The Most Delicious Maine Road Trip Takes You To 7 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Restaurants
Over the years we’ve given you ideas for tons of different road trips. From natural wonders to lighthouses, it turns out there’s quite a bit to see here in Maine! We love to sightsee, but there’s nothing like making your way through the state to sample the food that helped put us on the culinary map. If that’s the type of road trip you’re looking for, read on! We’ve put together an epic road trip that leads to some of the best BBQ in Maine, and will help you love life here even more. Click here for driving directions.
While not entirely a true hole-in-the-wall, we felt Salvage was worth including because it's plain ole delicious. Stop in, step up to the counter, and load up on meat and sides. If you're lucky you'll be there on trivia night!
2. Smokin' Good BBQ, Bethel
Smokin' Good BBQ, 212 Mayville Rd, Bethel, ME 04217, USA
There's nothing like BBQ that's served out of a truck, giving off the rustic vibes that it should. That's exactly what you'll find at Smokin' Good, which has basically been around forever. Order the ribs. Trust us!
One of the most beloved restaurants in the Rangeley area, this BBQ joint is more of a community center. Enjoy live music, great food, and fun year-round.
4. Spring Creek BBQ, Monson
Spring Creek Bar-B-Q, 26 Greenville Rd, Monson, ME 04464, USA
This Texas-style BBQ spot used to be a bit more off-the-radar. Then Anthony Bourdain showed up and people began to realize just how great the food in Maine really is. Grab yourself a plate of something meaty and you'll definitely be making plans to come back.
5. Mr. Ribs Barbeque & Grill, Damariscotta
Mr Ribs BBQ, 603 Main St, Damariscotta, ME 04543, USA
Some of the most authentic BBQ in Maine can be found at this unexpected next stop on your BBQ road trip through Maine! Things here aren't fancy, but that's just the way we like it.
6. Riverfront Barbeque & Grille, Augusta
Riverfront Barbeque & Grille, 300 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330, USA
Next up is a spot that has a little more structure than some of the trucks you've enjoyed along the way. This spot comes complete with walls and a roof! Plus the food is fantastic. Enjoy southern BBQ including Memphis dry rub ribs, pulled pork, and beef brisket.
7. Elsmere BBQ, South Portland
Elsmere BBQ & Wood Grill, 448 Cottage Rd, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
And thus concludes the best BBQ road trip you've ever taken! Or, maybe the only one you've ever taken. Either way, you'll be happy that the last stop is Elsmere. The Texas-style BBQ here is made using "mama," the state-of-the-art smoker found here. Once you've gobbled up your last delicious bite, head on home from a weekend filled with the best food in the state.
Do you have any favorite BBQ spots that we’ve missed? Let us know what they are in the comments!
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: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
