Maine is full of history and great food! Why not combine them both by heading to one of our most historic restaurants. Not sure where to start? No problem! We’ve put together this list of some of the most notable restaurants in Vacationland that also have some really interesting pasts!
- The Brunswick Diner, Brunswick
The Brunswick Diner / Facebook
Paul R. / Yelp This tiny, beloved spot has been around since 1946! With options like the “James Dean” and “Little Richard”, the Brunswick Diner will take you back in time. The tiny place is packed to the gills with good vibes and great food. Visit them at: 101 Pleasant St., Brunswick / (207) 721-1134
- Nook & Cranny Restaurant, Baileyville
Martin Cathrae / Flickr
Nook & Cranny Restaurant / Facebook While it might not be the longest standing spot in Maine, when you think about the fact that it’s a converted chicken coop the history feels pretty cool! Washington County’s “Best Kept Secret” serves up seriously good cuisine with great local flair. A family business through and through, you’ll feel right at home the second you step inside. Try the Atlantic salmon topped with Raye’s mustard and southern bourbon finished in the broiler. Visit them at: 575 Airline Rd., Baileyville / 207-454-3335
- DiMillo’s On The Water, Portland
Sue S. / Yelp
Leo K. / Yelp This Portland institution has been around since 1982, when it was created on a 200 foot former car ferry. They serve some wonderful seafood, along with Italian food. Plus you’ve got some really lovely views of the harbor if you snag a window seat. Visit them at: 154 Commercial St., Portland / Phone number (207) 772-2216
- Becky’s Diner, Portland
Steve Bott / Flickr
Kerrie D. / Yelp Becky’s has been serving up food since 1991 and if you haven’t had the Hobson’s Wharf Special in all that time, you haven’t lived. Head to Becky’s (on Hobson’s Wharf) before the sun is up if you want to sit among the lobstermen before they head out for the day. Visit them at: 390 Commercial St., Portland / (207) 773-7070
- Waco Diner, Eastport
Waco Diner / Facebook
Waco Diner / Facebook This small spot tucked away in Eastport has been serving locals since 1924. And, some say they’re the oldest restaurant in all of Maine. 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
- The Spirit Restaurant, Kennebunk
Darren B. / Yelp
The Spirit of Massachusetts / Facebook Sure, there are a few other floating restaurants in Maine, but what makes The Spirit Restaurant so special is its authenticity. The 125-schooner was built in New England and served as an educational vessel crossing the globe as a goodwill ambassador for The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She was launched in 1984 and celebrated in Boston with a tall ship festival that welcomed her (and nearly 80 other tall ships) to the world. 30 years later, The Spirit of Massachusetts was brought back to be restored and repurposed at her new home in Kennebunk. They’re closed for the season right now, but check back in May! Visit them at: 4 Western Ave., Kennebunk
- The Palace Diner, Biddeford
Palace Diner / Facebook
Palace Diner / Facebook Originally opened back when Biddeford was a textile mill town, the Palace Diner has been around since 1927. Its walls are an old Pollard dining car - one of only two that exist in the world. It’s been sitting in the town for almost 90 years. Hopefully, it’ll be around for another 90. Visit them at: 18 Franklin St., Biddeford / (207) 284-0015
- Red’s Eats, Wiscasset
Red’s Eats / Facebook
Red’s Eats / Facebook Red’s Eats has been around since 1954, and arguably perhaps even longer! While the hype always has us nervous for the output, Red’s won’t disappoint. There’s oftentimes a long wait for a good reason. The lobster rolls here aren’t covered in mayo and pieces are large enough to dip directly into the melted butter provided on the side. Visit them at 41 Water St., Wiscasset / 207-882-6128
Craving more Maine history? Check out these historic homes that are great for weekend trips!
The Brunswick Diner / Facebook
Paul R. / Yelp
This tiny, beloved spot has been around since 1946! With options like the “James Dean” and “Little Richard”, the Brunswick Diner will take you back in time. The tiny place is packed to the gills with good vibes and great food. Visit them at: 101 Pleasant St., Brunswick / (207) 721-1134
Martin Cathrae / Flickr
Nook & Cranny Restaurant / Facebook
While it might not be the longest standing spot in Maine, when you think about the fact that it’s a converted chicken coop the history feels pretty cool! Washington County’s “Best Kept Secret” serves up seriously good cuisine with great local flair. A family business through and through, you’ll feel right at home the second you step inside. Try the Atlantic salmon topped with Raye’s mustard and southern bourbon finished in the broiler. Visit them at: 575 Airline Rd., Baileyville / 207-454-3335
Sue S. / Yelp
Leo K. / Yelp
This Portland institution has been around since 1982, when it was created on a 200 foot former car ferry. They serve some wonderful seafood, along with Italian food. Plus you’ve got some really lovely views of the harbor if you snag a window seat. Visit them at: 154 Commercial St., Portland / Phone number (207) 772-2216
Steve Bott / Flickr
Kerrie D. / Yelp
Becky’s has been serving up food since 1991 and if you haven’t had the Hobson’s Wharf Special in all that time, you haven’t lived. Head to Becky’s (on Hobson’s Wharf) before the sun is up if you want to sit among the lobstermen before they head out for the day. Visit them at: 390 Commercial St., Portland / (207) 773-7070
Waco Diner / Facebook
This small spot tucked away in Eastport has been serving locals since 1924. And, some say they’re the oldest restaurant in all of Maine. 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
Darren B. / Yelp
The Spirit of Massachusetts / Facebook
Sure, there are a few other floating restaurants in Maine, but what makes The Spirit Restaurant so special is its authenticity. The 125-schooner was built in New England and served as an educational vessel crossing the globe as a goodwill ambassador for The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She was launched in 1984 and celebrated in Boston with a tall ship festival that welcomed her (and nearly 80 other tall ships) to the world. 30 years later, The Spirit of Massachusetts was brought back to be restored and repurposed at her new home in Kennebunk. They’re closed for the season right now, but check back in May! Visit them at: 4 Western Ave., Kennebunk
Palace Diner / Facebook
Originally opened back when Biddeford was a textile mill town, the Palace Diner has been around since 1927. Its walls are an old Pollard dining car - one of only two that exist in the world. It’s been sitting in the town for almost 90 years. Hopefully, it’ll be around for another 90. Visit them at: 18 Franklin St., Biddeford / (207) 284-0015
Red’s Eats / Facebook
Red’s Eats has been around since 1954, and arguably perhaps even longer! While the hype always has us nervous for the output, Red’s won’t disappoint. There’s oftentimes a long wait for a good reason. The lobster rolls here aren’t covered in mayo and pieces are large enough to dip directly into the melted butter provided on the side. Visit them at 41 Water St., Wiscasset / 207-882-6128
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