The Haddock was outstanding. Other members of our sailing group raved about the steamers, still others had to have fresh lobster. I heard good things about the seafood chowder from several people as well. Prices were *very* reasonable with good quantities served. (We had just ordered a similar haddock dish in a nearby restaurant the day before and it cost nearly 40% more).

To prepare those steamers and lobsters, the order taker made a quick walk across to the processing station to pick the lobster and clams fresh from the holding bins.

Maine Working Harbor Sights and Sounds

As we enjoyed our feast, we also enjoyed the sights and sounds of a working Maine seafood shop and small cove filled with mostly Maine working boats. As more boats brought fresh catch in, the same boat shuttle driver who had picked us up was operating a folk lift to load trucks with fresh seafood. The whole area was buzzing with activity as seafood was organized, measured and processed.

People were also arriving on foot to order at the restaurant. Most of these people appeared to be locals. *They* knew about Allen’s!

When we were done, we stood up. The young man still on the folk lift asked if we were ready to be brought back to our boats. As I said earlier, first impressions count. But at Allen’s, every impression is a positive one! From first call to last contact a very positive experience.

Conclusion