Hill's Seafood Co — Restaurant in Rockland

We visited Hill’s Seafood in Rockland on a Sunday afternoon after a local recommendation. The appeal was that it’s not on the waterfront and supposedly more affordable than some of the harbor-facing spots. Unfortunately, our experience didn’t reflect that.

Parking wasn’t easy. There were only a few spaces on one side of the building, and street parking was essentially nonexistent. We arrived around 4:15 PM and were seated immediately, even as the late-day crowd began to build. The hostess was warm, and our waitress was friendly and attentive. Service was not the issue—it was the food and pricing that left us disappointed.

We ordered two lobster rolls and opted to swap the fries for garden salads. The lobster was sweeter than expected but lacked the depth of flavor we associate with fresh Maine lobster. The portion was small, served in a basic hot dog bun that was wet and underwhelming. The roll didn’t hold up well, and for the price, there simply wasn’t much lobster meat. The garden salads were the best part of the meal—fresh, crisp, and well-portioned.

Pricing was a major disappointment. The lobster roll was $35 each, and swapping fries for salad added $4 each, yet the cost of the fries wasn’t deducted. We were also charged $2 each for a small container of what they called “Connecticut style” butter—not real butter, and not offered as an option. A single Coke was $3.75. Even the water had a bitter taste. The total for two people came to $85.75 before tip, and over $100 after tip. For a casual seafood spot with no waterfront view and a very basic setup, that felt excessive.

The restaurant does offer indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor area covered by an awning. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the staff were kind. But for the amount we spent, the food didn’t deliver. We were hoping for a hidden gem off the beaten path, but instead found ourselves questioning the value. We wouldn’t return, and we’d advise others to review the menu carefully and ask about upcharges...

Did not live up to expectations. The menu seemed interesting but the food was fairly generic. The lobster roll was cold, unseasoned lobster pieces in a hot dog roll. To be fair, there was a lot of lobster in the roll, but there was nothing unique, no value-added, and no inspiration involved; we could have done better at home with ingredients already on hand. The ambience would have been nicer at home. The haddock reuben was not a bad sandwich but it was not a reuben either. It was a decent piece of fried haddock on sliced white bread with coleslaw. There was no sauerkraut and no indication of dressing. There was Swiss cheese, but not enough to taste or have any presence. The service was like the decor and the food: generic, uninspired, and disinterested. There were signs outside and notes in the menu that suggested a sense of humor. The restaurant has an appealing logo, being a stylized fish incorporating an H. One gets the impression the store was established by someone who cared, but they're gone now and the current workers just aren't invested. Tourists appeared to be happy with their lobsters and wine. The fries were very good, as was the coffee. There isn't much truly wrong with this restaurant but in a Midcoast loaded with good and great restaurants and super fresh seafood there's isn't much to comment it, either. If you're arriving by sea to Harbor Park Marina and don't want to go to Archer's Hill's isn't bad. The same is true if you're on foot in downtown Rockland. However, if you have a car, almost every other restaurant in Knox County has...

A great place for a seafood meal with no frills.

We’re not talking about “cheap”, but great tasting food that’s well executed, and tasty.

We had a grilled scallops (baked potato and slaw), the fried haddock (ie fish and chips, with slaw) and a lobster roll as an appetizer. A local beer and a strawberry lemonade to accompany.. and everything was spot on!

Let’s start with the star of the show: the lobster roll was not too creamy (read: mayonnaise). Although an option of mere lobster and lemon is always a good thing, I understand it’s served with mayo in these parts. The chunks were recognizable, and I understand we paid a bunch more because we’re out of season. The fish and chips was what I’ve been looking for, for many years: the batter was light, bound properly to the fish as it was thin. The haddock was moist, so there was no need for tartar sauce - a wedge of lemon, and that’s it. The crispiness of the batter was well balanced with the tender, flaky fish. And not salty or peppery! Well balanced. The broiled scallops had a nice golden color and were also tender - not rubbery, as that would have meant over-cooked.

The inside seating is limited to about 30 person- so be mindful in inclement weather. However, the patio seating easily doubles that space. The staff is very attentive and tries to accommodate all the guests in a timely manner.

There are 2 unisex bathrooms. They are clean and there is ample room.

It’s a bit like of a challenge to navigate inside if you have reduced mobility, but the patio...