The Black Harpoon

I had a wonderful experience at the Black Harpoon. It is a bit early in the Maine season, so it was certainly a laid back vibe, and older crowd. Everyone seemed to be both a local and regular which gave it a great authentic Maine feel.
The mussels were outstanding absolutely outstanding.

I moved to the area last year and I was shocked by the few places there were to eat near by. Growing up in CA, you get used to things being near by. When I first went to the Harpoon, I just loved the ambiance. All the decorations create such a wonderful atmosphere. If there is something on the menu you want to specialize, you can absolutely do it! My go to «don’t feel like cooking» dinner is the chicken strips tossed in buffalo sauce. I’ve read over some of these reviews, and it’s sad that other people haven’t had the same experience I have, but I went into that place as an «outsider» and I got exceptional service and I keep getting that service now. Ask and you shall receive. If you were disappointed with your meal, SAY something and give them the opportunity to fix it, because they will. Any time we have guests from out of town, this is the only local place we will take them to. Keep it up!

Avoid, unless your local and this is your hang out… Messed up our 2 Person drink order. Slow on getting main dish out. One person had lostermac for $ 23 and go 2 claws… Mac tasted like Kraft.

23 $ for lobster mac. I assume in Maine I’m about to get the mother load. The chef had to cook another lobster because he didnt have enough meat «left». The mac was watery served in a tiny bowl. Had three slivers of lobster, which was over cooked. Clearly this is a bar locals go to for beer… of which they gave me the wrong beer. Not suggested for those seeking quality.

Good service, good food, good price. Three great ingredients for a successful restaurant.

We were staying within walking distance. So we decided to go here on our first night in Port Clyde. My family found the food and service very average. I got the chicken tender, but they were a bit over cooked however the hand cut fries where very good.

Was disappointed. Busy place,
However the food was just so-​so. Three stars for the service, I’d only give 2 stars for the meals.
We had Cajun shrimp — not even spicy, little flavor, crab cakes which were okay but not what you would expect from a seafood place. Really went for blackened fish but only had blackened chicken.

We’ve enjoyed many meals at the Black Harpoon, and the food is basic and reliable. But this past Friday night, we had a bad experience. We called and made a reservation for 4 for 6pm. When we showed up at 5:58pm, the place was packed and we were told, cheerily, «we had a table all set for you, but another group came and we have it to them».
Reminds me of the older Seinfeld sketch about a car rental reservation that wasn’t honored. What is a reservation all about, anyway? No attempt to make amends or satisfy us. It’ll be awhile before I try this restaurant again!

Ate here on our last night in town and what a pleasant surprise.
The place was full of local types, all very friendly.
Pleasant service and cold Harpoon IPA were a great start.
We started with salads, all of which were fresh and tasty. Fish chowder was excellent.
Lobster dinner was. as expected, very good, but the other food was surprisingly good as well. Blackened steak was really very tasty and perfectly cooked, as was the salmon special. Lobster mac and cheese, was filled with large chunks of lobster and was as good as it gets. Side dishes were well done.
Add to this the fact that our waitress was friendly and attentive, and you have a place that we’ll return to for sure!

The Black Harpoon is like the cat with nine lives. We have been having dinner there off and on for more than 20 years under several different owners. We stopped because the food really wasn’t very good, sort of tired, uninteresting, and not fresh. HOWEVER, I’m glad to report that under new ownership, things seem to have taken a definite turn for the better.
This is based only on one dinner that the wife and I had this evening, but we came away full and very pleased with the experience. She had one of the specials, Mediterranean sole, two fillets baked with tomatoes, olives etc, accompanied by potato wedges and roast veggies. She found the fish fresh and the topping delicious. I had the Captain’s dinner, scallops, shrimp and mussels in a cheese sauce with artichokes and greens over perfectly cooked linguini. Really good, a very large portion that was so tasty I finished it all despite myself.
The service was fine and attentive, the place bright and clean. The only quibble I can drum up was that 8 bucks for a glass of pretty ordinary white wine seems a bit high.
So, the Black Harpoon is back, better than ever. Nice to have an alternative that isn’t lining Linda Bean’s pockets in the Port Clyde area.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. We stay in area every summer. Under previous owner, we stopped visiting. We had a «date night» and decided to give this new version a try. My review is lengthy because I want the owners to improve and succeed.
Pretty run of the mill menu. Nothing original. All usual suspects. Thursday nite, «high season», only 2 waitresses on, 1 bartender (more on that later), no bus boys? Hostess busy bussing tables, running orders out from kitchen, drinks from bar. We saw a duece wait and leave because noone at hostess station. Maybe a sign posted would help?
Service was quick, friendly. food came out hot from kitchen. No unusual delays. Halibut special a bit overcooked. Veggies (frozen from a bag? Broccoli crowns and baby carrots) quite over cooked.
Over dinner, we decided that the lack of atmosphere and poor layout need to be addressed. For example, servers must walk through the kitchen for bar service. They return through the kitchen with your drinks, while dodging the swinging doors, kitchen help, etc.
The bar area seems to have been recently added on, and for patrons to access, they must locate the solid wooden door (located at restrooms) with a sign reading“bar”! When you open it, you are looking directly down the line of bar stools facing the bar. Every head turns. You really feel like you are in a different venue.
Its strange (and not in a good way), that the bar is not visible/​accessible from the main dining area. Its unfortunate that the kitchen swinging doors (and thus the kitchen itself) are the focal point of nearly every table in the place.
This is because the kitchen is in the center of the building. IMO, the bar and kitchen should trade spaces.
Speaking of tables, REPLACE THEM. They are likely from previous owner. So, they are a random assortment of kitchen tables. No pedestals. Just table legs at each corner. So, pretty inconvenient for larger groups, etc.

My husband and I ate here 3 times during our week long stay in beautiful Port Clyde and we found the food to be prepared very well. The baked haddock and Caeser salad with pan seared scallops were the winners. We preferred eating in the small tavern versus the restaurant as it provided a warm and friendly atmosphere with mostly locals. Sally the bartender was wonderful and so welcoming each time! We will definitely be back!

This is the place to be if you find yourself in Port Clyde. Under new ownership. Food & drinks are great! This is where you’ll find the locals. Stop in for a ‘Poon Tang!!!