Photographs by Jennifer Baum

November can be a depressing time in Maine. The cold settles in for its long winter stay. The sun seems to retreat in surrender. And, of course, restaurants start shuttering their doors for winter hibernation.

It is a perfect time for a new place to dine. The owners of The Black Bull in Rockland have obliged with a year-round spot complete with good food, good prices, and a magnificent view.

The Boathouse Restaurant and Raw Bar (58 Ocean Street) recently opened its doors in a boathouse on a little peninsula of land (almost directly in front of Amalfi’s) in Rockland Harbor. The views are spectacular. Large windows display Rockland’s working waterfront and decorative touches such oil lantern lights and circular porthole windows complete the maritime ambiance.

The menu has a good balance of tourist and local favorites — and what I’ve sampled so far was tasty. The lobster roll is in the classic style: a toasted hotdog roll with lettuce, lobster, and mayo, perhaps only deviating from the norm in the chunkiness of the very fresh lobster meat. The fried seafood is similarly fresh. (Their French fries are delicious as well.) Lunchtime fare (mostly under $11 dollars, with the exception of the $15.95 lobster roll) includes everything from the Jamaican Jerk Chicken sandwich (with pineapple and avocado) to Steamed Pork Dumplings to Crab Cakes. Dinner offers all the lunch options plus heftier meals like the Scallops and Gnocchi (Seared Sea Scallops over creamy sautéed gnocchi with fresh basil and Pernod cream), Grilled Hanger Steak, Grilled Marinated Swordfish, and Baked Stuffed Lobster.

They also offer a "raw bar" selection including crab claws and shrimp cocktail “steamed in Geary’s Pale Ale.” The full bar has a good selection of beer (including Geary’s and Sebago Brewing Co.) and inexpensive wines by the glass.

There is no doubt that this restaurant will be a hot summer spot, particularly due to the view and the ample outdoor seating. But locals should certainly pop over soon (there’s even a woodstove burning to keep you warm). The prices are reasonable, and my best bet is it’ll be a place to savor in the not-as-crowded off-season.

The Boathouse (58 Ocean Street, Rockland) is open seven days a week. Lunch is served from 11:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. and dinner from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. On Sunday, in addition to regular dinner hours, the restaurant offers brunch from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. 207-596-0600.

The views expressed on this Web site are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent the views of Down East Enterprise or its employees.