Imagine a place where the Patriots game and gourmet seafood coexist in perfect harmony.
Welcome to The New England House Seafood & Sports Bar in Wells, Maine – a culinary touchdown that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about sports bars.
Picture this: you’re cruising down Route 1 in Wells, Maine, minding your own business, maybe humming along to some classic rock on the radio.
Suddenly, your stomach growls louder than a bear waking up from hibernation.
You’re hungry, my friend, and not just for any old roadside grub.
You want something that screams “Maine” louder than a lobster in a pot.
Well, buckle up, buttercup, because I’m about to introduce you to a place that’s about to become your new favorite pit stop: The New England House Seafood & Sports Bar.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“A sports bar? For seafood? What’s next, caviar at a monster truck rally?”
But trust me, this isn’t your average beer-and-wings joint.
This place is the culinary equivalent of finding out your high school math teacher moonlights as a rock star.
From the outside, The New England House looks like your typical coastal eatery.
It’s got that classic New England charm – you know, the kind that makes you want to throw on a cable-knit sweater and start saying “wicked” unironically.
The cream-colored siding and blue-striped awning give it a quaint, “come on in and stay a while” vibe.
It’s like your grandmother’s house, if your grandmother was really into lobster and touchdown dances.
As you approach, you’ll notice a few outdoor tables and stools, perfect for those balmy Maine summer days when the weather is so nice you half expect a Disney princess to burst into song.
There’s even a take-out window, because sometimes you want your lobster roll with a side of social distancing.
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a cozy dining room that manages to strike the perfect balance between “sports bar” and “seafood shack.”
The walls are adorned with a mix of nautical decor and sports memorabilia, creating an atmosphere that’s part “The Perfect Storm,” part “Friday Night Lights.”
It’s like someone took a lobster boat and a sports arena, put them in a blender, and somehow ended up with something charming instead of terrifying.
The dining area is warm and inviting, with wooden accents that make you feel like you’re in the world’s most comfortable ship’s galley.
There are plenty of tables for families and groups, but also a bar area where you can perch yourself if you’re flying solo or just really need to be as close to the beer taps as possible.
But let’s be real – you’re not here for the decor.
You’re here for the food.
And boy, oh boy, are you in for a treat.
The menu at The New England House is like a greatest hits album of New England cuisine, with a few surprising B-sides thrown in for good measure.
It’s got all the classics you’d expect – lobster rolls, clam chowder, fried clams – but it’s also got some curveballs that’ll make your taste buds do a double-take.
Let’s start with the appetizers, shall we?
The shrimp cocktail is a classic, but here it’s elevated to an art form.
These aren’t your sad, rubbery supermarket shrimp.
No, sir.
These are plump, juicy crustaceans that taste like they just hopped out of the ocean and onto your plate.
The cocktail sauce has just the right amount of kick – enough to make you sit up and take notice, but not so much that you’ll be breathing fire for the rest of the night.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, give the calamari a try.
It’s lightly breaded and fried to perfection, served with a homemade marinara sauce that’ll make you want to kiss the chef (please don’t actually do this – I’m pretty sure it’s against health code regulations).
The calamari is so tender, you’ll forget you’re eating something that looks like it could be an extra in a sci-fi movie.
But the real star of the appetizer show is the spinach and artichoke dip.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“Spinach and artichoke dip? At a seafood place? What’s next, kale smoothies at a steakhouse?”
But trust me on this one.
This dip is so good, it’ll make you forget all about the ocean for a hot minute.
It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s got just the right amount of garlic – it’s basically everything you want in a dip, and then some.
They serve it with toasted pita chips, but honestly, you could probably eat this stuff with a spoon and be perfectly happy.
Now, let’s talk main courses.
If you’re a lobster fan (and if you’re not, why are you even in Maine?), you’ve got options.
There’s the classic lobster roll, of course – chunks of sweet lobster meat lightly dressed and served on a toasted roll.
It’s simple, it’s elegant, it’s everything a lobster roll should be.
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But if you really want to treat yourself, go for the lobster croissant.
Yes, you heard me right.
Lobster.
Croissant.
It’s like someone took the best parts of French cuisine and New England seafood and created a beautiful, buttery baby.
The croissant is flaky and light, providing the perfect vessel for the generous portion of lobster meat.
It’s a combination so perfect, it’ll make you wonder why all lobster doesn’t come served on croissants.
This culinary masterpiece is the kind of dish that makes you want to stand up and slow clap.
It’s the Meryl Streep of sandwiches – classy, versatile, and always delivering an award-worthy performance.
The moment it arrives at your table, you’ll find yourself locked in an intense staring contest with it.
And trust me, the lobster croissant always wins.
It’s a dish so good, it might just ruin regular lobster rolls for you forever.
But that’s a risk I’m willing for you to take.
After all, life’s too short for mediocre seafood, especially when there’s a lobster croissant waiting to change your life one buttery, crustacean-filled bite at a time.
If lobster’s not your thing (again, why are you in Maine?), fear not.
The New England House has got you covered.
Their fried haddock is a thing of beauty – lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, it’s the kind of fish that could convert even the most die-hard meat-eater.
And don’t even get me started on the clam strips.
They’re so good, you’ll be tempted to order a second batch before you’ve even finished the first.
For the landlubbers in your group, there are plenty of options too.
The burgers are juicy and flavorful, and the steak tips are so tender, you could probably cut them with a spoon (though I’d recommend sticking with a knife, just to be safe).
They’ve even got a decent selection of salads, for those of you who like to pretend you’re being healthy while on vacation.
But let’s be real – you’re not at a place called The New England House Seafood & Sports Bar to eat salad.
You’re here for the seafood, and boy, does this place deliver.
One of the things that sets The New England House apart is its commitment to fresh, local ingredients.
The seafood is sourced from local fishermen, which means you’re getting the freshest catch possible.
It’s so fresh, don’t be surprised if your lobster starts singing “Under the Sea” (okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea).
Now, let’s talk about the sports bar aspect of this place.
The New England House manages to strike the perfect balance between “sports bar” and “family restaurant.”
There are plenty of TVs showing the game (whatever game that might be), but they’re not so overwhelming that you feel like you’re eating in a Best Buy.
The sound is kept at a reasonable level, so you can still have a conversation without having to shout over the play-by-play.
And let’s not forget about the beer selection.
They’ve got all your standard domestic brews, but they also feature a rotating selection of local craft beers.
It’s the perfect way to wash down your lobster roll (or lobster croissant if you’re feeling fancy).
One of the things I love most about The New England House is the atmosphere.
It’s the kind of place where you can come in wearing flip-flops and a t-shirt or dressed up for a night out, and feel equally at home.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, always ready with a recommendation or a joke.
It’s the kind of place where you might come in as a stranger, but you’ll leave feeling like a regular.
And speaking of regulars, this place has plenty of them.
On any given night, you’ll see a mix of tourists and locals, all drawn in by the promise of good food and good company.
It’s not uncommon to see families celebrating birthdays, couples on date night, and solo diners perched at the bar, all coexisting in perfect harmony.
The New England House is more than just a restaurant – it’s a testament to what makes Maine so special.
It’s unpretentious, it’s welcoming, and it serves up some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you fell in love with New England in the first place.
So the next time you find yourself in Wells, Maine, do yourself a favor and stop by The New England House Seafood & Sports Bar.
Order the lobster croissant, grab a local beer, and settle in for a meal you won’t soon forget.
Just don’t blame me when you find yourself planning your next trip to Maine before you’ve even finished your dessert.
For more information and to stay updated on their latest offerings, be sure to check out The New England House Seafood & Sports Bar’s website and Facebook page.
And if you’re trying to find your way to this hidden gem, use this map to guide you to seafood paradise.
Where: 124 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Remember, in Maine, the best things often come in unexpected packages.
And sometimes, those packages are shaped like sports bars serving gourmet lobster croissants.
Who knew?