The Mid-Coast Region Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Mid-Coast Region - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Downeast Ice Cream Factory

    $

    Stop in at this cute little house next to the boardwalk and order an ice-cream cone to enjoy at a nearby picnic table or as you stroll along the waterfront. You'll probably want to make it a two-scooper, so you can try at least two of the many flavors, all made right here in Boothbay Harbor. Favorites include coffee Heath bar, blueberry cheesecake, pistachio, rum raisin, and cinnamon gingersnap. You can go all in with a hot fudge sundae or a banana split, too.

    1 By-Way, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, 04538, USA
    207-315–6670

    Known For

    • Super-premium ice cream
    • Vegan sorbets
    • More than 50 flavors

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–mid-May
  • 2. Moody's Diner

    $

    Whether you sit at a booth in the dining room or at the counter of this eatery, established in 1927, chances are, you'll soon be chatting with your neighbors. The multipage menu has all the breakfast standards (including fresh doughnuts every morning) and comfort-food lunch and dinner classics—from chowders, fish cakes, and lobster or crab rolls to chicken pot pie, meat loaf, and New England--style boiled dinners to wild Maine blueberry, custard, or apple pie. There's a gift shop on the other side of the parking lot, as well as rental cabins and a motel just up the hill.

    1885 Atlantic Hwy., Maine, 04572, USA
    207-832–7785

    Known For

    • Exceptional pies
    • Landmark local favorite
    • Breakfast served all day
  • 3. Red's Eats

    $$$

    The customers lined up beside this little red shack at the bottom of Wiscasset's Main Street, just before the bridge across the Sheepscot River, have come from far and wide for one of the Maine Coast's best lobster rolls—namely, a perfectly buttered and griddled split-top roll that's absolutely, positively stuffed with fresh, sweet meat and served with melted butter and mayo on the side. Devotees swear that the wait (up to two hours!) is worth it, and it helps that staffers hand out ice water, popsicles, umbrellas to protect from rain or hot sun, and even dog biscuits for the pups. You can also get your lobster in a gluten-free roll or on a plate without any bread. Other choices include crab rolls, hamburgers, and onion rings, as well as clams or other local seafood fried in house-made batters. Enjoy your hard-earned feast at a table on the bilevel deck behind the shack or at a picnic table on the grass by the water. For a shorter wait, come on a weekday at an off hour (not lunch or dinner time).

    41 Water St., Wiscasset, Maine, 04578, USA
    207-882–6128

    Known For

    • More than a whole lobster goes into each roll
    • The unholy "Puff Dog," a hot dog loaded with bacon and cheese and deep-fried
    • Long lines in summer, especially on weekends

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed late-Oct.–mid-Apr., Reservations not accepted
  • 4. Shannon's Unshelled

    $

    The namesake of this shack first got the idea to set up shop when her father posed the simple question: “Where can you buy a quick lobster roll in Boothbay Harbor?” Unable to answer, Shannon’s Unshelled was born, and the shack is now beloved for its grilled, buttered buns stuffed with whole lobsters and served with a side of garlicky, sea-salted, drawn butter.

    23 Granary Way, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, 04538, USA
    207-350–7313

    Known For

    • Trap-to-table lobster
    • Seaweed salads
    • Fried seafood features gluten-free batter

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Wed.
  • 5. The Island Inn

    $$$

    The dining room at Monhegan's iconic Island Inn serves breakfast and dinner to the public as well as to guests. The breakfast menu includes eggs, pancakes, and granola. At dinner, steamed lobster is always on the menu; other fresh seafood choices may include halibut, salmon, swordfish, and paella. There are also steaks and other meats, plus a vegetarian dish. 

    1 Ocean Ave., Maine, 04852, USA
    207-596–0371

    Known For

    • Dishes for meat lovers and vegetarians, too
    • Well-prepared entrées featuring fresh Maine seafood
    • Harbor views

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid-Oct.–late May
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  • 6. The Sea Gull Shop and Restaurant

    $$

    Try for a table by the windows in the small dining room of this little landmark restaurant, perched beside Pemaquid Lighthouse at the very edge of the rocky shore. Blueberry pancakes with Maine maple syrup are the clear breakfast favorites; the lunch and dinner menu features fried fresh seafood, lobster and crab rolls, salads, and mouthwatering entrées like the shipwreck pie (lobster, crab, shrimp, and scallops sautéed in butter and topped with a cracker-crumb crust). Desserts include ice cream and homemade pies or strawberry or blueberry shortcake. Alcoholic beverages aren't served, but you're welcome to bring your own. The gift shop is packed jewelry, Maine-made jams and condiments, prints of local scenery, and other great souvenirs.

    3119 Bristol Rd., New Harbor, Maine, 04554, USA
    207-677–2374

    Known For

    • Gift shop with jams, condiments, and other great souvenirs
    • Fresh, traditional Maine fare
    • Spectacular sea views

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. and Dec.–mid-May
  • 7. Barn Door Baking Company Cafe

    $

    Connected to Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop through an arched doorway, this little café turns out excellent coffee and hot and cold coffee drinks, plus fresh-from-the-oven sweet and savory baked items. It's hard to choose among the scones, slices of cake and pie, sinful cookies, cupcakes, and old-fashioned dessert bars. For a light lunch, go for a wedge of quiche or baked-in-house bread, toasted and topped with house-made salmon spread, hummus, or avocado.

    162 Main St., Damariscotta, Maine, 04543, USA
    207-563–3662

    Known For

    • Good place to chill and catch up on email
    • Friendly service
    • Daily selection of irresistible baked goodies
  • 8. Best Thai Restaurant

    $$

    This aptly named, family-run restaurant serves all the standard Thai favorites, as well as some lesser-known options. Everything is prepared using fresh local fish, meats, and produce. In addition to indoor dining, there's a small patio just outside the front door.

    88 Main St., Damariscotta, Maine, 04543, USA
    207-563–1440

    Known For

    • Very friendly service
    • Local ingredients
    • Exceptional Thai cooking

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 9. Boothbay Lobster Wharf

    $$$

    This is the real deal—a working lobster wharf where fishermen unload their catch to be sold at the on-site fish market or incorporated into the lobster rolls, crab rolls, or fried seafood dishes that are served to diners on the dock and in the enclosed dining room. If you opt for the steamed lobster dinner, you get to choose your crustacean from a saltwater tank. There's live music every Friday and weekends. And if you're an oyster fan, head here for your fill of buck-a-shuck oysters Friday and Saturday evening. The view across the boat-filled harbor isn't bad, either.

    97 Atlantic Ave., Boothbay Harbor, Maine, 04538, USA
    207-633–4900

    Known For

    • Ultrafresh seafood
    • Buck-a-shuck oysters on Friday and Saturday night
    • Great harbor views

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed early Oct.–late May
  • 10. Brisetto's Second Cup

    $

    Stop in here for a hot or cold coffee drink, a smoothie, or fresh juice. If you'd like to linger for a while, take your drink upstairs and settle in with your laptop.

    41 Commercial St., Boothbay Harbor, Maine, USA
    207-315–6377

    Known For

    • Fruit milk shakes
    • Feel-good vibes
    • Friendly owner hails from Romania

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid Oct.–early May
  • 11. Broad Arrow Tavern

    $$$

    On the main floor of the Harraseeket Inn, this dark, wood-paneled tavern with mounted moose heads, decoys, snowshoes, and other outdoor sporty decor is known for both its casual nature and its menu. The chefs use organic, mostly Maine produce, meat, and seafood in all the dishes, including the pizzas made in a wood-fired oven. About the only non-Maine ingredient is the wild salmon, which comes from Alaska and Oregon.

    162 Main St., Freeport, Maine, 04032, USA
    207-865–1085

    Known For

    • Lively bar
    • Award-winning lobster stew and clam chowder
    • Cozy pub decor
  • 12. Café Crème

    $

    Located in the heart of downtown, this café with its own on-site bakery draws visitors and locals alike for delicious coffee paired with made-that-day goods served with a smile. The cinnamon roll with maple bacon is a savory Maine take on a classic sweet treat. The coffee drinks are yummy—how about an almond joyous latte with amaretto, coconut, and chocolate? For a quick savory meal, grab one of the hand pies, with fillings that change daily. There's a reason why folks refer to this place as "Bath's living room": everyone is welcomed warmly.

    56 Front St., Bath, Maine, 04530, USA
    207-443–6454

    Known For

    • Sweet and savory stuffed croissants
    • Creative coffee drinks
    • Friendly staff
  • 13. Cook's Lobster and Ale House

    $$$

    What began as a lobster shack in 1955 has grown into a large, well-known, family-style restaurant with a sizable menu that is predictably heavy on local seafood (lobster boats unload their catch at a dock here) but also has plenty of choices for landlubbers. A shore dinner will set you back close to $50, but you won't leave hungry after a 1¼-pound lobster, steamed clams, drawn butter, and corn on the cob. If you want to focus just on the lobster, you can order a bug weighing up to 5 pounds! Whether you choose indoor or deck seating, you can watch as the lobstermen come and go and the boats sail across the bay. Expect this place to be packed at the height of the season. 

    68 Garrison Cove Rd., Bailey Island, Maine, 04003, USA
    207-833–2818

    Known For

    • Traditional Maine seafood fare prepared simply
    • Great water views
    • Live music and a festive atmosphere in the summer

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 14. Day's Crabmeat & Lobster

    $$

    People have been stopping at this roadside lobster pound for a century, buying live or cooked lobsters to take home, or ordering a lobster or crabmeat roll, lobster stew, lobster dinner, steamed or fried fresh clams, and other local seafood to enjoy at a picnic table overlooking a serene salt marsh. It's just a few miles down the road from Freeport's Main Street shops, but it feels a world apart.

    1269 U.S. 1, Maine, 04096, USA
    207-846–5871

    Known For

    • Wetlands views
    • Low-key, old-fashioned atmosphere
    • Fresh seafood at fair prices

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sept.–mid-Apr.
  • 15. Eventide Specialties

    $

    Just up the hill from the harbor, this goodie-filled shop is the ideal place to pick up picnic supplies. Large, made-to-order sandwiches (the chicken salad with apples and cranberries is divine) come on a choice of freshly baked breads, including sourdough, anadama, and three-Italian cheese. What's more, every sandwich is accompanied by a pickle—and a chocolate! The shop stocks a great selection of cheeses and wines, and there are plenty of baked treats for dessert, too. A daily menu of prepared entrées and soups would also be perfect for supper at your cottage.

    5 Boothbay House Hill, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, USA
    207-350–4244

    Known For

    • Sandwiches come with a chocolate!
    • Extensive cheese and wine selection
    • Wonderful breads baked on-site

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 16. Fat Boy Drive-In

    $

    Pull your car up under the green awning and turn on your vehicle’s lights to catch the attention of the servers at this retro drive-in restaurant. The eatery's BLT made with Canadian bacon is a longtime favorite that pairs well with onion rings and a frappe (try the blueberry), but baskets of fried clams and shrimp are also winners, and there are several burger options. Your order will be brought to your car or, if you prefer, to a nearby picnic table. It’s as fun as it sounds!

    111 Bath Rd., Brunswick, Maine, 04011, USA
    207-729–9431

    Known For

    • Old-school car-hop service
    • Very friendly staffers
    • Thick milkshakes
  • 17. FlipSide Coffee

    $

    This local gathering spot sells a variety of hot and cold coffee and tea drinks, plus an appealing selection of light meals. Breakfast choices include a curried rice bowl, nachos, and avocado toast; at lunch, there are wraps and better-than-average salads. 

    189 Main St., Thomaston, Maine, 04861, USA
    207-354–5221

    Known For

    • Casual atmosphere
    • A place to spend time on your laptop or phone
    • Good spot to meet friends
  • 18. Gelato Fiasco

    $

    These days, you can buy this sinfully delicious gelato in food stores throughout New England and have it shipped to your door, but it all began in 2007 in this storefront in Brunswick. Stop in and pay homage to the history with a dish of ripe mango sorbetto, dark chocolate noir, or mascarpone pistachio caramel.

    74 Main St., Brunswick, Maine, 04011, USA
    207-607–4262

    Known For

    • "Netflix and Chill” with caramel, peanut butter cups, and brownie bites
    • Lots of inventive flavors
    • Free samples
  • 19. Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Co.

    $$

    Take a break from Main Street's bustle and drive 3 scenic miles to South Freeport, where this popular, bare-bones, counter-service place sits beside the town landing and serves up seafood baskets and lobster dinners. Save room for strawberry shortcake, blueberry crisp, bread pudding, whoopie pies, or another of the homemade desserts. Lines can be long.

    36 S. Main St., South Freeport, Maine, 04078, USA
    207-865–4888

    Known For

    • Great seafood
    • Harbor views
    • Picnic table dining inside or out

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid-Oct.–May, Reservations not accepted
  • 20. King Eider's Pub and Restaurant

    $$$$

    At this restaurant in an adorable building just off Main Street, the acclaimed crab cakes and the oysters fresh from the Damariscotta River are good bets, but so are the steak-and-ale pie, seafood stew, and fish-and-chips (made with fresh haddock that's sautéed rather than fried). With exposed-brick walls and low, wood-beamed ceilings hung with pottery beer mugs, the downstairs is a snug place to enjoy a Maine craft ale.

    2 Elm St., Damariscotta, Maine, 04543, USA
    207-563–6008

    Known For

    • Live music in the pub
    • Cozy atmosphere
    • Extensive whiskey collection

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