I know a fair few people in Maine who love to get up early, catch the sunrise and enjoy that first cup of coffee while easing into the day. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I am not one of those people. While I do love a good Maine sunrise and that first sip of coffee, I prefer to get to it in a more leisurely manner. But, the one good thing about being an early riser is the promise of a good breakfast. Here are some of our picks for the best breakfast spots in Maine:
1. Jeannie's Great Maine Breakfast, Bar Harbor
With a name like "Great Maine Breakfast" there's no way we could leave this place off our list of favorite Maine breakfasts. Jeannie's opens early, which is good because you'll need to be there before the sun rises if you want to avoid a wait. But if you do make it through the wait, you won't be disappointed. After some time spent in Acadia, this is a great place to fuel up, especially if you're vegan - they've got lots of options for a variety of dietary lifestyles. You'll love the incredible blueberry pancakes covered in blueberries!
Visit them at: 15 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor / 207-288-4166
2. Home Kitchen Cafe, Rockland
Whole Home Kitchen Cafe will also serve you up a delicious lunch, but their breakfast is what compels people to wait in line. While the sticky buns (which are fresh made) get lots of hype, it's the huevos rancheros that get rave reviews. If you're a more traditional breakfast person, the wild Maine blueberry-filled pancakes won't let you down.
Visit them at: 650 Main Street, Rockland/ 207-596-2449
3. The Orange Cat Cafe, Kingfield
To have a great breakfast, you don't always need to sit down and dig into a plate of eggs. Sometimes, the perfect baked goods with some coffee will do the trick. Stop by The Orange Cat if you want some of the best homemade goodies you'll ever have. But, of course, if it's a warm breakfast you're after they've got that too! Try the stellar breakfast burrito.
Visit them at:
329 Main Street, Kingfield / 207-265-2860
4. Appalachian Trail Cafe, Millinocket
If you ever plan to hike Katahdin, but then get completely rained out after spending your first night in the park, comfort yourself with a trip to the Appalachian Trail Cafe. I know this from experience. Don't let the great new look on the outside fool you! Inside, you'll get the same classic, comfort fare that the Appalachian Trail Cafe has been serving up to locals and thru-hikers for years.
Visit them at: 210 Penobscot Ave, Millinocket / 207-723-6720
5. Becky's Diner, Portland
What can we say about Becky's that hasn't already been said? It's the classic Maine lobsterman's breakfast joint, but still manages to pack in civilians all morning. Anything you order will come in great quantity, so be prepared to leave full. And remember to grab a "Becky's Dinah, Nothing Finah" sticker on your way out.
Visit them at: 390 Commercial Street, Portland / 207-773-7070
6. Dysart's, Bangor
Primarily a truck stop, the patrons here come from all over just to eat breakfast. In addition to huge stacks of pancakes for a reasonable price, Dysart's will let you make all your childhood dreams come true by serving up the most delicious cinnamon buns for breakfast. Order one (and only one - you won't be able to finish two!) and you won't eat anything sweet for weeks.
Visit them at: 530 Cold Brook Road, Bangor / 207-942-4878
7. The Bacon Tree, Winterport
Visit them at their new home: 279 South Main Street, Winterport / 207-223-4313
If only a bacon tree actually could exist ... that would be the perfect world. But until farmers figure out how to cross a pig with a crop, we'll just visit the restaurant by the same name. Those who know about this place, know the REAL reason for the name which has nothing to do with anyone's love of bacon. But, about the food ... Everything here is made from scratch, from the raisin toast to the eggs Benedict. Speaking of which, order that and you'll never love another eggs Benedict as much in your life. They just recently moved.
8. Palace Diner, Biddeford
The historic 1927 "rail car" diner is a classic and the chefs have received national recognition for their inventive take on diner fare. They have a talent for turning the simple into the sublime. Word is, the breakfast sandwich is the best. Try The Deluxe Sandwich - bacon, egg, jalapeno and cheddar with Palace potatoes.
Visit them at: 18 Franklin Street, Biddeford / 207-284-0015
9. Mollyo's Restaurant, York Beach
Though it looks brand new on the outside, Mollyo's has been a community staple for decades. The Mollyo McMuffin might be the perfect breakfast muffin meal, but you'll also want to check out the fresh muffins. This is the perfect place for those of you who wake up very early - their forks start clinking at around 5:30 a.m.!
Visit them at: 2 Main Street, York / 207-363-1838
10. Bibo's Madd Apple Cafe, Portland
BiBo's is a wacky place with the perfect menu. If you value breakfast quantity, you'll love spending a morning here. Anything you order will be so big, you'll be glad to have the rest of the day to somehow work it off. Try any of the custom omelet options or the best breakfast burrito of your life.
Visit them at: 23 Forest Ave, Portland / 207-774-9698
If you just can't justify getting up early and you're more of a dinner person, check out some of the highest-rated places to enjoy a great dinner in Maine by clicking here.
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