Many know that Maine’s food scene has exploded over the last few years. But, most don’t realize that it’s possible to find great food outside of the larger cities and towns. So many of the warmest, most locally-loved places can’t be found on any “best-of” list in travel books. They’re under-the-radar, but they’re absolutely wonderful. Here’s just a selection of some of our favorites. If you have a favorite little spot that you think others would enjoy, tell us about it!
- Cambridge General Store & Restaurant, Cambridge
Cambridge General Store & Restaurant / Facebook
Cambridge General Store & Restaurant / Facebook While Cambridge is great for many reasons, we love the community vibe that exists when you walk inside. They also offer to make (or stock) whatever you’d like. We’d like them to make this whoopie pie cake for us every day forever, please. Visit them at: 7 Main St, Cambridge / 207-
- Saint George River Cafe, Warren
Saint George River Cafe / Facebook
Saint George River Cafe / Facebook Don’t let the word “cafe” mislead you. Saint George River Cafe has a wonderful menu sure to fill you up no matter your hunger level. They’re relatively new and definitely worth a stop. Visit them at: 310 Main St, Warren / 207-509-2925
- Big G’s Deli, Winslow
Big G’s Deli / Facebook
Big G’s Deli / Facebook If you like your sandwiches the way you like your Acadia mountain views (and by that, we mean HUGE) check out Big G’s. You’ll likely end up with lunch for two days. With that in mind, we recommend you also pick up one of their size-of-your-face whoopie pies so that you’ve got dessert for two days as well. Try the Reuben if you’re looking to splash out. Or, go for the Richard Simmons if you’re feeling a tad healthier. And, of course, anything fried is always great - like this haddock! Visit them at: 581 Benton Ave, Winslow / 207-873-7808
- The Brookside Inn, Smyrna Mills
And C. / Yelp You’ll find this lovely spot tucked in near Northern Maine. This home cooked food isn’t what you might expect from a place that some people drive right passed, but you’ll be rewarded with filling goodness and warm, friendly vibes if you pull over. If you love it so much you want two meals, consider staying overnight at the attached motel! Visit them at: 2277 US Rt.2, County Rd, Smyrna Mills / 207-757-8456
- Nook and Cranny, Baileyville
suckamc / Flickr
Nook & Cranny Restaurant / Facebook Washington County’s “Best Kept Secret” serves up seriously good cuisine with great local flair - all in a converted chicken coop! A family business through and through, you’ll feel right at home the second you step inside. Visit them at: 575 Airline Rd (Route 9), Baileyville / 207-454-3335
- Vientiane Market, Portland
Jim R. / Yelp
Vientiane Market / Facebook Ignoring the fact that Vientiane is a place in Laos, Portland’s Vientiane Market serves up a deliciously authentic Thai meal. We won’t bother telling you what to order because you truly cannot go wrong with anything. It’s best when you want to grab something quick to go. And, since we can’t resist, we recommend the pad Thai, crab rangoon, fresh spring rolls and Yum Nau, which all get great reviews. Visit them at: 157 Noyes Street, Portland / (207) 774-7311
- Grammy’s Country Inn, Linneus
Grammy’s Country Inn / Facebook
Brent O. / Yelp Grammy’s Country Inn is home to huge portions, great prices and friendly people. They don’t call it comfort food for nothing. Order up a double cheeseburger and finish with their famous GIGANTIC whoopie pie. They’re known to be over one pound of Maine goodness. Visit them at: 1687 Bangor Road, Linneus / (207) 532-7808
- Stow Corner Store, Fryeburg
Stow Corner Store / Facebook
Stow Corner Store / Facebook Stow is a great place to stop if you’re en route to some outdoor activities in the White Mountains. Located just nine miles before the gate to enter the area, stop in for some homecooked grub to fuel your hike! Visit them at: 590 Stow Road, RT 113, Fryeburg / 207-697-2255
- Waco Diner, Eastport
Waco Diner / Facebook
Waco Diner / Facebook The Waco Diner has been under new management for the last few years and it comes with rave reviews. In the season, enjoy the incredible views of Passamaquoddy Bay while enjoying a lobster roll or some fried haddock. Visit them at: 47 Water St, Eastport / 207-853-9226
- Frederick’s Southside Restaurant, Caribou
Frederick’s Southside Restaurant / Facebook
Frederick’s Southside Restaurant / Facebook Frederick’s has something for absolutely everyone! From Maine seafood to pizza, there isn’t much you won’t find here. The TJ Sandwich comes recommended! Visit them at: 507 Main St, Caribou / 207-498-3464
Now you know some of our “secret” places! Once you try them all, THEN you might want to move on to the bigger ones. Click here for a list of the most highly rated restaurants in Maine last year.
Cambridge General Store & Restaurant / Facebook
While Cambridge is great for many reasons, we love the community vibe that exists when you walk inside. They also offer to make (or stock) whatever you’d like. We’d like them to make this whoopie pie cake for us every day forever, please. Visit them at: 7 Main St, Cambridge / 207-
Saint George River Cafe / Facebook
Don’t let the word “cafe” mislead you. Saint George River Cafe has a wonderful menu sure to fill you up no matter your hunger level. They’re relatively new and definitely worth a stop. Visit them at: 310 Main St, Warren / 207-509-2925
Big G’s Deli / Facebook
If you like your sandwiches the way you like your Acadia mountain views (and by that, we mean HUGE) check out Big G’s. You’ll likely end up with lunch for two days. With that in mind, we recommend you also pick up one of their size-of-your-face whoopie pies so that you’ve got dessert for two days as well. Try the Reuben if you’re looking to splash out. Or, go for the Richard Simmons if you’re feeling a tad healthier. And, of course, anything fried is always great - like this haddock! Visit them at: 581 Benton Ave, Winslow / 207-873-7808
And C. / Yelp
You’ll find this lovely spot tucked in near Northern Maine. This home cooked food isn’t what you might expect from a place that some people drive right passed, but you’ll be rewarded with filling goodness and warm, friendly vibes if you pull over. If you love it so much you want two meals, consider staying overnight at the attached motel! Visit them at: 2277 US Rt.2, County Rd, Smyrna Mills / 207-757-8456
suckamc / Flickr
Nook & Cranny Restaurant / Facebook
Washington County’s “Best Kept Secret” serves up seriously good cuisine with great local flair - all in a converted chicken coop! A family business through and through, you’ll feel right at home the second you step inside. Visit them at: 575 Airline Rd (Route 9), Baileyville / 207-454-3335
Jim R. / Yelp
Vientiane Market / Facebook
Ignoring the fact that Vientiane is a place in Laos, Portland’s Vientiane Market serves up a deliciously authentic Thai meal. We won’t bother telling you what to order because you truly cannot go wrong with anything. It’s best when you want to grab something quick to go. And, since we can’t resist, we recommend the pad Thai, crab rangoon, fresh spring rolls and Yum Nau, which all get great reviews. Visit them at: 157 Noyes Street, Portland / (207) 774-7311
Grammy’s Country Inn / Facebook
Brent O. / Yelp
Grammy’s Country Inn is home to huge portions, great prices and friendly people. They don’t call it comfort food for nothing. Order up a double cheeseburger and finish with their famous GIGANTIC whoopie pie. They’re known to be over one pound of Maine goodness. Visit them at: 1687 Bangor Road, Linneus / (207) 532-7808
Stow Corner Store / Facebook
Stow is a great place to stop if you’re en route to some outdoor activities in the White Mountains. Located just nine miles before the gate to enter the area, stop in for some homecooked grub to fuel your hike! Visit them at: 590 Stow Road, RT 113, Fryeburg / 207-697-2255
Waco Diner / Facebook
The Waco Diner has been under new management for the last few years and it comes with rave reviews. In the season, enjoy the incredible views of Passamaquoddy Bay while enjoying a lobster roll or some fried haddock. Visit them at: 47 Water St, Eastport / 207-853-9226
Frederick’s Southside Restaurant / Facebook
Frederick’s has something for absolutely everyone! From Maine seafood to pizza, there isn’t much you won’t find here. The TJ Sandwich comes recommended! Visit them at: 507 Main St, Caribou / 207-498-3464
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