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The lines get long in the summer at The Clam Shack
The lines get long in the summer at The Clam Shack
The Clam Shack/FB

10 Hot Places to Eat and Drink in Kennebunkport

From clam shack to farmhouse chic.

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The lines get long in the summer at The Clam Shack
| The Clam Shack/FB

Whether you’re headed to Kennebunkport this summer to enjoy its miles of sandy beaches or making the pilgrimage to the Bush family compound, you’ll definitely want to stick around for some Maine lobster and a drink overlooking the water. Break out your Sperry Top-Siders and your Nantucket reds and check out these five KPT hot spots, plus six which are just over the river, so technically in Kennebunk's Lower Village.

Note: map points are listed in geographical order.

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The Ramp Bar & Grill

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Wind your way out to scenic Cape Porpoise to find The Ramp, the low-key counterpart to its neighbor and sister restaurant Pier 77. The menu is packed full of fresh seafood like clam chowder and Jonah crab cakes, the walls covered with owner Pete Morency’s extensive sports memorabilia collection. The Ramp doesn’t take reservations, but the Adirondack chairs overlooking the harbor are the perfect place to sip a drink while you wait for a table.

Rococo Artisan Ice Cream

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Cool off with a scoop of Rococo’s creamy ice cream, made from local milk but inspired by global flavors like Olive Oil, Rosemary Infused Caramel, and Toasted Pepitas and Curry Carrot. For traditionalists, Dark Chocolate and Maine Maple Walnut flavors still wow.

Chez Rosa

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Husband-and-wife team Kyle Robinson and Yazmin Saraya Jean opened Chez Rosa after working at Portland’s Five Fifty-Five. In the home of the former Bandaloop on Dock Square, this bistro has a traditional French menu featuring classics like moules frites, onion soup, and bourguinon.

The Clam Shack

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What’s a visit to a Maine beach town without a lobster roll? Head to the Clam Shack for the area’s best known version. A mix of lobster claw, tail, and knuckle meat is piled high on a round, butter-griddled bun, which is then spread with your choice of melted butter, mayonnaise, or (for the truly daring) both.

Old Vines Wine Bar

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This cozy Kennebunk restaurant was revitalized in 2015 with new owners and a new chef. The small plates menu is well executed and the sophisticated cocktail menu is a welcome surprise.

H.B. Provisions

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Don't doubt the motto “if we don’t have it, you don’t need it." For a general store, H.B.'s selection of provisions is staggering, from beer, wine, and picnic supplies to beach toys and knick-knacks. You’ll likely bump into friends as you order your morning iced coffee and breakfast sandwiches or restock your beach house's fridge for happy hour.

Pedro's

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With surfboards lining the parking lot, a ceiling full of sombreros, and a giant metal chicken keeping a watchful eye on the deck, quirky Pedro’s will put you in the vacation mindset. The bar's house margaritas are the real deal, as is its extensive selection of tequila. With drink in hand and plate of tacos on its way, you’ll forget you even have a day job.

Federal Jack's Brewpub

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Head to Federal Jack’s, the original home of Shipyard Brewing Company, for a family-friendly meal or to shoot some pool in the back room. The operational brew pub's newly expanded deck offers a great view of the Kennebunk River and weekend evenings bring live music and dancing.

Arundel Wharf

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Relax like the locals do on the deck of the Wharf, enjoying a cocktail overlooking the river. Should Maine nights prove too chilly for outdoor lounging, the cozy fireplace here offers another great place to gather with friends.

Bennett's Store

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Stop by bustling Bennett’s Store on your way to Kennebunk Beach and pick up some of the shop's famously large sub sandwiches. Order from its selection of hot or cold subs then watch in awe as an army of local teenagers assemble your order with military-like precision.

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The Ramp Bar & Grill

Wind your way out to scenic Cape Porpoise to find The Ramp, the low-key counterpart to its neighbor and sister restaurant Pier 77. The menu is packed full of fresh seafood like clam chowder and Jonah crab cakes, the walls covered with owner Pete Morency’s extensive sports memorabilia collection. The Ramp doesn’t take reservations, but the Adirondack chairs overlooking the harbor are the perfect place to sip a drink while you wait for a table.

Rococo Artisan Ice Cream

Cool off with a scoop of Rococo’s creamy ice cream, made from local milk but inspired by global flavors like Olive Oil, Rosemary Infused Caramel, and Toasted Pepitas and Curry Carrot. For traditionalists, Dark Chocolate and Maine Maple Walnut flavors still wow.

Chez Rosa

Husband-and-wife team Kyle Robinson and Yazmin Saraya Jean opened Chez Rosa after working at Portland’s Five Fifty-Five. In the home of the former Bandaloop on Dock Square, this bistro has a traditional French menu featuring classics like moules frites, onion soup, and bourguinon.

The Clam Shack

What’s a visit to a Maine beach town without a lobster roll? Head to the Clam Shack for the area’s best known version. A mix of lobster claw, tail, and knuckle meat is piled high on a round, butter-griddled bun, which is then spread with your choice of melted butter, mayonnaise, or (for the truly daring) both.

Old Vines Wine Bar

This cozy Kennebunk restaurant was revitalized in 2015 with new owners and a new chef. The small plates menu is well executed and the sophisticated cocktail menu is a welcome surprise.

H.B. Provisions

Don't doubt the motto “if we don’t have it, you don’t need it." For a general store, H.B.'s selection of provisions is staggering, from beer, wine, and picnic supplies to beach toys and knick-knacks. You’ll likely bump into friends as you order your morning iced coffee and breakfast sandwiches or restock your beach house's fridge for happy hour.

Pedro's

With surfboards lining the parking lot, a ceiling full of sombreros, and a giant metal chicken keeping a watchful eye on the deck, quirky Pedro’s will put you in the vacation mindset. The bar's house margaritas are the real deal, as is its extensive selection of tequila. With drink in hand and plate of tacos on its way, you’ll forget you even have a day job.

Federal Jack's Brewpub

Head to Federal Jack’s, the original home of Shipyard Brewing Company, for a family-friendly meal or to shoot some pool in the back room. The operational brew pub's newly expanded deck offers a great view of the Kennebunk River and weekend evenings bring live music and dancing.

Arundel Wharf

Relax like the locals do on the deck of the Wharf, enjoying a cocktail overlooking the river. Should Maine nights prove too chilly for outdoor lounging, the cozy fireplace here offers another great place to gather with friends.

Bennett's Store

Stop by bustling Bennett’s Store on your way to Kennebunk Beach and pick up some of the shop's famously large sub sandwiches. Order from its selection of hot or cold subs then watch in awe as an army of local teenagers assemble your order with military-like precision.