We’ve spent a lot of time telling you how much we love Maine food. From award-winning restaurants to tiny spots at the side of the road, there’s plenty to rave about in Vacationland. With all the recent national attention towards our newest restaurants it might take a little more effort to remember that many of the eateries in Maine put a lot of work into what they serve. And those that are best known for one specific menu item might just be the best! The next time you find yourself at any of these places, make sure you order their specialty!
- The Elsmere Tornado, Elsmere BBQ & Wood Grill, South Portland
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Elsmere BBQ & Wood Grill / Facebook This delicacy is piled with just everything that makes a sandwich perfect! Including chopped brisket, pulled pork and sausage, as well as a hearty topping of coleslaw and Texas red barbecue sauce on a pretzel roll. Visit them at 448 Cottage Rd., South Portland / 207-619-1948/
- Pier Fries, Old Orchard Beach
Pier French Fries At Old Orchard Beach / Facebook
Pier French Fries At Old Orchard Beach / Facebook This is a bit of a unique addition to this list because the reality is that you can’t really go to OOB without getting pier fries. This fry shop has been around for more than 60 years and their crinkle cut shape fries is unmistakable. Their poutine is fantastic as well. They’re located at: 2 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach / 207-934-2328.
- The Slab, Slab Sicilian Street Food, Portland
Slab Sicilian Street Food / Facebook
Slab Sicilian Street Food / Facebook We’re not sure why anyone would go to Slab and NOT get an actual Slab, but just in case you needed some helpful tips - get The Slab. It’s huge and full of delicious cheese and toppings. Visit with friends and get enough to fill up your entire table. Visit them at: 25 Preble St., Portland / 207-245-3088.
- Cheesesteak, The 5 Spot Portland & Philly Underground Bar, Portland
The 5 Spot Portland & Philly Underground Bar / Facebook
Lacey C / TripAdvisor The 5 Spot is the only place you need to go if you want the most authentic Philly cheesesteak outside of Philadelphia. This sandwich is loaded with meat, but most importantly it’s ordered with with “wiz” (with Cheese Wiz) or “wiz wit” (Cheese Wiz with onions, too.) They serve breakfast sandwiches, soups and Italians, too. But skip ’em. You want the cheesesteak. Visit them at 935 Congress St. / 207-536-1430.
- Crustacean Elation, The Red Barn, Augusta
The Red Barn / Facebook
management / TripAdvisor There’s plenty done right at The Red Barn, but we’ll get right to it. The Crustacean Elation is what you want to get. Sure, you could start small. But, why do that when this foot-long lobster roll packed to the brim with local Maine lobster meat is waiting for you? It’ll cost you $50, but go for it! You’re worth it! Visit them at: 455 Riverside Dr., Augusta / 207-623-9485.
- Lobster Pie, Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant, Wells
keyofdee / TripAdvisor
Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant / Facebook Lobster Pie. That’s what you want here. Nothing more and nothing less. It’s the only place we know if that makes it and serves it, making this a must-see if you want buttery lobster without having to go through the process of cracking it open yourself. Visit them at: 134 Harbor Rd., Wells / 207-646-8780.
- The BLT, House of Bacon, Auburn
Matthew S / TripAdvisor
Matthew S / TripAdvisor You know what to expect when you visit a place with “bacon” it its actual name, but we’ll help steer you to exactly what you’ll want to order. The BLT might be best known around here. It’s piled so high with strips of bacon that some have reported finding 20 individual strips. Is there anything else you could possibly want in a restaurant? Find them at: 34 Court St., Auburn / 207-200-8057.
- Fried Clams, Five Islands Lobster Co., Georgetown
len128 / TripAdvisor
quilterlady83 / TripAdvisor You’ve heard of this spot and there’s a fair few things you’ll want to order, but they might be best known for the fried clams. The main ingredient is sourced locally, then hand-breaded and fried, making them the perfect meal to enjoy while taking in those awesome midcoast views. They’re located at: 1447 Five Islands Rd., Georgetown / 207-371-2990.
- The Fried Chicken Sandwich, The Palace Diner, Biddeford
aurevoir16805 / TripAdvisor
Palace Diner / Facebook The oldest restaurant in Maine is actually an old train car and you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The pancakes are amazing, but Fried Chicken Night, featuring the fried chicken sandwich has become the thing of legends. They’re located at 8 Franklin St., Biddeford / 207-284-0015.
- The Stuffed Bird Panini, Saco Island Deli, Saco
KFJ / TripAdvisor
Saco Island Deli / Facebook This place is a favorite among locals for good reason. Especially the big stuffed bird panini which comes with antibiotic-free turkey breast, homemade stuffing, cranberry-mayo and romaine on local Italian bread. Visit them at 110 Main St Ste 1204, Saco / 207-286-3842.
- The Everything, Wasses Hot Dogs, Rockland
westie2 / TripAdvisor
Wasses / Facebook While there isn’t a lot to distract you from the main dish here at Wasses, we have to remind you that you’re going to want to get the everything. It comes with fried onions, mustard, and relish and it’s what they’re best known for. Visit them at: 2 N. Main St., Rockland / 207-594-4347.
Another unique place to visit in Maine is this arcade. In addition to 25 vintage video games, they’ve also got board games, food and a full bar. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon…and into the night!
Google Maps
Elsmere BBQ & Wood Grill / Facebook
This delicacy is piled with just everything that makes a sandwich perfect! Including chopped brisket, pulled pork and sausage, as well as a hearty topping of coleslaw and Texas red barbecue sauce on a pretzel roll. Visit them at 448 Cottage Rd., South Portland / 207-619-1948/
Pier French Fries At Old Orchard Beach / Facebook
This is a bit of a unique addition to this list because the reality is that you can’t really go to OOB without getting pier fries. This fry shop has been around for more than 60 years and their crinkle cut shape fries is unmistakable. Their poutine is fantastic as well. They’re located at: 2 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach / 207-934-2328.
Slab Sicilian Street Food / Facebook
We’re not sure why anyone would go to Slab and NOT get an actual Slab, but just in case you needed some helpful tips - get The Slab. It’s huge and full of delicious cheese and toppings. Visit with friends and get enough to fill up your entire table. Visit them at: 25 Preble St., Portland / 207-245-3088.
The 5 Spot Portland & Philly Underground Bar / Facebook
Lacey C / TripAdvisor
The 5 Spot is the only place you need to go if you want the most authentic Philly cheesesteak outside of Philadelphia. This sandwich is loaded with meat, but most importantly it’s ordered with with “wiz” (with Cheese Wiz) or “wiz wit” (Cheese Wiz with onions, too.) They serve breakfast sandwiches, soups and Italians, too. But skip ’em. You want the cheesesteak. Visit them at 935 Congress St. / 207-536-1430.
The Red Barn / Facebook
management / TripAdvisor
There’s plenty done right at The Red Barn, but we’ll get right to it. The Crustacean Elation is what you want to get. Sure, you could start small. But, why do that when this foot-long lobster roll packed to the brim with local Maine lobster meat is waiting for you? It’ll cost you $50, but go for it! You’re worth it! Visit them at: 455 Riverside Dr., Augusta / 207-623-9485.
keyofdee / TripAdvisor
Fisherman’s Catch Restaurant / Facebook
Lobster Pie. That’s what you want here. Nothing more and nothing less. It’s the only place we know if that makes it and serves it, making this a must-see if you want buttery lobster without having to go through the process of cracking it open yourself. Visit them at: 134 Harbor Rd., Wells / 207-646-8780.
Matthew S / TripAdvisor
You know what to expect when you visit a place with “bacon” it its actual name, but we’ll help steer you to exactly what you’ll want to order. The BLT might be best known around here. It’s piled so high with strips of bacon that some have reported finding 20 individual strips. Is there anything else you could possibly want in a restaurant? Find them at: 34 Court St., Auburn / 207-200-8057.
len128 / TripAdvisor
quilterlady83 / TripAdvisor
You’ve heard of this spot and there’s a fair few things you’ll want to order, but they might be best known for the fried clams. The main ingredient is sourced locally, then hand-breaded and fried, making them the perfect meal to enjoy while taking in those awesome midcoast views. They’re located at: 1447 Five Islands Rd., Georgetown / 207-371-2990.
aurevoir16805 / TripAdvisor
Palace Diner / Facebook
The oldest restaurant in Maine is actually an old train car and you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The pancakes are amazing, but Fried Chicken Night, featuring the fried chicken sandwich has become the thing of legends. They’re located at 8 Franklin St., Biddeford / 207-284-0015.
KFJ / TripAdvisor
Saco Island Deli / Facebook
This place is a favorite among locals for good reason. Especially the big stuffed bird panini which comes with antibiotic-free turkey breast, homemade stuffing, cranberry-mayo and romaine on local Italian bread. Visit them at 110 Main St Ste 1204, Saco / 207-286-3842.
westie2 / TripAdvisor
Wasses / Facebook
While there isn’t a lot to distract you from the main dish here at Wasses, we have to remind you that you’re going to want to get the everything. It comes with fried onions, mustard, and relish and it’s what they’re best known for. Visit them at: 2 N. Main St., Rockland / 207-594-4347.
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