When it comes to food, Maine is building quite a name for itself! While we love all the new options, we remain devoted to our old favorites. There are times you want to walk into a restaurants, grab the same old tattered menu and see the same people behind the counter. This means home and, to us, home means comforting food in a known environment where we’re sure to leave full! If you’re looking for something to become your new favorite, check out this list of the best family owned restaurants in Maine!
- Sprague’s Lobster, Wiscasset
TJ H / TripAdvisor
Lucinda302 / TripAdvisor Sprague’s Lobster has been family owned and operated for over 35 years. It overlooks the Sheepscot River, making it a great place to spend a warm and sunny afternoon outside. Now, we just need the warmth and sun!
Visit them at: 22 Main Street, Wiscasset / 207- 882-1236
- Thompson’s Restaurant, Bingham
Thompson’s Restaurant / Flickr
Thompson’s Restaurant / Flickr Thompson’s is great for a meal, but their wonderful customer service is also top notch. The restaurant has been in the family for ages and local kids have grown up waiting tables here. It’s a great place to stop off if you find yourself up North and in need of the best donut holes around. Or, why not just get an entire berry pie?!
Visit them at: 348 Main Street, Bingham / 207-672-3820
- Schulte & Herr, Portland
Schulte & Herr / Facebook
Schulte & Herr / Facebook This spot proves that wonderful family owned establishments can exist in a city full of larger, more imposing spots. No need to head off the beaten path for this one! This home cooked German food is some of the best food in Portland. The potato pancakes get rave reviews and it’s slightly off the beaten path location make it easy to avoid the Old Port crowds. It’s BYOB, so come prepared!
Visit them at: 349 Cumberland Avenue, Portland / 207-773-1997
- The Lost Kitchen, Liberty
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook / Photo by Nicole Franzen
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook The Lost Kitchen is an example of what happens when those working to make a dream come true truly become family. Erin French uses recipes passed down from her family, improving upon them to make them uniquely her own. The kitchen is manned with those she considers friends, who share her love of locally sourced ingredients and beautifully prepared foods. You can find The Lost Kitchen about 17 miles inland from Belfast, in the mid-coast region of Maine. Call them for reservations: (207) 382-3333.
- Bayview Takeout, Beals
Bayview Takeout / Facebook
Bayview Takeout / Facebook Bayview’s lobster roll was voted best in Maine, but there are lots of other reasons it’s on this list. We love that their impressive offering doesn’t end with lunch food. Try the homemade deserts fater digging into a weighty order of fried clams! Order at the window and take your plate to the tables to look out over the bay and the Jonesport fishing village.
Visit them at: 42 Bayview Drive, Beals / 207-497-3301
- Deer Foot Farm, Appleton
Deer Foot Farm, LLC / Facebook
Deer Foot Farm, LLC / Facebook Located on a picturesque rural farm, part of what makes this restaurant so special are the fresh ingredients which are locally sourced from right outside! While the menu has something for everyone, you should start with the red flannel hash, which is not only a customer favorite but was also voted one of the best breakfasts in Maine by Downeast Magazine!
Visit them at: 1221 Union Road, Appleton / 207-785-3200
- Sylvia’s Cafe, Ellsworth
Sylvia’s Cafe / Facebook
Sylvia’s Cafe / Facebook Sylvia’s is a classic diner with a real community feel. The small shop is known for friendly prices, their ability to be accommodating and offering menu options that appeal to a wide range of dietary needs. We love the simple breakfasts, but can’t leave without one of the homemade baked goods!
Visit them at: 248 State Street, Ellsworth / 207-667-7014
- Eagles Nest, Brewer
Eagles Nest Resturant / Facebook
Eagles Nest Resturant / Facebook If you’re looking for a family owned place that also happens to be extremely Maine, look no further. Their lobster rolls are some of the best in the state and the small space will make you feel like a local, even if you’re not from the Bangor area. Try the seafood platter only if you’re VERY hungry - it’s huge! And, the Penobscot River location is great for views.
Visit them at: 1016 N. Main Street, Brewer / 207-989-7635
- Grammy’s Country Inn, Linneus
Grammy’s Country Inn / Facebook
Grammy’s Country Inn / Facebook Prime Rib Sandwich anyone? Grammy’s Country Inn is home to huge portions, great prices and friendly people. Order up a double cheeseburger and finish with their famous GIGANTIC whoopie pie. They’re known to be over one pound of Maine goodness.
Visit them at: 1687 Bangor Road, Linneus / 207- 532-7808
- Nook & Cranny, Baileyville
suckamc / Flickr
Nook & Cranny Restaurant / Facebook Could this be Washington County’s “Best Kept Secret?” Not to the locals! They serve up seriously good cuisine with great local flair - all in a converted chicken coop! A family business through and through, you’ll feel right at home the second you step inside. They even make special event cakes! Visit them at: 575 Airline Road, Baileyville / 207-454-3335
Another Maine food favorite? This awesome steakhouse with just the right amount of charm and casual vibes!
TJ H / TripAdvisor
Lucinda302 / TripAdvisor
Sprague’s Lobster has been family owned and operated for over 35 years. It overlooks the Sheepscot River, making it a great place to spend a warm and sunny afternoon outside. Now, we just need the warmth and sun!
Visit them at: 22 Main Street, Wiscasset / 207- 882-1236
Thompson’s Restaurant / Flickr
Thompson’s is great for a meal, but their wonderful customer service is also top notch. The restaurant has been in the family for ages and local kids have grown up waiting tables here. It’s a great place to stop off if you find yourself up North and in need of the best donut holes around. Or, why not just get an entire berry pie?!
Visit them at: 348 Main Street, Bingham / 207-672-3820
Schulte & Herr / Facebook
This spot proves that wonderful family owned establishments can exist in a city full of larger, more imposing spots. No need to head off the beaten path for this one! This home cooked German food is some of the best food in Portland. The potato pancakes get rave reviews and it’s slightly off the beaten path location make it easy to avoid the Old Port crowds. It’s BYOB, so come prepared!
Visit them at: 349 Cumberland Avenue, Portland / 207-773-1997
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook / Photo by Nicole Franzen
The Lost Kitchen / Facebook
The Lost Kitchen is an example of what happens when those working to make a dream come true truly become family. Erin French uses recipes passed down from her family, improving upon them to make them uniquely her own. The kitchen is manned with those she considers friends, who share her love of locally sourced ingredients and beautifully prepared foods. You can find The Lost Kitchen about 17 miles inland from Belfast, in the mid-coast region of Maine. Call them for reservations: (207) 382-3333.
Bayview Takeout / Facebook
Bayview’s lobster roll was voted best in Maine, but there are lots of other reasons it’s on this list. We love that their impressive offering doesn’t end with lunch food. Try the homemade deserts fater digging into a weighty order of fried clams! Order at the window and take your plate to the tables to look out over the bay and the Jonesport fishing village.
Visit them at: 42 Bayview Drive, Beals / 207-497-3301
Deer Foot Farm, LLC / Facebook
Located on a picturesque rural farm, part of what makes this restaurant so special are the fresh ingredients which are locally sourced from right outside! While the menu has something for everyone, you should start with the red flannel hash, which is not only a customer favorite but was also voted one of the best breakfasts in Maine by Downeast Magazine!
Visit them at: 1221 Union Road, Appleton / 207-785-3200
Sylvia’s Cafe / Facebook
Sylvia’s is a classic diner with a real community feel. The small shop is known for friendly prices, their ability to be accommodating and offering menu options that appeal to a wide range of dietary needs. We love the simple breakfasts, but can’t leave without one of the homemade baked goods!
Visit them at: 248 State Street, Ellsworth / 207-667-7014
Eagles Nest Resturant / Facebook
If you’re looking for a family owned place that also happens to be extremely Maine, look no further. Their lobster rolls are some of the best in the state and the small space will make you feel like a local, even if you’re not from the Bangor area. Try the seafood platter only if you’re VERY hungry - it’s huge! And, the Penobscot River location is great for views.
Visit them at: 1016 N. Main Street, Brewer / 207-989-7635
Grammy’s Country Inn / Facebook
Prime Rib Sandwich anyone? Grammy’s Country Inn is home to huge portions, great prices and friendly people. Order up a double cheeseburger and finish with their famous GIGANTIC whoopie pie. They’re known to be over one pound of Maine goodness.
Visit them at: 1687 Bangor Road, Linneus / 207- 532-7808
suckamc / Flickr
Nook & Cranny Restaurant / Facebook
Could this be Washington County’s “Best Kept Secret?” Not to the locals! They serve up seriously good cuisine with great local flair - all in a converted chicken coop! A family business through and through, you’ll feel right at home the second you step inside. They even make special event cakes! Visit them at: 575 Airline Road, Baileyville / 207-454-3335
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