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Ratings and reviews
4.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Italian, American, Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
features
Menu
Country Breakfast
Served with home-fries & toast
2 Eggs, Cooked to Order
US$8
Choice of Creton*, Bacon, Ham or Sausage
US$10
Steak & Eggs
2 eggs, cooked to order, 6 oz pan-seared sirloin
US$15
Eggs & Hash
2 eggs, house-made corned beef hash
US$12
Mariner's Breakfast
2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 bacon, 2 sausage
US$15
Waffles
Malted Belgian Waffle
US$9
Strawberry Belgian Waffle
Fresh strawberries & whipped cream
US$12
Is this an Italian restaurant?
Details
CUISINES
Italian, American, Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.0
688 reviews
Excellent
358
Very good
200
Average
64
Poor
43
Terrible
23
lcmarcel
Biddeford28 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
Perfect Anniversary exravegance I can imagine it is perfect smaller wedding venue. Our waitress , Alana, was very sweet. Swordfish was tender and delicious. Generous plates heaped with fresh veggies and sweet potatox sides. Very affordable for quality. We spent $100 for 2 seafood appetizers and entrees a glass of wine and 1 dessert. Cant wait to try their brunch and visit local amusements with kids. The only negative was the Creme Brulee dessert which didn't seem homemade even though that is the whole appeal of the dish. I think i heard the waitress tell someone else who complained that the kitchen was understaffed due to Covid.
a
Written 21 July 2020
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.
AlliecatOOB
Old Orchard Beach399 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We enjoyed a late lunch Sunday on The Roof. The lobster roll ($20) on a toasted brioche bun was tasty and filling, but it could have used a bit more mayo. It came with a bag of chips and a garnish of delicious pickled veggies. The view of the ocean and dunes can't be beat.
Written 19 October 2020
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.
HDinSocal
Los Angeles38 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
As visitors, staying in Portland, and exploring the area, varying review platforms lead us to Joseph's, supposedly an "elegant bastion in Old Orchard Beach," according to one source, and "fine dining" according to the sign on the front of the building. Quite what is elegant about a place that is no more than an IHOP with a view of the ocean, I do not know. Paper napkins; a lack of tablecloths; furniture, which would be equally at home in a fast food joint; tired decor; and garish carpet, that was probably purchased second hand when Caesar's Palace did a remodel in the 70s, do not make for an elegant ambience. As for the clientele - most would probably qualify for the worst dressed shoppers of Walmart. Who knew the quaint sounding Old Orchard Beach, just minutes from upscale Kennebunkport, is Maine's very own version of tacky Coney Island? All that aside, the food is reasonably priced and well-prepared. Considering most places have very limited menus due to Covid, this place has a pretty decent selection from which to choose. The servers are friendly, but, again, t-shirts and leggings, don't shout fine dining. This place probably is the best in town, but the competition is hardly high.
Written 20 August 2020
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.
Brandon B
Raleigh5 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Make a reservation over a day in advance but when we got there it was downhill. Took forever to get our food, the drinks were very strong and once it got dark we couldn’t even see our plates in front of us. There’s better places to go in OOB.
Written 25 August 2020
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.
Kristens_on_Vacation
Lakeville1080 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
We LOVED this restaurant.
For our 3 family July family vacation all of the parents wanted a reward dinner. Tons of great food in OOB but much of it is casual as it should be for the town. Joseph's had that more upscale vibe we were hoping for.
They have an upper patio area with ocean and beach grass views, indoor dining, a back courtyard outdoor area with a grouping of tables and an indoor area with wide open glass doors with ocean views which is where we sat.
I was thrilled to see a great assortment of craft cocktails. If you like a spicy margaritas they have one that was one of my favorite margaritas ever!
Our group had a sirloin, filet mignon, baked stuffed lobster, surf and turf and a sandwich.
Every single meal, bar none was perfection. The lobster stuffing was packed with scallops. My filet was one of the best I have ever has with its dry rub crust and gorgonzola sauce. Everyone was very pleased. It was not an I expensive dinner but you could order lighter smaller meals or go for breakfast/lunch and take advantage of this stunning location as well.
There is a great spot in the back courtyard for taking pics as well.
I will visit again for sure.
@Kristens_on_vacation IG
Written 4 August 2020
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.
lisasQ6074EP
8 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
We had a wonderful waitress, a table with an ocean view- we were just inside a room that had folding glass doors, which were wide open! Some people were seated out on the lawn, which looked very nice, too. We were celebrating our anniversary and the place had a romantic vibe. It was very clean and they were sanitizing everything. Our meals were delicious- I had the chicken breast with peach, caramelized onions and Brie, mashed potatoes and fresh mixed vegetables. Rolls were served warm with soft butter pats. The spinach/ strawberry salad could have used a few more strawberries but was good. Dessert- chocolate mousse cheesecake was so so. Loved the atmosphere and the fact that they took reservations via open table.
Written 12 July 2020
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.
Oliver T
Old Saybrook6 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
We decided to make a reservation here as we were told that you must in order to get a table. When we first arrived the host was very rude, but we overlooked it and decided to stay. The menu items are pricey which we wouldn’t mind paying if the food was actually good and up to temperature. We barely saw our sever so we weren’t able to order a second round of drinks. This place is highly overrated for what it is. It wouldn’t hurt to have the interior remodeled either.
Written 29 August 2020
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 B
Brookline74 contributions
May 2021 • none
Comfortable room with a spectacular view. The floor is terraced on 2 levels so all tables can enjoy the view.
We both had a lobster and scallop sauté over a tagliatelle pasta. The seafood was as fresh, sweet, succulent as any I have ever had in my 77 years, and there was an ample amount of it. But here's the misstep: the sauce was a thin liquid, just a broth really. The problem was that while a liquid sauce like with a scampi will reach your mouth carried in the tangled spaghetti, this broth didn't stick to the broad strands of the tagliatelle but dripped off and added no flavor to it. And the pasta itself was flavorless, like a pasta you would buy in a supermarket such as Ronzoni. I don't expect house made pasta but I do expect it to be sourced from someplace good.
Back to the outstanding: the Caesar salad was exactly the way I like it, and side of mixed vegetables was perfectly steamed and bursting with flavor. Good rolls, too. And the bartender mixed a perfect old fashioned cocktail.
Service was good. They have their own parking. Prices appropriate for quality.
Written 24 May 2021
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.
Ken/Toni S
Old Orchard Beach114 contributions
Feb 2023 • none
Our first time here since covid and the fire in their kitchen. Totally redone inside and very nice. Putting the tiny bar near the hostess stand at the from door maybe not a great idea though. We made reservations for Valentines day for early dinner, which was a special 4 course menu ($75 each). We started with oysters Rockefeller, (only two) but they were awesome. We did a beet salad and a Waldorf salad which were small yet very yummy. We then had filet mignon entree and a stuffed shrimp (2 large) entree . Filet came with veggies and sweet potato nice serving, however the shrimp even though tasted very good came with rice and veggies, not a very big entree. Dessert was an option of a chocolate martini (awesome) but the cheesecake came with red and black raspberries (no strawberries) . We both tried cheesecake and said the same thing. Didn't taste like a good heavy cheesecake and the crust we couldn't eat. Had a VERY burnt look and taste. Very disappointing. Overall, with a couple drinks each and tip our bill was over $250. We felt the taste of "most" of the food was excellent though serving size on small side.
Cocktails really good though beer selection poor choices. Our server was excellent, friendly, timely, and overall did an awesome job (Chrissy). We will try again with normal menu since the food overall was good. Just not sure about the high prices based on serving sizes. Still one of the best restaurants in OOB.
Written 14 February 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.
Glo8675309
Johnsonville1 contribution
Jun 2022 • family
Wait staff was very friendly but we called for reservations and requested a high chair or booster seat which apparently they don’t have ( but didn’t tell us). Service was very slow, even for drinks. Menu was not the same as what was posted on the website. Vegetarians in our party were excited for some fun and interesting offerings. Apparently there was a fire in 2021 and website hadn’t been updated since and then vegetarian options left were lack luster. One of our family got the peppercorn filet and enjoyed it except it being slightly undercooked to their liking. One person got a veggie burger that came dry and clearly frozen, another person got a cheeseburger that also appeared to be a frozen patty and was slightly over cooked to their liking and the childrens hotdog was a bright red hot dog that the child was turned off by. Atmosphere and views were a 10, service was a 6 (friendly but slow) and food was a 3. Was excited to finally get a good meal in OOB near the water and was disappointed.
Written 16 June 2022
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.
LopingianTravels
Bonn469 contributions
Jun 2023 • friends
It was an unusual 4th of July weekend in Old Orchard Beach this year because the throngs of holiday families and revelers weren't, when compared with past year. In anticipation of past crowds, we booked a lunch reservation and found ourselves one of a very few outdoor (or indoor) tables with patrons. Joseph's offers a very limited lunch menu which should bode well for whatever fare is selected, although we found a range of preparations coming to our table. A very expensive Haddock sandwich was cooked perfectly, but both the salmon and chicken that were added to a not-so-large "large" garden salads were overcooked. The price of admission for this afternoon's meal was high, ~50% higher cost per meal than similar restaurants in other coastal towns. But, then again, this is Old Orchard Beach where summer tourism sustains the town for the remainder of the year.
Written 2 July 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.
Pooh16
New York City83 contributions
Sept 2022 • none
Went to Joseph's By the Sea Saturday night for our 17th Anniversary. Been coming here the past 17 years now. Always for our anniversary dinner, then another night for drinks & dessert. Miss our Bartender Ray. He always knew how to make great drinks. The drinks were okay, had an Apple Martini. The food is not the same. I got my usual lobster saute. My husband had his usualy clam & corn chowder, which he looks forward to every year. The soup had no corn in it, just potatoes. He ordered a whole lobster, the shell was burnt and the meat was tuff. Our waitress, Michelle G., who I know has been working here as long as we've been coming here, always an attitude with her, was arguing with him about his dish. She should know you don't argue with the customer. You can't have the previous menu, but serve the customers something else. She told us that the new owner's are trying to work things out. We did go for dessert the night before our anniversary and had a very nice waitress, I don't rem her name. If the new owners are going to keep the same name of the restaurant and menu as the previous, then they need to step up their game. This is not a cheap restaurant.
Written 19 September 2022
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.
Lovetochew
Allentown271 contributions
Jul 2022 • couples
Very nice clean restaurant was our comment to the waitress then she told us that they had just reopened 6 weeks ago after reconstruction after a fire. The owners paid everyone during the rebuild. You have to support a place like that and we did. We both had the “Best of Both Worlds” dinner. I had the chowder to start. The chowder was the best I had to that point. The steak in our dinners was tender and cooked as we both had desired(rare if you are wondering). The lobster was a bit over done but still delicious. Wife had a tequila daisy and I had a few of the local beers(Allagash White), again why change what works. And 4 of us were seated without reservations at 7pm during peak season.
Written 24 July 2022
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.
Ed H
Roanoke12 contributions
Aug 2022 • friends
Had a group of families with teen children. Some people had pretty severe food allergies and they were accommodated very well by the staff and kitchen. We all had great meals in a very nice indoor dining area with amazing views. Lots of lobster of course. The staff were particularly nice and top notch. Really enjoyable experience.
Written 2 August 2022
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.
DriveaRagTop
Tampa86 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
We enjoyed a great dinner on the outdoor rooftop deck. We had the Orchetta which included salmon, shrimp, mussels and scallops over pasta. It was great. We also had the dinner special of lobster and scallops sauté over pasta. Both great dishes. We stopped for a drink at the bar first. Great bartender. The service was great, from the greeting hostess, to our server. All were friendly, offering help, smiles, and great service. Enjoyed the view of the ocean ( and early Moon) while we had our seafood dishes. Would love to dine there again.
Written 29 August 2020
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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