I dined on August 14, 2025; server: Tandi. I am not usually one to do this, but I have now worked in the service industry for a long time. One only comes for the view which is--honestly--not work a $50 entree. Lights were very bright and chairs dig into your spine. This was by far the worst service I have ever had. The food took 51 minutes only to be served undercooked carrots and overcooked pheasant truly tasting like fried chicken. Lamb was good, but some chops cooked past medium, some still raw (ordered MR). Bread was stale. Furthermore, I waited over 20 minutes just for a refill on water because our server was nowhere to be found. The manager never spoke to us or apologized. Any restaurant I worked at would have offered a free dessert and/or comped apps. For a place to be promoting such 'prestige' likeness, the restaurant is absolutely awful. read more

Let me start by saying that I'm being generous with four stars, based on the obvious effort that the restaurant puts into the experience. This could be even better - maybe even a spectacular experience - if they had a floor manager or Maitre'D with experience running the show. 88 has a pretty interior, both relaxing and quiet. It has a definite upscale casual elegance. My first big impression: they desperately need a sommelier or at least a head server versed in wine. We ordered a bottle of champagne and they brought it out, opened it, and served us warm champagne; if the bottle was warm, why even open it? Now I'm losing the bubbles for the 30 plus minutes it took to get cold in ice (and at first it was too much water and not enough ice, so it didn't chill until we asked them to replace the water with actual ice). It wasn't even cold until after we were done with our oysters, amuse, and salad. Other times, once it was cold, the waitress would come over, but not pour us more champagne - despite our glasses obviously low or empty. I understand people are starving in the world, but that doesn't change the fact that in a decent place they should train the staff on wine handling and etiquette. The big issue there is that the servers are very young; need at least a couple of "grown ups" in the place. (A "grown up" is someone over 35). As for the food, it was well made and tasty. Scallops appetizer had three large scallops, which were perfectly cooked, but a tad under-flavored; the pink peppercorn sauce was delicious, but it almost needed more. Raw oysters (5) from Glidden Point (down the road) were clean and cold and local. 88 gets big points for the thoughtful, nice touches - a free glass of champagne to start; an amuse bouche (it was a chilled melon-cucumber spoon tonight); warm cheddar biscuits; and a parting gift. For main courses, we had the chicken breast stuffed with arugula cranberry stuffing and a side of risotto - it was high quality chicken and it super flavorful, served sliced. The "stuffing" was obviously fresh and made with high quality ingredients. We also enjoyed The sliced, rare tuna, which I believe was maple glazed - served over a bed of wild rice. The chef perfectly seared it, and this was clearly high quality tuna. Very tasty, and a generous portion. Overall, we enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and lovely view; with additional management and training, this could really be a top notch dining destination in the Mid-Coast. read more

We enjoyed a beautiful celebration dinner with an amazing sunset view of the bay. The evening started with a complimentary aperitif offering. I chose their exquisite prosecco. Next an appetizer of steamed mussels which were a meal unto themselves! Perfectly cooked and presented. I chose the filet mignon cooked medium rare which came as ordered and was tasty and juicy. The continental service led by Francisco was expertly timed and well appreciated. I chose the key line pie for my birthday dessert which was presented on an artfully decorated plate. It was as one of the best I've had..ever. read more

Whiteclover - A huge pile of mussels in a tasty broth..so delish - New American Near Me - Boothbay Harbor, Maine

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My bride and I had a lovely dinner on Friday, the night before leaving the Spruce Point Inn. She started with the Blue Buck, a cocktail made with Maine's own Blueshine, and with great results. I liked the arugula salad, topped with pine nuts, aged parmesan, and tossed with a champagne vinaigrette. And my bride loved the farmer's spicy greens, including strawberries, chèvre, snap peas, and cornbread croutons, and dressed with a shallot vinaigrette. The sweet-potato chowder was a little on the sweet side for me, but not if you like Maine's maple syrup. For the principals, she had the seared scallops and I had the seared halibut. Both entrees were home runs. The new chef, Nick Krunkkala, has taken dining at 88 to a new level. read more

Elegant setting with lovely views (especially if you arrive early and get a table for 2 by the windows) and delicious food. Menu is small-ish (take a look online) but dishes are executed impeccably and service is stellar. The only thing I can think of that wasn't perfect was I could have had more lobster meat in my lobster dish, but it did taste delicious. They had complimentary aperitifs, amuse-bouche and a packaged muffin for breakfast to go, making the value even better! This is a wonderful restaurant for a special night out (dress code, no young children permitted). read more

Excellent dinner last night. I had the Salmon and my wife had the Filet Mignon. Beautiful presentation and exceptionally delicious! Prices were surprisingly reasonable for such a nice restaurant. Be mindful of the dress code. No shorts nor sneakers read more

We had a terrible experience, which was totally unexpected. A good thing there was such a nice view, because we had to wait forever to get our main course. Then there was an error with bill, which involved more unpleasantries. Avoid this place if at all possible. read more

My wife and I really enjoyed it. They are slow to get you your food but it's all worth it. I would put 88 in the experience of dining instead of a place where you eat and run. Plan to spend about an hour and forty five minutes. The staff is very friendly and the food was excellent the two times we went. read more

Went here for my wife's 30th birthday. Staff was outstanding, food was immaculate, and everything was well worth what you paid. I had the steamed lobster and it was my favorite I had while in Maine! read more

Stunning views of harbor. Impeccable service. So impressed that the person who sold us our wedding there remembered us over six years later. A classy joint! Food very yummy too. Worth a visit for sure. read more

Sophisticated and delicious. White table cloth, trained service, large wine-by-the-glass selection, amuse-bouche, fine menu, well crafted execution. And super views of sunset and water. Kids enjoyed the pianola and life-sized chess out back. read more

I'm writing this as we are driving out of the parking area. Beautiful spot. The problem is the culinary experience does not close. Cold food that should be hot. Sent my filet back because it wasn't cooked enough. I don't have a problem with that but they never reheated my potatoes or veggies so they were ice cold when my meal came back. The manager never came back after ascertaining my steak was done ok. My husband's meal was lukewarm at best (chicken was minuscule) and server incorrectly told my husband there were no peppers in the crab cake. They took the crab cake off the bill. We've been there many times in previous year. This was a disappointment. In confirming my reservation they wanted to make sure we dressed appropriately. They should spend that effort on the kitchen. read more