This One-Of-A-Kind Maine Restaurant Has An Old Tugboat Built Right Inside

Picture a bright red tugboat sitting right beside the harbor, except this one is serving seafood instead of pulling ships through the water. That is what makes this waterfront stop so much fun.

The historic tugboat structure is built right into the restaurant, giving the whole place a personality you notice before the food even arrives. Big windows look out over Boothbay Harbor, and the menu leans into classic Maine favorites like haddock and blueberry pie.

It is the kind of place where the setting gives you something to talk about before you even sit down. Add in the harbor views and the story behind the old tugboat, and dinner starts to feel like part meal, part local history lesson.

For a Maine road trip, this is the sort of stop that sticks in your memory.

A Real Tugboat Sits At The Heart Of The Building

Most restaurants give their building a nautical theme. This one incorporated the original superstructure of the historic tugboat Maine into the restaurant, which is about as committed to a nautical theme as a place can get.

The bright red hull is easy to spot from Commercial Street, and it has become a friendly landmark in Boothbay Harbor. Families strolling the waterfront often stop just to point at it before they even think about lunch.

Inside, the setting feels like a classic seaside dining room, with warm dark wood, plenty of windows, and nautical touches that match the boat outside. Staff have been known to let curious guests climb the spiral staircase up to the old bridge of the tug, which turns a simple meal into a mini adventure.

For kids, this may be the coolest lunch spot of the whole vacation. For adults, it offers a charming reminder of the working harbor history that shaped towns like this one along the Maine coast.

A quick tip: ask politely if the bridge is open for a peek. It is a small moment, but it often ends up being the favorite photo of the day.

Three Levels Of Harbor Views

Choosing where to sit here is a fun little puzzle, because the restaurant offers three different dining areas. Each one gives a slightly different taste of harbor life.

The main indoor dining room is the classic choice, with large windows that frame the boats and water like a living painting. Most tables enjoy some kind of harbor view, so even a cloudy day looks lovely from here.

Up top, the rooftop deck is more casual and relaxed, with some comfy seating and wide open views across the bay. It is a wonderful place to watch boats drift in and out while enjoying a lighter meal.

Down by the water, the waterfront patio brings diners closest to the harbor itself. The breeze, the gulls, and the gentle slap of water against the docks make it feel like a true Maine summer afternoon.

Around the Fourth of July, the upper deck becomes a prime spot for watching fireworks over the harbor, so planning ahead pays off. On regular days, arriving right when service starts is a smart way to grab a window table or a sunny spot outside without much waiting.

Haddock Is The Quiet Star Of The Menu

Ask what to order at a Maine seafood spot and haddock is rarely a wrong answer. At the Tugboat, this mild white fish shows up in several tasty ways.

The broiled haddock arrives buttery and flaky, usually paired with a baked potato and carrots for a simple, satisfying plate. It is the kind of meal that tastes like the coast without trying too hard.

Fans of crispy things can go for fried haddock, which has that golden crunch on the outside and tender fish inside. It pairs nicely with fries and a pickle, and the pickles here deserve their own small round of applause.

For something richer, the baked haddock with crab stuffing topped with Newburg sauce is a hearty option with a generous portion. There is also a house favorite called Haddock Monhegan, named after the famous island off the Maine coast.

Fun fact: haddock has been a New England staple for centuries, and it is often the fish of choice in classic local fish and chips. Trying it here, right beside the water it came from, feels like a proper taste of Maine tradition.

Scallops And Other Seafood Showstoppers

Some dishes are just dinner. Others make the whole table go quiet for a minute, and the seafood Newburg here belongs in that second group.

This rich, creamy dish comes loaded with big scallops, plump shrimp, and a good amount of lobster in a smooth sauce. It is filling enough that sharing it as a starter with some bread is a clever move for a group.

Scallop lovers have plenty of options too. Grilled scallops come in a generous bowl, cooked tender with a light sear, while fried scallops offer a crunchier bite for anyone who loves a golden coating.

The seafood medley brings several ocean favorites together on one plate, which is great for indecisive eaters. There is also a seafood pasta featuring scallops for those who want their seafood with a comforting bowl of noodles.

Mussels are another highlight, served big and tender in a cream sauce with shallots, herbs, and spices. Steamers and fried clams round things out for anyone craving classic shore food.

Tip for first timers: glance at the specials board, since swordfish and halibut dishes sometimes appear there.

Lobster Rolls, Bisque, And Cozy Soups

Visiting Maine without trying lobster is a bit like going to the beach and never touching sand. Thankfully, the Tugboat makes checking that box easy and delicious.

The lobster roll keeps things classic, with sweet lobster meat tucked into a soft roll. It is simple on purpose, letting the flavor of the seafood do all the talking.

Soup fans are in luck here. The lobster bisque is smooth, creamy, and full of rich flavor, making it a perfect pick on a breezy harbor day when the wind picks up off the water.

Clam chowder is another warm and cozy choice, served steaming hot and pairing nicely with a crab cake. The French onion soup, with its bubbly cheese on top, is a comforting option for anyone who wants a break from seafood.

Crab cakes deserve a shout too, whether ordered on their own or as a sandwich with fries. A crab dip also shows up on the menu for sharing.

Quick advice: pairing a cup of bisque with a lobster roll makes a great lunch that covers two Maine classics in a single sitting.

Homemade Blueberry Pie

Blueberries are basically Maine’s official sweet treat, and saving room for pie here is one of the smartest decisions a diner can make.

The homemade blueberry pie comes out warm, with juicy berries bubbling inside a tender crust. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side slowly melts into the filling, creating that perfect hot and cold combo.

What makes it even more charming is that the desserts are made by one of the restaurant’s own team members. That small detail gives every slice a homey feel, like something pulled from a family kitchen.

Other pies sometimes show up on the dessert menu too, so it is worth asking what is available that day. Sharing a slice is a nice way to end the meal if everyone is already full from seafood.

Did you know? Maine produces a huge share of the wild blueberries grown in the United States, and the tiny wild berries are prized for their bold, sweet flavor.

Eating blueberry pie while watching boats bob in Boothbay Harbor might just be the most Maine thing possible. Grab a fork and enjoy every bite.

Friendly Service With Plenty Of Choices

Great food tastes even better when someone cheerful brings it to the table. At the Tugboat, the service style is relaxed, friendly, and focused on making guests feel at home.

Servers typically greet guests warmly, seat them quickly, and share the daily specials by heart. Many know the menu inside and out, which helps a lot when trying to decide between fried or broiled.

Families will appreciate the kid-friendly options like chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and burgers. Picky eaters are covered, while adventurous eaters can try steamers or mussels.

Not a seafood person? No problem.

The menu includes prime rib, pot roast specials, Caesar salads, wraps, and sandwiches, so every member of the group can find something satisfying.

On busy summer holidays, the dining room can get packed, yet the team keeps food moving along at a steady pace. Being patient and friendly in return always makes the experience smoother for everyone.

Small tip: if someone has specific food needs, mention them clearly when ordering. The staff is happy to help guests find the right dish, and a quick chat makes the whole meal easier and more fun.

Hours, Prices, And Smart Tips Before Visiting

A little planning goes a long way in a busy harbor town. Knowing the schedule and a few tricks can make a visit to 80 Commercial St, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 feel effortless.

The restaurant serves lunch from 11:30 AM to 2 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and until 2:30 PM on weekends. Dinner runs from 5 to 8 PM on those same days.

Wednesday is closed, so plan around it.

Prices are fair for a waterfront spot in a popular vacation town, with portions that often feel generous. Dinner entrees like fish specials run in the moderate range, while lunch offers lighter, easier options.

Parking is limited, with street spots out front and a lot behind the building. Arriving early helps, especially in summer.

Best timing? Show up right at 11:30 AM or 5 PM for the easiest seating and best window views.

After a whale watch or harbor cruise, this spot makes a perfect, relaxing refuel.