Barnhouse Grill & Pub in Wiscasset, Maine

Barnhouse Grill & Pub is a casual spot in Wiscasset slinging barbecue sandwiches, burritos, and fried sides in a barn-themed room stuffed with vintage Americana. Service is a mixed bag depending on the night, but when it clicks, your drink stays full and the kitchen moves fast. It's the kind of place regulars hit for lunch on the road.

• Pulled pork sandwich hits hard when on point.
• Enormous portions for reasonable prices.
• Service blazes when Mandy's on shift.
• Quick lunch stop if you're passing through.

Start with the pulled pork sandwich if you're willing to gamble on consistency. The loaded baked potato with pulled pork is also a thing, though results vary. Burritos come stuffed (one guest noted pineapple was the highlight). Chicken fingers get praise for juicy meat and a good breading. Fried mushrooms and onion rings round out the plate, though timing matters when it's busy.

A small, vintage-barn-themed room with country music and nostalgic decor. Can feel cramped and a bit cliquey depending on who's there and whether staff is paying attention.

The pulled pork sandwich is the calling card when it's done right: a balance of fatty, lean, and charred meat. But consistency seems to waver. You'll also find burritos with pineapple, chicken fingers, burgers, and fried sides. Gluten free options are limited, and staff knowledge around cross contamination is spotty.

Regulars rave about speed and portion size, with one visitor noting he drove across Maine specifically to stop here for lunch. But newcomers sometimes feel ignored in favor of locals, and consistency on both food and service is an open question. One recent visitor called the pulled pork sandwich 'one of the best of my life.'