Helen's Restaurant — Restaurant in Machias

Not their best day. We were the 3rd table in at opening time on Saturday. Food arrived 45 minutes later, was mediocre. The hot beef sandwich was dry, could have used more gravy, but our waitress never came anywhere close to us again, so never mind. The place was soon packed and only one poor waitress. Several others appeared from the back for a moment and would seat a group but would not take their order. We ordered dessert when she finally got a moment to give us the check. 10 minutes later, she came back and told us they had no chocolate cake. I asked to just take it off the ticket we had already paid. The people next to us canceled their coffee and dessert due to the wait. The poor lady came back and told us she had no idea how to fix the bill and the lady who could would be with us shortly. 20 minutes later, I went and just stood at the register. When the lady emerged, she asked me if I needed help and explained she was supposed to be fixing my bill. She said I don't know. I said that she better go ask our waitress as she said you were redoing the bill. She said, "Oh yes, I already fixed it. I politely asked how. She asked. "Was there anything wrong with the chocolate cake." I said yes, you don't have any. She said, "Oh, okay, it is fixed, and I took the tip off." At this point, I probably had a frown as I told her that it is not the poor waitreses fault you guys have no help, she is doing the best she can. I want the tip put back on, but the cake was not produced, so I was not paying for that. She said it was fixed. So well over an hour 1 dry fish and chips, 1 dry hot beef sandwich , 1 water, 1 coke, $44. And she could not produce a receipt so I fear this did not include that young lady's tip. Bottom line not worth it, poorly managed facility. Stick with Helen's in Ellsworth and you will be...

I appreciate they provided me with a French Dip as they had leftovers (not a daily item). The Aus Jus was was quite cooler than luke warm, so they gladly reheated it. Unfortunately in the meantime I learned my sandwich was very cold on the bottom (hot melted cheese on top). I didn't have the heart to bother the waitress yet again, as they were understaffed. So I brought my meal home, reheated and it was good (but it defeats the purpose of eating out). The ketchup that came with the meal in a little cup was not enough for a child, nor was the Aus Jus enough. I had an Ice Tea with too much ice, so I needed to request water (I did eat most of my French fries while they were hot & fresh), but the water arrived as we were leaving. We were never asked how are meal was or if we needed anything else? The pie was tasty and we ordered 3 meals to go- for family members and they were all good+ however, very small amounts of gravy. Good grief, potatoes, rice, gravies, breads, are all items that should be plentiful as they fill the customer up without breaking the restaurant bank. Everything is on the brink from good to great, but more staffing & proper amounts are needed. We even had to ask for napkins! None were provided. We received 2 napkins only, one for each of us. They're cheaping out when they shouldn't be. We recognize our economy is suffering right now, however I'd rather pay a few dollars more for adequate condiments, napkins, water and proper service. The waitress was very pleasant and helpful, but what patron wants to ask for every little thing that should have already been provided? I've never experienced anything like this. Very uncomfortable. But if you want good homestyle cooking...

Great food, beautiful setting, amazing pie (if a touch pricey). Stopped by on our way through Maine. It's been a family tradition for years to stop by here for fresh fruit pie. In fact, while the food was great, stopping by for just a slice of fresh fruit pie would be an excellent idea. Anyway, I got a chicken sandwich with spicy sauce and blue cheese. It was very good and enormous. My one daughter got a chicken ranch wrap. It was delicious - great mix of foods. My other daughter got their fish and chips. The fish was fresh and very good - not super crispy, but great taste. Fries were ok. My wife got a French dip sandwich which was very very good. Hot and melted cheese. The star of the meal was the pie. We split two slices (strawberry and raspberry), so simple and so good. Fresh, perfectly ripe fruit, a bit of some kind of glaze to hold it together and a very generous topping of fresh whipped cream. Wonderful! Blueberry pie (even better I recall from previous visits) is only available in August when fresh wild blueberries are available. Slices of pie were very large (enough for two) but cost almost $9 each. Service was very friendly and attentive. We ate on the deck and the scenery was very pleasant. They are dog friendly. Well behaved dogs are welcome inside or on the deck. Our was obliging. Otherwise I'm not sure what we would have done. Thanks for being dog friendly. Overall, great place, huge servings, very good food, great pie. Price maybe a touch high, but not too bad. Overall, worth a return visit when we pass through again. To save money we might just get four slices of...