Wells visitors, frequently with children in tow, generally want it fast and inexpensive—and within those parameters, Wells does well. Case in point is Jake’s Seafood (139 Post Rd./Rte. 1, 207/646-6771, 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Sat.; 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun., $11–26), which serves paper buckets of fried clams, fries, and coleslaw from its takeout windows (there’s both inside and outside seating on the premises).

The lines may be out the door at The Maine Diner (2265 Post Rd./Rte. 1, www.mainediner.com, 7 a.m.–8:30 p.m., $6–18), but for good reason: The seafood salad is full of meaty, sweet lobster and shrimp; the turkey is house-roasted, and the chili, meatloaf, and mac ’n’ cheese are freshly homemade.

There’s good Thai food to be had at Mekhong Thai (162 Post Rd., 207/641-8805, www.mekongthai.com, 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Mon.–Fri.; noon–9:30 p.m. Sat., $8–14), where spicy & sour shrimp and chili paste chicken are specialties.

Meet local policemen (or local anyone, for that matter) at Congdon’s Doughnuts (207/646-4219, www.congdons.com, 6 a.m.–1 p.m.). The fast-paced counter service doles out fresh pastries and muffins (the blueberry sports tiny, sweet Maine blueberries) and, of course, doughnuts. On a hurry to the beach? Catch one on your way through the drive-thru.