We are stopping in Ogunquit for a day on our way to acadia. I've heard about the Maine Diner in Wells but have seen no comments about it in the posts. Is it worth giving up eating at Hurricanes or Barnicle Billys for the Maine Diner?

The diner serves a great, hearty breakfast and is a good spot for an afternoon snack (i.e. nice piece of pie with a cup of coffee). We've never tried it for dinner and suggest you might find the other spots you mention a bit more scenic. The diner is cute, clean and busy - but not particularly cozy....they've got a pretty good gift shop next door with logo stuff and typical Maine doo dads.

We ate at a Terrific little Provencial French Restaurant that also made the BEST homemade Marguarita anywhere ...and I hardly ever drink...

Here is the link:

http://portlandme.about.com/gi/dynam...rovence.com%2F

and here are the directions:

http://portlandme.about.com/gi/dynam...rovence.com%2F

and here is the phone number:

207-646-9898, or email us at [email protected]


Barnacle Billy's is great for LOBSTER but since you are already going up the coast to Arcadia, you will actually be right near some of the best lobster....

SO for a change of pace, try this restaurant...

Also for some of the BEST LOBSTER in America:

MAINE
Five Islands Lobster Company: Route 127, Georgetown; 207-371-2990
Harraseeket Lobster: Town Landing, Freeport; 207-865-3655

I love 98Provence! Are you staying overnight in Ogunquit or just passing thru? Maine Diner does have fantastic seafood chowder,worth a stop on you way out of town!

Years ago, we were underwhelmed at Hurricaine. We have always enjoyed 98 Provence.

Because of all the raves received by Hurricaine lately, we decided to give it another try.

So, we had dinner at Hurricaine on Friday night and were overjoyed! Straight to the top of our best most recent dining experiences list.

The next night, we had dinner at 98 Provence. While it was very nice, didn't come close to Hurricaine.

For a quick meal, good food, moderate prices, the Maine Diner is excellent. Especially the lobster pie (more lobster baked with crumbs). Desserts are very good. The place is bright, often very noisy, especially when it's busy.

been to Hurricane many times and became underwhelmed too....will give it a new try due to your post! what changed and made it wonderful?

Gyppielou - we're staying overnight in Ogunquit. Eating at some pretty fancy places during our trip (Primo, Arbovine) so was looking for some place with good local food for the first night. Hurricane's sounds good to me - thanks djkbooks!

I wonder if the Hurricane in Dock Square, Kennebunkport, is improved as well? We were "underwhelmed" there...

I don't remember what we ordered at Hurricane, only that it was difficult to choose, and everything being served around us looked incredibly appealing. Our entrees were spectacular. I do remember the chocolate creme brulee. It was SO good, we returned the next night after 98 Provence for another serving!

For your lobster dinner, try the Oarweed instead of Barnacle Billy's. (It's right across the street). Have preferred it for years. Just returned from Ogunquit and the lobster was so good there I ordered the same dinner 2 nights in a row. Their seafood chowder is excellent as well. For the best lobster stew and fried clams, try Billy's (no relation to Barnacle Billy's) in Welles, a few minutes away. Happy dining, whatever your choice.

IMHO I wouldn't give up Hurricane's for the Maine Diner. I agree with elston. The best meal I've had in the area was at Hurricanes and you can't beat the location/view & service.

If you are looking for good "Home Cooking" then try the Maine Diner. What you may want to do is to have breakfast there the morning you leave for Acadia. Also don't give up on finding it, Maine Diner is just before you get to Kennebunk. On your way to Acadia stop at another great diner, Moody's on Hwy1 in Waldobore.

Here is the menu for the Maine Diner.
http://www.mainediner.com/

Key word here is Diner
They are world's apart...
what are you looking for??

You would not want to go all the way down to the Maine Diner, and then backtrack to your lodging. You might want to stop there for breakfast on your way out, however! I'd skip Hurricane and Barnicle Billy's as a bit of a "tourist trap," although Hurricane has the best view on Perkins Cove. Provence would, I concur, be a wonderful way to start your vacation! I also like the Oarweed for traditional local fare. Enjoy!

I would never describe either Hurricane or Barnacle Billy's as a "tourist trap".

Dreamer2, please explain!

I find them both highly overpriced and the service abrupt, even though we usually end up at each once a season. I know you pay for the view, and I know the waitstaff get overwhelmed, but I hate the "get 'em in, get 'em out" treatment for those prices. Perhaps they are just too popular...
I'd actually prefer a sandwich at the Blue Willow (which has even more glass and the same view at Hurricane), than Hurricane! For lobsters I'd rather go to Oar Weed than BB. And I love Provence. Just one person's preferences!

Dreamer2, thanks for the reminder about the Blue Willow. A charming little place w/excellent food at Perkins Cove that a lot of people overlook because you have to walk through a gift shop to get to it. Nice to meet another Oarweeds voter. . .