Forbes Seafood Restaurant & Take-Out
A long-standing beachfront spot in Wells, ME, famous for its fried seafood, burgers, and massive ice cream cones. Perfect for a casual beachside meal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Forbes Seafood Restaurant & Take-Out
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A long-standing beachfront spot in Wells, ME, famous for its fried seafood, burgers, and massive ice cream cones. Perfect for a casual beachside meal.
Avoid Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours, especially on hot days, to avoid long waits and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Savor the Fried Clams
Pair the highly recommended fried clams with tartar sauce for an enhanced flavor experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(207) 646-7620
Address
427 Mile Rd, Wells, ME 04090, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beachside Dining with Fresh Seafood
Enjoy freshly prepared seafood like fish and chips and fried clams right on Wells Beach. Perfect for families seeking a coastal meal.
Legendary Burgers
Experience burgers with a unique, juicy, and tasty meat blend that many visitors rave about. A must-try for burger aficionados.
Generous Ice Cream Portions
Indulge in huge servings of rich and creamy ice cream, perfect for a sweet treat after a day at the beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Avoid Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours, especially on hot days, to avoid long waits and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Savor the Fried Clams
Pair the highly recommended fried clams with tartar sauce for an enhanced flavor experience.
Seafood Focus
Consider ordering seafood dishes, as they are frequently praised in reviews and generally recommended.
Value Meal Advice
Ask locals or staff for recommendations on value meals before ordering to ensure you get the most for your money.
Tips
from all over the internet
Avoid Crowds
Visit during off-peak hours, especially on hot days, to avoid long waits and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Savor the Fried Clams
Pair the highly recommended fried clams with tartar sauce for an enhanced flavor experience.
Seafood Focus
Consider ordering seafood dishes, as they are frequently praised in reviews and generally recommended.
Value Meal Advice
Ask locals or staff for recommendations on value meals before ordering to ensure you get the most for your money.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Forbes Seafood Restaurant & Take-Out garners mixed reviews, with many praising its prime beachside location and generous ice cream portions. While some highlight the fresh seafood and burgers, others express disappointment with high prices and inconsistent food quality, particularly noting issues with flavor and preparation. Service can also be a point of contention, with some experiencing slow service and others finding the staff friendly and attentive.
"Perfect grab & go! Got a fried shrimp & fried clam roll to enjoy lunch by the water. Lightly battered, soft and delicious."
Angie Amil
"We came for dinner. This was terrible. $89 for a burger, a shared chicken dinner, a kids grilled cheese and 3 drinks. Everything had zero flavor, was cooked well - not burnt but just gross for simple food. Best thing on the table was the kids grilled cheese and fries. For how expensive it is, they should atleast offer free refills to choke it down. Especially when eating inside the restaurant. Would give zero stars if available."
Bailey Marrotte
"Pricey, average fried food by the beach.
For a chicken sandwich and fries, it’s over $20… That’s the “order it somewhere else” price. Kind of like when you take your car in for service and they say $8k for repairs — sure, they can do it, but do they really want to? Nope.
The menu needs an overhaul. Make people want to buy from you, not walk away. You can get way better restaurant food for cheaper. I guess they survive because of their location, catching weary travelers unfamiliar with the area. Anyone local knows they’re just pedaling mediocre meals next to the Wells Beach restroom (which they guard closely, making sure no one uses “their” spots). As if it were some high-end establishment.
While ordering food, my family was awkwardly stared at for 1–2 minutes by an employee acting strangely. When I went back to the car, he gave me a long lecture about “customers only.” I just smiled and waited for him to finish, until he finally asked, “So are you getting something?” I said, “Well, yes!” He doubted me and I had to show the receipt. Then he suddenly became friendly, and so was I — but seriously, open your eyes and take people at their word. I wasn’t there to sneak in a bathroom break or steal one of their precious parking spots.
What more could you ask for?
Oh, I know… Better ketchup! They have terrible ketchup, which ruins the experience. Strange how a place that charges so much cuts corners on ketchup. Just buy Heinz. Don’t be that cheap establishment with the budget option — people have taste buds.
They do have ice cream, which is a bonus, but if it weren’t for that, they probably wouldn’t exist. The locals know better, which is why they shut down in the winter when you can’t sell sweet cream by the beach."
Jon Dreher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Visitors frequently recommend the fish and chips, fried clams, burgers with their unique meat blend, and the huge servings of ice cream.
Yes, its convenient beachside location makes it ideal for families looking for a casual dining experience.
Yes, there is a convenient take-out window available for ordering seafood and ice cream.
It's advisable to visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially on busy summer days.
Some reviews mention that certain items can be pricey compared to their portion size, so it's good to be aware of this.
Yes, Forbes offers breakfast, and omelets have been specifically praised as some of the best.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Delight Your Palate: The Four Must-Visit Restaurants in Wells, Maine
Located right on the waterfront, Forbes Seafood offers an exceptional seafood dining experience that captures the essence of Wells’ coastal charm. This family-owned gem has been serving up delectable seafood for generations, making it a staple for locals and tourists alike. Their menu boasts a wide selection of fresh catch, ranging from the classic New England clam chowder to lobster rolls overflowing with tender meat.
13 Best Wells Lobster Rolls
Located at Lafayette’s Oceanfront Resort, Forbes has been in business since 1921, every May through October. The lobster rolls here are an authentic Maine treat—a grilled, split-top hot dog roll filled to the breaking point with claw and tail meat, and then a slather of mayo on top (if you wish). Served with fries, this is the real deal.
*Restaurants & Menus* Archives
We have been serving up the very best seafood and fried food directly on Wells Beach. We serve everything from pizza to a Lobster platter, and we serve beer and wine. We have takeout serving up ice cream and an indoor seating area.
20 BEST Restaurants In Wells Maine You Need To Visit
In Southern Maine, the food is amazing and the beaches are immaculate. Wouldn’t it be great to have the best of both worlds?
Wells Beach, Cafes, & Pizza! -
Around noon, we walked a mile down the beach to have lunch at Forbes. I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit