Throughout the years we’ve explored lots of restaurants around the state. From holes-in-wall to the larger, more established spots, we’ve learned that Mainers love a wide variety of foods and tons of different settings. And, it’s no wonder. Maine’s restaurants truly are as varied as the people who live here. So, we thought it was time to share a few good options to try in 2019. If there are any we missed that you love, let us know in the Facebook comments so we can add it to the list!
- House of Bacon, Auburn
Matthew S / TripAdvisor
Matthew S / TripAdisor What could be bad about an entirely bacon themed restaurant? Nothing! So, head there and make sure to order the BLT which may or may not come with 20 strips of bacon. Visit them at 34 Court St., Auburn / 207-200-8057. Find some more of our favorite huge sandwiches here.
- Clay Hill Farm Restaurant, York
Clay Hill Farm -Restaurant & Events / Facebook
Clay Hill Farm / Google Clay Hill Farm sits on 11 acres of wooded land, and it’s absolutely stunning. In the winter months, this farm is just magical. The snow-covered landscape has a rural beauty all of its own, and this time of year is a perfect opportunity to visit. We love that the menu is always changing here, according to what can be sourced locally in season. While we can’t promise any entree in particular will be available, one thing is certain - you’ll enjoy an exquisite meal. Visit them at: 20 Clay Hill Rd., Cape Neddick / 207-361-2272. And, learn more by clicking here.
- Wasses Hot Dogs, Rockland
westie2 / TripAdvisor
Paul J Lucas via Wasses / Facebook This little wagon was purchased by Keith Wass in 1972. Intended to be a summertime operation while in college, he quickly realized his love for the business and made it a full-time gig. College? It was put on hold. Today Wasses exists as one of the best spots to grab a hot dog in the state of Maine. And by “a hot dog” we mean at least two. But four is better. Visit them at: 2 N. Main St., Rockland / 207-594-4347. You can learn more about this spot here.
- Dysart’s, Hermon & Bangor
David H / TripAdvisor
cfwatson1963 / TripAdvisor When you hear the term “truck stop,” a certain image likely comes to mind. For one thing, trucks! And perhaps a store full of wiper fluid, air fresheners and energy drinks. But, the reality at Dysart’s is far different. Today the Dysart’s brand has 9 different travel stops in Maine and in 2014, the second full-scale restaurant was opened in Bangor. The Colbrook Road Restaurant located at I-95 Exit 180, 530 Coldbrook Road in Hermon, Maine / 207-947-8732 or The Broadway Restaurant located at I-95 Exit 185, 1110 Broadway, in Bangor, Maine / 207-942-6725. Learn more about it here.
- Big G’s, Winslow
scubaseitz / TripAdvisor
372scottt / TripAdvisor We love that this place has a huge menu board with sandwiches named after Maine folks, including the “Miles Standwich” and the “Governor King.” But, the best thing is just how much sandwich you get for your money. It helps that the bread here is huge - all the more room for stacking in the meat! Check them out at 581 Benton Ave., Winslow / 207-873-7808. And, learn more here.
- Jordan’s Snack Bar, Ellsworth
emc1956 / TripAdvisor
Elwood C / TripAdvisor The best fried clams in Maine might just be tucked away in this little shop in Ellsworth. The crispy whole belly clams are enough to fill you up, but you might want to order a side of fries. Visit them at: 200 Downeast Hwy., Ellsworth / 207-667-2174.
- The Thirsty Pig, Portland
NeedPivo / TripAdvisor
The Thirsty Pig / Facebook The Thirsty Pig has been serving up the widest array of sausage and beer in Portland since 2010. Things here are easy: choose your sausage, choose a way to have it prepared, take a number, get your food and enjoy a few hours over links and beers with friends. Visit them at: 37 Exchange St., Portland / 207-773-2469.
- Amish Charcuterie, Unity
Cory Bond / Google
Sam Arturi / Google Following the Amish rules that mandate there be no technology, chef Matthew Secich (whose family recently joined the local Amish community) opened the aptly named Amish Charcuterie filling a gap that nobody knew they had! There’s no electricity here so things are done uniquely - heat from a wood stove and refrigeration from a garage full of ice. And, you can be sure the meat is fresh and homemade as it’s all ground by hand here in the shop. Visit them at: Leelyn Rd., Unity / 207-948-1777. Learn more about it here.
- The Shed BBQ, Rangeley
The Shed BBQ / Facebook
Patty M / TripAdvisor To find some of the most epic BBQ in Maine, you’ll want to head straight to The Shed. While it’s located off a main road, this spot is off-the-beaten path to those who don’t venture away from the coast making it just one more reminder that inland Maine is pretty great. House smoked on a warm brioche bun and topped with pickles & coleslaw (and in this case a hearty serving of bacon!) make the beef brisket sandwich something of a legend within the walls of The Shed. Check them out at: 2647 Main St., Rangeley / 207-864-2219. Learn more about it here.
- Swamp Buck Restaurant, Fort Kent
Scott Gunnerson / TripAdvisor
Suzi H / TripAdvisor Perhaps an unexpected choice, we can’t help but love this little outpost in The County. We especially love their fries. There’s nothing overtly unique or special about these, which means that french fry purists will be in heaven. And, you can upgrade to a poutine if you’re feeling fancy. Check them out at: 250 W Main St. in Fort Kent / 207-834-3055.
You know what else we love to eat here in Maine? Donuts. Lots and lots of donuts! Including the ones at this sweet spot in Cape Elizabeth.
Matthew S / TripAdvisor
Matthew S / TripAdisor
What could be bad about an entirely bacon themed restaurant? Nothing! So, head there and make sure to order the BLT which may or may not come with 20 strips of bacon. Visit them at 34 Court St., Auburn / 207-200-8057. Find some more of our favorite huge sandwiches here.
Clay Hill Farm -Restaurant & Events / Facebook
Clay Hill Farm / Google
Clay Hill Farm sits on 11 acres of wooded land, and it’s absolutely stunning. In the winter months, this farm is just magical. The snow-covered landscape has a rural beauty all of its own, and this time of year is a perfect opportunity to visit. We love that the menu is always changing here, according to what can be sourced locally in season. While we can’t promise any entree in particular will be available, one thing is certain - you’ll enjoy an exquisite meal. Visit them at: 20 Clay Hill Rd., Cape Neddick / 207-361-2272. And, learn more by clicking here.
westie2 / TripAdvisor
Paul J Lucas via Wasses / Facebook
This little wagon was purchased by Keith Wass in 1972. Intended to be a summertime operation while in college, he quickly realized his love for the business and made it a full-time gig. College? It was put on hold. Today Wasses exists as one of the best spots to grab a hot dog in the state of Maine. And by “a hot dog” we mean at least two. But four is better. Visit them at: 2 N. Main St., Rockland / 207-594-4347. You can learn more about this spot here.
David H / TripAdvisor
cfwatson1963 / TripAdvisor
When you hear the term “truck stop,” a certain image likely comes to mind. For one thing, trucks! And perhaps a store full of wiper fluid, air fresheners and energy drinks. But, the reality at Dysart’s is far different. Today the Dysart’s brand has 9 different travel stops in Maine and in 2014, the second full-scale restaurant was opened in Bangor. The Colbrook Road Restaurant located at I-95 Exit 180, 530 Coldbrook Road in Hermon, Maine / 207-947-8732 or The Broadway Restaurant located at I-95 Exit 185, 1110 Broadway, in Bangor, Maine / 207-942-6725. Learn more about it here.
scubaseitz / TripAdvisor
372scottt / TripAdvisor
We love that this place has a huge menu board with sandwiches named after Maine folks, including the “Miles Standwich” and the “Governor King.” But, the best thing is just how much sandwich you get for your money. It helps that the bread here is huge - all the more room for stacking in the meat! Check them out at 581 Benton Ave., Winslow / 207-873-7808. And, learn more here.
emc1956 / TripAdvisor
Elwood C / TripAdvisor
The best fried clams in Maine might just be tucked away in this little shop in Ellsworth. The crispy whole belly clams are enough to fill you up, but you might want to order a side of fries. Visit them at: 200 Downeast Hwy., Ellsworth / 207-667-2174.
NeedPivo / TripAdvisor
The Thirsty Pig / Facebook
The Thirsty Pig has been serving up the widest array of sausage and beer in Portland since 2010. Things here are easy: choose your sausage, choose a way to have it prepared, take a number, get your food and enjoy a few hours over links and beers with friends. Visit them at: 37 Exchange St., Portland / 207-773-2469.
Cory Bond / Google
Sam Arturi / Google
Following the Amish rules that mandate there be no technology, chef Matthew Secich (whose family recently joined the local Amish community) opened the aptly named Amish Charcuterie filling a gap that nobody knew they had! There’s no electricity here so things are done uniquely - heat from a wood stove and refrigeration from a garage full of ice. And, you can be sure the meat is fresh and homemade as it’s all ground by hand here in the shop. Visit them at: Leelyn Rd., Unity / 207-948-1777. Learn more about it here.
The Shed BBQ / Facebook
Patty M / TripAdvisor
To find some of the most epic BBQ in Maine, you’ll want to head straight to The Shed. While it’s located off a main road, this spot is off-the-beaten path to those who don’t venture away from the coast making it just one more reminder that inland Maine is pretty great. House smoked on a warm brioche bun and topped with pickles & coleslaw (and in this case a hearty serving of bacon!) make the beef brisket sandwich something of a legend within the walls of The Shed. Check them out at: 2647 Main St., Rangeley / 207-864-2219. Learn more about it here.
Scott Gunnerson / TripAdvisor
Suzi H / TripAdvisor
Perhaps an unexpected choice, we can’t help but love this little outpost in The County. We especially love their fries. There’s nothing overtly unique or special about these, which means that french fry purists will be in heaven. And, you can upgrade to a poutine if you’re feeling fancy. Check them out at: 250 W Main St. in Fort Kent / 207-834-3055.
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