When it comes to food, Maine has plenty to brag about. We're known for our plentiful seafood, our award-winning chefs, and even our tiny, local well-loved diners. While all of these are great, sometimes you're just craving something...well, different. The next time you've got guests in town, skip the lobster rolls and head to any of these unique restaurants in Maine that will provide an unforgettable time.
1. Havana, Bar Harbor
What could be better than fresh seafood? Fresh seafood with a Latin American twist! Havana provides diners with a unique experience using local organic produce and meat to serve up foods with flair. If you're looking for a different sort of lobster dish, try the lobster moqueca, which gets high marks. For more information, be sure to visit the Havana Restaurant website.
2. Grace, Portland
From the outside, this Portland establishment looks like a place to worship. And, while it's true that being inside feels like heaven, it is most definitely a restaurant. The converted church offers two bars and two levels of seating all with a view of the incredibly high ceilings. You'll enjoy anything off the menu (including this grilled steak atop bone marrow,) but if you sit in the bar area the smaller meals are more than enough. If you love cocktails, be sure to sit at the bar. The bartenders are chatty and more than willing to whip-up something unique! They get quite busy, which cane make it hard to get a bartender's attention, so don't be shy about flagging one down. Curious to learn more? Be sure to visit Grace online for hours and additional details. It's one of the most unique restaurants in Maine!
3. Schutty's Seafood, West Bath
The classic Maine seafood shack... except this one is in a trailer next to a car dealership. The menu has all the fried classics down to a tasty science, but some sophisticated surprises are to be had - like fish tacos with fresh Asian slaw and homemade "baha" sauce. Be sure to try the unique lobster egg roll. This restaurant may keep temporary hours, so be sure to visit Schutty's Seafood online before planning your trip. We love this shack; it's one of our favorite place to eat in Maine.
4. Boba, Lewiston
Located in Lewiston, Boba is an excellent option for Thai-inspired street food. The cuisine is made with the freshest ingredients and incorporates cooking traditions from Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China. The result is an incredible menu and a vibrant atmosphere that you'll want to experience. For more information, be sure to visit Boba online. If you're in Lewiston and looking for a unique restaurant to eat near me, make sure to check out Boba!
5. Earth at Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport
Located within luxury boutique hotel, Hidden Pond, Earth is a delightful place to spend a meal. Their slow food and farm-to-table feel will delight foodies. Everything is created with great care and, while some say they're on the small side, the portions will certainly satisfy. For more information, visit Earth at Hidden Pond online. This gorgeous restaurant is one of the most unique places to eat in Maine.
6. Palace Diner, Biddeford
If you think Palace Diner is just another diner you're in for a huge surprise. The chefs here cook up fare that is worthy of a million photos and even more praise. 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. Then, make sure to visit on a Thursday or Friday for some delicious fried chicken. Curious to learn more? Head on over to Palace Diner online for additional information. This is one of our favorite places to eat in Maine!
7. The Well, Jordan's Farm, Cape Elizabeth
When it comes to unique restaurants in Maine, you can't do much better than The Well. This seasonal spot has people coming back for the amazingly fresh food (much of it sourced right from Jordan's Farm), beautiful pastoral setting and unique outdoor seating... perfect on a warm summer evening. The most unique part just might be the setting. You can choose to sit in small gazebo-type areas or right out in the open next to the flower garden. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind restaurant when you visit The Well online. This is one of the great Maine restaurants that has visitors coming back again and again.
8. Crosby's Drive-In, Bucksport
These days, a true drive-in is a pretty unique find. While Crosby's in Bucksport is more of a "walk-up" than a "drive-in" it does not disappoint. Here you'll find huge portions and all the fried seafood you can imagine. The lobster roll is pretty incredible as well. Crosby's Drive-In may keep temporary hours, so be sure to visit the official website before planning your visit.
9. Suzuki's Sushi Bar, Rockland
You might think Japanese food is about as far from Maine as you can get, but not at Suzuki's in Rockland. Here owner Keiko Suzuki Steinberger also acts as chef and is dedicated to including fresh Maine seafood in her menu. Make sure you try the Special Omakase Assortment, which is consistently raved about!
A trip along US 1 will reveal plenty of lobster and seafood options, but you'll have to dig a little deeper to find the truly unique restaurants in Maine. How many of these one-of-a-kind eateries in Vacationland have you experienced? Be sure to tell us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you!
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