The Anchor

Simply stated, this was an amazing experience!
If you are looking for an outstanding culinary experience coupled with incredible views as well as an interior design that enhances your view regardless of where you are sitting then The Anchor Restaurant is a must visit place if you are on the Mid Coast of Maine.
Owners Dan and Andrea have painstakingly renovated and created an environment that will provide you with a truly memorable experience in food and your view of Round Pond Harbor. It absolutely was one of the best experiences that I have ever had.
As we came into the restaurant we were cheerfully greeted by several people. When the hostess (Andrea) came to seat us she had a brilliant smile that that said without words that we were about to have an amazing experience (and we did!) Our waitress (Olivia) was as cheerful and very knowledgeable about the menu. She did everything to guarantee that we were comfortable and paid meticulous attention to us throughout the evening.
We started the evening sharing a Crab Cake appetizer and some Point Judith Calamari. Possibly the best ever crab cake that I have ever had and the calamari was lightly coated, golden brown and so tasty that you could consider having more immediately but the best was yet to come!
I had the Maine Lobster Ravioli which was combined with a Sherry-​Tarragon Cream Sauce, Shiitake Mushrooms, Grilled Ramps & Picked Meat. Simply stated it was the best ever! Tasty beyond belief and just enough to leave a little room for dessert.
My wife had Seared Scallops that came with roasted fingerling potatoes and incredibly delicious creamed corn decorating the plate. As my wife tried her dinner she looked up and said this is absolutely cooked to perfection. She gave me a taste of a scallop and it was so tender and tasty that I said that will be my next meal to try when we come back.
Our friend had one of the evenings specials (and there were several). He loves Tuna so when they read the specials he immediately changed his mind on what he was going to have and ordered the grilled Tuna. He is very particular on how he likes his Tuna prepared. He described what he wanted (blackened on the outside and red on the inside) and it came just as he wanted. As he took his first bite, he looked up, had a big smile and said «this is amazing».
Lastly we topped of the experience with a Coconut Crème Brule … amazing!
We had a wonderful meal combined with terrific company and outstanding views of the harbor. I highly recommend The Anchor Restaurant without hesitation!

We weren’t sure what to expect after learning the restaurant changed management but were pleasantly surprised. My wife and I went on a Thursday night in June and were seated quickly although we had no reservation. In all fairness, the restaurant was not very busy when we arrived at 6:00 PM. By the time we left at 7:30, it was ²⁄₃ full. It is quite different and pricier than the previous iteration but the menu was quite varied and the selection good. The service was attentive and the staff checked back with us often. I had an appetizer of fried clams which were very good, followed by the braised short ribs with turnip and brussel sprouts which were very tasty and nicely presented. My wife had had the steak frite which featured skirt steak and was served with green beans and steak fries and reported it to be very good. For dessert we had lemon cream pie and chocolate crème brûlée both of which were excellent. We are pleased that the Anchor remains on our list of good restaurants in mid-​coast Maine.

Bottom line: don’t bother. Too much money for what you get. And I speak as someone who LOVED this place last season.
I’ll start with what I liked — the view. And the décor.
But it was cold! I had to go outside and get my leather coat to wear through dinner, with my scarf, to stay warm.
What else was lacking? The food. And the drinks menu.
Last summer, we were delighted with the inventive and interesting mixed drinks and honestly, that was the draw last night. It was a beautiful day and the view is wonderful! But the waitress looked at me like I had 3 heads when I asked for the cocktail menu. So I ordered a glass of wine.
The table bread was a nutmeg roll that was bland, except for the hint of nutmeg, which was nice. It would have benefited from some salt or a more flavorful spread. Plain butter? Honestly, who does that in a fine restaurant these days?
For my meal, I ordered a Caesar salad. It had no flavor. It looked nice enough, with shaved parmesan on top, however, the cheese certainly wasn’t high quality because why? NO FLAVOR! The dressing was there, but all I tasted was oil, no lemon, and certainly no anchovy. The croutons were fried white bread cubes.
I also ordered the Fresh Asparagus «in bed» — whatever that is. The asparagus was grossly overcooked to the point of being mushy. The egg on top was cooked nicely and the overall flavor was there. But I can’t forgive overcooked asparagus.
So, sure, the locals may drink enough to keep you open for a bit. But they will get tired of paying too much for not much and go elsewhere. Like next door to Muscongus Bay Lobster, where they can bring their own drinks and appetizers and enjoy the view.

Prices are way too high. Place could use some hanging plants and fishing nets along the ceilings. Food is good EXCEPT the Caesar salad which is the worst we’ve ever had.
We’ve heard the owner is not good to his help (most of whom don’t look happy). We asked on the way out «where are the mints» and got a snotty answer from one of the hostesses. The Anchor Inn used to have colored mints which was really great to nibble on on the way out.
This place used to be buzzing with people, not any longer now that it’s changed.

The anchor is «off the hook» good! A huge upgrade from the previous restaurant known as the «anchor inn». The food is top notch as is the staff. In addition, the building has gone through a nice make-​over, and is far more aesthetically pleasing. I will say the food is not cheap… But the quality is certainly on point.

Came here on a special vacation with a date… and we both arrived ravenously hungry because of unusually bad traffic. We were greeted warmly and quickly seated despite the place being pretty busy. Throughout the meal, our server was cheerful and attentive without being intrusive.
We tried the lobster mac and cheese and the lobster dinner (yes it was a lobster theme night for us). The lobster dinner was simple and straightforward. Interestingly the mac and cheese seemed to be a risotto, instead of ordinary pasta. The plate was nicely decorated. I think the chef may have been experimenting: if so, it was a nice success. I appreciated the attempt to innovate without losing sight of providing a good meal.
Great experience. I left a 50 dollar tip on a 100 dollar meal to say thank you.

This place is an embarassment to the town of Round Pond, and with its opening has taken over the title of worst restaurant in Round Pond from the previous holder, the dumpster next to King Ro.
Yep, The Anchor is bad. You can read my review, and trust me, and my 100+ reviews, or trust someone who has just a few reviews. But if you do go to the Anchor, don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.
To start we ordered three meals to go. Two Steak Frites, one medium, one well. One Broiled Haddock no mushrooms, three Truffle Mac and Cheese.
Now, I’ll ignore the horrendous fact that it took the bartender over seven minutes to type this in to her computer, and then another 2 minutes to figure out how to charge me for it, but the bigger failure is that they still got our order wrong. Even after we waited thirty five minutes for it.
Here’s what we ended up with. Two Steak Frites, each half done medium, half well, One Broiled Haddock (overcooked to the point it was borderline inedible) WITH mushrooms, Three Rice with cheese with absolutely no hint of truffle of any kind.
And what did we pay for this horrendous meal? Around $ 100.
I could buy a George Foreman Grill, two steaks, a haddock filet, EasyMac, and truffle oil all for under $ 100 and enjoy a much better meal, in less time, and cooked properly.
If you want to go to a place that gets your order wrong (from their already limited menu), takes a long time, has mislabeled menu items, and is the most expensive place to eat by far in town, then feel free to go to The Anchor.
If you value quality food, then go literally, anywhere else. Even canned soup at King Ro is better than this. Or maybe treat yourself to a Giffords Ice Cream dinner at Granite Hall, or maybe you prefer to just eat grass and gravel from the Anchor’s parking lot. All of these are better choices.
It’s really a shame that the Anchor’s owners decided to evict the Anchor Inn as tenants at the end of their lease because though the Anchor Inn wasn’t that great, the Anchor is far worse, and definitely the worst meal I’ve had in the entirety of Lincoln County.

We headed to the anchor after seeing the menu in our rented house and after one person in our party had been there in years past. We were expecting what we saw on that menu, lobster, typical fried seafood plates etc… We were pleasantly surprised to see the renovations and menu upgrade when we walked in. Dark wood floors, fresh beachy feel overlooking the water. The menu was much smaller but much more thoughtful and modern. All dishes that were ordered were great and our waitress was wonderful and totally accommodating to our 2 young kids! Would totally go back again next time we’re here!

We had the pleasure of dining at The Anchor last night for their soft opening. The Anchor is in the same location as the old Anchor Inn but is under new ownership, has been completely renovated, and offers a new and exciting menu!
My husband and I enjoyed oysters, fresh Maine halibut, and lobster ravioli. We are foodies and can honestly say that all of the food was awesome! They had a solid draught beer selection and beautiful views which added to the experience. The Anchor is a must try!