Bell Buoy Restaurant
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Bell Buoy Restaurant welcomes guests to a charming, nostalgic experience in classic American dining. Located at 24 Old Orchard St, Bell Buoy offers a blend of fresh seafood and traditional fare that has made it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors. With its cozy atmosphere and reputation for quality ingredients, this restaurant captures the essence of New England’s seaside dining.
Bell Buoy Restaurant: A Nostalgic Dining Experience
Bell Buoy Restaurant brings back the charm of old-school American diners. Step inside, and you’re transported to an era where simplicity, warmth, and a straightforward dining experience take center stage. The restaurant’s decor, marked by comfortable furnishings and a relaxed vibe, is designed to make diners feel right at home. Tables are set close together, encouraging a lively, communal atmosphere that’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone seeking a casual night out.
Fresh Seafood and Classic American Fare at Bell Buoy Restaurant
The heart of Bell Buoy’s menu lies in its commitment to fresh, high-quality seafood and American classics. Maine’s coastal location ensures that the seafood here is exceptionally fresh, a feature that Bell Buoy Restaurant highlights with dishes like mariners stew, fried clams, and lobster rolls. Each of these dishes showcases the flavor and texture of New England’s seafood, expertly prepared with a simple touch to let the ingredients shine. Among the menu highlights, the stuffed shrimp has gained a reputation for its rich, buttery taste, a satisfying option for any seafood lover.
While the menu offers variety, it’s known for its simplicity. Bell Buoy Restaurant serves a three-course meal option that includes starters, mains, and desserts at a fixed price, making it a popular choice for those seeking value without sacrificing quality. Though some diners have found certain dishes like the clam chowder to be less flavorful, the overall selection appeals to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring that every guest finds something to enjoy.
Uncovering the Best Dishes at Bell Buoy Restaurant
For those looking to savor the best of Bell Buoy’s offerings, a few standout dishes are worth noting. The lobster roll, a quintessential New England favorite, is served generously stuffed and is a top pick among seafood enthusiasts. Another favorite is the fried clams, lightly battered to perfection and offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. For a heartier option, the mariners stew, brimming with seafood and hearty flavors, offers a comforting choice, especially on cooler evenings. Each of these dishes reflects the restaurant’s dedication to classic flavors and fresh ingredients, making them popular among regulars and newcomers alike.
Bell Buoy Restaurant: Perfect for Casual Dining in Old Orchard Beach
Bell Buoy Restaurant embodies the spirit of casual, sit-down dining. Its no-fuss approach focuses on delivering familiar flavors in a comfortable setting, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a laid-back meal. While tables may feel a bit close for some guests, this adds to the restaurant’s unique, bustling atmosphere, creating a sense of community among diners. The friendly service further enhances the experience, as the staff is attentive and eager to ensure a pleasant visit.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Bell Buoy Restaurant
While Bell Buoy Restaurant is beloved for its charm and quality seafood, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. As the restaurant can get quite busy, especially in the summer season, wait times may be longer than expected. Arriving early or making reservations can help ensure a smoother experience. Additionally, some diners have found certain dishes to be inconsistent; however, Bell Buoy’s overall commitment to quality remains evident in its most popular menu items.
Reviews
OK peeps gotta check this place out. Loved it last year. Love it even more this year first, the asparagus tart freshly baked every morning. Get them while you can. They don't last all day the best appetizer around, and if you're gonna have more than two beers, get a bucket they'll give you poker chips that you can bring back and use for free beer, if you don't feel like drinking 4 beers, save to have another time just bring your chip. Since opening a week ago, I have to say I have been there four times. I know that's a lot, but it truly is a delicious and very reasonable place to eat very family oriented if you come with your family or even if you are alone you won't be . There is a bar area where you can sit at the bar and eat or you can eat at the high top, along with the regular dining room. Staff are extremely friendly. Tracy is our waitress. We ask for her every time but all of them work as a family.
Every time I come up to Old Orchard Beach, my family and I stop here! It's no frills, but a solid, straightforward meal. Everything is reasonably priced with portions that will leave you full. Once you walk in, you feel like you've been transported back in time. Old school decor, your classic American restaurant. On the menu, they have an option for a 3-course meal. They have various options to choose from for a fixed price! It's great . My only complaint about it is that they used to have steamers as an option for an appetizer in the fixed 3 course meal, and it is no longer included. I decided on clam chowder, Caesar salad, and stuffed shrimp. I enjoyed the salad, and the stuffing for the shrimp was buttery and rich, but the clam chowder was terrible. No flavor at all and extremely watery broth. Would never get that again. Overall, enjoyable sit down, family restaurant, and will be back next year!
Food is good, order a twin lazy lobster, and it was fresh and hot! Delicious! I also ordered calamari, this was just okay. The service was fast considering how busy they were and it was the last day being open for the season.
Great food. Sat at bar and felt like a regular. Excellent service. The whole belly fried clams we soso good...great really. Mike behind the bar was great.
Best clam strips ever. Cooked to perfection. Onion rinds are to die for. Waitress was very accommodating. Shrimp was also done to perfection and the prices were reasonably