Summer officially began on June 21st, but it wasn’t that easy for Mainers. We waited for what felt like weeks before our favorite season finally arrived, but now that it’s here we’re ready to live it up. In addition to hitting the beach, the trails and lakes we’re looking forward to a few solid months of eating outside. If you’re looking to do the same, check out these places where you can enjoy a drink, a meal and the cool breezes of the best state in the USA.
- Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina, Damariscotta
Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina / Facebook
Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina / Facebook Schooner Landing is a great spot to enjoy the water in Maine. In addition to traditional Maine seafood, they offer a strong pub-style menu as well as live music throughout the summer.
40 Main Street, Damariscotta / 207) 563-7447
- Spinney’s Restaurant,
Spinney’s Restaurant / Facebook
Vera J. / Yelp Spinney’s is one of the most well-known waterfront spots in Maine and they’ve got an incredible patio and lawn. Try anything on the menu, especially with a side of onion rings. Parking can be difficult in the parking lot so be prepared for that frustration.
987 Popham Road, Popham Beach / (207) 389-1122
- Sprague’s Lobster, Wiscasset
Rich B. / Yelp
Ina K. / Yelp The patio at Sprague’s Lobster overlooks the Sheepscot River AND has been family owned and operated for over 35 years now. It’s a great place to spend a warm and sunny afternoon outside.
22 Main Street, Wiscasset / (207) 882-1236
- Marriner’s Restaurant, Camden
Ryan B. / Yelp
E M. / Yelp The outdoor patio at Marriner’s looks out directly over the water, which is one of the most fun outdoor locations on this list. But, if you go to restaurants for the food, you won’t be disappointed either! This place serves breakfast all day, which is awesome considering their blueberry pancakes are incredible. They even serve vegan sausage! If you stop by for lunch, you’ll be happy with just about anything. Marriner’s is hailed by some as the last affordable place to eat in Camden. Check it out and see for yourself.
35 Main Street, Camden / (207) 236-4949
- Easy Day, South Portland
Easy Day / Facebook
Easy Day / Facebook Easy Day is a popular spot for local sports teams to celebrate a win on summer evenings. But, if you prefer to avoid athletics they’ll still welcome you with open arms. Evenings outside on the patio include fires to help up the ambiance and the (sometimes unreliable) Maine weather.
725 Broadway, South Portland / (207) 200-2226
- Waco Diner, Eastport
Waco Diner / Facebook
Waco Diner / Facebook Waco Diner is located in Bank Square, just past the fisherman statue. The downtown, waterfront patio overlooks Campobello & Roosevelt’s Cottage and is just gorgeous. Show up on the right day and you’ll get some outdoor, waterfront live music as well.
48 Water Street, Eastport / 207-853-9226
- The Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Boothbay Harbor
The Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant / Facebook
S S. / Yelp What we love most about this spot is that it’s owned by four people - friend and family - who bring an eclectic cultural background to their work. The outside deck is a dream in the summer and we recommend trying their take on a lobster roll - the lobster griller!
12 The By-Way, Boothbay Harbor / (207) 633-0400
- Cockeyed Gull, Peaks Island
Cockeyed Gull / Facebook
Dani C . / Yelp This spot is open year round, but it’s definitely best when you can sit outside in the sunshine. To get there, take the Casco Bay Lines ferry from Portland to Peaks Island. Walk towards the main road and make a left - a few feet down and you’re there! Then, order yourself a drink and a snack while watching the boats.
78 Island Avenue, Peaks Island / (207) 766-2800
- The Brunswick, Old Orchard Beach
Lynda C. / Yelp
Jarred S . / Yelp There’s a good chance you either love or hate the Swick. But, since so many people have great (hazy) memories from this patio we had to include it. While you can order just about anything from the menu, we recommend grabbing a drink from the outdoor bar and joining the fun on the dance floor.
39 W Grand Avenue, Old Orchard Beach / (207) 934-2171
- Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room, Portland
Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room / Facebook
Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room / Facebook Boone’s is located in the heart of Portland’s Old Port, so it’s certainly no secret. It does, however, have one of the best outdoor seating areas in the city! Also important to note is that the oysters are great, but they’re good for more than just that. Check out the full menu and think about trying the Fried Oyster Po’ Boy.
86 Commercial Street on Custom House Wharf, Portland / (207) 774-5725
And, speaking of lakes, have you been to this totally underrated one? It’s on our list, for sure!
Schooner Landing Restaurant and Marina / Facebook
Schooner Landing is a great spot to enjoy the water in Maine. In addition to traditional Maine seafood, they offer a strong pub-style menu as well as live music throughout the summer.
40 Main Street, Damariscotta / 207) 563-7447
Spinney’s Restaurant / Facebook
Vera J. / Yelp
Spinney’s is one of the most well-known waterfront spots in Maine and they’ve got an incredible patio and lawn. Try anything on the menu, especially with a side of onion rings. Parking can be difficult in the parking lot so be prepared for that frustration.
987 Popham Road, Popham Beach / (207) 389-1122
Rich B. / Yelp
Ina K. / Yelp
The patio at Sprague’s Lobster overlooks the Sheepscot River AND has been family owned and operated for over 35 years now. It’s a great place to spend a warm and sunny afternoon outside.
22 Main Street, Wiscasset / (207) 882-1236
Ryan B. / Yelp
E M. / Yelp
The outdoor patio at Marriner’s looks out directly over the water, which is one of the most fun outdoor locations on this list. But, if you go to restaurants for the food, you won’t be disappointed either! This place serves breakfast all day, which is awesome considering their blueberry pancakes are incredible. They even serve vegan sausage! If you stop by for lunch, you’ll be happy with just about anything. Marriner’s is hailed by some as the last affordable place to eat in Camden. Check it out and see for yourself.
35 Main Street, Camden / (207) 236-4949
Easy Day / Facebook
Easy Day / Facebook
Easy Day is a popular spot for local sports teams to celebrate a win on summer evenings. But, if you prefer to avoid athletics they’ll still welcome you with open arms. Evenings outside on the patio include fires to help up the ambiance and the (sometimes unreliable) Maine weather.
725 Broadway, South Portland / (207) 200-2226
Waco Diner / Facebook
Waco Diner is located in Bank Square, just past the fisherman statue. The downtown, waterfront patio overlooks Campobello & Roosevelt’s Cottage and is just gorgeous. Show up on the right day and you’ll get some outdoor, waterfront live music as well.
48 Water Street, Eastport / 207-853-9226
The Boathouse Bistro Tapas Bar & Restaurant / Facebook
S S. / Yelp
What we love most about this spot is that it’s owned by four people - friend and family - who bring an eclectic cultural background to their work. The outside deck is a dream in the summer and we recommend trying their take on a lobster roll - the lobster griller!
12 The By-Way, Boothbay Harbor / (207) 633-0400
Cockeyed Gull / Facebook
Dani C . / Yelp
This spot is open year round, but it’s definitely best when you can sit outside in the sunshine. To get there, take the Casco Bay Lines ferry from Portland to Peaks Island. Walk towards the main road and make a left - a few feet down and you’re there! Then, order yourself a drink and a snack while watching the boats.
78 Island Avenue, Peaks Island / (207) 766-2800
Lynda C. / Yelp
Jarred S . / Yelp
There’s a good chance you either love or hate the Swick. But, since so many people have great (hazy) memories from this patio we had to include it. While you can order just about anything from the menu, we recommend grabbing a drink from the outdoor bar and joining the fun on the dance floor.
39 W Grand Avenue, Old Orchard Beach / (207) 934-2171
Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room / Facebook
Boone’s is located in the heart of Portland’s Old Port, so it’s certainly no secret. It does, however, have one of the best outdoor seating areas in the city! Also important to note is that the oysters are great, but they’re good for more than just that. Check out the full menu and think about trying the Fried Oyster Po’ Boy.
86 Commercial Street on Custom House Wharf, Portland / (207) 774-5725
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