We came here after going to L.L. Bean for the day had the most amazing lobster roll with their homemade french fries and a handcrafted Margarita - it might be the best meal I've eaten in Maine in a long time. Lobster roll was as good Red's ! read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Lobster roll - homemade french fries - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

UPDATE: Literally after an hour posting this I found out they were closing their doors for good in a few days from now. :( After two huge plastic boats of fries, four pints of locally made beer/cider, tax, and a generous tip, we left Jameson Tavern having just spent around $60. Now, this might seem like a lot, but it's nearly the same price for half as much at most places in Portland right now (literally two small cocktails and one much smaller plate of fries). And the fries were GOOOOOOOOOOD. Perfectly golden on the outside, pillowy soft on the inside - if they had just been twice as thick and fried twice more, they would have been remarkably close to a true British chip! Five things: 1) Despite it seeming big, the interior of Jameson Tavern is pretty small. If you're a party of eight or ten, don't come here expecting to get seated quickly or even together (we watched this happen quite a few times). We were *very lucky* to be able to snag two seats at the bar (which is first-come, first-served and you can stay there as long as you want; great if you're the person at the bar, less great if you're a person wanting to sit at the bar). 2) The outdoor seating area might look open, but likely it's not. Ask the host. 3) The bathrooms here are smaller than the size of airplane bathrooms. 4) The history of this place is super interesting and worth noting: Essentially, it's been a bar since 1801. And it may have been where Maine leaders signed the paperwork to secede from Massachusetts in 1820 (displayed outside the building is a plaque donated by the Daughters of the American Revolution commemorating Jameson Tavern as the "Birthplace of Maine"). 5) The host was so grumpy it was initially off-putting enough that we considered leaving... but the bartender? AMAZING. I'm sorry I didn't get her name; she had glasses and a big smile. In the best way possible, she was loud, a little invasive, and a whole lot of friendly. Jackie Daytona vibes. Made everyone sitting there feel like they were somehow part of her extended family. read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Fries and pints. - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

After some retail therapy, my husband and I decided to make a stop at this historic Tabern/pub. This establishment has been in Freeport for over 100 years and this was our first time. We arrived to a full dining area but two free seats at the bar. We requested a Maine staple, Allen's and milk. Sadly, they were all out! We were striking out today in this. Well when in Jameson's why not drink a Jameson and ginger. Hubby a beer lol! Atmosphere was antique but also playful with signage. Bartender was fun and friendly recommended some food which declined but did take look. We will come back another time for lunch. Recommend for the atmosphere and by the looks of the dining room, the menu. read more

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Did my initial Yelp search to find a place with lobster rolls, and this was one of the few open during the off season. Thought I would venture out and see what I could find. This place is right next to L.L. Bean. Parking was easy as they have a lot behind the restaurant. At first I was not sure what entrance to use as it looked more like a house than a restaurant. Found the right door and walked in. The bar was lined with locals enjoying the night and good company (they were laughing and talking kind of loud I could not not hear) Nice lady came to take my order. They have a combo with chowder and a lobster roll. This seemed like a good way to go for the price as a regular roll was at market price (not sure what maker price was at the time but $30 seemed like a good price for both items). The chowder was nice and creamy. It had a good mixture of potatoes and clam chunks. It was seasoned well. That is sometimes hard to do in a restaurant because of feeding the masses and different preferences. I liked the lobster roll but realized I am partial to the Connecticut (hot butter lobster) style over the Maine (cold with mayo and lettuce) version. It was good but a bit too much mayo (and I love mayo). The roll was so big that I had to take my chowder with me back to my hotel. It was even good the next morning warmed up for breakfast. read more

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A historical tavern is a lot of fun, especially when it is over a hundred years old. This place is no exception. I had a fine lunch, and so did my companion. It was nothing special, but it was good. The service was lousy. We never got refills of our drinks and it took a half hour to get the check. The server was pretty non-existent. It was not good enough to go back, but the place is closing so that is good enough. read more

Freeport is the home of LL Bean. However it is also the home to the amazing Jameson Tavern. This is not my first meal here but is my first review. It was a Sunday afternoon and there was about a 30 minute wait for a table for two. it is a tiny restaurant of about 13 tables plus a long bar. We were seated in just about the length of time they said it would take to get a table. We ordered the haddock sandwich, which came with fries and clam chowder. We substituted the haddock chowder. We also ordered the lobster roll and a cup of lobster stew. Everything was very good but the haddock chowder. Amazing. Absolutely amazing. It had nice chunks of haddock, a creamy base, and Was outstanding. Can I rave anymore about this chowder? We loved it so much we tipped the chef! He came out to thank us. He was very gracious. read more

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We arrived in Freeport after a long day of flying to the Portland area. This is a local tavern and servers were friendly and welcoming to their obvious regular customers. The weather was perfect for sitting on the patio. It was our first time having mussels and the broth was outstanding! The rolls they brought to sop up the broth were obviously frozen/pre-made, but still good. The food was overall good. My scallops were perfectly seared, although the spinach was crammed into the bowl - it made it difficult to mix with the dressing. The lobster roll was a classic Maine lobster roll and tasted fresh. read more

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Mussel appetizers were the size of a meal portion ... I wasn't able to finish. The tomato based sauce grew on me and was pretty tasty. French dip and Cole side slaw pretty good.. portions sizes solid and coleslaw crunchy/ fresh. Staff nice. Food did take a couple minutes but was ok since we weren't in a rush to go anywhere. We came on a Saturday around late afternoon with party of 6. Chose restaurant based on the history but probably would not revisit as would want to try other places to eat in Freeport too. read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Mussels (appetizer) $20 - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

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Stopped in here for lunch while doing some shopping. It was very crowded but they happen to be two seats at the bar so we were lucky to get them. I had an espresso martini and the lunch special. The lunch special was clam chowder and a lobster roll. The clam chowder was great filled with clams. The lobster roll could've had it, but it was delicioushad a bloody Mary and chili. The chili was mild, but very good. read more

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I. Mean. Best clam chowder of my life! Clearly made with the freshest steamers possible instead of the standard little necks, which can be chewy when overcooked in the chowder. We're seriously considering going back tomorrow before we head back out of town to go home just for the chowder alone. Their nicely portioned lobster roll has officially converted me into a fan of the chilled chunk lobster "salad" variety as opposed to my standard warm with butter and toasted bun business. The fried whole belly class that came with my entree deal were legit, too! Not a greasy mess, nicely crisp, and perfect. My husband had the incredible seafood pasta with fresh muscles, enormous sea scallops, huge and tasty shrimp, and lobster. We had ordered the appetizer muscles, which were served in a tomato-garlic based sauce. They were fantastic as well! My only suggestion is to serve the muscles with a side of a bread of so we could sop up the sauce after we finished the main event. Tasting the appetizer muscles in the sauce vs the pasta muscles, just steamed, was nice and reinforced how fresh and clean they were. It's extremely rare that I have no critiques. Best birthday dinner of my life. read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Seafood pasta! - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

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Came back for drinks and apps on Saturday, not busy, ok service. Had the excellent clam chowder again and that itself is like a meal. And the mussels appetizer, OMG. Out of this world, lots of tomatoes and garlic in white wine sauce, I could drink the broth, finished it off with a warm bread, sent me to heaven. Market price was $19.99, pricey but worth it. read more

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I wanted to see this historical restaurant for myself! It's a loud, small place with inside and outside seating. Came in on a busy Sunday and ordered: clam chowder: tasted homemade with wonderful seasoning but tasted as if the flour hadn't been completely cooked out yet, average amount of clams baked stuffed haddock: classic flakey fish with a crumb filling of shrimp and other goodies in there served alongside steamed broccoli and fingerling potatoes, standard dish but the sides were a little underwhelming crab roll with coleslaw: big chunks of crab on a toasted roll, didn't need the lettuce and the coleslaw was overly sour and overspiced Overall, it was fun to look around at all the historical decor and enjoy some classic Maine fare in Freeport. read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - crab roll and coleslaw, cup of clam chowder in the back - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

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Welcome To The Birthplace of Maine Built in 1779, Jameson Tavern was initially built for a local doctor. Later, it was bought by Captain Samuel Jameson who converted it into a tavern. In 1820, commissioners met at the tavern to sign the papers that officially created the state of Maine by separating it from Massachusetts. Maine had to pay Massachusetts $180,000 to function as an independent state. Today, Jameson Tavern is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner after shopping at L.L.Bean. The lobster roll and clam chowder special is a great deal at $25. The Maine lobster roll is a cold roll filled with chunks of lobster and Mayo. The chowder is full of seafood. The haddock sandwich was so good. Crispy on the outside and a large piece of fresh fish. Served with cole slaw, it was a delicious choice for dinner. Add a bowl of haddock chowder. It is so creamy with large chunks of haddock. One of the best that we had in Maine. Inside or outside seating are available. Parking lot is behind the old tavern. Perfect dinner after a long day of shopping. read more

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Lobster stew and onion rings were selected for this evening. They were both good but nothing outstanding. Service was slow. Ambiance was typical bar. read more

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When we went to Freeport to check out LL Bean, I found this gem on Yelp. Glad I did and that we were able to check it out. My colleague, husband and I went for lunch. We all really enjoyed it. They both had the French Dip and loved it. My husband is a plain Jane and doesn't like anything but meat and bun. Because of that, he knows if the meat is quality meat or not. He said the meat was very good. He and my colleague really liked the au jus sauce. I also liked the combo lobster roll and clam chowder. It was a really good deal at $25. Other lobster rolls other places were running $25 for teeny tiny lobster rolls that were appetizer size. This one was good size and really good. It was ME style which is cold with mayo. I typically like them CT style which is warm with butter. This one was really good. The lobster was huge and flavorful. The clam chowder was really good too. It was very flavorful, thick and had big chunks of clams. The waitress was nice and attentive. She kept coming back to check on us. That's always a nice touch. I hate places with bad service. Definitely come check it out. It's also cool that this is the site where ME separated from MA. read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Clam chowder that was flavorful, thick with big chunks of clams. So good! - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

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Long wait (45-50 mins.) due to cozy dining area and short staffed kitchen I was told. Popular place very close to the LL Bean flagship campus/stores/park and opposite the Freeport Outlets. The wait was rewarded by good seating, service, and food. But because they close in the early afternoon (2 pm) on Sundays, the steamed lobster I ordered was not available. What was available was "picked" lobster - which is lobster picked by the staff from inside lobster shells (my guess is from smaller and "defective" (missing a claw, etc.) lobsters, but the price is the same as the steamed, shelled version you get to take the meat out of yourself. I saw the picked lobster another person got and it seemed about 1/3 less than the volume of meat I'm used to seeing that comes from a 1.25 lb. Lobster you get to pick apart yourself. I had the mussels appetizer with tomato sauce instead of the saute with garlic, hers, etc. as I need to eat healthy. There was a little uncertainty from the server about the tomato versus saute sauce and an an attempt to tell me the saute was wine based. But I'm pretty sure a saute almost always includes at least some oil. I just asked we keep things simple but using the same tomato sauce they use for the kids pasta dishes as the sauce for my mussels, I wasn't asking for anything complicated. They agreed. The alternative was I'd leave and my friend as well, and eat elsewhere. Customers should never pay a restaurant to force the customer to have it the restaurant's way or nothing when it comes to eating healthy since the restaurants aren't at the hospital bedside or paying medical bills when customers have medical issues brought on by years of being fed otherwise healthy food but made unhealthy by a restaurant preparation. If more people expressed their desire for healthier choices, restaurants would provide them. Most are reasonable and aim to please, just ask. My friend had the fried whole belly clams, clam chowder and coleslaw and liked them. The coleslaw was better than the place across the street I reviewed and the clam chowder wasn't as good as another place we ate at on another day. The server's willingness to work with my mussels and tomato sauce request took her for a loop initially and she needed to consult the kitchen but ultimately ended in a positive dning experience, with the exception of having the feeling of having to rush because they stopped seating people just after we sat down to eat, thus the cleaning up and them doing the work need to close went on as we ate, so we felt rushed but they didn't say anything to us about leaving. Overall, I recommend this place. But not sure I'd wait so long (and almost never do beyond 20 minutes) to eat there (or anywhere), as other choices exist in the area. read more

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Really nice ambiance-went on a Sunday in April so it wasn't super busy-able to be seated as soon as we walked in. Food is good, I'm sure it's even tastier during summer. Waitstaff was attentive and helpful, table was clean when we sat down. The Clam Chowder bowl was very good and fresh. We also liked the fried clams; my wife said the Lobster roll was good too. We shared the 3 seafood platter (I think it was called Tre-something) it's all market prices -we felt like it was worth the money and we definitely had tons of leftovers. Overall would recommend checking this place out read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Tre-seafood plate - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

Let me start out by saying we are local and have been going to Jameson's for 15 plus years. However, last week was our last and final time. They've always had ok food, known for their nachos, but over the last couple of years that has even gone downhill. With that being said, we would continue to return and sit at the bar and receive excellent service from either K.K or Charlene. That all changed last week. First, upon sitting at the bar, we were not greeted with a usual smile (different bartender but someone who has been at Jameson's awhile (so not a rookie) she did not appear to be overly busy or happy to be waiting on us). We ordered our drinks, and it felt like we had put her out. At that time, I mentioned to my husband that had we not been meeting another couple there, we would have had our one drink and left. Our friends arrived, we were seated at a table, had dinner and when we got our bill I noticed I was charged for two margaritas (I only had one- it was not worth having another), no big deal, the waitress took it off the check. I asked about the happy hour, and was reminded that they did not do happy hour during the summer- ok, I forgot about that, but again, no big deal. Big deal- the couple we were with received happy hour prices on their drinks. For the same margarita I was charged $8.50 for, our friends were charged $5.00. I asked about this and the only response from the waitress was, "They were grandfathered in." Hmmmm.....let me say again, we have been going to Jameson's for 15 plus years, long before this couple even moved into town, about 5 years ago. So, if you want mediocre food, crappy service, and to be charged extra for your drinks, then Jameson's is the place for you. Honestly, you are better off driving 20 more minutes and heading into Portland. read more

I feel like this is a tourist trap. The outside doesn't match the decor of the inside. The food for price is terrible. With the fish and shrimp basket you get tiny popcorn size shrimp and very dry cubed up fish. The onion rings were soggy and the lobster stew was just lobster cooked in milk. The server was friendly but we did not get much service. My glass stayed half empty. Overall, I would not come back. read more

Great and welcoming staff. Good food selections too. Variety of draft beers was also terrific. Pub atmosphere. read more

We came here for dinner and we were not disappointed! They had gf fried items in a dedicated gf fryer. My husband has celiacs so he's real sensitive to cross contamination and had zero issues with the gf fried seafood. It was delicious! I had the fried haddock and chips and everything was cooked to perfection. Fries were thick and well seasoned. Our waitress was able to assure us our food was in fact gf and was knowledgeable about celiacs. Place was packed, not a lot of room around tables and loud and it took a while to get drinks from the bar but if that's our only complaint, I think they're doing alright. read more

Long day in the car on this Saturday with a planned overnight in Freeport. We headed over to Jameson Tavern for dinner at about 7:00 PM. It's a welcoming location. One large room that can get loud at times. That's what a tavern is :-). We started with a couple local beers and the calamari and shrimp appetizer which came with tarter and cocktail sauce. Solid. For my main I ordered the seafood scampi which was comprised of mussels, scallops, shrimp, and some lobster over pasta in a scampi sauce. The mussels, shrimp, and scallops were cooked perfectly. The pasta was a bit mushy, and the lobster a bit tough. I can understand this as we were pretty close to closing time. I'd definitely go back!! read more

This restaurant is located right next to LL Bean, so I think we were lucky to get a parking spot. In mid-October, they had indoor and outdoor dining but were doing very well keeping Covid safe gaps between the tables. The tavern looks older, the furnishings inside are done in wood. The bathrooms are a little small but clean. The food was very good, and served in a reasonable time. The fried shrimp, which is one of the few seafood items not at market price, tasted fresh and crispy. read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

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After a fun day of shopping in Freeport, a visit to Jameson Tavern seem appropriate. So, off we went. Located just next to LLBean, you can easily park and walk to JTR. What a fun place. Varied seating at the bar, high tops and of course table service. They offer the usual pub fare, but more than usual taste. I was not looking for a large meal and decided to go with the seafood chowder. Combined with my beer, it was a perfect afternoon. The staff was very friendly and the space is perfect for a couple to chat, or for a group to hang out and relax. My friend and I had a great afternoon and look forward to stopping by JT's again. That seafood chowder was pretty awesome. Thanks read more

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We discovered Jameson Tavern while strolling through Freeport on a blazing hot Saturday afternoon. The Fisherman's Platter and Caesar Salad were outstanding and priced right. read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Fisherman's Platter - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

What a beautiful night - kk at the bar was amazing - New England chowder hands down the BEST I have ever had - so sad to hear they will be closing in a few weeks - get her if you can read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

Took them to 5 stars. Service is fantastic, and the food is great. The lobster stew is fantastic with a good amount of lobster in it. Everyone in my family enjoyed their meal in late July 2021. Seating was quick and they made us as comfortable as they could while it down poured. Our waitress was very attentive and sweet! read more

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It's hard to get a '5 star' out of me, but this pub came close. The service was wonderful and the food was hot, fresh, and good. Granted, we only stoped in for a quick bit of appetizer food, but it was still a great experience after shopping at LL Bean's. read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Front entrance - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

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Delicious! 100% recommend the lunch special of clam chowder and the lobster rolls when we went it was 20.00 something $ but with the price the clam chowder especially was amazing! Servers were super nice and got seated right away for the lunch hour! Patio is dog friendly! read more

We've been trying to get here for a couple of years and every time we come there is always a fairly long wait. Today was no different as we were told the wait would be 25 to 30 minutes. Right after I was added to the wait list, 2 seats opened at the bar! The place is smaller and not nearly as fancy as I was expecting. And, considering that, I was a tad surprised at how much a beer was. But the food was spot on! I am pretty picky about my fried clams and these were excellent. Perfectly cooked and plenty of them. My date had the blackened salmon with Cesar salad and loved! The food was fairly priced and I could have easily gone with 5 stars if not for the beer prices. read more

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Lots of menu options prices were very affordable, and the services was quick, great place to celebrate

We came to Maine for the seafood! They did not disappoint! Loved the Freeport vibe and the Tavern vibe! Great service and time and money well spent! read more

Dropped in for a quick drink at 'The birthplace of Maine' We went to the bar and was warmly greeted by the bar tender - KK and the locals seated at the bar. Drinks were bountiful and plenty. It felt warm with a great, fun environment. KK was fun. The people were entertaining. If in the area, drop in for a drink at least at one of the most historical spots in Maine. read more

Very cool, local place that came recommended. For gluten-free, server, Erin, was awesome! She knew exactly what and how to order. The baked scallops were absolutely amazing!! And they have cider on tap! Atmosphere is very local feeling. Would definitely come back! Smaller ocal place, so would recommend calling during peak times. read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

Had lunch midweek and it was so bad. I have eaten here 4 times ,but always in the summer. Lobster required a steak knife, and was flavorless, ice cold. Took a friend for lunch and I was embarrassed. Please step it up at the Tavern. read more

Really good bar style restaurant right in the heart of Freeport - our server was so friendly and answered all my questions. I ended up trying the lobster stew and it was sooo good. I also got a side salad with their parm dressing and it was yummy and a pretty good portion for a side. Jameson Tavern hit the spot on a colder day going in and out of shops - definitely recommend. read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Lobster stew (bowl) and side salad - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

We had a party of 8, had a variety of dishes, most seafood, and everything was very good. I had the lobster roll and clam chowder. Best lobster roll I'd had on our 3 week visit to ME. I also tried the fish chowder and crab cakes that were equally impressive. I don't mind paying a little more then the quality of the food is so good. The wait staff was very attentive and personable. read more

Ate here while traveling for work recently. The waitress was very friendly and accomodating. I was a bit disappointed to learn from her that they had discontinued their gluten free batter option for fried seafood dishes ( it still was indicated on the menu?) So, I settled on seared scallop dinner with brocollis and roasted fingerling potatoes. The sea scallops were delicious and perfectly cooked. The brocolli was cooked through but cold and the potatoes were just ok. The atmosphere of this place on the backside street of LL Bean complex was rather dated and dull without any real charm, and the seating itself wasn't very comfortable. For $30+ spent with tip and no drink I've done better than this place! read more

Husband and I had a great experience there. At first we had an hour wait for a table but went to the bar for a sting a couple of people left and we ended eating at the bar. KK at he bar tender is wonderful. Very personal, friendly and funny. Husband had a stuffed lobster that he said was very good and tasty and nice size. I had Baked Haddock that was very good also. To finish off the night I had an expresso martini- very tasty. Would recommend and go back there when in Freeport. read more

Jameson Tavern Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Freeport, Maine

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Very sweet and fun place!! Big fan of the food. Super popping and busy place but the service is SO fast it blows my mind!