I'm a vacationer who has been coming to this area in Maine for a while and who has enjoyed many meals here, but today's meal is the last for us at Anna's. Everything from the food to the service was not just disappointing, it was offensive. They close at 4, we got there at 3:30 and were rushed the entire time. We ate outside. We asked for umbrellas for the picnic tables but they wouldn't provide them because they had already put them away as part of their closing chores. The teenagers were pushy about collecting our trays and were clearly motivated to leave by 4:00. The scallops were disappointing. They were flavorless and tough. The real reason for this review though was Anna herself. I'm still in shock at the way we were treated. She inappropriately yelled at my child for climbing on some maritime object. She embarrassed her and crushed her in front of everyone. It's a greasy spoon, family friendly restaurant with open fields where kids play. Kids make mistakes. And we tell our kids when they're making mistakes. But if an owner has items so precious to her, she could put up signs, fence things off, or just not leave them out in the open. She also could communicate her needs to people, including children, respectfully. But she didn't. I spoke with Anna privately at the end of the night saying she didn't have to scorn my child. She could have spoken to me or communicated without shaming her but she double-downed on her offensiveness, aggressively continuing to insult my child to my face. She behaved as if she was looking for a fight and needed a target to unleash her aggression on. In any event, as long as Anna is running Anna's restaurant, we will never return and I told her that. I don't think she will mind, she seemed to not want our business from the moment we got out of our cars today. I've just never experienced such ugly behavior before. She should be ashamed of herself. Maybe she's unwell and needs emotional and mental support. Tonight I'll pray that God gives her some grace and hopefully she can find some peace so she won't have to take out her aggression on her guests' children. read more

Look inside and see how dirty this place is. Look at all the dust. The door is always open or windows. This place has a wicked lot of flies. Way overpriced. Too many other options to choose from to go here. Lobster House, Gurnets, Spinneys, Winnegance are all way better than here. Crappy seating, just not worth it.......... Finally........ The SMALLEST lobster roll you will ever see. This was not in a hot dog roll. It was the tiniest "finger sandwich " roll. My friend had literally 3 bites and done. Haddock sandwich is TINY as well. You need to eat two to get one serving. Lady that runs the place has such a typical "angry at the world and men" New England attitude that a vast majority of woman have in New England. The angry not-so-good looking- overweight-not a lesbian but acts like one -weird atypical attitude you can find anywhere from Boston to Maine. Just terrible people to be around, very unhappy. Put the cigarette down and go for walk or get some therapy you unhappy ladies. Rip off Tourist Trap. Never going again unless it's for a canned beer or canned cocktail to sit and enjoy the view. read more

Was really excited to try this place, especially considering the beautiful location and minimal weekly operation hours. I figured that must mean they were highly selective with the menu and had a limited quantity of fresh seafood- boy was I wrong. We came and half the staff were inattentive and on their phones. We ordered our food and sat down. One person in our party ordered the Baked/Stuffed Seafood special, which was utterly repulsive. It was listed as "seafood over a bed of crab cakes with Parmesan drizzle". In reality, it was a mess of miscellaneous seafood in a cream soup broiled and served in a small aluminum casserole dish (no crab cakes, btw.). I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich, it was wet and a chunk of cartilage came off in my mouth. To their credit, the French fries were delicious!! But that was all. Atmosphere was fun and extremely charming, so I don't want to discredit their business entirely- but menu needs serious work I believe with some menu and staff reworking, this could be a fantastic coastal spot! At the moment though, I would absolutely not come back. PS- The potty was clean. That's always a plus. read more

This place is a hidden gem. Lobster for $22.00 cooked perfect. Wine for $30 a bottle. OMG I wish this place was near Chicago. My best lobster place ever!!!! read more

Anna's Water's Edge Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Phippsburg, Maine

The staff was far from friendly. The food was expensive (over 60.00 for 2sandwiches and drinks). We probably waited 45 minutes for our order and the filling for the sandwiches was minimal (rolls were half filled). On the upside, the food tasted good and the ocean view was nice. read more

We ate here after a sightseeing day. Although it was very hot outside, the table we chose by the water had an umbrella to provide some shade, so it was pleasant. My husband and I both had baked stuffed haddock with salads and small boiled red potatoes for our meals, and they were yummy. The stuffing with the cheese sauce was so good that we also dipped our potatoes in it to flavor them. For our dessert (both homemade) he had blueberry pie and I had raspberry crisp, delicious, both. A perfect end to a lovely day. We will certainly come back to Anna's. (Our doggie also loved his bites of our fish!) read more

This is a favorite summer dining spot for locals and folks from away. Fresh seafood is the best. Love their fried clams and coleslaw. Live the blueberry crisp dessert. I wish they were open year round! read more

Our first indoor dining experience since the pandemic was at Anna's. We felt very comfortable and the food and service was top notch. A quaint water side retreat not to be passed by! read more

Anna's Water's Edge Restaurant - $15 lobster dinner - Seafood Near Me - Phippsburg, Maine

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All very good!! The process of ordering, the prompt delivery, the food and drinks! All very good! See you next year!!

Extremely rare gem. The food was hot fresh and served with such a gracious smile. The lobster was delightful as was the coleslaw. When I arrived on Saturday I noticed all the vehicles had a spot of rust and local tags, I knew I was in for a real Maine feast. It looked like my people, no shoes and shirts, felt like a touch of Tennessee! I truly hope I have the opportunity to nosh there again. Thank you for such an amazing dinner. read more

Awesome spot by the water with a beautiful view and lots of picnic tables. Menu is classic seafood shack with a good variety of both fried and non fried seafood Everything our group tried was very solid. read more

We've been going in there for years, because the views are gorgeous, and there isn't much else in town. The wait to get in, isn't usually bad, but the wait for your food is consistently long (45-1 hr+, at dinner time, and no bar or waiting area). We'll only order the burger/chips baskets, because the other food isn't good. The tables are always wet from the old rags they clean them with, and the place could use a good (thorough) cleaning, at least once a year! We don't recommend the seafood, because it always has that, "previously frozen" taste and consistency. [For the price, and with ALL the availability of fresh seafood in town, there's really no excuse for that!] The lobsters are 1 size, and so small, that I seriously question if they're even legal (I'd say 1 lb or less), and the lobster rolls are extremely small! (They try to deceive you, by filling the bun with lettuce first ). As mentioned above, the burgers are the only thing we'll get, and you pay extra for cheese. Don't get the onion rings or french fries though. (They're the cheap, frozen kind, and VERY greasy) As a matter of fact, we recommend that you avoid ALL the fried food there. Their oil is never hot enough, so the food is consistently, very, VERY greasy. We met an old friend there, a week or so ago, and he was squeezing the grease out of his food! Nasty!! (We warned him.) So, we give them one star, for the ok burgers and views, and because the wait staff is very nice. [Note: It's a shame that they're just a tourist trap. We keep hoping that they'll sell the place, and someone who has pride, ethics, cares about quality, and knows how to cook, will buy it. The place could be a gold mine, but the owners only care about getting the tourist money, so they can live out of state, the rest of the year. ] read more

Anna Varian prepares outstanding, authentic Maine seafood dinners in an unpretentious setting at, well, the Water's Edge. Four of us dined, and our selections ran the gamut of the menu. Anna and her staff go out of their way to create the authentic down-east experience. Out of the way, but in a very picturesque setting. You cannot go wrong at the Water's Edge. Call first though, as operations are seasonal and hours may vary. read more

This is another one of those places we have been going to for years and are finally getting around to writing about it. It is not a secret but it is a gem of a location. Off the beaten track in the odd village tract known as Sebasco Estates (part of Phippsburg but their own zip and P.O.) is this rustic summer restaurant/pound with tables by the water of a wonderful cove with kayak put in and a sordid and sad Maine history. The story of Malaga Island is on the wall of the restaurant and worth learning about. They have the usual lobster/seafood fare and I have never had a bad meal or bad service. The only downside is that the lobsters are one size fits all (a small 1 1/4# usually); however, the meal includes sides and bread. There are usually good brews available and there is a sometimes open wharf building with junk for sale. Anna's is definitely worth the trip. And while it can be a bit hard to park, I have never seen it as packed as 5 Islands. It has a somewhat more serene setting and a sunset, too! read more

Anna's Water's Edge Restaurant - a dog sitting at a table with lobsters and beer - Seafood Near Me - Phippsburg, Maine

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You order at the counter and pick a spot either outside on picnic tables or inside in a rustic simple dining room. The staff is friendly and efficient. Their post-Covid plan seems to be working. Steamed lobster was sweet and delicious as were the steamers, fried clams and clam chowder. I have eaten there twice in the last 7 days and was not disappointed. It is also located in one of the most picturesque spots for any restaurant anywhere. Leave your attitude at the door and enjoy a rare dining experience. read more

What a great find! The staff was so friendly and it was the best lobster roll I've had no mayo just pure lobster meat! Great price and the view was incredible! They had a cute thrift shop just below the restaurant with amazing deals! Really great find! read more

Anna's Water's Edge Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Phippsburg, Maine

My son's and I decided to sit outside at the picnic tables so we could enjoy the scenery, which is beautiful. We ordered a fish sandwich, lobster roll, chicken sandwich, and kids meal of chicken nuggets. The food was very average, the prices on the high end. The fried chicken tasted like fish, as did the French fries. I think for all four meals, with drinks, it was around $65. The service was friendly though. I'd go again, maybe, but would probably try their true entrees, and sit inside. read more

Anna's had fresh seafood, decent prices, and friendly staff. She also has an adorable, lobster-venturing black lab who loves to keep patrons company! This became our go-to during our stay in Sebasco Harbor. If you're in the area, be sure to check this place out. read more

Anna's Water's Edge Restaurant - a lobster sandwich and fries - Seafood Near Me - Phippsburg, Maine

This was an amazing and unpretentious dining experience. Their food is done fresh without fillers. I got the lobster roll and it was really good. The staff was nice and friendly. The restaurant does recommend paying cash. They post signs stating to pay cash in fact. Although they have a sign at the door for credit cards. I suggest eating outdoors if you can. They have an amazing view. read more

Don't even think about eating here if you have a gluten allergy. Despite being told, over the phone, they could accommodate my friend's allergy - we got there and they were rude and rather hostile about serving her. As a matter of fact they just shut the "to-go" window in her face leaving her standing there feeling pretty embarrassed about the whole thing. We found plenty of other places nearby on the Maine coast - with great food (and views) that managed to be civil in treating potential customers with food allergies. If you can't or don't want to accommodate someone with a food allergy - just say it clearly and respectfully. No need to be so freakin abrupt and hostile. read more

We have lived in Maine for 10 years now and have eaten at the majority of the restaurants up and down the coast. Anna's Waters Edge is one of the BEST scallop houses in the entire state hands down! Not to mention their homemade deserts for a great price. We can't wait for them to open every year around Memorial day and look forward to going to this authentic old restaurant with years of history behind it. it used to be the original clam house and freezer. Anna's is on our top 3 list. Best scallops ever eaten anywhere in Maine and plenty of them. If you're looking for Ritz atmosphere with chandeliers and fine carpets, waiters in tuxedos, go somewhere else! Everyone in Maine knows how awesome this place really is. We love Anna's Waters Edge. read more

The food here is not good. This restaurant has a very cute cozy atmosphere but the food will deceive you. The soups taste like they come out of a can (I bet they do) and not one thing tastes fresh, I'm not sure how they do that with the seafood! There seems to be absolutely no effort put into taste and cuisine. There is nothing authentic about this place. I got fried shrimp that had no flavor and was over-fried and not local. The crab-dip special, had practically no crab in it and tasted like watery mayonnaise. My wife and I were very sad to have such a bad experience. It felt like one of those places where the owners just didn't care anymore. What a pitty. This restaurant is right on the water front and could be amazing. Seafood should be fresh and simple in such a prime location like this. read more

We went on a family vacation & rented a cottage just down the road from Anna's Waters Edge Restaurant. What a nice area! Anna's is pretty casual. My husband & I ate here with our young nephew & there were several other small children also there for dinner. (phew, understanding people if things get a little loud at our table!) Jasper had a hot dog & french fries. He seemed happy with his dinner. (There were several options for the wee ones.) I had pan fried haddock with the sauteed vegetables of the day. The fish was perfectly done--cooked, but tender & juicy. The vegetables were great--fresh, not overcooked. I would have given Anna's 5 stars, but my husband was less enthusiastic with his dinner. He ordered a lobster roll. The bread was not special & then dry-toasted without any butter. The lobster meat was not as sweet & tender as one would hope. He would have given the roll 3 stars. No time for dessert--Jasper was ready to go! So we went outside, where there were TRUCKS & sand! What could be better? Lots of other kids playing with trucks & sand, that's what. We couldn't leave until it started to rain. I would definitely go back & hopefully try dessert! read more

One of the highlights of our trip to Maine! We stumbled upon this gem driving around trying to escape the rain while camping. Anna was a trooper as we walked in 10 minutes passed closing and welcomed us with a smile! Everything we had was absolutely delicious! -haddock chowder -lobster stew - so much delicious parts of the lobster! -fried clams -fried shrimp -veggie soup -whiskey hot toddy, Irish coffee They even have good coleslaw (you know they have good food if they get coleslaw right!) Highly recommend!!!!! Thanks Anna, we'll be back! read more

This is a sentimental favorite of mine. My family goes here on the last night of vacation every year and it's always just an unparalleled dining experience on all counts. The service is quick and friendly, the food is amazing, from the funky house salads to the fried seafood platter to the fresh fish (I usually get the catch of the day, which one year led to the best just-off-the-boat salmon I ever had in my life). There's something for everyone on the menu. It's as casual as you please (shorts and flip-flops? no problem) and the view is as delicious as the food. Definitely leave room for dessert. Water's Edge is a gem, for sure worth an excursion off the beaten path. read more

The lobster roll quest continues at Anna's. It was a solid B+ for the roll itself. I knocked off points for size, lettuce, unbuttered roll (just dry toasted?) and meat sweetness, or lack thereof. . Otherwise good chunks and decent mayo to lobster ratio. Anna's is a perfectly fair value with a lobster roll at $12.95 and crab roll at $11.95- the crab roll is a little steep. (mid Summer '08) The place is off the beaten path just north of Sebago Estates. It is a pretty little spot with picnic tables at the edge of a small working harbor. There is dining within for bug free dinnners with wait staff. They have a solid beer list and more sophisticated fare for dinner including scallops broiled with a "splash of white wine." http://www.thewatersedgerestaurant.com/menu.html Despite other reviews, my burger was tasty, but not world class. When departing, take a left instead of a right (don't head back to Sebasco Resort) until you get to the dead end sign, then go right. After a quarter mile you will be confronted with an ominous sign about road closures and then dirt. Take the dirt road and whenever faced with a fork, stay to the left. This will take you back to New Meadows Road along the water and you will pass The Basin- a cool liitle cove with nobody around. If you are a kayaker, this is a great place to put in. read more

Anna's Water's Edge Restaurant - the roll - Seafood Near Me - Phippsburg, Maine

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This was worth the drive off the beaten path. It isn't anything fancy but it has a comfortable vibe and cool views. A lot of texture with the lobster and clamming apparatuses about the property. The staff is friendly. You need not wait to be seated. You sorta just make yourself at home. Really glad we went. read more

Anna's Water's Edge Restaurant - a row of lobsters and buoys - Seafood Near Me - Phippsburg, Maine

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Off the beaten path with a sense of history and great simple seafood. Perfect complement to a day at popham beach. Lobster rolls were fairly priced, great scenery, and even room for kids to run around outside. Great place if you don't care for glossy marketing and decor and looking for friendly service and food that is straight to the point. read more

The fried seafood baskets were good. Not really my thing but fun while on vacation in Maine. This place is all about the scenery. Go on a sunny day, get a basket of fried haddock or scallops and a beer, sit outside, and relax. The water, the boats, the tall pines. There's a sandbox for the kids. Just beautiful. read more

Anna's Water's Edge Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Phippsburg, Maine

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SKIP THIS PLACE. Terrible service. Entrees took an hour and fifteen minutes after we were seated with no appetizers. Half of the entrees were not eaten due to horrible taste. Rice was box mix that tasted exactly like Near East brand wild rice blend. Shabby, dirty, restaurant with tables and chairs in poor repair. Add to that poor service and beverages served in cafeteria style tumblers....ugh. No refills offered, no inquiry as to how our meals were, and requests for drinks or napkins were handled with irritation. Parking was a nightmare. The view does not make up for paying way too much for the poor food and experience. read more

Ugh! Someone convinced me to go back again, for the views. (Had bad food in the past) What a rip off. It's a tourist trap, for sure! Example: The lobster rolls are really small. It's a *small toasted hotdog roll with about 2 tbs if meat. [There were 2 tiny pieces of tail, a piece of a claw (the end with the slimey point), and mostly random meat.]. It had about a teaspoon of shredded lettuce, and comes with a sm bag of chips and about a 1/4 cup of coleslaw. The cost was $18! It was an added $4 for a small handful of cold fries, giving me a grand total of $22, plus my soda (of which they charge for refills). The lobster meat quality wasn't even good (didn't taste fresh, like I expect on the coast of ME (probably frozen). Let's just say that the lobster rolls at "McDs," if you haven't tried them, is about 3 times bigger. You get 2 full claws and tail meat. It's much better tasting, and only cost $8! ( I know! I eat them all the time now.). My husband got the fried clams at Anna's, the last time, and had to send them back. The oil is *never* hot enough there, so their fried food's always greasey. We may go again for a burger and a beer (because of the stunning views). If it weren't for them (the views), I'm certain no one would go back. Positives: The servers are really nice, and the burgers are small, but tasty (you'll have to pay extra for the fries though, so it adds up!). read more

Great fresh seafood! Friendly wait staff and owner. You can dine inside, out in the deck or close to the water on the picnic tables. The great Maine experience!! We loved it! read more

Made reservations for party of six and all of us were very happy with our meals .I had a fried scallop dinner and was amazed at the size of the scallops .Had a hard time finishing everything. Service was great and the atmosphere I thought represented an old style summer lobster shack. We will definitely be back. read more

Funky seafood shack right on the water's edge. Good for what it is--the fish and chips basket had yummy, very fresh fish chunks and great coleslaw. The grilled chicken was well cooked if plain. Staff at the takeout window was friendly and helpful. If you don't expect waitress service at the takeout window, enjoy reasonable prices and amazing views. The outdoor picnic tables are literally on the ocean. We also liked the self-service gift shop. Would go inside for table service if the weather wasn't great, but the Maine scenery is best from the water's edge. A gem. read more

Anna's Water's Edge Restaurant - View from the take out window - Seafood Near Me - Phippsburg, Maine

Some people feel that good food isn't worth traveling for. This place would probably change your mind. It's set back in the country, right on the water as the name suggests. It has a distinct Maine "country meets ocean" feel. Pulling around the dirt driveway to the back side of building where the main entrance is, you come upon the bay view, which sprawls out endlessly, only interrupted by the tree lines and fishing boats floating out to sea. There are a bunch of picnic tables with umbrellas sitting on the grass so you can sit and eat your dinner right on the water. There are also tables outside on the deck. Inside is quaint and casual. There are pictures and fishing gear all over the walls, almost in cluttered fashion but it just works. There were real fishermen in there sharing stories of the days work over dinner with their families. All in all the setting is perfect for a seafood dinner. The food was phenomenal. I had easy lobster and scallops and clam chowder, and my girlfriend had crab cakes w/ lobster newburg. We shared our dishes and we were both astonished at the quality of the food. You could taste the freshness in everything. It really tasted like it was right off the boat. There were a lot of people there when we went to dinner, but I think most of them were locals. There was a quietness in the dining room that can only be achieved when an entire room full of people are stuffing themselves to the gills on great food. They even had a few great microbrews available. The service was attentive without being annoying, and you had a view right into the kitchen to see the hardworking people preparing your food. I'd give this place an extra star if I could, just because there is something special about places like this in a world full of TGI Fridays and Outback steakhouses. Oh, and I'll just pass a tip to anyone who uses a garmin. Specifically the c330. If you use it to get home from the restaurant and you don't have unpaved roads checked in the avoidance menu, make sure you don't miss your turn. The next turn the gps will take you on is a long unpaved road through the woods. It was an entertaining detour... read more

Been here a few times, and it's inconsistent. Laid back seafood shack, with some outdoor seating (picnic tables). Nice vibe for a place that's mostly tourists. Friendly service, most of the time. Food is okay, nothing unique or inspiring, but good, most of the time. Tremendous view, one of the prettiest restaurant locations around. All the time! read more

Stopped here after a day at Popham beach. Being from Maine, I am immune to the quaintness of the typical Maine scenery and ambiance...that is the only thing that Anna's has going for it. The food was just okay, nothing special and certainly not worth another trip. That being said the service was great and it looked like a nice family business. read more

A very nice sea food place right on the water. More upscale than say, a lobster pound, but not fancy. The clam chowder is good and the crab dip was outstanding, the wine list disappointing, and skip the hamburger ( I didn't, trust me). Not as touristy as many places, in fact it's pretty isolated. Reasonably priced, and worth the trip. read more

It's a bit out of the way, but so worth it. The food here is always terrific, the waitresses ( a rather piratical bunch of local girls) are always efficient and entertaining, and the view is a slice of heaven. While the food is top-notch, the atmosphere is casual and homey. Worth the drive! read more

My hands-down favorite restaurant in Maine! I've been coming here for years and never been disappointed. Waters Edge is casual, non-pretentious, and all about the food. It has a log-cabin like interior is decorated with lobster traps, buoys, and other fishing accoutrements. The lobster stew and lobster roll are absolutely to die for. Save room for dessert too, because the homemade pies are just as good. Aside from the fantastic food, you'll be treated to a scenic view of the rocky shore. read more