Maine Stay Inn ~ An Insider's Guide to Kennebunkport

Situated at the very tip of Cape Porpoise, Pier 77 overlooks Kennebunkport's picturesque harbor and the comings and goings of the local lobstermen. For many, the scene is exactly what comes to mind when they envision the coast of Maine.


Pier 77 is elegant yet comfortable, it is best described as fine dining yet Pier 77 casual.

This evening's dinner began with the special Portuguese Kale soup for Janice, and Pete's (Pete and Kate are the owners) clam chowder for Marc. Both gave their appetizers high marks. For me, it was the wedge of iceberg lettuce with Maytag blue cheese dressing. I love that and Pier 77's version was superb.

Janice and I ordered the same entree (again). While I very much wanted to try the Lobster Farfalle, neither of us could resist the special this evening. It was grilled Mahi Mahi on a bed of rice topped with a fruit salsa. Along with this was a hot pepper, stuffed with goat cheese and chirizo sausage, breaded and baked. Also on the plate was a wedge of grilled avacado.

The Mahi Mahi was cooked just right and was a delicious portion of fish. It is not often that Janice and I have food cooked the same and both think it is perfect. I like things on the well done side and Janice prefers medium. We both agreed that the Mahi Mahi was cooked just the way we wanted. The fruit salsa complemented both the fish and the rice. The pepper was extra special. What a wonderful combination of flavors. The meal was very filling but, if it came with more peppers, I would have eaten them all. Hey Pete and Kate, those peppers would make a great appetizer.

Marc and Sue also ordered the same entrees. They both ordered the Seafood Mixed Grill. The grilled salmon, scallops and prawns (shrimp to us old fashioned folks) looked wonderful. It was accompanied with mashed potatoes and plenty of delicious looking snap peas. According to both Marc and Sue their meals were also excellent.

And then...NO DESSERT. Here we go again. What kind of people skip dessert? Well, I know the answer. Tired innkeepers sometimes skip dessert.

Well, if anyone else had ordered dessert, I too would have. You see, it isn't that I mind eating dessert alone, it's the fact that when you are the only one having dessert, waiters and waitresses alike, feel compelled to bring four spoons. If you have read my other articles you might already know...I don't share my dessert. So, there you go, no dessert for me.

If I had ordered dessert, it would have been the baked blueberry crumble with the vanilla bean gelato. I'm certain that I would have enjoyed the blueberry crumble but, it was the vanilla bean gelato that would have completed my meal.

Looking for a great spot for a wedding reception? Check out Pier 77. Janice and I went to a wedding here last year and it was terrific.

One other thing...if you are looking for a very casual (shorts and tee shirts) meal, check out the Ramp Bar and Grille. Tucked under the main restaurant, the Ramp is casual, adorned with Pete's sports memorabilia and sits right on the water. Have a "boat drink" and order from the grill menu.

If you are staying at the Maine Stay Inn, have us make reservations for you at Pier 77. I think you'll enjoy your experience just as much as we did.

Labels: Kennebunkport Restaurants