Coastal Maine
Coastal Maine
Ogunquit and York together make one of the most complete stretches of the Maine coast — a world-class beach, a cliff walk, a working lobster cove, and a summer theater scene, all within a short walk of each other. Here's how to make the most of it, season by season.
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8 places match your filters
Barnacle Billy's
The quintessential Ogunquit lobster shack, open since 1961. Two adjacent operations: Barnacle Billy's Original (counter service, boiled Maine lobster, picnic tables over the cove) and Barnacle Billy's Etc. (expanded menu, cocktails). An essential stop for any first-time visitor. Open early April through October.
Go for lunch on a weekday — dinner waits in July and August are long. Bring cash for the original counter.
M.C. Perkins Cove
The upscale option overlooking the Atlantic from Perkins Cove — named by Food & Wine as one of the 50 Most Romantic Restaurants in the Country. Contemporary American menu with strong local seafood focus that changes regularly. Two dining rooms and a raw bar. Hours are significantly reduced outside of peak summer.
Reservations are essential in summer. Request a window table when booking.
Jonathan's Ogunquit
An Ogunquit institution since 1976 — a respected New American restaurant downstairs and an intimate 200-seat listening room upstairs that draws nationally touring folk, jazz, and Americana acts year-round. One of the few places in town open all winter, and the cultural heart of Ogunquit's off-season. Walking distance from The Black Boar Inn.
Check the concert calendar well ahead — shows sell out weeks in advance even in the off-season. Reserve dinner on performance nights.
Fox's Lobster House
In a lobster pound that dates to 1936, Fox's sits directly alongside the Nubble Lighthouse — tables overlooking one of the most scenic views on the coast. Lobsters boiled the old-fashioned way, Maine blueberry pie, ice cream. Open late April through mid-October. About 10 minutes from The Moonstruck.
Arrive at lunch to beat dinner waits and to get the best afternoon light on the lighthouse.
The Goldenrod
A York Beach institution since 1896 — part ice cream parlor, part soda fountain, part candy shop, part short-order restaurant. Famous for Goldenrod Kisses saltwater taffy, made on the premises in a front window in the same recipe since 1896. About eight million pieces a year in 12+ flavors. A throwback to a specific American summer vacation era that barely exists anymore. Walking distance from The Moonstruck.
Watch the taffy pull through the storefront window — one of those small experiences people remember for years.
Union Bluff Hotel Pub
One of the few year-round dining options right on Short Sands Beach — a five-minute walk from The Moonstruck. The pub has some of the most hypnotic surf views of any dining room in York, a good local craft beer selection, and stays open through the off-season when most of York Beach goes quiet.
The pub deck in summer is one of the best casual drink spots in York. In winter, grab a window seat when the surf is up.
Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen's flagship campus — the award-winning specialty food company was founded in York in 1991 at a farmers market and grew into a nationally distributed brand. The York store is their headquarters: a large retail space, viewing windows into the jam-making production facility, and a café serving breakfast and lunch. A genuinely good stop year-round, not just a gift shop.
Good rainy-day option. The café is better than it has any right to be.
Mainestreet Ogunquit
Northern New England's largest LGBTQ+ nightclub — two dance rooms, two outdoor decks, three bars, regular drag shows, comedy nights, and the Ogunquit Tea Dance (a summer weekend institution). The rooftop deck is the best spot in town on a warm evening. Welcoming to all. Walking distance from The Black Boar Inn.
The Tea Dance runs Sunday afternoons in summer — one of Ogunquit's signature traditions.
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