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. We’ve rounded up the 10 best hidden gem restaurants in Maine for you to enjoy. 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!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
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. You could say confidently that this was one of the best restaurants in Maine!
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. One of the underrated restaurants in Maine, this fabulous spot will blow your socks off. AND they’re the only fully licensed restaurant in Baileyville!
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. This unassuming trailer will give you some of the best barbecue in the state, and their menu will have you drooling.
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. This is one of the best local restaurants in Maine, and now they’re even slinging ice cream!
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! 17 years of great food has made this restaurant a staple that you need to visit.
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. They’re even offering beer to go! Could this place even get any better?
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. And this entire menu is made from scratch daily. How can you top that?
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. Check their Facebook page for any new specials they may be slinging for you.
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. This gorgeous diner is open daily, but make sure to check their website for current hours of operation.
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. A gorgeous location, a gorgeous restaurant, and plenty of great food. Make sure you book a reservation on their site, because they fill up fast!
What are your favorite hidden gem restaurants in Maine? Did we miss any on our list? Let us know in the comments over on Facebook!
If you’re looking for the iconic Maine lobster roll, be sure to check out These 11 Restaurants Serve The Best Lobster Rolls In Maine.
Address: 44 Allen Rd, Lovell, ME 04051, USA
Address: 575 Airline Rd, Baileyville, ME 04694, USA
Address: 212 Mayville Rd, Bethel, ME 04217, USA
Address: 106 Outlet Rd, New Gloucester, ME 04260, USA
Address: 26 Greenville Rd, Monson, ME 04464, USA
Address: 233 Main St, Bridgton, ME 04009, USA
Address: 41 Caterpillar Hill Rd, Sargentville, ME 04673, USA
Address: 410 State Rd, West Bath, ME 04530, USA
Address: 18 Franklin St, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA
Address: 21 Wells Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
