Why Boothbay Harbor Kept Calling Her Back

Jul 7

For EmmaRose van der Veen, the story of Whale’s Tale Restaurant begins long before she ever owned it.

It starts with summers in Boothbay Harbor.

Growing up in the Philadelphia area, EmmaRose and her sister spent every summer on the Maine coast. While friends headed to the Jersey Shore or Cape Cod, she couldn’t wait to return to Boothbay Harbor. Long before she was old enough to imagine running a restaurant, the harbor had already become the place she wanted to be.

“I always loved it here,” she says. “Whenever I had a break from school, this is where I wanted to come.”

After graduating from Georgetown University, EmmaRose’s path could have taken her to almost any major city. Instead, she and her family chose a different direction.

In 2021, they purchased Whale’s Tale Restaurant, breathing new life into a longtime waterfront spot that had grown quiet in recent years. Originally established as a casual harborfront eatery, Whale’s Tale had long been a familiar stop for boaters and visitors, known for its laid-back atmosphere and unbeatable views. When EmmaRose and her family took over, they set out to preserve that easygoing charm while refreshing the space and reimagining the experience for a new generation.

Today, Whale's Tale is truly family-run. EmmaRose works alongside her father, Michael van der Veen; her mother, Marion Murphy van der Veen; and her sister, Jax van der Veen, each of whom plays an active role in the restaurant's day-to-day operations. Along with a welcoming staff, they've created an atmosphere that keeps both locals and visitors coming back. Whether guests arrive by foot or tie up at the dock just steps away, they're greeted with the same sense of warmth and familiarity.

“We really try to make every customer feel welcome,” she says. “We want them to walk out saying, ‘I can’t wait to come back.’”

The menu reflects that same philosophy. Alongside Maine classics like lobster dinners, fried seafood, and fresh haddock, guests will find unexpected favorites, including Philly cheesesteak egg rolls inspired by the family’s Philadelphia roots and Emma’s Rice Bowl, a simple lunch EmmaRose originally created for herself before customers convinced her it belonged on the menu. Seasonal specials and fresh catches keep things interesting, while keeping prices approachable has been part of the mission from the beginning, making Whale’s Tale a place that’s just as welcoming for year-round locals as it is for summer visitors.

Of course, the food is only part of the experience.

From the dining room, guests look out over a working waterfront where lobster boats come and go throughout the day. Lobsters are pulled directly from the floats outside, and the rhythm of Boothbay Harbor unfolds just beyond the tables.

“I think the working waterfront is the heart of this town,” EmmaRose says.

Spend a few minutes talking with her, and it becomes clear that Whale’s Tale is about more than serving great food.

It’s about preserving the kind of place where families work side by side, neighbors know one another, and visitors leave feeling like they’ve discovered something authentic.

After all, the restaurant may have brought EmmaRose back to Boothbay Harbor.

But the harbor is what made her want to stay.

Famous for:
Fresh Maine seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and genuine hospitality on Boothbay Harbor’s working waterfront.

125 Atlantic Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME | carouselmarina.com