I’ve seen it many times over the years on the busiest corner of downtown Delray Beach, but until this weekend I had never went to try out Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine.  I once tried a little sample of their signature lobster roll during a Tastemaker’s event and thought it was pretty tasty, but for some reason I always end up somewhere else when dining on the Ave.

Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine is located in a great spot- it’s right on a busy corner that great to people-watch while catching up with friends or a date.  When I spotted a $15 for $30 Groupon for the restaurant a few weeks ago I decided to purchase it and give the restaurant a shot.  It was a beautiful South Florida evening last Thursday- perfect for sitting out on their patio and dining on some fresh lobster.

When the server came to greet us just seconds after sitting down, we informed him that we had the Groupon.  I’ve learned that sometimes it’s best to let your server know about coupons before you even order.  It can help avoid issues and confusion at the end of the meal.

He leaned down and whispered that in order to use the Groupon, we were supposed to have made a reservation.  Sure enough, it said that right on the sheet. But since it wasn’t busy, and I’m guessing he wanted to make some money, he told us to sit tight while he went to sneak our names on the reservation sheet.

To eat, we both started out with cups of soup- the New England clam chowder for my boyfriend and the lobster bisque for me.  On the menu the cup of bisque is listed as $5, with an option to add lobster for an extra $6.  Since it’s called “lobster bisque,” I didn’t really think I needed to add anything.  I wish I had though, as my cup of soup was nothing but a creamy broth.  Not one chunk of lobster in it. I realized that lobster bisque is classically based on a strained broth, but I guess I was hoping for it to be a bit more exciting.  While the lobster bisque wasn’t bad, there was absolutely nothing special about it.

For entrees, we opted for salads- the Big Claw Lobster Salad ($22) and the Festive Wreath: Greens & Strawberries (side portion for $6) with lobster added to it for $12.

I thought my Festive Wreath salad was really good.  The greens, strawberries and goat cheese were all fresh and delicious and the amount of lobster was decent for $12.  Topped with balsamic vinaigrette and a sprinkling of almonds, it was a nice, light, refreshing meal that I didn’t feel guilty about afterwards.  I must also mention that the side portion was more than enough, especially with the lobster added to it.

Jeremy’s Big Claw Lobster Salad also came with a nice serving of lobster.  That, mixed with bacon, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette was a nice little combo.  His only complaint was that the avocado was not the freshest.

Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine.  The food was tasty and fresh, the service was friendly and very attentive, and I like the fact that I can eat something that’s actually good for me.  I would definitely like to go back and try more of the menu on a day when it’s nice outside.  If you’re going to go, the patio is definitely the spot to be!

Food- B-

Drinks- N/A

Service- A-

Overall- B

Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine is located at 200 E Atlantic Ave  Delray Beach, FL 33444; (561) 276-2502