Jim & Judy Heyer Discover Lubec
We first discovered the peace and serenity of Lubec, Maine, while on vacation in 2001. That same year, we bought a cottage overlooking Johnson's Bay and renovated it with love and attention.
Having not learned our lesson yet, we worried and fretted over the condition of a historic waterfront building, circa 1864, in downtown Lubec, directly on the water. With the desire to save the building from further wreck and ruin, we purchased it with the idea of "just making it safe, sound, and secure." Two and a half years later, and after an "extreme makeover," the doors of the Water Street Tavern and Inn opened for business on June 10th, 2010. The results of our efforts are far from our original intention, but much more representative of what we felt in our hearts about the town, the townspeople, and the beautiful old building.
With sixteen seasons now under our belt, we are proud of the accomplishments of our crew and staff. We have received many accolades to our pleasure, and helpful criticism to help us adjust and grow. We continue a philosophy of dynamic and flexible operation, adhering to quality and customer satisfaction as a principle and guideline. Most of the time, we are spot on and consistent. Like everything else, we sometimes have a hiccup. We prosper from consistency and make course corrections from hiccups.
It has been our pleasure to bring Water Street Tavern and Inn to life, season after season. We hope you will enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed sharing it with the people who find their way to Lubec.
With love, Jim and Judy
A good friend who knows has said, "Go everywhere and eat everything."
The People Who Bring it All Together
Our Staff
Staff Bios
Matt and Sherri are the creative culinary backbone of the Water Street Tavern. Matt has been at the helm of the Water Street Tavern kitchen for 10 years and along with his wife Sherri, they single handedly created and produce all of the delicious apps and entrees that everyone so enjoys. Matt enjoys changing his menu monthly to reflect the freshest seasonal products and often adds new and inventive choices to supplement all the classic tried and true Tavern favorites. Matt and Sherri and their three daughters live in Lubec.
Larry and Bill returned to Larry’s hometown in 2020 after spending early retirement years in South Florida. Larry’s career in resort management and Bill's career with American Airlines were a natural fit for their roles at Water Street. Larry was born and raised in Lubec and is so happy to return home and once again be with family and friends. Bill's brilliant smile and hearty welcoming laugh fill the dining room with Downeast warmth and charm. Larry and Bill look forward to welcoming you in to Water Street.
Kimmy as she is affectionately known to her adoring Lubec fans had been with Water Street from its infancy. Kim’s expert direction of the dining room is a defining trait and guests cherish her presence. Kim and her family are life long Lubecers and Kim will make sure your visit to Water Street is the best it can be.
Kristen has been with the Water Street family for the past 7 seasons. Starting as bartender and now server, Kristen’s professionalism and warm loving manner is a Tavern mainstay. Kristen and her family are long time Lubec residents and actively participate in supporting and promoting the Lubec community. Kristen’s bright smile will be a highlight of your visit.
Judy is the Tavern Salad Queen and is solely responsible for those gorgeous, delicious salads that roll out of the kitchen nightly. Judy, a native Lubecer, has been active in the community her entire life and brings her love of the town and its people to her role at the Tavern. A joy to have on our team!
….our amazing support staff who keep us moving, clean, organized and energized….we couldn’t do anything without them. Such an amazing group of people. Our Tavern family means the world to us and because of all of their amazing talents we are able to bring such an outstanding product to you!