What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Billy's Chowder House
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Classic, casual Maine seafood restaurant surrounded by an estuary & wildlife preserve. Amazing views, fresh seafood, great cocktails and a wonderful bar scene. This is a truly classic Maine Restaurant, where the locals frequent.
Features
CUISINES
American, Bar, Seafood, Soups
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Highchairs Available
Parking Available
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Television
Waterfront
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Parking Available
Does this restaurant serve Romana food?
Top 3 reasons to eat here
Sponsored by: Billy's Chowder House
"Delicious meal every time."
DeniseN1177
"We were on a mid-week getaway to Maine."
grmtnboy
"The staff here is very friendly, professional and helpful."
arbourne
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 11:30 AM
Sunday
11:30 am - 8:00 pm
Monday
11:30 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday
11:30 am - 8:00 pm
Wednesday
11:30 am - 8:00 pm
Thursday
11:30 am - 8:00 pm
Friday
11:30 am - 8:30 pm
Saturday
11:30 am - 8:30 pm
Contribute
4.3
2,318 reviews
Excellent
1,346
Very good
554
Average
242
Poor
109
Terrible
67
Mme_X
Wisconsin1143 contributions
Oct 2024 • family
Quick summary: wide variety of seafood, in a variety of preparations. Reasonable prices. Friendly, professional service. Beautiful views of the estuary and salt marsh.
I was visiting family in the area, and my sister and I stopped in for lunch. We each had a cup of clam chowder ($9, $12 for a bowl.). We love that this milk-based chowder is on the thin side, not too tick (we don’t love thick chowders), the soup tasting of clams, and a nice serving of clams and potatoes. Haddock chowder is priced the same; lobster stew is $14 cup and $25 a bowl; seafood stew $14 and $23.
We also split a side order of friend scallops - done perfectly, with the right amount of tasty batter, I.e. not too much ($24.)
It is useful to ask the waitress about the variations of each seafood offering - platter, roll, plate, etc. - we only wanted a side, and the portion is about the same size of scallops as other options and the lower price.
Apps are mostly in the mid $teens (stuffed clams, shrimp cocktail, calamari, mussels, wings, haddock bites…). Mains of seafood are a variety of fish and shellfish, in a variety of preparations, and mostly in the mid -to- high $20’s and come with choice of potato and veg. Seafood pastas mostly in the $20s. All kinds of great lobster options at market price.
Salads are in the $11 range, with a wide variety of protein available. Fish tacos $20.
There are non-seafood dishes that come with potato and veg as appropriate (strip steak $31, chicken breast $19, Mac & cheese $19, burger $19, hot dog $11…). (My condolences that for some reason you are not eating the excellent seafood here.)
Buck-a-shuck on Wednesdays; $3 each other days.
Full bar; TV for watching sports.
Friendly, professional service.
Lovely views of the estuary and salt marsh - head to the back dining room and bar for best views.
Of course, I need to stop at Billy’s whenever I am in the area. My only complaint is that I don’t live closer - we’d be regulars.
Written 23 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
v1960t
Saint Albans344 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
As documented by others the food is fresh and prepared well. Service was average. Not that they care but beers should be priced , I had a draft beer and was charged 10 dollars, maybe just maybe server could have said hey that's beer will be 10 dollars. Anyway if they are looking to improve, that's what I would do.
Written 4 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank T
5 contributions
Oct 2024 • family
We were given a great suggestion to try Billy's Chowder House in Wells, ME.
We have been coming to the Ogunquit area of Maine for 25 years and have never heard of this establishment.
It is very busy at all times from open to close and now we know why.
The food, especially the clam chowder is the best you will ever have.
Try the rum punch as it has a hint of coconut in it which makes this drink fabulous.
We went light on dinner though observed the plates coming out of the kitchen of heaping fried clams and seafood as it looked cooked to perfection. Our friends who went the night after confirmed our observations.
Also, the prices are much more reasonable than the pricier Ogunquit restaurants.
The staff are very attentive, friendly and accommodating, especially our server Hayley. She is the kindest person and could not do enough for us. She made our evening.
Try Billy's Chowder House in Wells, ME as I know you will be back again and again.
Written 26 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dee B
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • solo
A bowl of lobster stew is $25 which is more than a lot of their entrees, yet they will not give a piece of bread with it. They don’t even give that much lobster, it’s basically cream and butter! There are so many better places that really care about the customers’ experience in this area of Maine! The lobster bisque at Roberto’s is delish and they give as much bread as you want without charging for it! I went to college for hotel and restaurant management and Billy’s seems to me to not know the fundamentals of what is the most important. Is it the 3 cents for a tiny roll or the customer leaving happy and sharing their great experience with friends and family….which in turn will bring them so much more business???
Written 20 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott c
5 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
So many good reviews, my experience wasnt! Wife and i dont eat out often as we are good cooks so when we do go out we expect at least a decent dining experience. Billys in wells maine didnt deliver. We were there mid afternoon on a sunday, it wasnt overly crowded and were seated quickly. Service was ok, the food sucked! Clam chowder was cold and had been sitting as yoy could see it separating. My wife ordered the fish tacos, the fish looked like it had been fried in old oil. Amongst the normal slaw on the taco it had what appears to have been pizza sauce which was old. What was real bad was my fried whole clams and scallops. The clams were tiny as though from a can and the scallops had been fried in cold oil as they were oozing oil! There was nothing great about this place and there areplenty other places to choose from.
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
teddy6617
92 contributions
May 2024 • couples
We have been here twice before and enjoyed it. Went last night and were totally disapointed!! Service was extremely slow..I think the clam chowder was made with just water and a dash of milk...they also forgot to put the clams in it..never got our rolls aand butter and part of my baked stuffed shrimp was burnt. It seems they have gone downhill..too bad because we used to enjoy i! Never again!!
Written 14 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike P
Rhode Island48 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
Very enjoyable lunch. Sat st table in bar section with priceless views over the marsh. Our server, Ethan, was very nice, friendly, and efficient. He definitely added to our lunch experience. The clam strip roll was very good, and Ethan allowed me to substitute a baked potato for fries. The clam chowder was very good. It's a more liquid chowder than traditional chowder but still very good. We will definitely be back!
Written 14 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
Ottawa26 contributions
May 2024 • couples
After a long drive in, we wanted to sit and eat some delivious food while our Inn prepared for our arrival. My wife recalled that she had enjoyed Billy's Chowder House a couple of years back, so we went there.
The price of lobster jumped considerably and my wife said she would not pay that kind of money for lobster, so we opted for something else on the menu. This revue is about what I ate, Haddock Cakes.
Unfortunately, they were overcooked and dry being saved only by the lobster sauce poured over them. The cakes and sauce were also oversalted killing any flavour. The accompanying baked potato was fine. Service was what we expected.
Now, this is early May, and new kitchen crews are being broken in. I am certain that this is a one off, because our previous visit, which was much later in the summer season, was A-OK.
Written 13 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TexasTexian
Allen54 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
We often travel to Maine from Texas, and over the years have enjoyed some wonderful restaurant experiences. On our last evening this trip we decided to go to Billy’s Chowder House in Wells, near where we stayed in Ogunquit. We have dined here in previous trips and it lived up to our past great experiences, both in service and meal preparation.
It was a Monday evening and the place was buzzing with great energy. We enjoyed great drinks and wonderful lobster meals prepared with fresh caught hard shell lobsters. I can’t say enough about the great welcome by manager “Heather” who made sure we were comfortable in our arrival and the TOP NOTCH service by “Dawson” who made sure we were given attentive service, checked on us often, and was as friendly & outgoing as one could hope for…both of them very impressive. It was a nice feeling to see them treating everyone in great positive ways. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the unseen but very important kitchen team….great food, expertly prepared, and delivered fresh & hot!!!
Written 8 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen M
Shrewsbury54 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
We come to Ogunquit a couple of times a year and always have lunch at Billy’s. They have the BEST clam chowder, haddock chowder, seafood stew and lobster stew. All are made with no thickeners at all. So delicious.
The one big disappointment is that they now only offer their delicious lobster roll in one size…large, and it costs $38.99. That’s crazy. You’re looking at almost $80 for two sandwiches. They used to offer a junior size lobster roll with less, but still an adequate amount of lobster. (I think 4 oz.) The cost was about $24.99. Without question, they would sell more of the junior size. Sadly we didn’t get a lobster roll this trip and never will at that price. Please bring back the jr. size, even if you have to increase the price by a couple of dollars.
Otherwise, we still like Billy’s. A good, varied menu with nice, friendly servers.
Written 22 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip G
Overland Park16 contributions
Sept 2023 • couples
Had the bowl of lobster stew a 16oz bowl is not large and agree with other reviewer
from New England the broth was thin and bland. My wife had the fish lunch special and the plate was just a little bigger than a string bean. The other couple had salad and it was also served in small bowls. We all left hungry.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen I
3 contributions
Sept 2024 • family
First of all -- we had a terrific server, Katie. Friendly and very attentive and efficient. The food was good and reasonably priced. My baked stuffed lobster was priced at the low end of what other restaurants were charging. My friend had a huge order of scallops which she said were excellent. A friendly, sort of neighborhood place. We would definitely go back.
Written 24 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mar9992016
Portland16 contributions
Nov 2024 • friends
We, a party of four, enjoyed some yummy food, 18 oysters, a big plate of mussels, clam chowder, Haddock Ruben, etc, and drinks. That said, about 8 of the oysters were the size of a nickel, which was disappointing. One of our party wanted to order chicken tenders with onion rings versus fries. Happy to pay more to substitute. The waitress shut that down flat, zero substitutions no matter what. Our party member had surgery, limiting the amount they can eat, so very particular regarding a food order. Given the waitress attitude, which was extremely abrupt, they ended up ordering nothing. We also couldn't get our waters refilled. I don't know if this is a standard Billy's Chowder House experience, but disappointing to us. Despite the service, we tipped the 20%, we chose to be gracious.
Written 11 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue M
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
We had family up to visit and 7 of us went to Billy’s and had an excellent experience. Between the lobster, surf & turf, cobb salad, salmon, grilled chicken, and more, the food was delicious, delivered quickly and with a smile. Our server Ethan was friendly, professional and helpful. Whatever we asked for, he brought it over right away. We all walked away from a great evening thoroughly enjoying the meal!
Written 17 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick K
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • couples
Oh my gosh!!! First off, Kristie is the best, she was knowledgeable, took great care of us, and we'd request her everytime. We live 400 miles away and are so glad we stopped in here before we went home today. The lobster stew is unparalleled,full of so much lobster and just incredible. Seafood stew was great also. And the bacon wrapped scallops were perfect, even down to the bed of sautéed spinach they were served on... I ate that too!!! The buck a shuck oysters were awesome also. All in all, best meal we had up here
Written 17 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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