The Boathouse Restaurant — Restaurant in Kennebunkport

We had a horrible experience at The Boathouse last night. As they don’t take reservations, we showed up and were told there was a wait of 30-45 minutes so we went to the bar to grab a drink while we waited for our table. It was immediately apparent the bartender was angry about their chosen profession. He demanded we go to the other side of the bar to order even though we were seated in bar seats. He then asked to see my id (of course that is fine) but he began bending it over and over giving me rude looks. My father who was with me saw and was obviously concerned because I am almost 30, no need to bend my ID aggressively like that and seem overly skeptical of my very real ID. My dad said something about how he was being rude and the bartender began yelling saying this was his job. He slapped my id on the counter of the other side of the bar far away from me so I had to walk and get it and began angrily pouring my drink. After we got our drinks and went back to the side of the bar we had seats on, my mother asked for a water and the bartender began yelling at her stating she could have asked for it on the other side of the bar. Talk about not feeling welcomed. THEN, we over heard the bartender telling patrons he hated tourists…. Well if you hate tourists so much , you probably shouldn’t be in hospitality. And it was quite clearly he hated us We ended up leaving and not even staying for our table because the bartender was so inhospitable. Management, if you’re reading this we didn’t get the name of the bartender but he was tall with dark hair and very angry. He had angry beady eyes. I would suggest not having someone so angry at tourists being the face of your bar. We took our money to Hurricanes and had a...

Diner beware!!! I reserved his Open Table. Upon arrival at 11:57 for a 12p reservation, we were rudely told by the manager that “uh ewe are not even open yet”. Once the clock chimes noon, she returned to the desk to check us in. At that point she informed me there was a $150 good/beverage minimum. I was perplexed by this comment and questioned it. I confirmed that it was not noted anywhere on open table or my conformation of the reservation. I even attempted to book another reservation and, again, nothing documented that there is a $150 minimum. The manager was insistent it was there but failed to be able to produce the documentation.. she nervously scrambled on her iPad trying to find it . She even rudely told me “I am the manger and I made sure it was there”. Again, I told her it wasn’t there, showed her my reservation confirmation and she refused to admit it wasn’t. I asked her to show me where it indicated this information. She was unable to show me. Needless to say I was less than impressed with her professionalism or ability to admit it was an oversight. It was actually quite embarrassing for the boathouse to have her representing them with such poor customer service skills (and most disturbing- mask on but under her nose) Fortunately our waitress was lovely and ensured our visit, though more expensive than it should have been, was a positive experience. The manager needs to look into her “policies” and how they are communicated with her guests. Because of her , we likely won’t dine here again, but hope our waitress Marjorie finds another more credible establishment and we meet again! So beware of this restaurant’s undocumented polices (only minimum noted is for Valentines Day-$250 but...

I really hate to be on this app writing this review. Because as a travel and food enthusiast I thoroughly enjoy trying new restaurants with my partner and writing amazing reviews for people and businesses that go above and beyond.

That was the complete opposite tonight. We understand and are very emphatic to the fact that we have a nationwide shortage of staff and service workers. All we ask is that at the very least you can hire someone with some people skills. Xavier to speak specifically!

We sat at this restaurant for an hour 1 and half and finished our first rounds of beer in the first 30 min. Can you imagine we sat for an hour at an establishment and this server never thought to ask us if we needed another drink. Not once!

We patiently didn't say anything just waited to see if someone would say something.

We ordered a steak medium that came out well done. As we called Xavier back to make him aware of the mistake. Not one apology or intent to make this right.

Where is the customer experience ....? Because it wasn't there at all.

We get the bill and he doubles the salad and chicken. And plays the part of what are you talking about this is correct. Well take a look at these receipts and see that he then went to correct his mistake.

If I were running a business or establishment I would be embarrassed to have this type of behavior represent the restaurant. My partner and I happily choose to eat out and support the industry. But to have someone with zero people skills. No remorse in how they treat patrons and customers. This takes away from a business's reputation.

With that being said.... I warn future customers to look at previous reviews and make your best judgment on whether you should eat...