The last time I was in York Harbor for a meal, it was in the middle of a nasty Northeast storm, late in October. As the storm grew, we fired up our tiny wood stove, set a pot full of chowder atop it and listened to the wind in the rigging. By the end of the day we counted ourselves to be very lucky to be in a safe haven in Maine with such fine food to buoy our spirit, How could it get any better? we wondered. That, of course was before we discovered the Dockside Restaurant. We love what we do here. Says restaurant owner/manager Phil Lusty, the second generation of the Lusty family to operate the restaurant on such a prime spot in the harbor. In fact, the location is more than advantageous-it's actually perfect for boaters. And the Lusty passion for producing fine meals is also top-drawer. But given the Dockside's history, this boating/eating ideal isn't surprising. The restaurant and associated inn started out as a marina. In 1952 Davis Lusty Sr. purchased Harris Island, a seven-acre parcel that sits squarely in the mouth of York Harbor's entrance channel. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, the island included a 19th-century house in poor repair and enough deep-water frontage to berth scores of yachts in the secure, fast-running waters of the York River. After a few years of dock and service building construction, the marina became a big success, particularly for boats headed for the more famous Maine cruising grounds farther east. York Harbor is about a one day sail from Cape Ann and many boat owners appreciated the millpond-quiet harbor about midway between Massachsetts waters and the famous bays-Casco, Muscongus, Penobscot, and so on-of coastal Maine. Trouble was, when they got to York, they were hungry, looking for showers and often intent on joining up with friends. At the time, meeting some of those needs required a hike into town. So, David Lust figured he'd save his customers the trouble and have both a restaurant and accommodations right next to the marina. Today, the Dockside Restaurant is the 90-seat centerpiece of the operation. With the docks being run by the nearby York Harbor Marine, Phil Lusty is able to concentrate on the meals and the ambience that have earned the restaurant a four-star rating from the local daily newspaper and an Editors Choice award from Yankee Magazine. As patrons are ushered into the main dining room, it soon becomes clear why the dockside is worthy of these accolades. The dining room is designed with water views in mind. Every table in the white walled, multi windowed restaurant has a view of the water-some more than others. Although we dined on a Friday night, my wife and I, and another couple were quickly seated at a table that not only featured a view of the boats coming and going in the harbors main channel, but also included a view of Boon Island Light in the distance, winking at us throughout the meal. Only on a boat would you get a better view. In the warm season, dining on a near-by screened in porch is also available. This ambiance encouraged us to relax and enjoy supper at a leisurely pace. Although our waitress was new to the Dockside and the restaurant trade, she immediately picked up on our pace and adjusted her efforts accordingly. Unwisely, we all ordered appetizers-which was only unwise because of the size of the portions. In particular, the steamed mussels in white wine and garlic butter sauce were a meal in themselves. A bowl of one of the best New England seafood chowder I've ever had was a similar challenge. Ditto for the lobster and shrimp stuffed portabello mushroom. Add to it all, hot freshly baked bread and the meal could have been over before it started. But we were tough sailors and willing to brave some enticing entrees, too. Unquestionably, the house specialty of roast stuffed duckling was a big hit. It was tender without a hint of extraneous grease. The stuffing was a hearty and old-fashioned touch of upscale Thanksgiving, with hints of orange and sherry sauce, plus some pecans here and there. Down East tenderloin topped with lobster, crab meat and b?arnaise sauce was also well received. And the tournedos Madeira with shallots and mushrooms gave new meaning to the word beef tenderloin. Alas, with all that great food, dessert seemed out of the question-until blueberry pie was mentioned. We all agreed we could manage a bit of blueberry pie a la mode. Thus, even with four critics on the same dish, the generously berried pastry came through with flying colors-mostly shades of blue to be specific. After dinner, a stroll out to the gazebo on the seaward point of Harris Island seemed appropriate. With scads of lilacs in bloom and the wind absent, the pleasant evening made us speculate about how much it might cost to stay at the nearby inn. ($100-$215/night) and continue eating at the Dockside for a few days. Such a plan, we concluded, might be a good way to remedy a lightly ballasted boat.

Captain;s Quarters. New this year; Three bedroom unit in Captain;s Quarters. If privacy and comfort in a quintessential Maine seacoast setting is what you are looking for, then this is the place for you. The Dockside is pleased to offer a special three bedroom, 2 ½ bath unit in our Captain;s Quarters building. This unit is ½ of the first floor and the entire second floor of a two unit Cape Cod style building, with extraordinary water views. There is also plenty of room outside to play and relax as the Captain;s Quarters is surrounded by lawns, gardens and water. The view out the front door is York Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Out the back you will see the Wheeler Wildlife Preserve. You might be tempted to prepare all of your meals in the large, fully equipped kitchen, but you don;t have too as the Dockside Restaurant is only a short walk away. Large fully equipped kitchen with center island, granite counter tops, new appliances, dishes, pots, pans, utensils and cutlery. Master bedroom; full bath, king bed and water view. Living room; Comfortable seating area with couch and upholstered chairs, bookcases, cable TV,DVD player, CD stereo, gas;wood stove;, French doors leading to large deck with water view. Dining area- comfortable seating for 8, views of woodstove and water. Full bath; tub/shower. Bedroom #2 - queen bed. Bedroom #3; one set of bunk beds and two twin beds. Air conditioning and heat. Cable TV, CD player in living room. Beach chairs/umbrella/cooler. Comfortable porch and lawn furniture. Completely furnished and equipped. Limited housekeeping service. 5/1; 6/26, 10/5; 10/31; $2450/week. 6/27; 8/31; $4900/week. 9/1; 10/31 $3500/week. Captain's Quarters - as seen from the water. Sunrise over York Harbor as seen from the Captain's Quarters. View of York Harbor from the Captain's Quarters

2008 Daily Rates For two persons. In Season: Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays from 5/23-10/18/08. Friday 6/27-Sunday 8/31/08. Sundays-Thursdays from 6/22-6/26/08. Sundays-Thursdays from 9/1-10/2/08. Sundays-Thursdays from 5/26-6/19/08. Sundays-Thursdays from 10/5-10/23/08. Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays from 4/4-5/17/08; 10/24-12/13/08. Maine House; The Maine House is a quintessential seaside inn, built in 1895, warmth and charm are found throughout. All rooms have private baths and access to large decks with water views. Most rooms have views of the water. Free wireless internet access is available in the Maine House. King, queen or double bedroom. Crows Nest, Quarterdeck, Lookout Captains Quarters buildings multi-unit buildings along the waters edge. Comfortably furnished and decorated. All rooms have private bathrooms, private decks and water views. Queen or twin bedroom. Queen, alcove, kitchenette**. Queen, with fireplace. Suites : Bedroom, Living Room, Kitchenette. *Alcoves are small separate areas from the bedroom, containing a twin bed. Ideal for a third guest or for extra space. ** Kitchenettes are small kitchen units with a two-burner stove and sink over a dorm size refrigerator. Microwave, coffee maker, toaster, cookware, flatware dishes. All rates include breakfast for two persons. All rates are subject to 7% Maine Food Lodging tax. Additional guests or roll-a-ways are $15 per night, no charge for children 14 and under in rooms with alcoves and suites. Service charge may apply. Cribs are available for no charge. All rooms have air conditioning/heat, telephone and cable TV. NO SMOKING is allowed in any guest room or public space. Violation of this policy will result in $100.00 charge. Sorry, NO PETS ALLOWED, in rooms or on the premises. Use this tool to convert any currency to US Dollars. Check-In: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm Unless prior arrangements are made. Check-Out: 11:00 am Advanced Reservations: Minimum stay may apply Reservations for less than 3 nights are not accepted before April 1st POLICIES: The greater of (1) one night's rental or 25% of total. Deposit Refund Policy: Reservation cancellations or changes must be made 14 days prior to your arrival. Delayed arrival or early departure requires same notice. For reservations made a year in advnace, a 120-day cancellation notice is required. If less than required notice is given, deposit will be refunded if all cancelled space is re-rented. A $25.00 cancellation fee is deducted from all refunds. Payments of Accounts: Personal check, cash or travelers checks are preferred. Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted. Weekly Rate: 15% Discount. 2 Weeks or Longer: 20% Discount. Ask about our Frequent Stay Program. Thanks for a restorative getaway - I'll definitely be back. - Meri. © 2007 Dockside Guest Quarters Restaurant |

The Dockside Restaurant is open for from Lunch @ 11:30am until 3:00pm, Dinner Starts at 5:30pm and our newly renovated Bar and Poop Deck Libation Patio is open from 11:30am until close serving great drinks and a light menu. (Closed Tuesday's in June). The Dockside Restaurant is snuggly set on the shores of Harris Island. At one time Harris Island was completely surrounded by the Atlantic. Today, there is a road connecting Harris Island to the mainland. This has created a private peninsula jutting out into York Harbor (arguably the most scenic harbor on the east coast) and the Atlantic Ocean. Quintessential Maine. We are known to locals and return visitors as the place for creatively prepared fresh Maine seafood in a yacht club atmosphere. Chef Steve Peckey's repertoire doesn't stop with Maine seafood. He works to create a nicely balanced menu with a variety entree offerings. The Dockside's wonderful food and York Harbor's nautical activity can all be enjoyed while seated on the screened porch or in the bi-level dining room. It's a yacht club with out the membership, casual neat is how you find our guests dressed so, leave your Blue Blazers home. The Portland Press Herald, Down East, Yankee and Off Shore Magazines have generous praise for the Dockside Restaurant. Special celebrations, a gathering of friends or just the two of you, reservations can be made for lunch or dinner. Open Memorial Day though Columbus Day. Off season schedule subject to change, please call for updates. We are renovating Call 888-793-5379 or for more information. Video Clip of our restaurant