Fish Bones Grill — Restaurant in Lewiston

I’m writing this on behalf of my father, as I was present during the experience but not directly involved in the interaction. We visited this restaurant after a four-hour drive from Massachusetts and were genuinely impressed by the food and ambiance — the beef tartare, oysters, clams, and chowder were excellent. The setting truly feels like a hidden gem.

Unfortunately, the service left much to be desired.

Shortly after ordering our starters, our server repeatedly asked for our main course selections. We politely explained we’d prefer to enjoy our starters first and take a few moments before committing to mains — a fairly standard request, especially after a long trip. Instead of acknowledging this, the server insisted that she needed to take the menus away (the restaurant was fairly empty at the time with only maybe 10-15 other people). We expressed that we were fine with the menus remaining at the table, but this didn’t seem to register.

From that point on, it felt as though our request for a bit of breathing room had been taken personally. Our server became noticeably disengaged. Despite our attempts to be polite — including multiple thank-yous and a smile to get her attention — there was a distinct lack of warmth or professionalism in return. When she did return to the table, her tone shifted to something we can only describe as passive-aggressive: “Do you guys need more time or do you want to order now?” (it had been over 5 minutes since she cleared our plates) — she also did not ask us for mains after cleaning our plates.

At that point, the tone of the evening had shifted enough that we decided to skip our mains altogether and simply ask for the check. It’s unfortunate — we had been looking forward to a full dining experience and likely would have ordered several entrées and an another glass of wine. We still left a 20% tip, as is our family’s norm, but it was disappointing to feel like a burden rather than welcomed guests.

Great food, lovely atmosphere — but the service, in this case, really detracted from what could’ve been a fantastic evening.

Once again, unprofessional, immature, and disappointing, and this is coming from an 18 year old. A restaurant of this quality cannot tolerate this...

It was an interesting experience. So finding it was hard. Google maps found the parking lot great but there is no large signage so while facing Mill no 6 head to the far left and you will see one understated sign. The restaurant is basically one large room. It had hints of friendly and upscale at the same time. The menu was not extravagant and there were affordable options. The one thing the menu had going for it was a whole lot of items we wanted to try. We decided to try the small plates and soups and salads side of the menu on this trip. We ordered the lobster Rangoons, mussels and chorizo, seafood chowder, and the beet and goat cheese salad. The food all arrived at the same time. So not a fine dining experience more a family food crush. But each dish was distinct, flavorful, and exceptionally presented. The balance of price versus quality and I am going to go on the side of get here quick because the quality was exceptional for the price. The bread was not exceptional and was run of the mill. The beet salad was a disappointment given the name. But the mixed greens were fantastic. No iceberg our romaine. There were two types of lettuce I have never eaten and they were both tender and crisp. The mussels and chorizo was a bit spicy. The dish came just warm not hot but the mussels were perfectly cooked. They were tender and clean. The broth was more like a soup. The bread was perfect for sopping up the broth. The rich tomatoes and chorizo sauce conveyed hints of rosemary and onion. It was spicy, sweet, and earthy all in perfect harmony. The Rangoons were more like lobster wontons. The filling was interesting. Not sure I tasted lobster but there was a lot of ginger and garlic. They were served warm, crisp and no hint that they had been sitting around. The seafood soup was stellar. It was cold when it arrived and my wife mentioned it to the waiter and he immediately took it away and brought a hot one. There were large scallops and shrimp and potato. It was creamy and robust. A little more leisure and this place would be a fine dining destination. Someone needs to check food temperature in the kitchen but other than that each dish was a hit. We will be back to sample the other side...

I cannot comment on the food as my party was unable to stay long enough to order. My boyfriend's neice made reservations for my mother in law's 84th birthday. She has a medical companion dog that helps her in public. She's usually really good about carrying her papers for her dog but unfortunately this one time she forgot the papers. It appeared to me that NONE of the diners even noticed his presence, let alone complained, but the manager (possibly the owner), made a HUGE issue of it.

Now, I understand that rules are rules. Even though the Federal regulations state that a business owner cannot ask to see the paperwork the wonderful state of Maine passed a law saying business owners can demand to see the papers. The problem is that these papers have PRIVATE medical info/diagnosis. Apparently Maine government officials do not respect HIPPA.

The manager claimed that they'd been having a rash of people coming in with their dogs without proof of being a medical assistant dog. I find it hard to imagine but I suppose it could be possible. I dine out frequently and have never once -ever- seen a medical assisting dog (or w/e they are called). Maybe this restaurant has been targeted?

I don't know why it's so hard for some people to just be decent. I don't think it would have been too much to let it slide this one time. It's not like she'd been to this restaurant several times without her paperwork. I get so tired of people assuming the worst of someone or judging one person by how someone else acted or by something they did.

This restaurant could have won over loyal customers that would have returned often but instead they chose to alienate all of us.

Also, did NOT appreciate being seated smack dab in the center of the dining area. The layout is not very comfortable nor did the noise level allow for conversation. The tables for our party were so wide we had to yell to one another.

Definitely do not recommend this restaurant on principle and due to their seating and atmosphere. If you love someone with a disability...