Maine might be well known for its coast and wooded wonderlands, but when it comes to food, many people simply overlook us. Or, assume all we have to offer is lobster. While it is true that we do lobster better than most, we also have some pretty incredible restaurants. And, what’s better, you don’t need to set your sights on Portland to find it. Maine’s small towns are where the best hidden food gems exist. Here’s a list, in no particular order, of just a few hidden restaurants in Maine to start you off.

1. The Liberal Cup Public House & Brewery, Hallowell: 115 Water Street, 207-623-2739
Heidi C. / Yelp
The Liberal Cup, 115 Water St #1, Hallowell, ME 04347, USA
Joel L. / Yelp
Starting off our list of hidden gem restaurants in Maine is a wonderful English-style pub in the tiny town of Hallowell. The Liberal Cup Punblic House & Brewery is possibly the closest you'll feel to England without having to set food outside Maine. Inside feels like a proper English pub and the local vibe provides the perfect atmosphere to cozy up with a pint and their famous beer cheese soup.

Read our full coverage to learn more about The Liberal Cup Public House & Brewery.
2. The Olde Post Office Cafe, Mount Vernon: 366 Pond Road, 207-293-4978
Robyn W. / Yelp
Olde Post Office Cafe, 366 Pond Rd, Mt Vernon, ME 04352, USA
Robyn W. / Yelp
This waterside restaurant is known for its homemade fresh baked goods and delicious breakfasts. Ingredients are fresh and the lively atmosphere makes for a good time. Try the spinach, tomato and goat cheese omelet, but make sure you leave with a cinnamon roll. It's one of the best little-known restaurants in Maine and historic too as it occupies the building of a former post office, hence the name!

Read our full coverage to learn more about the Olde Post Office Cafe.
3. Appalachian Trail Cafe, Millinocket: 210 Penobscot Ave, 207-723-6720
Erika G. / Yelp

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The Appalachian Trail Cafe, 210 Penobscot Ave, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
Appalachian Trail Cafe / Facebook
The Appalachian Trail Cafe is a must try after you've tackled the Appalachian Trail or Katahdin. Replenish your calories by digging into the epic Trail Burger, complete with a quarter pound of beef and topped with onion rings, BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese. If you're still hungry take the Summit Sundae challenge. Finish it and you'll get to add your name to the list of champs and go home with a t-shirt, a bumper sticker, and the bowl! If you've done this, let us know!

Visit The Appalachian Trail Cafe webpage for more information.
4. Countryside Restaurant & Bakery, East Corinth: 98 Main Street, 207-285-3694
Countryside Restaurant & Bakery / Facebook
98 Main St, Corinth, ME 04427, USA
Countryside Restaurant & Bakery / Facebook
Come to the Countryside Restaurant & Bakery with you appetite because the portions here are HUGE. Known for great lunches and dinners and delicious desserts, you'll want to try the meatball grinder and don't leave without a slice of fresh homemade pie. Check their Facebook page for daily and weekly specials.

Visit the Countryside Restaurant & Bakery Facebook page for more information.
5. Waco Diner, Eastport: 47 Water Street, 207-853-9226
Waco Diner / Facebook
WaCo Diner, 47 Water St, Eastport, ME 04631, USA
Waco Diner / Facebook
The last place on our list of the best hidden restaurants in Maine is the Waco Diner. The Waco Diner has been open since 1924 but under new management for the last few years, and this place comes with rave reviews! In the season, enjoy the incredible views of Passamaquoddy Bay while enjoying a lobster roll or some fried haddock. It's a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Read our full coverage to learn more about the Waco Diner.

What are your favorite small-town restaurants? Do you know of any other small-town hidden restaurants in Maine? Head to the Only in Maine Facebook page and let us know!

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More to Explore

Hidden Restaurants In Maine

Melissa M. | September 26, 2021

Are there any food road trips I can go on in Maine?

There is certainly nothing better than finding some incredible places for food, and food trails make the search all the more fun! If you need a way to satisfy your sweet tooth, head out on our Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail in Maine, which is sure to be a sweet adventure! Start out at Rococo Artisan Ice Cream, with locations in both Kennebunkport and Ogunquit, it offers small-batch ice cream with flavors inspired by cultures from around the world. Then you’ll head to Kettle Cove Ice Cream & Shack in Port Elizabeth, Toots Ice Cream in North Yarmouth, Dorman’s Dairy Dream in Thomaston, and a few others before ending up at Mt. Desert Island Ice Cream in Bar Harbor. You are guaranteed to love this ice cream trail! You can read more about our Maine Ice Cream Trail in this post.

What are the best seafood restaurants in Maine?

Of course, Maine is well-known for having some of the best seafood in the entire country. Read our article, These 9 Maine Coast Seafood Restaurants Are Worth A Drive From Any Part Of The State, to find out some of the best places for seafood around the state. Head to Bernard and visit Thurston’s Lobster Pound which offers lobsters fresh off the boat. It’s been around for five generations, so you know you’re getting some of the best seafood around! Warren’s Lobster House in Kittery has been around since 1940 and, in addition to having incredible seafood, it’s famous for its salad bar. Since 1966, the Dolphin Marina and  Restaurant has provided some of the best in coastal Maine seafood. It’s also situated on the water with some of the best views around. Read the article to learn more. 

What are some hidden gems in Maine?

Maine is a state that’s filled with unspoiled, rugged beauty so it’s no wonder that it has quite a few hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered. If you want to get away from the tourist spots, read our post, Most People Don’t Know These 11 Hidden Gems In Maine Even Exist. In this article, you’ll learn about Cutler Bold Coast Preserve in Cutler which covers a vast amount of land of over 12,000 acres in the easternmost part of the state near Canada. There are plenty of trails and coastal views at this preserve. If you are looking for a place to dig for crystals, head to Maine Mineral Adventures in Woodstock. It’s a great activity for the whole family. Parsons Beach in Kennebunk is a small stretch of beach that not many people know about. It’s a wonderful place to relax and take a walk if you want some peace and quiet. 

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