The Front Yard — Restaurant in Ogunquit

Dinner was only OK. We had a reservation, and didn't have to wait to get seated, which was awesome. Our server was just flat-out distracted. We had to flag her down for bread (a table that sat after us go bread before us, as an example). We wanted her attention after ordering but before dinner was served - we saw her wait on a table and was hoping she was going to turn and pass by our table. Instead she went the other way. I was disappointed, and sat back down (I kind of propped myself up a bit hoping to make eye contact). Apparently it was evident enough because a DIFFERENT server saw it and called for her to come visit our table (which she did). Our food was delivered by someone else (food runner; no big deal), but we needed salt and pepper and two other things. They all departed, and our server didn't come back for a good few minutes (almost to the point of obviating the need for what we were asking). After we opted to not even see the dessert menu, we just asked for the check. The check was brought over quickly, but it then took a long time AGAIN to get the card swiped so we could pay (once again, another server saw us just waiting with a card in the folio).

I am totally appreciative of restaurant staff in 2022 - it seems as if restaurants can't find enough. But as we observed the other servers (we had plenty of time to look around), it didn't seem like anyone else was really struggling. C'est la vie, I suppose. I really dig the layout outside (bar, patio, area to hang) - but just not sure if this is gonna make the top of our list when we come...

Last week my husband and I had the pleasure of dining at The Front Yard in Ogunquit, ME. I was incredibly impressed by the proactive customer service demonstrated by Daniel, one of the proprietors. He called me in the middle of the day because I had booked patio-seating, and inclement weather was in the forcast around our dinner reservation. I was so impressed by his follow-through, and in the end, the weather held out for us, anyway! I was also impressed with their lovely Hostess, Andralina. She was incredibly patient and pleasant over the phone, when I was booking the reservation. We started with the Deep-Fried Brussels Sprouts in Sesame Oil-----delicious, and accompanied by a Bloody Knees Cocktail, a modern incarnation of the 1920's Bee's Knees Cocktail. It did not disappoint. I ordered the Atlantic Salmon w/ mashed potatoes on a bed of asparagus----wonderful.The salmon was cooked to perfection, the potatoes were rich and savory, and the asparagus had the right level of crispness. My husband ordered the Mushroom Truffle Pasta----and it was to die for! We're both still talking (and dreaming) about this pasta dish! We capped the evening by sharing a slice of Italian Lemon cake------light, lemony and perfect. My husband had espresso, and I had coffee------again, perfectly made. Our server was Casey, (if my memory is correct), and she was so pleasant. The patio provides a lovely ambiance. We would definitely go back, the next time we're up that way again. If you're in Ogunquit, and don't go to The Front Yard, you'll be...

No lie, I’m not one to order the same dish over and over again, but I am going back to The Front Yard to order the mushroom truffle pasta all over again.

We love Ogunquit, but it can be a tricky spot for dinners. I guess that’s the price of being a postcard-perfect coastal town in Maine? So when we find a place like The Front Yard, you’ll hear us raving about it for a while. We made reservations based on other reviews, and since we were doing an Ogunquit staycation, it just made sense. So glad I listened to those five-star reviewers — we absolutely loved it.

We were lucky to grab a patio table (not gonna lie, I don’t know if I would’ve loved it quite as much without the al fresco vibe), and it was the perfect summer (spring?) dinner. We ordered a bottle of Riesling — they have an extensive wine list, with some affordable options — and it paired perfectly with our meal.

For apps, we went with the burrata and squash dish and the fried calamari. Both were solid, though the burrata could’ve used a bit more flavor. Definitely not the best I’ve had, but the entrées more than made up for it. My husband’s pesto pistachio pasta, topped with burrata, was excellent, and like I said... I’m still dreaming about my mushroom pasta.

Our server was super attentive, even though the place was a little busy. We really appreciated that. And PSA: don’t even try to go on the weekend during peak months without a reservation. We saw folks getting turned away...