Bites Nearby: Bill’s Seafood Restaurant

Looking for lunch or dinner or a snack with a water view this weekend? Head on over to Westbrook and let’s eat out!

Restaurant name:  Bill’s Seafood Restaurant

Address: 548 Boston Post Road, Westbrook

Phone number: 860-399-7224; www.billsseafood.com

Cuisine: Casual fare with an emphasis on fresh fish and seafood.

Price range: $3.50 to $22.95

Take out: Yes.

Kid-friendly:  There are the usual hot dogs, burgers and chicken tenders on the children’s menu, but the regular menu offers plenty of other options for kids who like pasta, seafood and appetizers such as fried mozzarella.

Why you should go right now: Things are always hopping at Bill’s, plus the outdoor seating, fresh air and water view are perks every day. For the added bonus of entertainment, head over to the casual restaurant any night but Tuesday and Wednesday.

On Sundays, music from live bands begins in the afternoon. Otherwise, the bands play in the evening and add a festive touch to an already bustling atmosphere.

Bill’s has an extensive menu that begins with two styles of clam chowder – the clear broth variety and the traditional New England cream-based soup. Sandwiches, including burgers, are available solo or as a platter, while entrees run the gamut from sautéed calamari over linguine and broiled fresh salmon to prime rib au jus.

The kitchen will fry up all kinds of fish and seafood by the order, but if decisions aren’t your thing, opt for the seafood platter that includes shrimp, clam strips, scallops and fresh fish.

To top off dinner – and work off a few of those calories – walk through the parking lot to the ice cream emporium for a scoop or a sundae made with New Haven’s best Ashley’s ice cream.