Neighborhood Favorites
There simply isnt enough space in the magazine to cover all our favorite spots in Maine. Plus, sometimes, our favorite places to eat aren’t fine dining spots per se; theyre brewpubs and breakfast nooks, wine bars and take-out joints. Consider this the extended Restaurant Listing, which includes all the restaurants, bars, cafes, and eateries that we find a bit more difficult to categorize. These beloved neighborhood places serve everything from pizza to petits fours and span the state from its northernmost tip to southernmost border. We love these places, and we think you will, too.
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11 Central
11 Central St. | Bangor | 207.922.5115 | centralbangor.com
The bright, quirky art that hangs on the brick walls hints at the modern, playful food to come. Unexpected combinations, like the strawberry chicken marsala or the chorizo gnocchi are well worth the culinary risk.
Lost Kitchen/Mill at Freedom Falls
22 Mill St | Freedom | millatfreedomfalls.com
Fans of the closed Belfast location eagerly await the reopening of Erin French’s eatery, which has reportedly found a new home in The Mill at Freedom Falls. Though its still early, visitors can expect the same dedication to fresh, local, and simply good food that French displayed in her previous ventures.
Home Kitchen Cafe
650 Main St. | Rockland | 207.596.2449 | homekitchencafe.com
Diner staples are made great with the addition of local ingredients, fresh-baked bread, and sophisticated touches, like creamy polenta or smoked poblanos. To make it even better, breakfast is served all day.
Seabright Pizza
7 Public Landing | Camden | 207.230.1414 | seabrightcamden.com
The standard brick oven pizza gets a colorful makeover with unexpected and delicious toppings. Think roasted squash with crumbled cookies, or sauerkraut and mustard.
Boylton McKays
30 Main St | Camden | 207.236.2465 | boynton-mckay.com
From the gleaming bar to the sculptural booths, everything about this Camden spot is filled with vintage charm and retro appeal. Stop in for a hearty breakfast or a grab-and-go lunch.
Falmouth Foreside Tavern
270 U.S. 1 | Falmouth | 207.781.4255 | theforesidetavern.com
Slide up to the dark wood bar, order a beer, and catch a game on one of the six flatscreen TVs. This tavern is just like your neighborhood sports bar, only with better food and nicer bartenders.
Royal River Grillhouse
106 Lafayette St. | Yarmouth | 207.846.1226 | royalrivergrillhouse.com
Head over for happy hour and grab a seat in the comfy lounge. Cocktails are both seasonal (expect figs for fall and maple manhattans in the winter) and strong.
Wayfarer
2 Pier Rd. | Kennebunkport| 207.967.8961 | wayfarercapeporpoise.com
The beloved Cape Porpoise spot reopened this year after extensive renovations. But the great service and down-home feel that made it a favorite are all still there.
Great Lost Bear
540 Forest Ave | Portland | 207.772.0300 | greatlostbear.com
Few things rival the super nachos when it comes to cheesy, decadent goodness, except perhaps the buffalo chicken mac and cheese.
Fuji
29 Exchange St. | Portland | 207.773.2900 | fujimaine.com
This Old Port restaurant is always a great choice, but we think it’s particularly nice for lunch, when you can get the $8 two-roll special and soak in the zen-like atmosphere.
Yosaku
1 Danforth St. | Portland | 207.899.3774
Buttery sashimi and a Japanese-inspired brunchcomplete with green tea bellini gives Yosaku an edge in a city rich with fresh seafood.
Hot Suppa
703 Congress St. | Portland | 207.871.5005 | hotsuppa.com
There are few places to get cheesy grits on a cold Sunday morning, but Hot Suppa has it covered. The brunch is everything it should be, boozy, rich, and inspired by warmer states.
Duckfat
43 Middle St. | Portland | 207.774.8080 | Duckfat.com
Paying $9 for a sandwich is commonplace nowadays, but at Duckfat, you can get an earth-shatteringly delicious sandwich for that price. And the poutine. Did we mention the poutine? Order it with a cooked duck egg on top and watch as the yolk mingles with the gravy to create a flavor we can only describe as culinary nirvana.
Dimillo’s
25 Long Wharf | Portland? | 207.772.2214 | ?dimillos.com
Skip the white-tablecloth dining room and head for the lounge, where you’ll find comfy chairs, comfort food, and a great happy hour that runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.
Flatbread
72 Commercial St. | Portland | 207.772.8777 | flatbreadcompany.com
Flatbread specializes in the type of crispy, crunchy that make devouring a pizza so damn fun. The ”No Boundaries” menu invites diners to pick and choose their favorite toppings and sauces, all of which are locally sourced and organic.
Schulte and Herr
349 Cumberland Ave | Portland | 207.773.1997 | schulteundherr.wordpress.com
From the minute you set foot into this cozy restaurant, you feel the sweet sense of homecoming, which only gets stronger once you sit down to a wicker basket of fresh-baked bread. Decadent German food, including traditional favorites like bratwurst with sourkraut and potato pancakes served with house-cured lox, dominates the dinner menu.
Katahdin
27 Forest Ave | Portland | 207.774.1740 | katahdinrestaurant.com
Katahdin makes the classic dinner-and-a-show evening easy to execute, thanks to the convenient location next to the Portland Stage Company. Looks like you just won date night.
J’s Oyster Bar
5 Portland Pier | Portland | 207.772.4828 | jsoyster.com
This Portland institution is full of gritty, salty charm. Smart visitors will sidle up to the bar, where colorful characters can always be found.
Zen Chinese
45 Danforth St. | Portland | 207.775.6888 | zenchinesebistro.com
This isn’t your normal greasy lo mein joint, although you can get that, or an order of General Tsao’s, if you’re feeling nostalgic. But for the best Maine-meets-West experience, order the lobster tails.
Saigon
795 Forest Ave | Portland | 207.874.6666
Some of the best Asian cuisine in Portland is found off the peninsula. Head up Forest Avenue to try the unctuous, rare beef pho.
The Well
21 Wells Rd. | Cape Elizabeth |?207.831.9350 | jordansfarm.com
Dining at The Well is like attending the world’s nicest picnic. Naturally, this farm-to-table restaurant is closed for the winter.
East Ender
47 Middle St | Portland | 207.879.7669 | eastenderportland.com
This tiny, hip little spot dishes up inventive bar snacks like deviled eggs with lobster and broccoli fritters. A stellar wine list, with half-priced bottles during happy hour, is just the cherry on top.
Old Vines
173 Port Rd. | Kennebunk | 207.967.2310 | oldvineswinebar.com
By the glass or by the bottle, no visit to Old Vines is complete without sampling the vino. Small, tasty plates of rustic Italian food will keep you company while you sip.
North Point
35 Silver St. | Portland | 207.899.3778| northpointportland.com
Funky art adorns every inch of the walls at North Point, a casual cafe tucked away in the Old Port. With inventive flatbread sandwiches and cheese plates loaded with goodies, it’s equally good for intimate dinners or a boozy weekend lunch.
The Rack
5092 Access Rd. | Carrabassett Valley | ?207.237.2211? | Sugarloaf.com
Visiting The Rack is practically a rite of passage for Sugarloafers. Live music and a rocking crowd keep the party going after the lifts close. Order the black iron skillet nachos or the potato smashers, both of which pair great with tall glasses of beer.
Krista’s
2 Main St. | Cornish | 207.625.3600 | kristasrestaurant.com
This cozy little bistro in Cornish is equally good for hearty salads or big, meaty burgers. Don’t miss the homemade potato chips with gorgonzola cream.
In Good Company
415 Main St. | Rockland | 207.593.9110 | ingoodcompanymaine.com
Paintings, plants, and bookshelves full of knickknacks make you feel as though youre dining in the home of your sophisticated friends, who also happen to be fantastic cooks and cheese enthusiasts.
Cafe Miranda
15 Oak St. | Rockland | 207.594.2034 | cafemiranda.com
Local food meets dorm room favorites, like pizza, hot dogs, cheese steaks, and more. Get a PHD (Professor of Hot Dogs), served on house-made focaccia with a pile of fresh veggies on top.
Hartstone Inn
41 Elm St. | Camden | 207.236.4259 | hartstoneinn.com
Although breakfast is only for guests at this cute B&B, dinner is open to the public. Take advantage with a five-course meal of creative dishes from chef Michael Salmon.
Lemongrass
212E Maine St. | Brunswick | 207.725.9008 | lemongrassme.com
Great Vietnamese food can be found in this sunny Brunswick spot. Adventurous eaters will enjoy the authentic fare.
Frontier
14 Maine St. | Brunswick | 207.725.5222 | explorefrontier.com
From Sundance-winning movies to TEDxDirigo, Frontier is home to many of Maine’s cultural events, not to mention a great menu of healthy local food. The MarketPlates are particularly enticing, with their skillful blend of meats, cheeses, and marinated veggies from around the globe.
Aki
94 Maine St. | Brunswick | 207.729.8866 | akisushime.com
The drama of hibachi meets the quiet beauty of sushi. Whether you want open flames or raw fish, youll find something to satisfy your palate in this colorful Brunswick restaurant.
Mediterranean Grill
10 School St. | Freeport | 207.865.1688 | mediterraneangrill.biz
As kids, we all knew one simple truth: nothing beats food served on a stick. Enjoy the adult version of kebabs in Freeport’s best Greek restaurant.
LFK
188A State St. | Portland | 207.899.3277
Literary types will adore the bookshelves filled with old leather tomes, but you don’t have to like Hemingway to appreciate the impeccably made drinks.
The Dogfish Cafe
953 Congress St. | Portland| 207.253.5400 | thedogfishcompany.com
An out-of-the-way location doesn’t keep regulars from finding their way to Dogfish, where every item, no matter how simple, is done with care and a little bit of local flair.
Sillys
40 Washington Ave. | Portland | 207.772.0360 | sillys.com
Whether you’re craving fried pickles, vegan pizza, or a big, chocolaty milkshake, you can find it on the encyclopedic menu at this quirky, funky East End staple.
Tu Casa
70 Washington Ave. | Portland | 207.828.4971 | tucasaportland.com
Offering authentic Salvadorian food served at very reasonable prices, Tu Casa is bit of a hidden treasure. The menu at this hole-in-the-wall spot is split into three easy options: beef, chicken, or vegetarian.
Thai Taste
435 Cottage Rd. | South Portland | 207.767.3599
Great Thai food can be found at any of the restaurants owned by Pom Boobphachati. While there are locations in Portland and Congress Street, the South Portland eatery stands out for its tropic drinks and casual, fun vibe.
Empire Chinese Kitchen
575 Congress St. | Portland | 207.747.5063 | portlandempire.com
Light, pillowy dumplings come steamed and served in woven baskets at the recently renovated Empire. You’re supposed to share dim sum, but with dumplings, eggrolls, and shumai like this, you may not want to.
Traditions Italian Ristorante
162 Main St. | Saco | 207.282.6661
Like the name implies, this is traditional Italian food, served without any concession to culinary trends. The atmosphere will make you feel like youve jumped back in time, but the tasty, home-style grub will keep you grounded in the present moment.
Hurricane
29 Dock Square | Kennebunkport | 207.967.9111 | hurricanerestaurant.com
The view from the dining room is excellent, and so is the service. They’ve had time to perfect it, since Hurricane has been around for a very long time. Go for brunch and sip a spicy shrimp-topped bloody mary.
Federal Jack’s
8 Western Ave | Kennebunk | 207.967.4322 | federaljacks.com
Perfect for those nights when you just want a pint and some lively debate. Or better yet, live music. The brewpub is famous for their raucous nights and great beer, so try to catch both.
The Front Porch
9 Shore Rd. | Ogunquit | 207.646.4005 | thefrontporch.net
Where else can you get dinner and a show in one venue? Wait for a seat upstairs in the lounge and soon you’ll be belting out showtunes with the rest of the patrons.
Mabel’s Lobster Claw
124 Ocean Ave | Kennebunkport | 207.967.2562 | mabelslobster.com
When a craving for lobsterfresh-caught, unadorned, juicy sweet lobsterstrikes, head to Mabel’s. This Kennebunkport landmark has been serving hungry diners since the 1950s.
Sud’s Pub
151 Main St. | Bethel | 207.824.6558 | thesudburyinn.com
Pub grub and pizza help ward off a chill after a day on the slopes at nearby Sunday River. Head over on Thursdays for their legendary open mic nights.
Thomaston Cafe
154 Main St. | Thomaston | 207.354.8589 | thomastoncafe.com
This sweet little neighborhood eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner Thursday through Saturday. On Sundays, the schedule changes to accommodate the old fashioned, reasonably priced (yet still delicious) brunch menu.
Diamond’s Edge
Great Diamond Island | Portland | 207.766.5850 | diamondsedge.com
There’s something about island air that makes food taste better, not that the chefs here need any help. Watch boats come and go in the marina while feasting on the fruits of the sea.
Otto Pizza
576 Congress St. | Portland | 207.773.7099 | ottoportland.com
Once you’ve tasted crispy-crust pizza topped with scallions, mashed potato, and bacon, there is simply no turning back. And since the company can’t seem to stop expanding, you won’t have to.
Robert’s Maine Grill
326 U.S. 1 | Kittery | 207.439.0300 | robertsmainegrill.com
From the replica lighthouse that stands outside, to the beer-battered fish and chips, everything about Robert’s speaks of New England charm and tradition.
Ebenezer’s
44 Allen Rd. | Lovell | 207.925.3200 | ebenezerspub.net
Rated the number one beer bar in America by Beer Advocate Magazine, Ebenezer’s is a must-visit for beer snobs, though locals (and more casual drinkers) find the laidback bar wonderfully welcoming, too.
When Pigs Fly Pizzeria
21 Main St. | Freeport | 207.865.6006 | sendbread.com
While the pizza is great, there is a lot more to love than just pies at the newly expanded Kittery restaurant and bar, from pastas to polenta. And be sure to save room for dessert.
Brass Compass Cafe
305 Main St. | Rockland | 207.596.5960 | thebrasscompasscafe.com
A charmingly nautical lunch and breakfast spot in downtown Rockland, the Brass Compass specializes in simple, hearty food and service with a smile.
Salvage BBQ
919 Congress St. | Portland | 207.553.2100 | salvagebbq.com
Massive wood tables encourage family-style dining, and big portions make sharing Salvages delicious meats and sides manageable.
Blue Rooster Food Co.
5 Dana St. | Portland | 207.747.4157 | blueroosterfoodcompany.com
Brilliant sandwiches dressed with unexpected extras (like brussels sprout slaw, shaved fennel, and pickled green tomatoes) have made Blue Rooster a favorite of the lunch crowd, but good news for night owl foodies; they serve their signature tater tot poutine well into the night.
PoBoys and Pickles
1124 Forest Ave | Portland | 207.518.9735 | poboysandpickles.com
The muffaletta at PoBoys is an almost transcendent experience. Salty olives, spicy meats, and fluffy white bread come together in a perfect recreation of the New Orleans classic.
El Rayo Taqueria
101 York St. | Portland | ?207.780.8226 | ?elrayotaqueria.com
Come summer, there’s nothing sweeter than sipping a margarita outdoors at El Rayo while waiting for your tacos to appear. Themed nights, like Oyster Mondays and Tamale Tuesdays, keep regulars coming back for new tastes weekly.
Pai Men Miyake
188 State St. | Portland | 207.541.9204 | miyakerestaurants.com
Ramen isn’t just for broke college kids anymore. The humble noodles get upscale treatment from chef Masa Miyake. Expect lots of pork belly and, for the adventurous, squid ink.
Pedro’s
181 Port Rd. | Kennebunk | 207.867.5544 | pedrosmaine.com
Owned by the same folks behind The Ramp, another beloved local spot, Pedro’s offers delicious margaritas and great Mexican food served up in a casual, fun atmosphere.
The Good Table
527 Ocean Rd. | Cape Elizabeth | 207.799.4663 | thegoodtablerestaurant.net
A true neighborhood eatery that offers a true range of eats, from good, homey food like the hot turkey dinner, to more exotic plates, like lamb souvlaki and spanakopita.
Maria’s
337 Cumberland Ave | Portland | 207.772.9232 | mariasrestaurant.com
Once you get past the kitschy knickknacks and out-of-the-way location, you’ll fall in love with Maria’s simple, homey Italian comfort food.
Hugs
3001 Town Line Rd. | Carrabassett Valley | 207.237.2392 | hugsitalian.com
After a day on the slopes at Sugarloaf, nothing quite hits the spot like a big bowl of pasta paired with a carafe of red wine. From the first bite of the baked pesto bread to the last sip of port, a meal at Hugs feels like a warm, doughy embrace.
Little Seoul
90 Exchange St. | Portland | 207.699.4326
In this unassuming dining room tucked away on Exchange Street in the heart of the Old Port, youll find some of the best Korean food around, from piping hot bibimbap to spicy kimchi and pork stew.