5 Best Restaurants in Down East Coast, Maine

With dishes like Parmesan-crusted baked haddock and seafood pasta, the dinner menu here isn't all about fried seafood, as steak and chicken dishes are available; the lunch menu features burgers, wraps, and sandwiches. The dining room has tables, booths, and bar seating, and a dessert case tempts; beyond here the pub, with a "steampunk-inspired" compass rose mural by a local artist, offers bar tables and seating at the curved wood bar. 

Modern takes on sandwich fare and salads at this convenient takeout at the north end of downtown are so beautifully prepared that you almost hate to take a bite. One popular offering is the Bocephus Banh Mi (slow-cooked, Vietnamese-style pork loin served on a baguette with lightly pickled veggies, lettuce, cilantro, maple mayo, and house fish sauce for dipping).

In business for many years, the look here is updated and fresh, as the family-run establishment was rebuilt after a fire in 2014; it serves lunch and dinner, with entrées as well as burgers, sandwiches, salads, and the like. While the menu is big on seafood, don't expect only fried: try choices like charbroiled salmon topped with a maple glaze made with mustard, maple syrup, and blueberry jam, all Maine-made. Even before it was a foodie thing, Helen's was sourcing from local farms and waters. House-based goodies include a huge selection of pies and traditional New England hermit bars.

In this grand brick building in the center of downtown, huge arched windows flood light into this high-ceilinged brewpub, as do harbor-view windows in the back and glass doors to the water-view side deck. Passersby know things are happening here, and many turn right in for a craft brew, a bite from the simple pub food menu, and the local flavor.

Don't let this no-frills convenience shop’s appearance deter you: lobster and crab rolls are among the homemade grab-and-go offerings in the summer, which also include sandwiches like pulled pork and fish burgers. If you're an early riser, don't miss the breakfast starting at 4 am (6 am Sunday) to join the fishermen. There's a community table near the entrance, and more tables tucked out of view: that's where the lobstermen gather before heading out.