Billy's Chowder House

After driving by Billy’s numerous times during out stay, we finally decided to dine here on our last night. The parking lot was always packed, and since we went in the offseason, I figured the locals knew what they were talking about. And yeah, they were right. Billy’s is a must visit when in Wells for a relaxing meal in a casual atmosphere with a great view of the marsh.

We got there about 45 minutes before the restaurant closed, and there were still quite a few tables seated. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The food came out quickly and the drink refills were plentiful. We ordered the broiled scallops with baked potato and coleslaw and the steak with vegetables (green beans) and baked potato. It comes with bread which we did have to ask for it, but it was delicious! We were pleasantly surprised by how many scallops were in the entrée. They were very fresh and the seasoning was light and tasty. The coleslaw was good and the green beans were some of the best I’ve had at a restaurant. The baked potatoes were delicious. The steak was cooked a perfect medium, as I requested, with very little fat. It wasn’t too charred and the flavor was delicious.

Overall, it was a great last meal and we were very happy with the portions, pricing, and staff. We’re looking forward to visiting Wells again and coming back to Billy’s.

I brought my sons because we wanted to try the lobster mac and cheese.
they have a very extensive menu
the fried haddock bites were practically melt in your mouth.
the calamari was the same.
the lobster Mac and cheese was almost worth what it cost (I am inherently cheap) the potion was generous and it tasted very good.

service was pleasant.
facilities were clean.

I would come back

Tried the takeout from here. it was fantastic. The food was ready and hot. The lobster Mac n cheese was fantastic. The Ceasar salad was a great portion, and of course, the chowder was superb. Definitely recommend this place.

Driving around Maine to take in the sites and stopped at the chowder house for a late lunch. Staff was really nice and friendly. This place has big servings but don't expect them to display it fancy. The meals are very filling! I have never had swordfish. I thought it tasted great!! I have nothing to compare it to but the portion was huge and it was just amazing! I have to say that I was not happy with the clam chowder. I thought chowder was supposed to be thicker but maybe in Maine it's not? It was really thin like soup thin. And you can tell in the picture that there was a layer of butter right on top that had to be mixed in. The clam chowder did have good flavor I was just kind of hoping it was going to be thicker. If anyone from Maine reads this and I am wrong I do apologize! I'm from Alaska and I'm used to clam chowder being a lot thicker than at this restaurant. The calamari was good, the stuffed mushrooms were nice too. My daughter got the seafood platter that came with stuffed shrimp, scallops and haddock and all of it had great flavor! Also they have a big menu with lots of selections! There is also many nonseafood options if seafood is not a thing for you. But I went there as a tourist to stuff myself with seafood. And this chowder house did not disappoint! ☺

Such a great spot! Fantastic views, great service! The scallops were some of the best I’ve ever had, and the haddock was super fresh. the clam chowder is famous for a reason, with a flavorful broth and great clams. We loved our server, she was so sweet!

The service is great ! We loved the food: clam chowder, lobster mac and cheese, burger. This place is awesome 👏🏻

Absolutely loved having lunch here! Our waitress was super friendly and attentive throughout our meal and we left absolutely stuffed! Thank you for a wonderful experience!

Love this location, though the weather didn't do it justice the day I was there. I was traveling with my dogs and ordered takeaway to eat in the car. I got chowder, fried full belly clams, blueberry pie and blueberry ice cream. Everything was delicious, including what seemed to be homemade tartar sauce and cocktail sauce. Highly recommend. The staff was wonderful.

Best spot for seafood in Wells!! Their parking lot’s packed all day every day for a reason.

We had our dog with us and unfortunately they didn’t have any outdoor seating, but the staff happily directed us to the perfect spot at the end of the beach to park the car and have an amazing harbour front picnic. Thank you guys! - the views were AMAZING!

The haddock chowder and seafood stew were not the usual run of the mill thickened fare - more broth based, but both were delicious.
The fried seafood platter came with EVERYTHING! 3-4 big scallops, a big piece of haddock, a mountain of shrimps and clam strips all sitting on a mound of fries - very fun to share.
The lobster Mac and cheese. A huge plate of cheesy, creamy pasta topped with a whole lobster’s worth of claws and tail.

We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in town!

Do yourself a favor and try the Lobster stew if by some miracle of nature you haven’t yet. You could realistically come here for just a bowl of lobster stew and leave with a bigger smile than when you came in. It’s that good. So good it merits being roughly 75% of this very review. So good that if I only had that in my (sadly) short stay in Maine, I would leave in sadness ONLY because I know I will be 4.5 hours away from it. Screw it, it’ll merit the whole review, see pictures for other stuff. A worthy jewel among the impressively decorated crown of Wells, Maine.

Honestly a 10/10 restaurant. Starting off with the oysters they came out looking juicy and spectacular as ever. They were extremely fresh and were most likely caught today. The large lobster roll was exactly as you would want it. Light mayo toss with chunky parts of all the lobster. Finally the clam chowder was phenomenal. Thin broth which is controversial but better than thick broth in chowders with tons of clams and potatoes packed in the cup. I was very surprised with how good it was and had to leave a review!

My husband and I went in around 7pm on Friday night and were seated immediately. We loved the water view from our table! Our server was prompt with everything. The haddock sandwiches were great and the green beans were the absolute best either of us had ever had! Very pleased. If we happen to vacation near Wells ever again, we would certainly go back.

Had an amazing meal here this evening. The place was packed but the seated us immediately. Best fried seafood platter I've ever had. Waitress was fantastic as well. Came here after we called the Bull and Claw to ask about busy times and they were rude, and I am thrilled they didn't want our business. We will be coming back next time we are in Maine. This place is awesome.

I tried my first lobster bisque back in 2017 at this place. I come up to wells 1 time a year from las vegas , just to continue eating this delicious plate. Magnificent food.

Stopped in for a late lunch & we both ordered the grilled Swordfish topped with bruschetta ~ it was absolutely delicious. Our server "Liam" was very attentive and polite.
Fabulous lunch all the way around
Wendy & Debbie

This is my favorite place in the area. Generous portions, amazing seafood, and wonderful non-seafood options, too! I love the lobster stew, and the blueberry pie is a perfect dessert to go with it. When I'm feeling extra hungry, I'll get a baked potato and some shrimp, as well. You really can't go wrong here. We love to sit at a table in the bar area and look out at the marsh - so peaceful!

I've never had chowder before and was looking on google maps during my trip out east. I got a cup of clam chowder and it did not disappoint. If I didn't live 15 hours away I'd return for sure.

Great food and very friendly staff! The views are also really good if the estuary. Saw a bald eagle fly right past the window!

I recommend the clam chowder on a cool evening - hearty and delicious.

Last time I was home in the area, got a seafood platter takeout for my husband- he thoroughly enjoyed it-

I’ve been coming here since I was a little girl. Even though the food is good, I’ll always visit this little chowder house when I’m in the area; it reminds me of beach trips with my gram and all the fun we used to have; this chowder house holds a lot of memories for a lot of people; come for the food and come back with your rose colored glasses, remember good times and loved ones and feel the salt on your skin and the sand in your shoes and just enjoy being in the moment while remembering the past-

Excellent stop. Great service and incredible food and reasonable price!