Southern Maine is a vibrant tourist destination during the summer and fall months, drawing visitors with its picturesque coastline, charming towns, and outdoor activities. Popular spots like Kennebunkport, Wells, Ogunquit, York and Kittery attract crowds eager to explore the beaches, scenic hiking trails, and local festivals. However, once the peak season ends, the region becomes much quieter, with fewer tourists. This is the time where restaurants slow down, and the year-round residents can avoid the crowds and enjoy them. Many local restaurants offer daily specials to draw in the local crowds.
The Boathouse - Kennebunkport
The Boathouse Restaurant in Kennebunkport, Maine, is a charming and popular waterfront dining spot known for its stunning views and fresh seafood. Located on the Kennebunk River, it offers a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere where guests can enjoy delicious meals while watching boats glide by. The menu is known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, as well as other dishes like steaks, pasta, and a variety of craft cocktails. The restaurant is particularly known for its raw bar, offering oysters, clams, and lobster. Their winter hours are Wednesday through Monday from 12-8pm, closed Tuesdays.
Sunday - The Boathouse offers “all day happy hour” every Sunday from 12-8pm. They offer a special “Happy Hour” menu with discounted appetizers and drinks.
Monday - “Date Night” at the Boathouse is every Monday night from 4-8pm. For $60 (not including tax or gratuity) they offer the choice between two featured entrees and a bottle of wine for two. The entrees change weekly.
Wednesday - “Wicked Oyster Wednesday” the Boathouse offers ½ off oysters and ½ off wines by the glass all day from 12-8pm.
Thursday - “Locals’ Night” the Boathouse offers 20% off the entire bill for residents of York County. This is offered all day from 12-8pm. Bring a valid ID or a piece of mail with your address for proof of residency.
Happy Hour is also offered Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3-5pm.
Beachfire Bar & Grille - Ogunquit
Beachfire Bar and Grille in Ogunquit, Maine, is a popular casual dining spot known for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious food. Beachfire is especially known for its diverse menu, which includes well-known chicken wings, hearty burgers, BBQ inspired dishes, seafood and creative cocktails. Their winter hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 4-9pm, the bar is open until 9:30pm. Friday 4-10pm, the bar is open until 10:30pm. Saturday 11:30am-8pm, the bar is open until 10:30pm. Sunday 11:30am-8pm, the bar is open until 8:30pm. Monday they are closed.
Tuesday - “2 for $25 Sandwich Special”, enjoy any two sandwiches on Beachfire’s menu for $25 from 4-9pm.
Wednesday - “Wing Night”, this is Beachfire’s most popular weeknight special. They offer their famous wings for .50¢, limit 12 per person.
Thursday - Half off select entrees, this always features their famous homemade mac and cheese plus some other entree options.
They offer happy hour every day from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and delicious appetizers.
Angelina's Ristorante Tuscan Grille & Wine Bar - Ogunquit
Located right across the street from Beachfire, Angelina’s Ristorante, is an elegant and highly regarded Italian restaurant known for its warm atmosphere and exceptional cuisine. The restaurant features a refined yet welcoming ambiance, with classic Italian decor, soft lighting, and an intimate setting that makes it ideal for both romantic dinners and special occasions. Angelina’s menu highlights traditional Italian dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy a variety of handcrafted pasta, fresh seafood, and classic meat dishes, along with an extensive wine list that pairs beautifully with the meals. Signature dishes such as veal parmigiana, lobster ravioli, and house-made pastas are particularly popular, offering a true taste of Italy. Angelina’s serves dinner year round, seven nights a week from 4:30-10pm.
Sunday - “Sunday Suppers” are every Sunday night in the off season at Angelina’s. Choice of salad or soup and a choice of a select few entrees from their menu for $29.
Monday - “Wine Down Mondays” & “Create Your Own Pasta Night” is every Monday night. You can either purchase two full price dinners for dine in or take out and they will include a complimentary bottle of red or white wine! Or you can dine in and create your own pasta dish for $22. There are many different pasta shapes and sauces to choose from.
Tuesday - “Pasta E Basta” is every Tuesday night. For $25 choose from a glass of red or white wine, homemade soup or salad, and one of 9 special pasta dishes.
Wednesday - “Angelina’s Community Night” is every Wednesday night offering 3 courses at $29 per person. A soup or salad, choice of select entrees, and a dessert!
Thursday - “Mangia “eat” Thursdays” every Thursday night, enjoy a salad or soup and choose between 12 different Italian entrees!
When Pigs Fly Pizzeria - Kittery
"When Pigs Fly Pizzeria" in Kittery, Maine, is a charming and popular local eatery known for its unique and creative pizza offerings. The pizzeria has earned a reputation for combining delicious, high-quality ingredients with inventive flavor combinations, giving it a distinctive flair. It specializes in wood-fired pizzas, which adds a smoky depth to the taste, and it offers a variety of toppings, from traditional to unconventional options.
The restaurant's name, "When Pigs Fly," is a playful reference to an idiom, signaling that something highly unlikely is happening—perhaps hinting at their bold, unexpected flavor pairings. The pizzeria also offers other comfort foods like sandwiches and salads, and the cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot for families and friends. Located in Kittery, a small town close to the New Hampshire border, it's a beloved stop for both locals and tourists visiting the region.
Every Wednesday they have their special “Pizza Night” where they offer select pizzas for $10 from 4pm-8pm. They are open Sunday - Thursday from 11:30am-8pm & Friday and Saturday from 11:30am-8:30pm
Ore Nell's BBQ - Kittery & Biddeford
Ore Nell's BBQ, with locations in both Kittery and Biddeford, Maine, is a highly regarded barbecue restaurant known for its flavorful smoked meats and Southern-inspired dishes. The restaurant has become a local favorite, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the comfort and authenticity of classic BBQ joints.
At Ore Nell's, the focus is on slow-cooked, smoked meats, including options like brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and sausage. These meats are often complemented by house-made sauces and sides, such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread, all of which add to the rich, satisfying experience. The quality of the meat and the skillful smoking process are key elements that set Ore Nell's apart.
In addition to its signature BBQ offerings, Ore Nell's serves a range of craft beers and cocktails, making it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a meal with a drink. The Biddeford location is known for its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, while the Kittery spot offers a similarly welcoming vibe, often attracting both locals and visitors to Maine’s seacoast.
Both locations offer daily deals Monday through Thursday.
Kittery - Open Monday - Thursday 4-9pm & Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11am-9pm
Monday - Happy Hour All Day! Discounted drinks and special happy hour menu from 4-9pm.
Tuesday - Public Service Industry Night! 50% off for first responders, military, city employees, teachers, government and state workers. Please bring ID or proof of employment.
Wednesday - Wing Night! .50 cent wings and $6 rotating draft beers.
Thursday - Community Night! 20% of sales for local fundraisers.
Biddeford - Open Monday - Friday 4-9pm & Saturday and Sunday 11am-9pm
Monday - Public Service Industry Night! 35% off for first responders, military, city employees, teachers, government and state workers. Please bring ID or proof of employment.
Tuesday - Tejas Taco Tuesday! $5 Tacos or 3 for $12 and $2 off Vida Ritas.
Wednesday - Wing Night! .50 cent wings and $6 rotating draft beers.
Thursday - Two Dollar Thursday! $2 Cornbread and $2 off Willie Hanks.
Visiting local restaurants in Southern Maine during the off-season offers a unique and rewarding experience. With fewer tourists around, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the region's best dining spots at a more relaxed pace, often with shorter waits and more personalized service, and great deals! The off-season also provides a chance to engage with friendly locals and savor authentic flavors without the usual summer crowds, making it the perfect time to explore the diverse culinary scene that Southern Maine has to offer.
