11 Outstanding Restaurants In Maine That Are Known For A Single Menu Item
We’ve spent a lot of time telling you how much we love Maine food. From award-winning restaurants to tiny spots at the side of the road, there’s plenty to rave about in Vacationland. With all the recent national attention towards our newest restaurants it might take a little more effort to remember that many of the eateries in Maine put a lot of work into what they serve. And those that are best known for one specific menu item might just be the best! The next time you find yourself at any of these places, make sure you order their specialty!
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1. The Elsmere Tornado, Elsmere BBQ & Wood Grill, South Portland
This delicacy is piled with just everything that makes a sandwich perfect! Including chopped brisket, pulled pork and sausage, as well as a hearty topping of coleslaw and Texas red barbecue sauce on a pretzel roll. Visit them at 448 Cottage Rd., South Portland / 207-619-1948/
This is a bit of a unique addition to this list because the reality is that you can't really go to OOB without getting pier fries. This fry shop has been around for more than 60 years and their crinkle cut shape fries is unmistakable. Their poutine is fantastic as well. They're located at: 2 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach / 207-934-2328.
We're not sure why anyone would go to Slab and NOT get an actual Slab, but just in case you needed some helpful tips - get The Slab. It's huge and full of delicious cheese and toppings. Visit with friends and get enough to fill up your entire table. Visit them at: 25 Preble St., Portland / 207-245-3088.
4. Cheesesteak, The 5 Spot Portland & Philly Underground Bar, Portland
The 5 Spot is the only place you need to go if you want the most authentic Philly cheesesteak outside of Philadelphia. This sandwich is loaded with meat, but most importantly it's ordered with with "wiz" (with Cheese Wiz) or "wiz wit" (Cheese Wiz with onions, too.) They serve breakfast sandwiches, soups and Italians, too. But skip 'em. You want the cheesesteak. Visit them at 935 Congress St. / 207-536-1430.
There's plenty done right at The Red Barn, but we'll get right to it. The Crustacean Elation is what you want to get. Sure, you could start small. But, why do that when this foot-long lobster roll packed to the brim with local Maine lobster meat is waiting for you? It'll cost you $50, but go for it! You're worth it! Visit them at: 455 Riverside Dr., Augusta / 207-623-9485.
Lobster Pie. That's what you want here. Nothing more and nothing less. It's the only place we know if that makes it and serves it, making this a must-see if you want buttery lobster without having to go through the process of cracking it open yourself. Visit them at: 134 Harbor Rd., Wells / 207-646-8780.
You know what to expect when you visit a place with "bacon" it its actual name, but we'll help steer you to exactly what you'll want to order. The BLT might be best known around here. It's piled so high with strips of bacon that some have reported finding 20 individual strips. Is there anything else you could possibly want in a restaurant? Find them at: 34 Court St., Auburn / 207-200-8057.
8. Fried Clams, Five Islands Lobster Co., Georgetown
You've heard of this spot and there's a fair few things you'll want to order, but they might be best known for the fried clams. The main ingredient is sourced locally, then hand-breaded and fried, making them the perfect meal to enjoy while taking in those awesome midcoast views. They're located at: 1447 Five Islands Rd., Georgetown / 207-371-2990.
9. The Fried Chicken Sandwich, The Palace Diner, Biddeford
The oldest restaurant in Maine is actually an old train car and you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The pancakes are amazing, but Fried Chicken Night, featuring the fried chicken sandwich has become the thing of legends. They're located at 8 Franklin St., Biddeford / 207-284-0015.
10. The Stuffed Bird Panini, Saco Island Deli, Saco
This place is a favorite among locals for good reason. Especially the big stuffed bird panini which comes with antibiotic-free turkey breast, homemade stuffing, cranberry-mayo and romaine on local Italian bread. Visit them at 110 Main St Ste 1204, Saco / 207-286-3842.
While there isn't a lot to distract you from the main dish here at Wasses, we have to remind you that you're going to want to get the everything. It comes with fried onions, mustard, and relish and it's what they're best known for. Visit them at: 2 N. Main St., Rockland / 207-594-4347.
Another unique place to visit in Maine is this arcade. In addition to 25 vintage video games, they’ve also got board games, food and a full bar. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon…and into the night!
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: [email protected]
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