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. 

The coffee isn't the only thing that's wicked good at this local café; homemade pastries, rich soups, and tasty sandwiches are all prepared daily, and the hot chocolate and chai are worth writing home about. There are nice murals on the walls, too.

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.

Perched on the water in a shingled building downtown, this popular restaurant serves some of the sweetest scallops you'll ever eat; moqueca (a Brazilian seafood stew); and filet mignon for those so inclined. It's also a great place to grab a glass of wine or a beer at the bar or a cup of coffee while gazing out at the water. If you want the lowdown on where to go or what to see in Lubec, this is the place to ask.