Maine Restaurant and Dining Guide
Lighthouses guarding rocky shores, tall pines, and the tangy scent of salty sea breeze. Yep, that’s Maine for ya. But did you know, amidst this scenic backdrop, lies a culinary world that’s straight-up fire? Back in the day, Maine was a prime fishing spot for Native American tribes. Fast forward to today, and that seafood legacy is more alive than ever, just jazzed up with modern flair.
Now, if you're hankering for some no-frills seafood, Portland’s Lobster Company is where it's at. Thinking of getting a bit fancy? Swing by Side Street Cafe in Bar Harbor. And hey, ever heard of a joint with killer lobster, a dash of rum punch, and a sprinkle of celeb glamour? Yup, that’s Barnacle Billy's in Ogunquit. But Maine isn’t just about seafood. Augusta’s got this BBQ spot, Riverfront Barbeque & Grille, that’ll make you rethink everything you knew about ribs. And for my brunch lovers, Erica's in Waterville is legit the dream wake-up call.
Portland Plates: Lobster and Donuts
With cobblestone streets and waterfront parks giving those postcard-perfect views, it's no wonder this city has become the go-to for many. But let's cut to the chase – Portland's real game-changer? Its food. I mean, what's more iconic than biting into a fresh lobster roll while soaking in that Casco Bay view? And if that's the kind of scene you're craving, you've got to check out Bite Into Maine. Their lobster rolls? Straight-up legit. Choose from six styles, all featuring that fresh Maine lobster, cozied up in a buttery bun. Wash it down with some Allagash beer, and you're golden.
Now, for the times you're vibing with the classic New England seafood experience, the Portland Lobster Company is where you'll wanna be. Their Fried Haddock Sandwich? A thing of beauty. And if you're feeling adventurous, get your hands on those Prince Edward Island Mussels, drenched in white wine and a symphony of lemon, herbs, garlic, and butter. I mean, come on, who can resist?
Speaking of irresistible, have you heard of potato donuts? Yeah, you read that right. The Holy Donut is serving up these bad boys, and let me tell ya, they're the talk of the town. From the Dark Chocolate Coconut Donut to the Apple Cider Donut (with real apples, mind you), your sweet tooth will thank you.
But hey, between mouthfuls, take a breather and steep in some culture. Swing by the Victoria Mansion for a taste of 19th-century glam, or mosey over to the Eastern Promenade for a view that'll knock your socks off.
Bar Harbor Bites: Pancakes, Peaks, and Popovers
Known for its breathtaking granite peaks and historic charm, Bar Harbor's true MVP might just be its food scene. Case in point, Jordan's Restaurant. Their wild Maine blueberry pancakes are totally on point. And if you've got a hankering for something a bit more savory, their Cheesesteak Sub – think grilled peppers, onions, and a side of homemade goodness – will do the trick.
Want to mix it up a bit? Hit up Side Street Cafe. Whether you're munching on their Cadillac Fries loaded with the works (queso, buffalo, bacon – need I say more?) or dipping into the Garden Variety with roasted red pepper hummus, you're in for a treat.
Now, no trip to Bar Harbor is complete without diving into some local specialties. Over at The Stadium, they're whipping up a dreamy Lobster mac & cheese. But let's chat about their Popover, shall we? Light, airy, and downright delicious, especially when paired with that house-made blueberry jam. Talk about nailing it.
Between all that indulging, why not soak in some scenic views at Acadia National Park? Or immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Wabanaki people at the Abbe Museum.
Ogunquit: Lobster Rolls, Art, and Coastal Strolls
Once a humble fishing village, this spot soon found itself as the go-to haven for artists, inspired by its picturesque surroundings. Isn't it cool to think that the very paths they walked, like the scenic Marginal Way, could lead you straight to a plate of drool-worthy grub?
Now, if you've got a craving for something truly American with a splash of pizzazz, swing by The Front Porch. With tunes floating from the festive piano bar upstairs, your taste buds will jam to the rhythm of their Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna - a blend of Thai spice and red jasmine rice, finished off with that kick of wasabi aioli and sriracha.
Of course, when in Ogunquit, seafood's the name of the game. And no one serves it up quite like The Lobster Shack. Their Pounder Sandwich is, no joke, stacked with a full pound of lobster meat. It's LEGENDARY. For something a tad simpler but equally satisfying, Barnacle Billy's hits the spot. Amidst its lobster and rum punch, the Barbecue Chicken Plate is a definite sleeper hit.
Don’t forget about the culture. Dive deep into the heart of American art at the Ogunquit Museum, where canvases echo tales of the historic Ogunquit arts colony.
Augusta: BBQ Ribs, Parks, and Politics
The heart of Maine, Augusta, steeped in political hustle and history, surprisingly packs a flavorful culinary punch. Originally a trading post back in the 1600s, who'd have thought Augusta would evolve into a treat for taste seekers? Dotted with lush parks and, of course, the iconic Capitol Building, there's a little extra zing in the air. Ever felt that?
Right by the scenic Viles Arboretum, a place of tranquility with its array of trees and native plants, you'll find the aroma of Riverfront Barbeque & Grille tough to resist. Their Memphis-style, dry-rub ribs? Pure magic! And if you fancy a tangy twist, dive into the Key West Chicken Salad. With that lime-marinated chicken and Mandarin oranges, it’s a refreshing pit stop for sure.
But if you’re craving something different after a serene walk through Capitol Park, the Cloud 9 Restaurant & Lounge has got the goods. Their brick-oven pizzas are fire, but don't sleep on the Cloud 9 Alfredo – a killer combo of fettuccine, grilled chicken, and prosciutto. Oh, and for those who roll the veggie way? Their Black Bean Burger is no joke, with a smoky chipotle aioli that's the real MVP.
Waterville Whims: Art, Opera, and Edibles
Stepping into Waterville feels like flipping through the pages of a vibrant history book. And as you're about to discover, it's more than just Colby College and the Waterville Opera House. Yet, who can resist the pull of the Opera House's enchanting performances or the Colby College Museum of Art with its rich tapestry of contemporary marvels? But hey, what's a day of art and drama without a plateful of grub?
Got the morning blues? Slide into Erica's for that caffeine fix and a hearty breakfast. Their Jambalaya? A spicy, zesty dance of flavors with prawns and andouille leading the waltz. Or, if you're feeling a tad fancy, the Macadamia Nut Crusted Chicken is an absolute winner - trust me, the mixed berry coulis brings the party.
For those with a soft spot for the ocean's bounty, 18 Below Raw Bar is your jam. Those Savory Roasted Pork & Cheddar Stuffed Mushrooms? Total game-changer. But the star? Maine Crab Stuffed Fresh Local Haddock Filet, paired perfectly with a zesty lemon-butter sauce. Dive in, why don’t ya?
So, whether you're here for the culture or the food (or a delightful mix of both), Waterville has the vibes, the views, and the victuals to keep you coming back.
Maine Moments: Sips, Bites, and Coastal Sights
As we’ve cruised from Portland’s bustling wharves to Bar Harbor’s quiet shores, then down to Ogunquit’s sandy beaches and through the heart of Augusta and Waterville, one thing’s clear: Maine isn’t just about lobster rolls, though they're seriously delish. It’s a full-on sensory delight, blending vibrant history with every mouthful. Remember that macadamia nut chicken in Waterville or the dry-rub ribs in Augusta? Yeah, still dreaming about those.
This isn't just about food, though. It’s also about those postcard-perfect views you munch alongside. Imagine savoring fresh seafood as the sun sets over Bar Harbor? Pure magic, right? And Portland? That city's a mix of old-school charm and modern mojo.
So, you're into tasty bites and dreamy sights? Why aren’t you in Maine yet? The table’s set, the coast is beckoning, and trust me, you won't want to miss out. Ready to dig in and drink it all in? Because Maine, with its charming towns and killer grub, is waiting to wow you. It’s a whole world of flavor and fun rolled into one sweet, scenic state. Let's eat!
Must-Try Restaurants in Maine
Bite into Maine
Allagash Brewing Co, 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103Delicious lobster roll. The service was fast and friendly. Couple that with an Allagash beer and you have close to a perfect
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Superb43 Reviews4.8
The Stadium, Bar Harbor - Lobster Rolls, Popovers,Coffee
62 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609I thought this place was outstanding. The popover was delicious including the jam and maple butter. The staff was friendly and the food came up fast. Def...
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Superb121 Reviews4.7
The Holy Donut
194 Park Ave, Portland, ME 04102What an incredible experience! For a recent bachelor party, my friends and I had the pleasure of indulging in an assortment of donuts from Holy Donuts, a...
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Good161 Reviews4.2
Riverfront Barbeque & Grille
300 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330Excellent food and service! Simple decor but very comfortable! Next time I'm in the area I will definitely be back! Jalapeño corn bread was DELICIOU...
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Good79 Reviews4.1
Cloud 9 Restaurant
284 Western Ave, Augusta, ME 04330We chose to have breakfast at this location because it is attached the hotel and spa that we spent the night in. The ambience was ok until a large party,...
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Good24 Reviews3.6
18 below
18 Silver St, Waterville, ME 04901We were visiting the area with a large group of family and the restaurant was very accommodating. The restaurant was very nice with excellent decor and a...
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Good68 Reviews4.1
Portland Lobster Company
180 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101A wonderful lunch spot in Portland! Everything we ordered tasted soooo good! Will definitely be back!
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Good145 Reviews3.9
Lobster Shack
110 Perkins Cove Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907This place definitely knows how to nail the Maine lobster experience. Competitive market prices and filling portions. Will undoubtably be visiting next t...
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Superb145 Reviews4.5
Barnacle Billy's
70 Perkins Cove Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907The view from the dining room and location is the draw here! Nestled in Perkins Cove, this nugget is one of Ogunquit's gems. Good food and nice vari...
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Good108 Reviews3.9
The Front Porch Piano Bar & Restaurant
9 Shore Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907I mean, there's tons of room for improvements. Maybe they feel people have limited restaurants downtown that they put minimal effort. ?♂️ But th...
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Good184 Reviews4
Side Street Cafe
49 Rodick St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609Place had a good vibe until the food came out. Wings were undercooked and still bloody inside, they tried to make it right with comping and the wings but...
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Superb199 Reviews4.4
Erica's
105 College Ave, Waterville, ME 04901Had sirloin tips breakfast , Ordered the tips medium rare and they were perfect. Never had a bad meal , highly recommended !!
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Good87 Reviews4.1
Jordan's Restaurant - Breakfast - Lobster Rolls - Burgers - Pancakes - Sandwiches
80 Cottage St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609At must stop visit in bar harbor . Blueberry pancakes are a must order . Good fluffy pancakes with quality ingredients. It's a real treat to watch t...
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Superb143 Reviews4.4
Recently Opened Restaurants
Pine Tree Bakery
1557 Bridgton Rd, Westbrook, ME 04092-
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Vin Santo Italian
12 Washington St, Biddeford, ME 04005-
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Ocotillo
211 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04102- Delivery
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Spruce Creek Pizza
290 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904Had a grandma pizza the first time I went and it was pretty good but needed a little more sauce but overall good.Today I wanted to try a cheese pizza and...
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Superb78 Reviews4.4
The Pelzer Bakery&Restaurant
99 Commercial St, Bath, ME 04530Our order of baked goods arrived today. Lemon curd biscuits, Apple nut bread, Apple sauerkraut and (nearly gone today) Apple Date cake!I can't hones...
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Superb1 Reviews5
claudine cafe crepes
Main St, Greenville, ME 04441Wonderful spot, I daresay the best food spot (at least for lunch) in town. Wish they had more ingredients and choices, but still, excellent quality!
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Superb1 Reviews5
Little PKB Sandwich Club
112 Main St, Ellsworth, ME 04605Mid food. The service was really good unlike the food. The ambiance was amazing unlike the food.
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Superb39 Reviews4.3
The links pub at kebo
136 Eagle Lake Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609The Links Pub at Kebo, situated within the Kebo Valley Golf Course and open to the public, is a hidden treasure in Bar Harbor, Maine. After a round of go...
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Superb1 Reviews5
Rebel Munchies and Libations
649 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101Wow, I actually left his restaurant in awe. Some of the best food in the whole state and some exceptional cocktails. Great service too, our sever josh wa...
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Superb11 Reviews4.8
IGA Deli
7 Market St, Mars Hill, ME 04758-
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Min Sushi & Ramen Bowl
519 US-1 #5, York, ME 03909The food was delicious my girlfriend and I both had a miso ramen bowl which was perfectly done the vegetables add perfect freshness, the meat was tender ...
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Superb30 Reviews4.8
Woodwind Coffee Roasters
165 Ellsworth Rd #2, Blue Hill, ME 04614It was a cute little shop, had a wonderful cold brew coffee. The place was filled with the smell of fresh roasted coffee. The kids were there playing and...
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Superb14 Reviews4.6
Vacationland Coffee Roasters "Coffee PUB"
30 Rodick St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609I love their espresso martinis! Delicious! Chris is a really nice guy and I enjoyed our conversation.
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Superb76 Reviews5
Broadway Nutrition LLC.
740 Broadway Ste 300, South Portland, ME 04106Visited broadway nutrition this morning, energy tea was amazing! Super friendly staff, great conversation. Highly recommend!!
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Superb8 Reviews4.8
Waterfront Nutrition
226 Water St, Gardiner, ME 04345Amazing customer service and amazing teas! so many options... and if you have no clue what you want tell them what you are looking for and they will poi...
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Superb10 Reviews4.6
Recent Reviews
Northgate Grill
2H65+CH, Patten, ME 04765Northgate Grill is everything I want in a diner. I had a beautiful chicken parm sandwich with housemade fries. The chicken was crispy, the fries were del...
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Superb7 Reviews5
Embark
61 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011Second time there for dinner, figured it had to have improved since the opening. Sadly no: I made the mistake of trying the duck risotto: Mushy, salty...
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Superb49 Reviews4.4
Domino's Pizza
8 School St, Freeport, ME 04032Ordered a thin crust pizza and was surprised to find the pizza cut in squares. The manager was very nice and explained thin crust is sliced that way and...
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Good31 Reviews3.5
Governor's Restaurant & Bakery
643 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401The food was ok, portion size left me hungry. The wait to get a seat was long the host seemed resistant to work with a party of 6. Took about 50 mins for...
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Good111 Reviews3.9
Stockhouse Restaurant & Sandbar Pub
4 Turning Leaf Dr, Windham, ME 04062Always a good time with great selection of beers and good food. The chicken parm is one of the best around. Staff is always friendly and attentive.
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Average67 Reviews3.2
Domino's Pizza
192 Water St, Gardiner, ME 04345We ordered at 6:15 and the food arrived at 8:20,... you know what? I am GLSD that they didn't cook it and leave it under a heat lamp. They KNOW th...
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Poor60 Reviews2.1
Sam's Italian Foods
14 Millett Dr, Auburn, ME 04210The last 3 times my food has been wrong and when asking for sandwiches to be toasted after everything is on it isn’t that hard they are to busy
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Good49 Reviews3.5
Reverie Coffee House
117 Maine Street, Brunswick, ME 04011Great place to just sit back relax and enjoy a nice coffee. Great staff and friendly atmosphere.
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Superb29 Reviews5
Dunkin'
8 Mile Hill Rd, New Sharon, ME 04955Won't be back. We had tried this location before and wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. Very disappointing. Didn't have what we w...
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Poor25 Reviews2.1
Bangkok Kitchen
213 North St, Saco, ME 04072We tried this place for the first time yesterday. Very simple and clean, takeout only at this time. Super friendly service! The food is great, and beware...
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Good56 Reviews4.1
Lin's Takeout Kitchen
156 Park St, Orono, ME 04473WOW…the food is unbelievable….if you haven't tried it you’re missing a great experience….tonight we had the ...
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Superb23 Reviews5
Domino's Pizza
596 Wilton Rd, Farmington, ME 04938They make a lot of mistakes at this location, I have been very disappointed with their service.
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Good52 Reviews3.4
Bob's Clam Hut
315 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904Do not order online. I ordered 20 minutes before my family who ordered on person, but got food 25 minutes after them
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Good163 Reviews4.2
Ann's Book Bistro
17 Back Meadow Rd, Damariscotta, ME 04543Ann's Book Bistro is a cozy, inviting place for a meal. The food is consistently excellent and creative, and the staff makes the experience extraord...
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Superb41 Reviews4.8
Ruby Tuesday
5 Walton Dr, Brewer, ME 04412We ordered two meals to go, and when we got home, we realized both were wrong. We tried to call the restaurant several times, and no one answered the pho...
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Average123 Reviews3.2
Recently Updated Menus
The Baker's Bench
33 Brackett St, Westbrook, ME 04092The food here is incredible! Everything is delicious and made fresh. Family owned and
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Superb57 Reviews4.9
Rideout Market & Grill
348 Augusta-Rockland Rd, Windsor, ME 04363The new owners definitely are about the money. The kitchen staff is working really hard but the owner is just sit around doing nothing playing on their ...
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Average33 Reviews3
Phil’s Variety & Grill
912 US-202, Monmouth, ME 04259Food comes very slow and cold. The chil is to spicy. They have to many cameras. Monday I had 2 hot dogs that came cold and not cooked.
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Poor12 Reviews2.2
Wok n Roll Diner
1716 Main St, Mapleton, ME 04757My (immediate) family brought me here as a birthday present (Meal). They had been here before and wanted me to enjoy the experience. I ate my entire mea...
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Superb23 Reviews4.5
Cindy's Country Kitchen
86 W Broadway, Lincoln, ME 04457PLEASE RMEMEBER THIS IS NO LONGER CINDYS..... This is run by other people now who are no where near as great as Cindy and Rick. Just wanted to make sure ...
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Good50 Reviews3.8
Pizza Shack
201 ME-23, Sangerville, ME 04479Had a meatball sub because I saw the menu say that they are homemade. Was not disappointed !!!
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Superb23 Reviews4.6
China Empress
357 Main St, Winthrop, ME 04364This Chinese restaurant is extremely dirty. They use the seating area as a storage room and the floor is so filthy. One of the workers was coughing with...
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Good21 Reviews3.3
Family House Of Pizza
8 Main St, U, S. Rte 2, Newport, ME 04953The mozzarella sticks I ordered were obviously the first thing they made on the order, and then they say and got cold when it finally time to serve the p...
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Good38 Reviews4
Thaiger 2 Go
2933 US-201, West Forks, ME 04985This place is AMAZING!!! The food is AUTHENTIC and the service is 1st class. You will 100% LOVE stopping here!! My family LOVES GOING HERE MAYBE TO MU...
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Superb24 Reviews4.9
China Garden Restaurant Silver Wah Inc
229 W Main St Ste 102, Fort Kent, ME 04743Fortune to have tasteful Chinese food especially the Won Ton soups and vegetables stir fries are firm and not overcooked. Still decent price for the qual...
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Good15 Reviews3.4
The Red Barn
455 Riverside Dr, Augusta, ME 04330Always good but for some reason this time the fried clams were exceptional. Love the Red
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Superb111 Reviews4.6
Jonesport Pizza Shop
187 Main St, Jonesport, ME 04649This is a local tiny store with 10 seats If you are a tourist you will share your table with the Mainers. They are full of interesting stories. The p...
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Superb33 Reviews4.5
LandLubbers Grill and Dairy Bar
23 S Main St, Athens, ME 04912I have ordered here 10 or so times. The old lady who works the counter is sometimes rude for seemingly no reason. Both to myself and my wife. We don'...
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Superb38 Reviews4.6