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Restaurant
Augusta
Refined bistro cooking in Augusta with house-made focaccia, half chicken, and short ribs that actually deliver.
Greek
Portland
Greek kitchen in Portland serving fresh mezze, lamb, and a blueberry-tahini ouzo cake that stays with you.
Thai restaurant
Lebanon
Family-run Thai spot in Lebanon with crispy dumplings, fresh rolls, and housemade Rangoons.
Creative bistro fare in downtown Hallowell with a rotating menu and serious wine list.
American restaurant
Cape Elizabeth
Farm-to-table fine dining on Cape Elizabeth served under the sky at picnic tables and private gazebos.
Baxter State Park
Comfort food with surprises near Rangeley: stellar fish and chips, maple Dijon salmon, and serious gluten-free options.
Bar & grill
Bangor
Bangor bar and grill with creative comfort food, late-night kitchen, and a downstairs pool area with arcade games.
Boothbay Harbor
Eclectic bistro in Boothbay Harbor with inventive cocktails, fish tacos, and European wine list.
Camden
South American fusion spot in Camden with ceviche, carne asada, and inventive cocktails.
Takeout restaurant
Wells
Thin-crust pizza and hearty subs in Wells, stop in for meatballs or roast beef.
Rockland
French-leaning New England cooking in a small Rockland spot. Moqueca, pork chop, risotto.
Cafe
Brunswick
Sandwiches and soups on house-baked bread in downtown Brunswick's Tontine Mall.
Smash burgers and hand-cut fries in Wells, run by a chef who treats every plate like it matters.
Hawaiian restaurant
Fresh poke bowls in Brunswick with a huge protein selection and rice that actually melts in your mouth.
Pizza Restaurant
Bowling alley bar in Bangor with surprisingly solid wings, burgers, and poutine.
Smoothie bowls, fresh teas, and protein iced coffees in Boothbay Harbor. Quick counter service.
Asian restaurant
Taiwanese and Chinese spot in Cape Elizabeth with hand-made buns and crispy fried chicken.
Market
Fresh-caught lobster sold straight from the tank at this Rockland market. Call ahead to order.
Old Orchard Beach
Casual Old Orchard Beach bistro known for oversize lobster rolls, house-made chips, and fresh Maine scallops.
Tacos done right in Augusta. Order ahead, take home, and taste why locals keep coming back.
Boothbay Harbor's Downeast Candies pulls fresh taffy on a vintage 1920s machine you can watch.
Craft cocktails and from-scratch cooking in a cozy Camden spot with rooftop views.
Japanese
Chef Hiro's sashimi omakase and spicy tuna rolls draw serious sushi fans to this Portland standby.
Hot dog stand
Freeport
All-beef hot dogs and fresh strawberry lemonade at a beloved Freeport corner stand across from L.L. Bean.
York
Fresh seafood and cocktails in a ship-themed cellar pub on York's Main Street.
York bar-restaurant with crispy chicken tenders, pulled pork apple grilled cheese, and a burger locals can't stop ordering.
Saco
Hand-rolled sushi and house-made ramen in Saco with serious broth and fresh fish.
Diner
Waterfront diner slinging lobster rolls and classic sandwiches to fishermen and hungry tourists alike.
Seafood restaurant
Lobster rolls and fresh seafood in a red-and-white diner slinging local brioche and creative sides.
Belgian restaurant
Duck-fat Belgian fries and creative sandwiches in a spirited Portland sandwich shop.
Fast food restaurant
Bangor's Chick-fil-A serves crispy chicken sandwiches and fresh salads fast and cheap.
Kennebunkport
Dockside American spot in Kennebunkport with crab cakes, steaks, and a rooftop deck overlooking the water.
Contemporary Maine seafood in York with local catch, craft beer, and killer lobster rolls.
Breakfast restaurant
Bar Harbor
Classic Bar Harbor diner famous for wild Maine blueberry pancakes and friendly, no-frills breakfast.
Spacious Portland seafood spot with raw bar, wine, and seared scallops that people plan weeks ahead for.
Italian restaurant
Modern Italian with local ingredients and a brick oven in Freeport's shopping district. Cocktails, cozy tables.
Brewery
Riverside beerhall in Bangor with its own brews, killer burgers, and pork cracklings worth the trip.
Bangor's compact seafood spot slings oversize lobster rolls and all-you-can-eat fish fry with river views.
Wood-fired American cooking in a rustic Portland room. Smoked salmon, hangar steak, daily changing menu.
Pizza restaurant
Wood-fired pizzas and house brews in an industrial-chic Augusta brewpub.
Wood-grilled steaks and seafood with marina views in Freeport. Reserve ahead.
Rustic seafood shack in Wells with lobster rolls, fried haddock, and a trolley car dining room.
Portland's Central Provisions serves small plates and craft cocktails in a brick-walled space where you taste your way through the menu.
Chinese restaurant
Locally sourced Cantonese dishes and dim sum in a bustling Portland spot with an upstairs music hall.
Creative seafood with global accents on the York River. Lobster fries and seared tuna worth the trip.
Pristine local fish simply grilled or roasted in a snug cobblestone alley bistro.
Barbecue restaurant
Alabama-style smoked meats in a Grateful Dead-themed spot. Counter service, serious sides.
American Restaurant
Asian-inspired noodles and bold small plates in a lively Portland bistro with killer cocktails.
Bethel
Southern-style smokehouse in Bethel with house-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and sides that keep locals coming back.
Hamburger restaurant
Counter-service burgers in York with Angus, bison, and veggie patties, hand-cut fries, and Old West charm.
Scratch-baked goods, sandwiches, and soups in a welcoming Brunswick café with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.
Latin American restaurant
Upscale Latin-American spot in Bar Harbor with house-made mushroom spring rolls and fresh Maine seafood.
Inventive Texas-style BBQ with Mexican flair and house-smoked meats that'll surprise you.
Ogunquit
Casual lobster shack at Perkins Cove serving fresh rolls, steamers, and chowder the no-frills way.
Waterfront seafood and sushi spot in Boothbay Harbor with a serious happy hour scene.
Classic 1940s diner car in Gardiner serving American comfort food with creative twists.
York's go-to for Chinese standards and sushi, with huge portions and a full bar.
Acadia National Park
Waterfront lobster spot in Acadia with crispy fish and chips, crab rolls, and outdoor sunset views.
Ogunquit cafe with locally sourced breakfast, house-made pastries, and a loyal breakfast crowd.
Old-school burgers and lobster rolls since 1953. Fast, fresh, and dirt cheap.
Ambitious Italian cooking in intimate rooms; duck and fish dishes shine, though consistency wavers.
Thai street food and late-night cocktails in Portland. Order the shrimp skewers and Pad Thai.
Hearty pub grub and draft beers in a neighborhood spot where locals keep coming back.
Ellsworth
Classic cash-only diner in Ellsworth with killer pancakes, omelets, and homemade bread.
Fresh lobster and rolls at Wells Beach, cracked and split for easy eating, plus homemade chips.
Resort hotel
Classic riverside resort in Kennebunkport with water views, included breakfast, and attentive staff.
Cocktail bar
Scandinavian small plates and craft cocktails in a minimalist Portland bar with serious bartender chops.
Ellsworth breakfast spot with hearty omelets, French toast, and home fries. Come hungry, come early.
Seafood spot in Brunswick where lobster ramen and fried platters draw regulars and newcomers alike.
Excellent BBQ at Atlantic Brewing Company in Bar Harbor, with ribs, brisket, and pulled pork that break the lobster monotony.
Upscale American cooking in Ogunquit with a lively bar and seafood-forward menu that keeps locals coming back.
Spanish restaurant
Spanish-French brasserie in Portland with seasonal game, craft cocktails, and staff that actually cares.
Country store cafe in Ellsworth with a sprawling menu, fresh juices, and crispy fries that keep people coming back.
Taco restaurant
Mexican-inspired breakfast and tacos in Portland. Mexican cold brew and churro french toast are legendary.
Freeport breakfast and lunch spot slinging massive portions and clam chowder that keeps people coming back.
Fine Dining Restaurant
Locavore New American in a resort setting, prix fixe menu handled with real finesse.
Ogunquit breakfast spot serving 40+ omelette varieties, from classic to creative, in a colorful, welcoming space.
Old Orchard Beach diner slinging lobster rolls and breakfast that keeps people coming back.
Housemade pasta and fresh seafood in a classy Boothbay Harbor spot with wine to match.
German-themed bar in Bangor slinging craft beer and locavore pub fare with live music most nights.
Indian restaurant
Casual Indian spot on Maine Street where curry and saag paneer hit different.
Seasonal beachfront inn with a restaurant serving fresh seafood and vegan options, ocean views included.
Bucksport waterfront American spot with strong breakfast game and river views of Fort Knox.
Homey York spot for seafood and steak, where the roasted cauliflower and banana brûlée pudding steal the show.
Sicilian Table in Freeport serves Italian cooking with fresh seafood and house-made pasta, backed by sharp service.
Walk-up lobster rolls stuffed with fresh Maine lobster, butter or mayo, under $20.
Sophisticated tapas and craft cocktails in a rustic-chic Bar Harbor spot with sidewalk seating.
Steak house
Brazilian steakhouse in Ogunquit with tableside carved meats and a strong salad bar.
Bangor's go-to for craft cocktails and pub fare, from fish tacos to stroganoff specials.
Pub
Basement pub in Bethel with wings, pizza, and live music Thu, Sat. College crowd, steep stairs.
Hotel
Oceanfront Ogunquit hotel with clean rooms, kitchenettes, and Blue Bistro serving fresh-made fare.
Mexican spot in Bar Harbor with killer street tacos, enchiladas, and sopapillas that'll have you coming back twice.
Burger and fries done right at this sawmill-themed dive near Baxter State Park.
Caterer
Wells caterer Wendy and team craft personalized wedding menus with fresh, creative dishes and full-service coordination.
Elegant American cooking in a historic sea captain's house; the blueberry pie alone is worth the trip.
Brewpub
Bangor brewpub with house beers and lobster mac and cheese that locals swear by.
Raw bar and seafood in downtown Ogunquit with a relaxed vibe and ocean views from the bar.
Waterside lobster shack with dock seating and views, BYOB, lobster rolls and creative seafood sandwiches.
Brunch restaurant
Homemade English muffins and omelets fuel hikers heading into Baxter State Park.
Tapas restaurant
Portland tapas spot with bold, balanced small plates and a chef who works the room.
