Maine food is some of the best in the country. From lobster rolls to seaside seafood shanties to the more upscale spots that have been delighting tourists for years, you can come to Vacationland and simply eat your way through the state. While we love the culinary scene that’s emerged throughout the state, the best spots are the ones that have stood the test of time. These classic Maine restaurants have been around for years and they just keep getting better!
- The Red Barn, Augusta
The Red Barn / Facebook
The Red Barn / Facebook An Augusta classic, The Red Barn has a bit of a local following that’s not expanded to most of the state. high marks for just about everything, but given the season we feel we must mention their lobster roll. Try their otherworldly creation, The Crustacean Elation. This foot-long creation has 28 ounces of lobster meat and doesn’t disappoint. For something more sensible, try the seafood chowder. Find them at: 455 Riverside Drive in Augusta / 207-623-9485
- Portland Lobster Co, Portland
misopiso88 / TripAdvisor
The_Concierge_8 / TripAdvisor A relative newbie to the “classic” Maine restaurant scene, this place became a must-go from the first day they opened. They’ve got live music most nights in the summer and the lobster is some of the best for the price. Find them at: 180 Commercial St., Portland / (207)-775-2112
- The Lost Kitchen, Freedom
Johnbraman / TripAdvisor
MaineGuy777 / TripAdvisor Owner, Erin French, is a Freedom native who left for California and medical school. She returned and eventually opened this tiny little spot and folks have been clamoring to get into for years. This year reservations were by postcard only. The lucky chosen ones were treated to homemade meals crafted by French. Find them at: 22 Mill St., Freedom
- Morse’s Cribstone Grill, Harpswell / Bailey’s Island
Morses Cribstone Grill / Facebook
Morses Cribstone Grill / Facebook For fresh stuffed lobster dinners and views that go on and on, you can’t go wrong with Morse’s. It’s located on the water and it’s got the perfect Maine seaside vibe. Find them at: 1945 Harpswell Islands Road, Bailey Island / (207) 833-7775
- The Goldenrod, York
The Goldenrod / Facebook
The Goldenrod / Facebook The Goldenrod offers the best of both worlds. A great menu for meals like lunch and breakfast, but also the sweeter side of life. Stop in for ice cream and candy galore! Stop by to watch the taffy being pulled and then get yourself some of your own Goldenrod Kisses Find them at: 2 Railroad Ave, York Beach / (207) 363-2621.
- The Kawanhee Inn, Weld
Kawanhee Inn / Facebook
Kawanhee Inn / Facebook The Kawanhee Inn is located on the shores of Webb Lake and the views don’t disappoint. The food is something to gawk at, too! With specials that change nightly and classics that people return for, this spot is worth an overnight trip if you can swing it. Find them at 12 Annes Way in Weld / 207-585-2000
- Sprague’s Lobster, Wiscassett
Nancy J / TripAdvisor
Lucinda302 / TripAdvisor You might know Wiscassett from another lobster shack in the area. In fact, it’s right across the street. While it’s a good choice, there’s a chance you’re going to have to wait in line for quite a while for that one. Instead, check out Sprague’s which has become a quiet classic in Maine. Find them at: 2 Main Rd., Wiscasset / (207) 882-1236
- The Palace Diner, Biddeford
Rick M / TripAdvisor
Palace Diner / Facebook Maine’s oldest diner has been feeding locals since 1927. Today the vibe continues to be casual, with a bit of hipster thrown in. You’ll find the place packed most of the time, so to get a table make sure you’ve got some patience. When you do get a seat order the pancakes or, if you’re there on the right night, a plate full of fried chicken. Find them at: 8 Franklin St. in Biddeford / (207) 284-0015.
- Crosby’s Drive-In, Bucksport
chip180 / TripAdvisor
management / TripAdvisor The famous fried clams at this drive-in are worth coming for alone. But, the classic diner vibe is what we love. The history dates back more than 70 years when Elton ‘Fat’ Crosby and his wife Margaret founded the iconic Bucksport restaurant in 1938. Find them at: 30 State Road 46, Bucksport / 207-469-3640
- Taste of Maine, Woolwich
JTCCG / TripAdvisor
Taste of Maine Restaurant / Facebook Taste of Maine has a Maine flair like none other. The seafood dishes are casual and include things like a lobster grilled cheese. But, what people flock here for is the world’s biggest lobster roll. Can you finish it? Find them at: 161 Main St., Woolwich / 207-443-4554
This ice cream spot is another Maine classic. Check it out when you want something unique.
The Red Barn / Facebook
An Augusta classic, The Red Barn has a bit of a local following that’s not expanded to most of the state. high marks for just about everything, but given the season we feel we must mention their lobster roll. Try their otherworldly creation, The Crustacean Elation. This foot-long creation has 28 ounces of lobster meat and doesn’t disappoint. For something more sensible, try the seafood chowder. Find them at: 455 Riverside Drive in Augusta / 207-623-9485
misopiso88 / TripAdvisor
The_Concierge_8 / TripAdvisor
A relative newbie to the “classic” Maine restaurant scene, this place became a must-go from the first day they opened. They’ve got live music most nights in the summer and the lobster is some of the best for the price. Find them at: 180 Commercial St., Portland / (207)-775-2112
Johnbraman / TripAdvisor
MaineGuy777 / TripAdvisor
Owner, Erin French, is a Freedom native who left for California and medical school. She returned and eventually opened this tiny little spot and folks have been clamoring to get into for years. This year reservations were by postcard only. The lucky chosen ones were treated to homemade meals crafted by French. Find them at: 22 Mill St., Freedom
Morses Cribstone Grill / Facebook
For fresh stuffed lobster dinners and views that go on and on, you can’t go wrong with Morse’s. It’s located on the water and it’s got the perfect Maine seaside vibe. Find them at: 1945 Harpswell Islands Road, Bailey Island / (207) 833-7775
The Goldenrod / Facebook
The Goldenrod offers the best of both worlds. A great menu for meals like lunch and breakfast, but also the sweeter side of life. Stop in for ice cream and candy galore! Stop by to watch the taffy being pulled and then get yourself some of your own Goldenrod Kisses Find them at: 2 Railroad Ave, York Beach / (207) 363-2621.
Kawanhee Inn / Facebook
The Kawanhee Inn is located on the shores of Webb Lake and the views don’t disappoint. The food is something to gawk at, too! With specials that change nightly and classics that people return for, this spot is worth an overnight trip if you can swing it. Find them at 12 Annes Way in Weld / 207-585-2000
Nancy J / TripAdvisor
Lucinda302 / TripAdvisor
You might know Wiscassett from another lobster shack in the area. In fact, it’s right across the street. While it’s a good choice, there’s a chance you’re going to have to wait in line for quite a while for that one. Instead, check out Sprague’s which has become a quiet classic in Maine. Find them at: 2 Main Rd., Wiscasset / (207) 882-1236
Rick M / TripAdvisor
Palace Diner / Facebook
Maine’s oldest diner has been feeding locals since 1927. Today the vibe continues to be casual, with a bit of hipster thrown in. You’ll find the place packed most of the time, so to get a table make sure you’ve got some patience. When you do get a seat order the pancakes or, if you’re there on the right night, a plate full of fried chicken. Find them at: 8 Franklin St. in Biddeford / (207) 284-0015.
chip180 / TripAdvisor
management / TripAdvisor
The famous fried clams at this drive-in are worth coming for alone. But, the classic diner vibe is what we love. The history dates back more than 70 years when Elton ‘Fat’ Crosby and his wife Margaret founded the iconic Bucksport restaurant in 1938. Find them at: 30 State Road 46, Bucksport / 207-469-3640
JTCCG / TripAdvisor
Taste of Maine Restaurant / Facebook
Taste of Maine has a Maine flair like none other. The seafood dishes are casual and include things like a lobster grilled cheese. But, what people flock here for is the world’s biggest lobster roll. Can you finish it? Find them at: 161 Main St., Woolwich / 207-443-4554
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