The Black Birch, Kittery

Best meal in the seacoast IMO. Best service too.

 

They don't do reservations and the menu seems to change pretty frequently. Small/medium/large plate option format. I recommend sitting at the bar, even if you have to wait. The bartenders are awesome and everything moves at a better pace. Every night seems to be crazy. No tvs but still entertaining.

 

was just there last Sat. Awesome feel, food, vibe, everything. very chill. There were 6 of us so we had to wait a while, almost 2 hrs. Flew by though. We went across the street to "The Wallingford" for amazing artisanal cocktails and snacks.

at Black Birch, I had Duck Rillettes for an app. that was really, really good. Coquilles St Jacques for dinner. Also very good. Rich, hearty cream sauce with plenty of bacon saltiness (a nice spin). Angels with Filthy Souls from Bissell Bros on tap was delicious. A friend got the spicy sausage orecchiette that was also delicious. Everything looked and tasted really solid

At the Wallingford, which is tiny, we got meat and cheese plates. Those were quite good, including some superb local Nduja. Lunch on tap.

looked like this was a well established path as we saw many of the same people at both places.

 

As Pwbres noted, menu changes constantly. You will find something exceptional, no doubt. My tops are their pork schnitzel and the duck rillette to start. Draft list is among the best you'll find between Boston and Portland

 

Don't sleep on the donuts for dessert, they're phenomenal.

 

The place is top notch, I recommend it to everyone that will be in the area. It's the definition of a hole in the wall that will blow you away. The food is even better than the tap list, which is tough to imagine!

 

There's a lot right next to the building that holds maybe 20 cars or so and then there's street parking. It's a pretty quiet area and I found parking easy on a Saturday around lunch time. Not sure how the dinner crowd is

 

This place is supposed to stay secret for us.... sigh

 

Every night is crazy and there is no reservations. You essentially show up and wait however long that is, 2 hours in not our of the question. There is no TV, this is defenitely not a spot you are going to go to and watch a game. They'd probably shoot you a dirty look for asking. It's a community set up so you will most likely sit next to or near someone you don't know. The food is the best meal on the Seacoast and the service is amazing. The only music you will hear is from the record player. I always say if you expect short waits, large menu, and TV's at the bar this is the exact opposite. The bar is not open seating at night either and probably won't open up long enough before the next person who checked in is seated for you to notice.

Good luck

 

This is also a tough bet. The lot will be full. Just drive around to find one somewhere in the area and walk. For a large Bday dinner I would probably recommend Pigs fly over this. Your guests might not love the wait, especially if they aren't beer people.

 

Then do it! Kid friendly it is not. Owners are super friendly however. Do yourself a favor when you go in. Look for the nice curly haired dude to put your name in with. Then walk past all of the sardines up in the front waiting area and walk past the bar. You will find lots of seats against a back wall to sit in and relax. They will come over and offer you a drink. Have fun, as my wife and I have a 6 week old baby and probably cant make it there for a few more weeks

 

Tributary is so close it could be worth the stop. IMO I haven't been blown away by anything there lately. The pale is is good though but most might be on tap a birch. Also with Foundations drop today around the area you might see Epiphany on tap, it often is. Here is the list as of yesterday. https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackBi...820950693436/1055655341143322/?type=3&theater

 

That's an incredible tap list!

I would add that if you're considering Deciduous and/or Tributary it's definitely worth a stop at Stoneface.