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Seafood restaurant
York
Raw oysters and adventurous seafood in a sleek bar space with craft brews and wine.
American restaurant
Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach diner serving fresh American breakfast and brunch with standout eggs Benedict and homemade muffins.
Restaurant
Ellsworth
Irish pub in Ellsworth serving haddock cakes, bangers and beans, fish sandwiches, and proper Guinness.
Acadia National Park
Waterfront lobster shack on the pier in Southwest Harbor, known for buttery rolls and sunset views.
Pizza restaurant
Wells
NY-style and Sicilian pizza that regulars drive out of their way for, plus red-sauce pastas and fresh tiramisu.
Diner
Brunswick
Classic Brunswick diner in a vintage railcar serves crab-egg benedicts and blueberry stuffed French toast.
Bar Harbor
American comfort food and local drafts in a nautical Bar Harbor spot with a compact, efficient kitchen.
Brunch restaurant
Portland
Upscale comfort food brunch in a quaint Portland spot with killer cocktails and biscuits.
Boothbay Harbor
Cash-only lobster pound in Boothbay Harbor with massive rolls and water views.
Waterside oyster bar and lobster spot in Boothbay Harbor with dock access and views of working boats.
Italian restaurant
Chic Italian spot in downtown Portland with fresh pasta, seafood, and a buzzing back room that feels like an occasion.
Breakfast restaurant
Augusta
Cash-only breakfast spot in Augusta slinging big omelets, pancakes, and cinnamon buns.
Fine Dining Restaurant
Inventive fish and steaks in a polished room facing Monument Square, with counter seats overlooking the kitchen.
Hamburger Restaurant
Bethel
Creative burgers and local brews in a small Bethel spot with serious kitchen chops.
Convenience store
York convenience stop with wood-fired pizza, killer deli subs, and a bakery that does custom gluten-free cakes.
Mexican restaurant
Mexican comfort food in Ellsworth with fast service, warm chips, and margarita towers.
Brewpub
Augusta brewpub with house ales, fish and chips, and a lively crowd that gets loud when live music's on.
Counter-service pizza joint in a quirky 1973 building with a thin, charred crust and real sauce.
Camden
Wood-fired pizzas with organic ingredients and real passion behind the oven in Camden.
American comfort food with huge portions and creative fries in Augusta. Honey garlic burgers, loaded mac and cheese.
Low-key seafood spot in Bar Harbor with killer chowder, fresh lobster, and a killer chocolate mousse.
Creative American cooking and local art in a funky, welcoming bistro just off downtown Augusta.
Counter-order Mexican spot in Old Orchard Beach slinging al pastor, birria, and massive burritos.
Kennebunkport
Seafood shack on the water in Kennebunkport with killer clam chowder and harbor views.
Thin-crust pizza with Greek flair. Crispy fries and carbonara done right in Augusta.
Bar & grill
Portland bar and grill with saffron risotto and crispy Brussels sprouts, craft cocktails in a cozy space.
Upscale American fare in a wooded York setting, famous for award-winning lobster bisque and igloo dining.
Indian restaurant
Traditional Indian cooking in Brunswick with housemade naan and Maine blueberry twists.
Thai restaurant
Thai curries and housemade noodles in an intimate Camden spot run by a James Beard semifinalist.
Wood-fired steaks and short ribs in a rustic Kennebunkport dining room with serious kitchen chops.
White Duck Brew Pub in Augusta serves blackened haddock tacos and hand-cut fries with local craft beer.
Bangor
Bangor's fine dining spot with house-made pasta, pristine seafood, and shakes that rival dessert.
Seafood-focused grill with ocean views, raw bar, and a menu that spans lobster rolls to steak tips.
Coffee shop
Crispy popovers and lobster rolls in a casual Bar Harbor coffee shop that smells like heaven.
Thai Sana serves classic curries and drunken noodles in a laid-back Ellsworth spot near Acadia.
Family restaurant
Classic breakfast diner in Wells serving fluffy pancakes, lobster Benedict, and coffee cake muffins since 1995.
Chicken wings restaurant
Freeport
Freeport wing spot with a dozen signature sauces, ribs, and a hometown bar vibe.
Freeport burger spot with a brewery next door, killer fries, and a server named Makayla who nails every request.
Wood-fired pizza and burgers in downtown Bar Harbor, run by owners who actually care about getting it right.
Pub
Belgian beer paradise in Bethel with ten-year-aged kegs and housemade desserts.
Old Orchard Beach's casual seafood and burger spot with surprisingly refined cooking and attentive service.
Camden House of Pizza makes Greek and Italian pies with real sauce and proper crust ratios.
Market
Fresh lobster rolls and whole lobsters at prices that won't break the bank in Old Orchard Beach.
Bed & breakfast
Salvaged-wood B&B with a pub serving crispy fish and chips, lobster chimis, and killer burgers.
Meat and seafood in a kitschy maritime tavern with sound views and a loyal local crowd.
Corner trattoria in Old Orchard Beach serving Italian-American classics, lasagne, and local seafood in a cozy, welcoming spot.
Seafood Restaurant
Japanese-fusion spot in Ellsworth with house-made crab rangoons and a kitchen staff that keeps families laughing.
Family-run pizza spot in Freeport since 1904. Crust done right, subs stuffed thick, ice cream in summer.
Fine dining restaurant
Fine dining in Augusta with generous portions, full bar, and strong service when on point.
Lakeside spot in Augusta with live music, brunch, and a full bar. Service and kitchen timing can be inconsistent.
Ogunquit
Fresh-caught seafood and steaks in a woodsy Ogunquit spot with a flower-lined patio.
Irish pub
Kennebunkport Irish pub with proper pints, live music on Fridays, and curry poutine worth a detour.
American Restaurant
Irish pub in Brunswick serving hearty chowder, wings, and a Ruben burger that regulars rave about.
Wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas in a bright Portland spot with strong service.
Thai comfort food in Augusta, curries, noodles, and crispy chicken that keeps regulars coming back.
Classic diner on Route 1 with hand-grated hash browns and homemade blueberry muffins.
German restaurant
Authentic German classics and imported beers in a wood-paneled Brunswick tavernlike space.
Fresh lobster rolls and fried clams at this waterside shack in Brunswick. Counter service, picnic tables.
Counter-service diner in Bar Harbor. Hearty breakfasts, blueberry pancakes, Joe's bowl, free coffee refills.
Bangor's 11 Central serves boldly seasoned American fare and craft cocktails in a brick-and-art-filled room.
Thai cooking in Wells with grilled salmon and curry dishes that satisfy first-timers and regulars alike.
Brewpub with wood-fired pizza and local beers. Dog-friendly deck overlooking Ogunquit.
Grocery store
Bethel grocery with house-made sandwiches, soups, and catering that punches above its weight.
Waterfront American bistro in Portland with deck views, fresh oysters, and event-ready service.
Homey Boothbay Harbor breakfast spot known for fluffy waffles, strong coffee, and antique-filled rooms.
Hotel
Waterfront inn with included breakfast, kayaks, and a restaurant in quiet Boothbay Harbor cove.
Locally-loved public house in Brunswick serving sharp burgers, wood-fired pizza, and cocktails.
Brewery
Craft brewery with a rustic tavern, house-made beers, and wood-fired pizza in Boothbay Harbor.
English pub and fine dining in a restored Ogunquit inn with a new kitchen turning out standout prime rib.
Seafood-focused sit-down spot on Ogunquit's Main Street with fresh lobster rolls and year-round hours.
Sushi restaurant
Fresh sushi and ramen in a basement spot where the Dinosaur Egg roll steals the show.
Coastal American spot in Old Orchard Beach with wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and standout sides.
Casual Italian spot in Bethel with fresh pasta, cocktails, and a patio. Service shines when it's on.
Boothbay Harbor breakfast spot known for house-made corned beef hash and banana pancakes.
Chinese restaurant
Casual Chinese spot in York serving crispy Crab Rangoons, General Tso's chicken, and fresh lo mein.
French fine dining in a Victorian inn with impeccable service and a wine program to match.
Fast food restaurant
Seasonal window spot in Old Orchard Beach slinging crinkle-cut fries, hot dogs, and fried dough since forever.
Colonial-style American cooking in a firelit York dining room. Duck, beef pie, burnt cheesecake.
Baxter State Park
Pizza, subs, and homemade desserts in Patten. Stop here on your way to Baxter State Park.
Greek-Italian wine bar in Brunswick with house-made pasta, killer cocktails, and a sommelier-run bar.
Portland seafood spot with a wildly inventive, constantly rotating menu that surprises.
Vegan Restaurant
Fine dining in Bangor with house-grown vegetables and cocktails made fresh daily.
Bangor spot with a Friends-themed menu, killer salads, and bacon BBQ burgers that hit different.
Freeport lobster rolls on toasted brioche, mayo or butter, plus clam chowder that regulars rave about.
Taco restaurant
Ogunquit taqueria slung birria tacos and creative fillings in a bustling, laid-back spot.
Rockland
Rockland's seasonal spot where chef Sammy cooks without ego. Order the cod.
Contemporary American in downtown Brunswick with a raw bar, craft cocktails, and solid pork and seafood.
Cafe
Rockland cafe with fresh sandwiches, smoothies, and seasonal pop-ups from Portland chefs.
Bakery
Rockland bakery with maple bacon croissants, quiches, and eclairs that draw return visits.
Seafood-focused New American at a riverside inn with views, outdoor seating, and a full bar.
French-inflected American cooking with local ingredients in a refined Southwest Harbor bistro.
Mexican-BBQ fusion in Freeport with smoked meats and house-made sauces, though execution divides diners.
Greek restaurant
Seasonal Greek cooking in a tiny Brunswick room. Lamb shank, grilled octopus, Greek wine list.
Seafood-focused American spot in Ellsworth with stellar haddock chowder and crab cakes.
Casual American breakfast and dinner spot in charming Kennebunkport with friendly staff and hearty classics.
Seafood and duck at an elegant Augusta spot with house wine and private event space.
Handmade pasta and seasonal cooking in Rockland. The kind of place you'll want to return to immediately.
Beachfront spot in Ogunquit serving lobster rolls, avocado toast, and house-made fruit juices.
Upscale New England cooking near Acadia, where halibut and seasonal pasta shine and the bartender knows drinks.
Chinese spot in Old Orchard Beach where beef terriyaki melts in your mouth and portions are genuinely generous.
