The Shack — Restaurant in Old Orchard Beach

As someone whos worked in the service industry for 10+ years ive barely written bad reviews because of how understanding I am to waitstaff and hostessess. Before arriving I called the shack to see if they took resos or could put our names down for walk ins, the hostess told us it was first come first serve which was totally OKAY. My friend and I showed up and were told it would be only a 10 minute wait and to see ourselves at the front bar for a drink while we wait for our table. 10 minutes pass and we view a group of 5 walk up and be seated immediately, no problem at all - I just go up to the hostess and ask how much longer of a wait itll be considering she said it would only be 10 minutes. She now tells me itll be up to a 30 minute wait - I simply asked how it jumped from 10 to 30 minutes, as a hostess you should always overestimate wait time to insure customers aren’t dissatisfied. Barnette or Bailey, darker blonde woman with an infinity sign tattooed behind her neck decided to approach me in an hostile manner, saying I need to wait and that the group in front of me was there before and had put their names down & that it’s completely out of the hostesses control (even though they said they dont put names down & that the hostess is in 100% charge as to where and when tables are being sat). I 1000000% understand that some nights you just get slammed and you cannot accommodate everyone. Just say it like it is and dont attack a customer when they simply ask when theyre going to be sat - its a pretty simple and innocent question that hostesses will be asked frequently. After that nice and approachable hiccup, almost wanting to leave - My friend and I both ordered the lobster bake, clam chowder was amazing, lobster was okay! However, the clams - had not been soaked in cold water apparently because every single clam we had was basically dipped in sand and left grit all over our teeth. Theyre supposed to be cleaned throughly and supposed to spit out all dirt and microplastics when submerged in cold water. Our server was nice but very in & out and didnt really bother to connect with us, had me wondering if it was all because I had simply asked how much longer our wait was going to be. Had a way better experience at other restaurants at old orchard beach. Can’t say id really recommend this...

Unfortunately, this is one of the only places that stays open late. It was very frustrating that there was absolutely no parking anywhere around for this restaurant. There is no street parking, and everything around it is owned by the hotels. I tried to park and couldn't find anything. I had to go a few streets over to the park to park. I felt uncomfortable because there were a lot of homeless people, and I didn't feel like my car was safe. I parked there anyway and then walked several blocks, but I couldn't turn the direction of the restaurant because there is a train track that goes through it with a fence on both sides. After walking for 10 minutes, I turned around and went and got my car. I finally offered to pay one of the hotels to park in their parking lot, and they hesitantly agreed. We ordered the fish sandwich and the Philly cheese steak. Both came with a pasta salad, which I typically love. This one tasted like they used cleaning vinegar, and it was pretty gross. My son and I were both joking about how bad it was. He enjoyed the fish sandwich, and I enjoyed the Philly cheesesteak. I just wish there were more options instead of the pasta salad. I enjoy fine dining and never mind pain the higher prices for quality food and the atmosphere. It appeared that the hostess and the waiter were both in a hurry to get people in and out. They don't bring you silverware and a clean cloth napkin to your table, but instead, there is a little tub with spoons and forks that everybody places their hands on. The table was sticky and not very clean. They serve drinks in plastic cups, including water. They also don't have to come around and offer you refills because they leave a picture on the table for you to help yourself. You would think with the prices that they are charging that they could at least you bring you glass cups and your own personal silverware. Seemed pretty wasteful to me, but I guess at the end of the day, it's all about the dollar. They could at least try to buy some of the real estate around them for a parking lot for...

I’ve been visiting OOB for years now, I’ve eaten at all the major spots; Ken’s, Clambake, ETC. I’m not sure how I’ve managed to never eat here before in that time, but I gotta say it was nothing short of excellent. My S/O ordered Lobster Mac & Cheese and I ordered the Combo dinner (Scallops & Haddock).

Absolutely amazing, easily blows Ken’s out of the water in terms of flavors and quality, my Scallops were not chewy, had a very diverse taste and the breading actually sticked to the Scallop whereas with Ken’s the breading would instantly just peel off the second it touched the tarter sauce.

As for the Lobster Mac & Cheese, nothing short of pure bliss on a plate. Absolutely incredible, I’m not sure why so few places offer Lobster Mac & Cheese but this place does and I’m not lying when I tell you that it made my S/O’s eyes water due to how amazing this dish was, basically liquid gold pouring over fresh Maine lobster.

The atmosphere is great as well! Eating there later in the day (7:30) really was the perfect time, smaller place but I feel that makes it better. Eating in an over crowded environment doesn’t exactly help me enjoy my meal, the tables are well placed and sitting outside gives you a great scenic view of the pier and the beach.

I’d also like to add that the server we got was such an awesome and upbeat guy! I apologize that I can’t remember his name but I’m positive if he read this review he’d know who he is.

All in all, definitely a place that’s been added to my list when I come back up annually, and honestly would rather dine here multiple times throughout...