Kennebunkport is a buzz of activity. Every season ushers in some exciting new things in Kennebunkport’s Dock Square and Harbor Village, or Lower Village to some.
Pilot House has a new look, the funky locals watering hole received a serious upgrade over the winter and debuted a new two-story chic setting in May 2024. The upstairs dining with river views is a marvelous makeover. The downstairs PHouse bar still feels nautical and homey. And The Spirit is no longer afloat, the 125-foot schooner is now dry-docked by the Pilot House. Fun fact, this 1984 vessel built in Charleston Naval Shipyard was part of the tall ship parade in Boston Harbor, she sailed from Canada to the Caribbean and Africa, before she moved to Boothbay Harbor as an Ocean Classroom teaching vessel. Now the Spirit of Massachusetts is the scenic sailboat “on the hard”, a reminder of Kennebunk’s rich maritime and shipbuilding history.
The legendary Colony Hotel campus has expanded and upgraded, including a new Coveside Market at the former Fontenay Terrace.
Shoppers will find their favorite store Dannah, now has Dannah for Men next door, and La La Luna also on Ocean Ave closer to Dock Square – which is also home to a cool wine shop – Maine & Vine, formerly by HB Provisions.
HB Provisions has new owners, but promises the same great take out and cozy feel as Bonnie & Helen served up for decades.
Via Sophia by the Sea is the latest osteria style restaurant in Lower Village, formerly Pearl and previously Grissini. Serving fresh seafood, meats, delicious bread and sides. Have a cocktail in the downstairs speak-easy bar called The Rabbit Hole where there’s often live music. Its an extension of sister Via Sophia at The Hamilton Hotel in Washington, DC. 27 Western Ave, Kennebunk
Wandby Landing is “on the marsh” in Kennebunk – formerly On The Marsh restaurant. This chic Italian-inspired house-made pasta, pizza and grill dining experience is getting raves. Beautiful bar area.
The Lost Fire in Cape Porpoise by Chef German Luccareli, formerly of Ports of Italy, has established this wood fired Patagonia style barbeque in a cozy atmosphere. The cool decor, cozy nooks and lively bar are almost as delish as the dishes on Route 9 Cape Porpoise.
Casa Seventy Seven at Cape Porpoise Pier is another quickly popular culinary spot by Chef German. Formerly The Ramp, this scenic dining experience overlooking the harbor is already a hit!
Ultramar at 77 Pier Road is a new seafood grill and raw bar restaurant under Chef German’s direction, formerly Pier 77, overlooking Cape Porpoise Harbor.
Mabel’s Lobster Claw changed ownership. While no longer the 1950s classic where the Bush’s would dine in cozy old wood benches and booths, there are still fave dishes remaining on the menu – Lobster Savannah, the Duke and Duchess. We love their delicious traditional food – buttery with breadcrumbs and fresh seafood.
Batson River Tasting Room is a swank brewery of Lucky Dog Brews and distillery next door to Maine Art Gallery. The interior is chic, their beers and small batch liquors are yummy. Go upstairs to the library and relax with a cocktail in hand. Sandwiches, snacks and poutine are served too.
Old Vines Wine Bar has a great vibe thanks to owners Jon 
Ellms and Rick Taranto setting a high bar. You will find some cool tweaks to this cozy wine bar, including an upstairs events space, a slightly more expansive menu and a few less-expensive wines, while keeping key players like Chef Joel Souza, formerly of The Boathouse. This is the upscale Cheers of Kennebunk, with a big welcoming bar, wood tables, and outdoor tent and patio with seating by the fire.
Boulangerie in downtown Kennebunk, behind the Waterhouse Center in the big red barn by Kennebunk Pharmacy is a “Proper Bakery” offering artisanal bread to the Kennebunks, fresh baked Croissants, Baguettes, Sourdough, Focaccia, Pastries, Irish Soda Bread, all made in house. They also serve coffee, tea, beer and wine. This could be the perfect place to stop for breakfast during Kennebunk’s Saturday Farmers Market, or lunch of soup or quiche, or pop in anytime to pick up fresh baked bread – baguette- like the Parisiens do.
Wine House on Main in Kennebunk, on Main Street, offers wine tastings, and events, a nice addition to town. Look for their collab deals with Texas Grace – Tipsy Tacos Tuesdays, for example.
Musette in Cape Porpoise is owned by Chef Jonathan Cartright, former Exec Chef at the 5 star White Barn Inn, and the food at this humble happy cafe is excellent.
Get out and enjoy these Kennebunk and Kennebunkport businesses, and your old favorites like Mabels Lobster Claw, Alissons and Nonantum Latitudes!
That’s all the scoop for today… stay tuned for more Kennebunkport events.
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