12 Coolest Locations to Eat

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Are you looking out for uncommon eating places in ME? From the rugged shoreline to the charming streets of Portland, listed here are 12 of the perfect locations to eat in Maine.

Let’s discuss one thing cool – Maine’s meals scene. I’ve been across the Pine Tree State, and let me let you know, it’s not all about lobster rolls and clam chowder (although these are fairly nice). I’ve discovered locations which are out of this world distinctive.

Think about munching on a breakfast that’s been top-notch for over 100 years, or discovering a spot the place sauerkraut will get the VIP therapy. Ever thought you’d discover the wealthy tastes of East Africa in Maine? Nicely, you may.

I’m excited to information you thru twelve of essentially the most distinctive locations to eat in Maine, the place New England’s magnificence shines. From Portland’s vigorous streets to the serene settings of coastal cities, we’re on a mission to search out the sudden and the downright scrumptious. Excited? You need to be!

Uncommon locations to eat in ME

1. Palace Diner

Heading into Biddeford, you’ll discover Palace Diner, a bit hidden gem in Maine tucked away only a block from the principle avenue. Image this: a basic diner vibe, set in a transformed railroad automobile. It’s a type of spots you’ve obtained to expertise at the least as soon as.

With solely about 12 seats, it feels such as you’re a part of a secret breakfast membership. Getting a seat right here is a part of the journey, so possibly plan a bit stroll across the charming block if there’s a wait.

The meals right here is hearty, comforting, and precisely what you need from a diner with a twist. Their do-it-yourself corned beef hash is known, a must-try that can redefine your breakfast requirements. I extremely advocate attempting their fried potatoes, too. They’re simply the correct quantity of crispy.

Attempt to swing by early or on a weekday should you can. This place is standard for all the suitable causes, and also you’ll wish to snag a seat at this distinctive restaurant in Maine. And hey, And hey, after indulging in the perfect breakfast round, why not discover the quaint streets of Biddeford? It’s the proper method to stroll off a hearty meal.

2. Morse’s Sauerkraut

Within the coronary heart of Waldoboro’s farm nation, Morse’s Sauerkraut would possibly simply catch you off guard. From the surface, it’s this unassuming roadside spot that you simply would possibly cross with out a second look. However belief me, stepping inside is like discovering a hidden gem in Maine’s eating scene. It’s half grocery retailer, half restaurant, and all attraction.

For greater than 100 years, Morse’s has been crafting their very own sauerkraut and pickles. The eating area is cozy, with simply 5 tables. It’s an intimate eating expertise that feels each unique and welcoming.

I had the bratwurst with sauerkraut and a Reuben sandwich, and let me let you know, they knocked it out of the park. The flavors are daring, genuine, and downright scrumptious. When you suppose the meal sounds good, wait till you see the deli. It’s full of a formidable number of meats and cheeses, tempting you to take a chunk of Morse’s house.

One of many coolest locations to eat in Maine, Morse’s Sauerkraut is a must-visit for a novel eating expertise. After your meal, the encircling farm nation presents a peaceable backdrop for a calming stroll. It’s an eatery that proves among the finest meals in Maine comes from essentially the most sudden locations.

3. Crimson Sea Restaurant

When you’re wandering by means of Portland and craving one thing completely different, take a look at Crimson Sea Restaurant. This cozy spot is your gateway to the colourful flavors of Ethiopian and Eritrean delicacies. When you’re new to those tastes, belief me, you’re in for a deal with.

The actual deal right here is their sampler platters. Good for sharing, these platters are a foodie’s dream. They assist you to dive into quite a lot of dishes with out having to choose only one. There are many choices for vegetarians and vegans, too.

Now, onto the star of the present: the injera. Made with high quality teff flour, it’s a novel, spongy bread that’s simply ready to scoop up all these scrumptious stews. My prime picks? You may’t go flawed with the Hamli for greens, the sambusas are a must-try, and the meat sampler is just superb.

I took some mates right here final summer season, and it was a incredible expertise. Sharing these flavors not solely makes the meal extra pleasant but additionally kicks off nice conversations. Crimson Sea Restaurant is a type of enjoyable locations to eat in Maine that you simply’ll end up recommending to everybody you realize.

4. Izakaya Minato

When mates ask me the place to eat in Portland, I at all times advocate Izakaya Minato. It’s this cozy Japanese spot that’s all about these consolation vibes with small plates and killer cocktails. A fast tip: it’s on the smaller aspect, so displaying up proper at 5pm once they open is your golden ticket to keep away from an extended wait.

For an unforgettable eating expertise, you completely should attempt their Omakase. It’s a chef’s choice of 5-7 dishes, every extra stunning and scrumptious than the final. Having tasted my method by means of varied Omakase menus, I can confidently say Izakaya Minato’s providing is a reduce above the remaining.

When you’re into sake, you’re going to be in heaven. They’ve obtained a range that’ll have you ever sipping and nodding in approval all night.

For sure, Izakaya Minato is without doubt one of the finest eating places in Maine. It’s a bit slice of Japan, proper right here in Portland. Test it out!

5. Sizzling Suppa

Let me let you know a few spot that’s a game-changer for southern meals lovers proper right here in Portland. Sizzling Suppa is the place that has mastered the artwork of bringing the south to the north. It’s this cozy, unassuming spot that is without doubt one of the finest locations to eat in Maine should you’re craving that consolation meals repair.

The vibe is enjoyable, vibrant, and welcoming. As quickly as you stroll in, you’re greeted by the friendliest workers, which units the tone for a incredible meal. The decor is simply as colourful and cheerful because the plates they serve.

Now, onto the star of the present – the meals. Their scorching crispy rooster Benedict is one thing I nonetheless dream about. It’s the proper mixture of consolation and kick. And should you’re a fan of shrimp and grits, put together to be blown away. Sizzling Suppa serves it up excellent, with the form of taste that retains you coming again for extra.

In a metropolis identified for its meals scene, Sizzling Suppa stands out as one of many coolest eating places in Maine. Imagine me, it’s price each little bit of hype. Ensure to drop by early to snag a spot; it’s a small place with a giant popularity.

6. Bandaloop

When you’re ever in Arundel and end up craving some cozy vibes with a aspect of critically good eats, Bandaloop is your go-to. This place has an ambiance that seems like a heat hug, due to its rustic attraction, giant uncovered beams, and a hearth that’s the guts of the room.

Bandaloop is all about natural, with a menu that’s as pleasant to vegetarians as it’s to meat lovers. When you’re within the temper for a superbly cooked sirloin, savory pork, or diving into the colourful world of vegetarian and vegan dishes, they’ve obtained you lined.

I went for the salmon with togarashi roasted candy potato, and it was a match made in heaven. The dessert was the spotlight for me, although. Severely, attempt the vegan peanut butter cheesecake. It’s the form of dessert you’ll be dreaming about for days.

As one in every of Maine’s finest eating places, getting a desk generally is a little bit of a mission throughout peak instances. Slightly planning goes a great distance right here. I like to recommend reserving forward should you can.

7. Laan-Xang Cafe

Ever craved a dish so genuine you can swear you have been eating oceans away from house? That’s the magic of Laan-Xang Cafe in Belfast, proper by the waterfront. One of the vital enjoyable eating places in Maine, this spot serves up conventional Laotian and Thai dishes that can transport your style buds.

I went for the sai ghock and larb, and let me let you know, perfection is an understatement. However the actual standout? The sausage. Actually, it would simply be the perfect I’ve ever had. The proprietor shared that her mom comes over from Laos to hand-make the sausage. How’s that for genuine?

The cafe presents outside seating with quaint views of Belfast harbor. When you’re planning a go to, a stroll alongside the waterfront afterward is the proper method to digest.

8. Massive G’s Deli

Massive G’s Deli in Winslow is a game-changer within the sandwich world. Image being handed a sandwich so hefty, you nearly want a recreation plan to deal with it. Their do-it-yourself bread, thick and scrumptious, units the stage for what’s simply the perfect sandwich expertise round. Dive right into a Reuben right here and also you’ll perceive why people rave about it.

If you end up at Massive G’s, bear in mind this pleasant recommendation: choosing half a sandwich is greater than sufficient until you’re extremely hungry. These sandwiches are large, crafted from their very own large loaves that promise to problem even the most important appetites.

Massive G’s is your go-to when starvation strikes onerous. After tackling one in every of their legendary sandwiches, you’ll see why it’s famend as top-of-the-line eateries in Maine.

9. The Highroller Lobster Co.

In search of the perfect lobster rolls in Maine? You’ve obtained to take a look at The Highroller Lobster Co. in Portland. This place delivers with a lobster roll that’s all about contemporary flavors and high quality. You get this superb brioche bun that’s simply the correct quantity of toasted, full of the freshest lobster meat, and it’s the form of meal you’ll inform tales about.

The actual enjoyable begins while you dive into their sauce choice. With an array to select from, you get to be the artist of your lobster roll masterpiece. I opted for drawn butter on mine—a basic selection that packed a wallop of taste.

Whereas there’s cozy seating inside, I selected to take pleasure in my meal by the waterfront. It’s an effective way to tick off two of the finest locations to go to in Portland in a single go. Ending it with a stroll by the water? Good chill end to a tasty journey.

10. Sichuan Kitchen

Craving a spice kick? Portland’s Sichuan Kitchen is the place it’s at. Their Zhong dumplings pack a punch with a spicy, slick sauce, and should you’re all about that warmth, the Mao Pao Tofu won’t disappoint. It’s hands-down the perfect I’ve discovered exterior of China.

For my mates who favor plant-based consuming, there’s a devoted menu only for you. It’s simply my prime decide for an adventurous eat-out.

Heads up, this spot’s a favourite for locals and guests alike. Snagging a desk generally is a little bit of a sport, so making a reservation is a brilliant transfer. This place is one in every of my favourite locations to eat in Portland, and I’m sure you’ll find it irresistible too.

11. The Honey Paw

My current go to to The Honey Paw in Portland was a spotlight I can’t cease speaking about. The place dazzles with its distinctive honeycomb-themed decor, creating an inviting ambiance proper off the bat.

I attempted the Khao Soi, which was scrumptious. This dish options smoked lamb mingled with coconut curry and mustard greens, all introduced collectively by the sudden crunch of crispy noodles.

Alongside, I loved a sake shot and ginger kombucha, which have been excellent accompaniments to the meal. However the star of the present needed to be the ginger butter honey tender serve. It’s a dessert that made the complete meal unforgettable.

Sharing this, I hope you’re tempted to expertise The Honey Paw for your self. From my expertise, I’d say it’s one of many finest eating places on the East Coast.

12. 5 Islands Lobster Co.

Final up on our checklist of distinctive Maine eating places is 5 Islands Lobster Co. in Georgetown. Open throughout the summer season months, this place is an area secret, removed from the standard vacationer trails. Sitting proper on the water’s edge, I obtained to look at as lobsters have been freshly plucked from the ocean under. It doesn’t get extra genuine than that!

Selecting from the menu was a problem. I needed for a second I might double my urge for food to attempt all of it. I lastly went for the total lobster, pleasantly shocked by its affordability in comparison with different spots alongside the coast. And let me let you know, having fun with that lobster with the ocean stretching out in entrance of me was an expertise I gained’t overlook.

When you’re trying to take pleasure in lobster in one in every of Maine’s most stunning locations, look no additional than 5 Islands Lobster Co. Only a tip: get there early to snag the perfect spot by the water. Belief me, it’s price it for the views and the vibe.

Steadily Requested Questions (FAQs) concerning the quirkiest eating places in Maine

What meals is Maine well-known for?

Is Portland a foodie metropolis?

Sure, Portland is certainly a foodie metropolis. It’s full of progressive eating places, cozy cafes, and bustling meals markets that cater to each style and choice, making it one of many prime locations to stay and go to in Maine.

What’s the finest month to go to Maine?

What kind of seafood is Maine well-known for?

In addition to lobster, Maine is legendary for its clams, oysters, and scallops, providing seafood lovers a contemporary and engaging expertise straight from the Atlantic, making it one of many finest locations to go to on the East Coast.

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