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Muddy Rudder Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants American (Traditional) Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Steakhouses American (Traditional), Seafood, Steakhouses [Edit]
1335 US Rt 1Yarmouth, ME 04096
(207) 846-3082
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 9:30 pm
Sun 10 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
Kathy B. said: "Fast, friendly service! Huge burritos, hand rolled and made to order. I highly recommend the Thanksgiving and Sheppards Pie which are specials and only available a few days each year. The homemade chili and sauces are very good.…" read more »
27 reviews for Muddy Rudder Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"Good, but not the best lobster I ever had." In 11 reviews -
"Clam chowder is still the best, great views and friendly..." In 3 reviews -
"...warm, crusty bread and than fantastically flavorful haddock." In 4 reviews
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27 reviews in English
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Review from Drew F.
Alexandria, VA
5/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
The muddy ruddy is a fantastic restaurant! I've been here twice and can't wait to go back.
The first time was for lunch! The clam chowder is the best I've ever had and the fried clams were superb.
My new wife and I (!!!) had our reception dinner there with 40 guests. We could not have asked for more. They worked with us on the menu on several occasions. The the venue and the food was amazing. The lobsters and steamers were fresh and tasty, and the rest of the menu including chicken, salad and dessert were top notch as we. The wait staff was attentive and dedicated. Our wedding guests are talking about eh Muddy Rudder more than the food at our wedding.
Additionally, at the end of the long night, I inadvertently doubled the tip! The owner came to me and asked if that is really what I meant to do, and corrected it. (The service was great, but I didn't intend on a 40% tip.)
I can't recommend this restaurant enough, for a quick lunch or a large group! -
Review from Andy G.
Fairfield, ME
4/29/2012 4 photos
I have passed by the Muddy Rudder on the border of Freeport and Yarmouth Maine a million times on my way to and from Portland, but have never stopped as I never really figured id like it do to being known as a seafood lovers place. However ,I had a Portland Dine Around Club coupon so I figured id give it a try for brunch on a cold Sunday morning in April when I couldnt find anyplace in Portland that didn't have an hours wait. Simone and I arrived at around 11:00am and the place was strangely empty. This is always a concern for me, but I have been driving by many a time in the summer when the parking lot is full so I figure it is more of a reflection of the time of year then the food quality. Upon arrviving the (very cute) hostess sat us at a table with a nice view of the marshy waterfront and then the (very cute) waitress brought us some waters, coffee and menus. Simone tried the Creme Brule French Toast with a side of Bacon and I was convinced by our (very cute) waitress to try the days special Monte Cristo Sandwich. I hesitated a bit on my choice as I do not usually like Monte Cristos that much. I usually get ones with Deli Turkey, Deli Ham and thin somewhat soggy bread. This one however exceed all my expectations. This was real moist and tender Roasted Turkey, sliced about 1/4th of an inch thick , piled high with crispy bacon and a generous amount of Swiss. The bread was nice large thick cut french toast bread that was dipped in a cinnamon egg batter and grilled crispy on the outside and moist but not soggy on the inside. The sandwich was huge and delicious, the best Monte Cristo I can remember having. It came with hash brown casserole that was not as good as the sandwich. The hash browns were overpowered in the dish by the onions and it lacked some salt and pepper. I ate them but they could have been better. Simone's Creme Brule French Toast also exceeded our expectations. Thick Cut French Toast Egg battered thick slices of french bread were grilled, then topped with Sugar and carmelized until golden brown. They looked prettier then the (very cute) waitress that served them and tasted sinfully sweet. Simone also ordered a side of bacon which could have been a bit crispier. In what can only be described as genius, she took some Bacon and wedged it between the french toast slices dipped it in syrup and made mini salty and sweet breakfast sliders. YUM. With the amounts of food we were able to bring some french toast home for another meal. However, we were not able to bring the (very cute) waitress home therefor we will be back for more trips in the future. The Muddy Rudder was an unexpected find. Four stars
Listed in: The Maine Menu
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Review from Neal E.
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
If I could give the Muddy Rudder zero stars - I would. I visited the Muddy Rudder last Fall.
Ordered the Lobster Bisque and the Lobster Dinner.
The Lobster Bisque was of course brought out first. It was like getting a cup of hot, watery broth with milk poured into it - with no real flavor. It was not even worth eating. I flagged down my server and had her take it away.
The Lobster was then brought out. Watery, rubbery, way overcooked. Again, not really worth eating.
A huge disappointment. There must be better places to find Lobster.Comment from Jeff M. of Muddy Rudder Restaurant 9/27/2011
Id like to thank everyone for their comments and… More » -
Review from Rosie and Tigg K.
South Portland, ME
2/13/2012
Good menu choices. Mushrooms w lobster really good. Salad wedge yummy. Not overly creative cooking, a bit pricey, but meal was good.
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Review from Bob M.
Nashville, TN
I don't know how this could b rated low. The place has atmosphere service romance food. Bisque was outrageously good. Service was great. Bar has great sports TV. I'd highly recommend this one!!
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Review from Hungry G.
Portland, ME
5/31/2011
The Muddy Rudder has new owners and it is obvious! The menu had been on the decline over recent years but, being a family favorite, we could not give up without one more try when we heard of the change in ownership. We are VERY glad we did. The food is now much fresher and doesn't have that mass-manufactured taste. My wife is still raving about the Cobb Salad and I can't wait to return for another go at the seafood. Lobster? I'm thinking yes.
Also, the staff seems to have a new attitude of professionalism. From the very welcoming and accommodating young man who was hosting to the wait staff, the past attitude of slapping food on the table is gone. The Muddy Rudder is once again THE RESTAURANT you have to visit. I predict the returning tourists will be stunned by just how good the Muddy Rudder is again.
The live piano player adds to the ambience. -
Review from Takako F.
Ewa Beach, HI
5/31/2011
Scampy with lobster, scarap, and shrimp was so good, but I wish not to have the dried tomato in it...
Scampi with lobster, scallop, and shrimp was so good, but I wish not to have the dried tomato in it... -
Review from John M.
10/14/2010
Best described as the place that you think locals would go to. It has a local look and feel, but step inside and after awhile you hear someone at every other table ask for directions on how to eat a lobster... Seriously, people of Freeport, when I ask you where do YOU go, Im sure you dont really mean this place.
The restaurant is nice.. tasteful but not stuffy. The attitude, casual and not stuffy. My goal when coming to Maine on vacation is to have baked haddock, and this was my first dinner. The haddock is prepared a few different ways and I opted for the stuffed (with crab). Eh... it was good... not great, but good. The stuffing was good and fairly plentiful, but serving temperature could have been better with this as well as the vegetables and baked potato. Portions were good, flavor a bit lacking, but not bland. Dessert was the peanut butter pie which was good, but didnt seem to be homemade as described by our server. -
Review from Phil C.
Yarmouth, ME
8/10/2011
The Muddy Rudder has a fresh new look along with a revitalized wait staff and kitchen.
The food has improved. Excellent Caesar Salad with lobster. Although I agree that the seafood scampi should not contain any sun dried tomatoes. The tomatoes detract from the flavorful scallops and shrimp.
But be sure to order a Bloody Mary...the one that comes with a shrimp about the size of a small lobster tail. -
Review from Michelle B.
Albany, NY
A casual yet classy atmosphere, the Muddy Rudder offers pretty views, pleasant decor and very good food. They have a lot of the favorites you'd expect at most surf n turf restaurants, plus some interesting and creative alternatives. I had the Ahi Tuna dinner, which comes with wasabi mashed potatoes (yum), pickled cucumber salad (eh) and tempura asparagus (tasty). My companions tried (among other things) the Ravioli Florentine, Fisherman's Platter, Filet Mignon and Haddock Sandwich. The key lime pie was also pretty darn tasty. Staff was attentive, timely and professional. I would recommend it.
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Review from Terri H.
8/20/2011
Food was expensive and not fantastic. Service was slow.
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Review from j v.
Portland, ME
9/18/2011
I was surprised at how good this place was. Great service, beautiful location and very cheap. I had the steak tips. My wife had the scampi (loaded with libster). Everything was perfect. I've only been once so this is not an expert review but I'll be back.
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Review from Nicole S.
Jacksonville, NC
I've been coming here for a LONG time. The menu used to be huge and varied but it's much smaller now. Clam chowder is still the best, great views and friendly service. Always an A+ in my book!
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Review from Mark T.
This is my second time to Muddy Rudder - previously I went a couple of years ago for dinner and the place was packed. Nice atmosphere with a dude playing the piano. Loved it - this time I went mid-week, lunch time. Very nice seat overlooking the lake/pond/river.
The restaurant was not crowded and the service was good. I really wanted some good Maine seafood, but to be honest, the menu either wasn't exciting or the interesting dishes were outside of my zone of indifference. All of the lobster was fairly expensive, including a $19 lobster roll. For the size of a regular hot dog bun, I decided to pass.
My friend went with the crab cake sandwich and I went with the fried haddock sandwich with sweet potato fries ($2 extra). Add a cup of clam chowder for $4. For dessert the blue berry pie ($5), peanut butter pie ($6) or bread pudding ($5) are good options.
This place is a trade off - I liked the view in the day time, but was unimpressed with the food and thought it was expensive. When I came in the evening, saw some folks dressed up and a piano player, the food, atmosphere and price were good (but couldn't see the view because it was dark). -
Review from Gilbert Z.
Northfield, IL
10/17/2009 3 photos
I think the Muddy Rudder pays a price for its traditional and "non-Maine" look.
Passing it on highway 1 in Yarmouth, just north of Freeport, you would think it is just another chain family restaurant.
Well while it is part of a small chain (they have another location in Brewer, ME) and it probably would qualify as a family
restaurant, it hides some of best seafood around.
The clam chowder is thick and creamy and loaded with potatoes and clams. The lobster is sweet and fresh (and it's pretty hard to screw up a lobster ... think of the recipe: a lobster, water and a pot) and the fried clams are the best we have found ... crisp and tender whole clams served with a mound of french fries and a scoop of cole slaw.
This is not an authentic "Maine" experience ... just good food. -
Review from Ali I.
Boston, MA
8/10/2010
I went here on a Sunday summer
Night at 6:30. My family was very hungry and even though the few reviews about this place were not very good, we decided to try it out anyways. Well, it looked nice, and that was about it. We were met with slow, bad attitude service. Our waitress was lazy and unattentive. About 45 minutes later we were served our entrees.
On this matter, our group was divided. My Caesar salad with fried calamari was nothing to wrote home about, yet edible. My grandfather had fried wholebelly clams, which were decent.
My mother, on the other hand, ordered a steak which was overpriced and tastless. It was meat that should have been slow roasted but because it wasn't it was tough and undesireable.
And the worst was my poor grandmother's dish. She had some sort of seafood medley which ended up being a pathetic miniature noahs ark of sea creatures. Too bad the ark
Couldn't keep out the flood of butter the 8 peices of meat were drenched in.
I tried it myself, and it tasted like I was eating vomit and butter.
Nothing was worth it at the muddy rudder.
Fellow yelpers, If you know what's good for you you'll stay far far away from this place! -
Review from Paul O.
Baltimore, MD
4/13/2010
I have not had a perfect meal like I did at the Rudder in several years. The calamari and shrimp cocktail where perfect. Wonderful warm, crusty bread and than fantastically flavorful haddock.
The meal was so filling, that when we saw the desserts delivered to a nearby table, but us and the table next us moaned because we knew there was no way we could stuff those treats into us after such a great meal.
Truly from start to finish a great meal with friendly service that was the perfect touch of there when you needed them, but not overbearing. -
Review from Anthony R.
Brooklyn, NY
11/10/2010
It's not anywhere close to being the best place in Maine. It's not even the best place in this area. You can definitely do better at a small local joint by the water.
So why the 4 stars? Two words - lobster bisque. It is absolutely incredible, this stuff. Totally blows your mind, with large chunks of lobster swimming around in the bowl. The lobster bisque makes it worth dealing with the not-so-nice scenery and the family-style restaurant environment. Trust me, go just for this. -
Review from John O.
Waltham, MA
8/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
I really wanted to like this place, the outside looks nice, the interior is decent and has a good view of the water. The server was prompt and they had several local beers on tap. This is a good start, so I ordered the seafood medley and let me say NEVER AGAIN! It was supposed to be broiled seafood w/ a breacrumb topping...When it came out it was floating in butter, and what wasn't floating was charred. Have you ever had crunchy lobster?!?! The shrimp was so tough I thought it might be actually shrimp jerky...Once you got past the seafood on top you had overcooked seafood covered in a soggy, buttery mess...The veggie and potatoes on the side were decent, but nothing special. I will never eat here again and will not recommend to anyone except my worst enemy! Fellow yelpers, STAY AWAY!
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Review from Megan W.
Nicholson, PA
10/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Good, but not the best lobster I ever had. Nice atmosphere. Staff was very friendly. I really could not believe how fast this place filled up.
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Review from Christiaan H.
Middletown, CT
5/2/2009
Chowder was too creamy. 12/07
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Review from Paul H.
Ventura, CA
11/24/2008
Good place for some local fresh seafood but more than a bit on the pricey side. The food is delicious, the service great the atmosphere is outstanding. Be ready to spend some money and enjoy.
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Review from T.H. J.
Andover, MA
9/11/2009
Drive past there any morning and you will see the Sysco Sytems food truck unloading their standard dreck for the evening's meal. You can do so much better than this.
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Review from Matt L.
Boston, MA
4/12/2009
Oh the joys of an Easter Brunch! Well visiting family in this area we were partaking in this supposedly local hotspot. It was quite crowded but probably because it was Easter and probably because there isn't much else in this area. The staff here is a confused jumbled mess of people running around trying to fill in holes. Know one knew what the other was doing. The buffet on hand was out of plates most of the time, waitstaff was running back and forth and the waiting area by the door was too small to accomodate the large crowd. The interior of this place is pretty nice and sits on a cove of the ocean with windows facing the inlet. The menu from what I gathered is motly seafood and nothing really creative looking. The buffet was a sloppy disgusting array of soupy meats, creamy bland tasting pasta dishes and drowned salads that was just awfull. It was presented nasty like some bad wedding or buffet in Vegas and the omelet station was in the middle of the place with the so called executive chef carving half cooked ham to a line of guests taking up the whole area. The food was terrible, and the pork tasted like it came out of the cooks armpit. The pasta dishes were horrible as well and the whole thing was nasty. Even the omelet I got custom made was sickening. I thought maybe try a dessert, you can't screw that up, but I was wrong. Nasty tasting Tiramisu and some gross custard cups and an oreo crumb cake invention which was a nightmare. Add in the steep prices of this place and you have an Easter gone wrong. Do yourself, so your family, do everyone a favor and skip this rip off. I am still trying to get the bad taste out of my mouth which may last for days!!
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Review from Rico M.
Hanover, NH
11/2/2006
Very good restaurant. Supposedly the view is quite nice, but I couldn't tell because I was there at night and I don't know the area. But dinner was awesome, the calamari was good as was my seafood saute. The service seemed very quick and efficient, even if at the cost of a few minor aspects. A quality place to go.
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Review from Paul M.
Livingston, TX
10/4/2007
We went there for lunch, had outstanding lobster/crab cakes and the steamed clams off the appetizer menu. Pleasant place with large windows overlooking a beautiful salt marsh with tidal waters. Friendly, efficient service. Full bar. We'll go there again.
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Review from Neil S.
Portland, ME
5/17/2011
I am being generous with the stars as our eventual waitress was very nice. That's the only highlight of an otherwise unfortunate experience. I dined with my parents last Thursday evening and were greeted by a friendly hostess. The hostess as well as my dining party were all confused by a waitress who very vocally made it known that she did not want another table. I was annoyed to have to hear this convo and it served to set the pace for our meal. Thankfully the waitress that didn't want us didn't get us (or our 21% tip) and the waitress we did get was very nice-though very slow. It took two hours for us to have a salad course and entrees at 5 on a Thursday. Not acceptable! The highlight was the hair in my club sandwich. I couldn't pretend it wasn't there as it was wrapped inside the folded lettuce. The waitress took it off the bill, but nobody else acknowledged the problem. I would expect that a manager would have taken the time to say "I'm sorry". I've been to the Muddy Rudder a few times in the past and never loved it. At this point I'm quite sure I'll never return.
