About
With its shotgun-style layout and British pub vibe, King Eider's Pub offers a rustic and tasty dining option in Damariscotta.
This Midcoast favorite opened in 1996, when Larry and Sharry Schneider purchased a historic 1840 brick building. They renovated the space to create a traditional British-style vibe and a menu featuring Maine seafood and English and Irish pub favorites.
In 2003, the Schneiders decided to focus on marketing their oyster shucker invention, Aw Shucks, and sold the eatery to Todd Maurer and his wife, Sarah. Also involved were Sarah's sister Cynthia, her husband Jed Weiss, and a third sister, Melissa Organ. The Maine Restaurant Association recognized the team's hard work by honoring them as Restaurateurs of the Year.
In 2022, longtime managers Scott McArdle and Damon Waltz purchased the restaurant, continuing to rely on local farms and fishermen for daily specials. Damariscotta River oysters are a signature here, and yes, the staff still use the famous Aw Shucks to safely open them.
Additionally, the owners have built goodwill by supporting community energy programs to assist neighbors in need. That spirit explains why townspeople call it "the pub."
For anyone exploring the Midcoast, King Eider's offers a memorable meal and a genuine taste of small-town Maine life.
Vibe
If the real estate motto that "location, location, location" is paramount for a business's success, then King Eider's Pub has a prime spot!
The corner restaurant sports a tall, narrow building that exudes history with its brick facade and quaint front patio.
Step inside and you'd swear you entered a British pub outside of London. The atmosphere's old-world charm, upbeat energy, and homey setting make it an ideal spot for lunch or dinner.
The snug ground-floor pub features exposed brick walls and handmade mugs hanging from the low ceiling beams. The bar offers a laid-back dining setting, while the small oyster bar offers an intimate place to slurp fresh shellfish. Upstairs, the dining room suits a relaxed dinner, while the front patio shines for al fresco dining.
All of this makes it a natural fit for any Midcoast vacation.
King Eider's Pub: Menu & Drinks
If you're promoting yourself as a British-style pub, then you'd better serve some English and Irish classics. Equally important is showcasing Maine's fresh seafood. Rest assured that King Eider's Pub is on point on both these principles.
Case in point are the local Damariscotta River oysters on the half shell, skillet-roasted, or Rockefeller-style.
Crab cakes are another standout, crafted with sweet, delicate Maine crabmeat that needs little more than a squeeze of lemon.
The barbecued salmon salad also has a devoted following. A generous cut of Maine salmon, coated in a fragrant dry rub and grilled to a savory char, rests over fresh greens with fruit and a bright tomato vinaigrette.
The seafood pot pie is another winner. The flaky pie crust is home to a creamy sherry sauce rich with lobster, haddock, salmon, and scallops. With one bite, you'll agree with what other diners claim: the entree was the highlight of their Maine vacation.
For a taste of Ireland, try the steak and ale pie. This hearty entree features tender cuts of steak simmered in ale with onions and crowned with a flaky pastry crust.
Also noteworthy are the cups and bowls of chowder and fresh, juicy burgers. In short, the diverse menu will appeal to your pickiest eater.
On the drink side, a properly poured Guinness is a must-try, while the King's Margarito Perfecto is a worthy top-shelf cocktail. You'll also find an extensive selection of whiskeys, bourbons, and a curated wine list. Add the non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails, and there's something for everyone.
A visit to King Eider's Pub offers fresh regional flavors, attentive service, and a setting oozing with character. That combination promises a meal and a memory rolled into one.
Local Tips
- Order take-out to enjoy back in the privacy of your Casago rental.
- Because it's a small restaurant, make a reservation to ensure you have a table.
- Lunch offers many favorites and is less expensive than dinner.
- Check social media for specials like Thursday Prime Rib.
