Posted in Maine
February 18, 2016
These 10 Restaurants In Maine Don’t Look Like Much, But WOW…They’re Good
Living in and visiting Maine means access to the best seafood in the country. Along with that, we have incredible breweries, famous blueberry pie and even an official state “treat.” Over the years we have made a “foodie” name for ourselves and quite a few of our large cities have nationally recognized restaurants and chefs. With all that good food and talent in one place, it’s nice to know that we are still a bit of a secret. Some of our best restaurants fly under the radar because they simply just don’t stand out from the street. Here are just a few of our favorites – in no particular order. They may not have huge parking lots and grand facades, but these places are worth checking out!
Pub food is par for the course at this secluded spot minutes from Kezar Lake, but what makes it truly special is the beer. Known for its one-of-a-kind Belgian brews, Ebenezer's was named by Beer Advocate Magazine as the number one beer bar, not just in America, but the entire world - FIVE TIMES! On the menu: Baladin Nora: Egyptian-inspired brew spiced with ginger, myrrh and orange peel.
Washington County's "Best Kept Secret" serves up seriously good cuisine with great local flair - all in a converted chicken coop! A family business through and through, you'll feel right at home the second you step inside. On the menu: Atlantic salmon topped Raye's mustard and southern bourbon finished in the broiler.
Smack in the middle of Maine ski country, you'll find Graceland - an ironically named blaze-orange trailer serving some of the best stick-to-your-bones BBQ this state has to offer. Order at the window and tuck into massive piles of meat, cooked slow and low in the on-site smoker. On the menu: North Carolina pulled pork plate, with two sides, cornbread and a pickle.
You won't find your typical greasy lakeside lunch at this modest snack shack on Sabbathday Lake. It's run by James Beard Award-nominated chef Krista Kern Desjarlais, former chef/owner of Portland's Bresca, where she's slinging gourmet hot dogs, sandwiches and more to hungry beachgoers all summer. On the menu: Alsace Dog - bockwurst, sauerkraut, violet mustard, beer jelly.
Spring Creek is about as real as you can get this side of the Mason-Dixon line, serving up buckets - yes, buckets - of tender pork, beef and chicken. Hiking the AT and want to fill your belly with something other than trail mix? This is your place!
The phrase "gas station restaurant" doesn't elicit much confidence, but the Standard Gastropub is actually a delicious place to fill 'er up. Opened by two Bridgton natives, this minimalist eatery sits in the shadow of a Mobil station, serving their high-octane takes on comfort classics. The mac and cheese, delivered in a mason jar, is a true standout. On the menu: Chicken tacos with cilantro-jalapeno slaw.
Despite being about as far from Mexico as you can get, this cleverly named coastal cantina is cooking up San Fran-style Mexican favorites that many people swear is the some of the state's best. Operating out of a converted barn behind the owners' house, it would be easy to miss this spicy stop on the Blue Hill Peninsula. On the menu: Spicy lobster burrito.
The classic Maine seafood shack... except this one is in a trailer next to a car dealership. The menu has all the fried classics down to a tasty science, but some sophisticated surprises are to be had - like fish tacos with fresh Asian slaw and homemade "baha" sauce. On the menu: Lobster egg roll.
This historic 1927 "rail car" diner is a classic, but when it comes to the food, it's anything but old school. Receiving national recognition for its inventive take on diner fare, the chefs here have a talent for turning the simple into the sublime. Word is the breakfast sandwich is to die for. On the menu: The Deluxe Sandwich - bacon, egg, jalapeno and cheddar with Palace potatoes.
The tiny shack that serves as The Well's kitchen is quaint, but it's not much to look at. This seasonal spot has people coming back for the amazingly fresh food (much of it sourced right from Jordan's Farm), beautiful pastoral setting and unique outdoor seating... perfect on a warm summer evening. On the menu: seared monkfiish, black rice, romanesco, broccoli, red pepper sauce.
What are some of your favorite Maine restaurants? Let us know in the comments over on Facebook!
