At this point, we hope the notion that coastal Maine lacks remarkable dining feels outdated to you. It’s a myth, perpetuated by city dwellers who wish they could stroll to a harbor for lobster tonight, and who know that the statement about Lincolnville having better sunsets still holds true (and that we have pretty good chowder too).
Lucky Betty’s
$ | WEBSITE
You should, of course, order Wiley’s Smashburger at Lucky Betty’s, a dive garage bar in Lincolnville with a few stools but no proper tables. It comes served on a ruckus donut with all the classic fixings. But the tater tots are even better. The crispy golden bites are paired with solid drinks in a warm, cozy environment that feels charmingly out of place. On one occasion they ran out of Mosa, and made our drinks with drip coffee instead. The result?
An equally outstanding way to catch up with friends.
River Ducks Ice Cream
$ | (207) 322-7129 | WEBSITE
At River Ducks Ice Cream, there’s a bridge over the river where you can eat your cone, and the hot fudge is so generous it could easily pass as a sundae on its own. It’s a sweet, cozy spot that nails the whole “we’re an ice cream shop, but also a destination” thing, which means you should always start with a waffle cone, like the Maine Black Bear (with blueberry cheesecake swirls and brown butter bourbon truffle) or their version of a classic soft serve.
The flavors fall somewhere between European-style elegance and Maine-inspired comfort—try the chocolate raspberry truffle, those Cookies and Cream, and the daily special, especially if it’s the mixed cone with Maine blueberry cheesecake and peaceful views of the footbridge.
Buttermilk Kitchen at Marriner’s
$ | (207) 236-4949 | WEBSITE
Buttermilk Kitchen at Marriner’s is in one bright, spacious room with the cheerful glow of a coastal sunrise. Adorable decor aside, much like a seasoned Maine captain, the kitchen is good at pretty much everything. The buttermilk drop biscuits are like warm little clouds made of flour and butter, and we’d gladly eat an entire meal of the crunchy pickled fried tomatoes. But the real reason you come here is the chicken biscuit. Get the chicken biscuit with pepper jam.
It’s a golden-brown masterpiece, and it’s possibly more comforting than any quilt currently being stitched in New England.
The Smoothie Shack
$ | (207) 975-1155 | WEBSITE
Some things at The Smoothie Shack in Lincolnville are optional. Starting out with a smoothie bowl or substantial meal is not. And neither is ordering the Hulk—our favorite smoothie at a spot with many good smoothies (which probably has something to do with the fact that they prioritize taste). We’re done giving you rules for this place—now just figure out when to come here for a healthy lunch, a quick snack, or a smoothie-drinking challenge against yourself.
Graffam Bros Seafood Shack
$ | (207) 236-8391 | WEBSITE
A golden mound of tender fried haddock with a crisp, flaky crust. A buttery lobster roll overflowing with sweet, fresh meat. The seafood at this Lincolnville shack is generous, unpretentious, and better than you’d expect. Swing by for lunch or dinner, snag a spot at one of the simple picnic tables in the sunny outdoor seating area, and dig into a haddock reuben so perfectly balanced it feels like a minor miracle.
Nearly everything at this counter-service spot—from the rich, creamy clam chowder to the house-made horseradish sauce for the roast beef sandwiches—tastes impeccably fresh, and you can tell.
Albatross
$$ | (207) 230-8596 | WEBSITE
On any given morning, you may find us closing our eyes and pretending we’re sitting at Albatross’s cozy counter, with a steaming coffee in hand, watching our breakfast sandwich being assembled right in front of us. This restaurant in Lincolnville serves creative small dishes perfect for sharing, involving simple yet delicious options like the build your own breakfast sandwich with highly recommended Prairie Breeze cheese.
Get the heirloom tomato salad with Asian flavors, and definitely try one of their unique small plates. The friendly staff provides fair prices and prompt service, making it a great spot to enjoy well-done flavors in a casual setting.
Wasses Hot Dogs
$ | (207) 338-6431 | WEBSITE
Like many classic roadside stands, Wasses Hot Dogs serves typical-sounding items that earn extra credit through quality ingredients and execution. The menu is almost entirely hot dogs, with options that include a simple Western dog and chili cheese dog topped with fresh kraut. Most items hover around $5 and are gone in a flash, but that’s Belfast for you. What’s not so typical is how you can pop in on a whim for a meal that’ll stick with you.
Ice Cream Creations/Home of the Super Scoop
$$ | (207) 342-2299 | WEBSITE
This charming ice cream spot started just off the road in Lincolnville, and you’ll consistently find cars pulling in any time you go on a hot summer day. But now they also have plenty of outside tables where kids can run around and play—including convenient parking nearby.
There’s nowhere fancy to sit, but there are tables where you can enjoy root beer floats, chocolate malts with peanut butter drizzles, or unique flavors like strawberry cheesecake with all the creative combos, and we encourage you to expand beyond cones to try some of their parfaits and sundaes.
Streetfood330
$ | (207) 706-4989 | WEBSITE
Almost everything at this Lincolnville takeout spot is designed for maximum flavor and value, complete with vibrant paper plates and tortillas hand-toasted on a well-seasoned griddle. Their tacos range from fresh avocado and crispy fish, to salmon bowls with colorful, abundant ingredients. The black beans (our favorite) are technically just beans, but some bites are so creamy and rich, we’d swear there’s extra creme folded in.
This spot barely has room to wait inside, so grab your order and head to a nearby bench or just eat in your car—possibly while you plan your next visit for another round of those avocado tacos.
Rose Cottage Bakery
$$ | (207) 323-5793 | WEBSITE
Rose Cottage Bakery runs on butter and sugar, but you won’t find any ordinary pastries at this charming Camden spot that looks like a storybook cottage. The focus here is on stunning creations, like wedding cakes decorated with intricate floral designs, seasonal fruit tarts with perfect crusts, and scones that practically melt in your mouth. They make some of the best croissants we’ve had anywhere in Maine, and you can get a box of these flaky, buttery creations to go.
Lobster Pound Restaurant
$$ | (207) 789-5550 | WEBSITE
At Lobster Pound Restaurant, a weathered lobster trap and a faded nautical chart both occupy places of honor on the wall. This breezy Lincolnville spot is theoretically a seafood shack, serving classics like the buttery lobster roll, and a chowder with sweet corn and a briny savoriness. But if you leave here without eating, you’ve made a grave mistake.
Think a mound of ruby-red lobster meat over a toasted split-top bun, steamers glistening in drawn butter, and perfectly grilled scallops over chowder that’s actually more cream than potatoes—every dish is straightforward, comforting, and beyond satisfying.