Best Restaurants 2024_Bangor Metro

close calls

BEST VEGETARIAN BANGOR

1ST: MIGUEL'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

2ND: NEST

3RD: UMAMI NOODLE BAR

4TH: UTOPIA

So Many Close Calls!

WITH TONS OF TASTY LOCAL DINING OPTIONS AND ONLY ONE WINNER PER CATEGORY, WE'RE SHARING ALL THE CLOSE CALLS!

The Early Bird GETS THE DOUGHNUT

A SWEET ITINERARY FOR MAINE MORNINGS

IfBY MARISSA DONOVAN

you were to mark each place recommended to get fresh doughnuts in Maine on Google maps, it would look like our state is covered in sprinkles. I will bet you a baker’s dozen that you’ll love these locally owned doughnut eateries and what they have to offer your sweet tooth this summer.

JUST UP THE ROAD

Gosselin’s Bakery and Frank’s Bake Shop in Bangor are two iconic staples when it comes to classic doughnuts. My go-to choices are Gosslin’s jelly-sugar and Frank’s molasses-glazed doughnuts. The jelly-sugar doughnuts are stuffed with a berry preserve and wedding cake-esque frosting that makes each bite satisfying. The molasses-glazed doughnut pairs perfectly with hot coffee. It’s a rich flavor that melts in your mouth.

The Donut GroVe in Orono has vegan doughnuts down to a confectionery science. I never imagined a doughnut as a refreshing snack until I savored one of their zesty lemonpoppy seed doughnuts for the first time.

Massive doughnuts the size of a personal pan pizza can be found at MeMe G’s in Old Town. Be prepared to come with an appetite. The consistency of each doughnut is pillowy, with buttery flakes of sweetness from top to bottom. Try the Thibba-Dough Boy, which resembles a fairground doughboy.

The bakers of Sweet Cheeks Bakery on Verona Island are icing experts, with their holiday-themed doughnuts that look too perfect to devour. Their maple-bacon doughnuts have the right amount of salty and sweetness that can become addicting, so it’s best to get more than one if you can.

A MINI MIDCOAST RIDE

The Only Doughnut in Belfast has the fluffiest doughnut around, with their buttermilk brioche dough. Their chocolate sea smoke doughnut has a robust sea salt glaze that deepens the milk chocolate flavor.

Ruckus Donuts in Rockland has the most creative pop-up menu choices that will catch your taste buds off guard. Have you ever heard of a Mountain Dew-glazed doughnut with crushed Doritos, kettle chips, and mini pretzels on top? The Spicoli is a perfect example of how Ruckus Donuts is one of a kind.

close calls

OUTDOOR SEATING MIDCOAST

1ST: NAUTILUS SEAFOOD & GRILL

2ND: YOUNG'S LOBSTER POUND

3RD: THREE TIDES

4TH: DOCKSIDE FAMILY RESTAURANT

It should come as no surprise that last year’s best bakery winner Ralph’s Cafe in Brooks always has top-tier French crullers that are airy and heavenly, and their strawberry shortcake doughnuts have the sweet crumble that’s reminiscent of an ice cream popsicle.

THE SUGAR-DUSTED NORTH

Appalachian Trail Cafe in Millinocket has freshly fried squash doughnuts that will have you licking the crumbs off your fingers. And Bangor Metro “Best Bakery” winner Sadie’s Bakery in Houlton offers chocolate doughnut holes twice the size of munchkins! Gather Brunch and Bar in Lincoln also makes doughnut holes in fun flavors such as carrot cake and pumpkin chip for their morning menu.

With new doughnut shops, cafes, and restaurants popping up across the state, you’re bound to discover a hidden jelly-filled gem not mentioned on this list. Safe travels for your next sweet adventure!

THE WINNERS FOR BANGOR ARE ...

BEST BAKERY

BAGEL CENTRAL

33 CENTRAL ST, BANGOR BAGELCENTRALBANGOR.COM

BEST BAR PADDY MURPHY'S

26 MAIN ST, BANGOR PADDYMURPHYSBANGOR.COM

BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

TIMBER KITCHEN & BAR

22 BASS PARK BLVD, BANGOR TIMBERKITCHENANDBAR.COM

BEST OUTDOOR SEATING

SEA DOG BREWING COMPANY

26 FRONT ST, BANGOR SEADOGBREWING.COM

BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS

GEAGHAN’S PUB & CRAFT BREWERY

570 MAIN ST, BANGOR G EAGHANS.COM

BEST TAKE-OUT

JASON'S NEW YORK PIZZA

1147 HAMMOND ST, BANGOR

340 STILLWATER AVE, BANGOR JASONSNYPIZZA.COM

BEST BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

BAGEL CENTRAL

33 CENTRAL ST, BANGOR BAGELCENTRALBANGOR.COM

BEST BURGER FIVE GUYS

878 STILLWATER AVE, BANGOR FIVEGUYS.COM

BEST CHINESE FOOD ORIENTAL JADE

320 BANGOR MALL BLVD, BANGOR ORIENTALJADE.COM

BEST COCKTAIL

TIMBER KITCHEN & BAR

22 BASS PARK BLVD, BANGOR TIMBERKITCHENANDBAR.COM

BEST COFFEE SHOP

BAGEL CENTRAL

33 CENTRAL ST, BANGOR BAGELCENTRALBANGOR.COM

BEST CRAFT BREWERY

ORONO BREWING

26 STATE ST, BANGOR ORONOBREWING.COM

BEST FAMILYFRIENDLY EATERY

HERO'S SPORTS GRILL

41 WASHINGTON ST, BANGOR HEROSSPORTSGRILL.COM

BEST FOOD TRUCK

THE LOBSTAH BUOY

268 ODLIN RD, BANGOR

BEST FRENCH FRIES FIVE GUYS

878 STILLWATER AVE, BANGOR FIVEGUYS.COM

BEST ICE CREAM

GIFFORD’S FAMOUS ICE CREAM

1109 BROADWAY, BANGOR GIFFORDSICECREAM.COM

BEST MEXICAN FOOD

LAS PALAPAS

8 BANGOR MALL BLVD, BANGOR LASPALAPASBANGORME.COM

close calls

BEST BAR BANGOR

1ST: PADDY MURPHY'S

2ND: GEAGHAN'S PUB

3RD: 2 FEET BREWING CO.

4TH: TIMBER KITCHEN & BAR

BEST OVERALL EXPERIENCE

TIMBER KITCHEN & BAR

BEST SUSHI THE GREEN TEA RESTAURANT

close calls

BEST DATE NIGHT BANGOR

22 BASS PARK BLVD, BANGOR TIMBERKITCHENANDBAR.COM

BEST PIZZA

JASON'S NEW YORK PIZZA

1147 HAMMOND ST, BANGOR 340 STILLWATER AVE, BANGOR JASONSNYPIZZA.COM

BEST SANDWICH

HARVEST MOON DELI

72 COLUMBIA ST, BANGOR

366 GRIFFIN ROAD, BANGOR 1018 STILLWATER AVE, BANGOR HARVESTMOONDELI.COM

11 BANGOR MALL BLVD, BANGOR GREENTEABANGOR.COM AND

KOBE NINJA HOUSE

829 HOGAN RD, BANGOR KOBEMAINE.COM

BEST VEGETARIAN MIGUEL’S

697 HOGAN ROAD, BANGOR MIGUELSBANGOR.COM

BEST WINGS

GEAGHAN’S PUB & CRAFT BREWERY

570 MAIN ST, BANGOR GEAGHANS.COM

TIED!

1ST: TIMBER KITCHEN & BAR

2ND: 11 CENTRAL

3RD: THE BUTCHER THE BAKER

4TH: UTOPIA

BEST PIZZA BANGOR

1ST: JASON'S NY STYLE PIZZA

2ND: PORTLAND PIE CO.

3RD: ANGELO'S PIZZERIA

4TH: TRI CITY PIZZA

2024 best RESTAURANTS

Cocktails & Confections

TASTY IDEAS FOR DRINKS & DESSERTS IN BANGOR

BY JOANNA O’LEARY

Bangor has long been a dining destination for the culinary curious, but recently our bars and restaurants have been specifically attracting cocktail mavens with a sweet tooth because of their fanciful selection of adult libations and desserts.

TIMBER KITCHEN AND BAR

Don’t be fooled by its rustic moniker. Timber is not your typical lumberjack’s watering hole but rather a sleek dining and drinking space with white marble accents punctuated by scarlet velvet bar seating. With an adult beverage menu that includes a whole section for various flavors of mojitos (honey badger, blueberry jam) and margaritas (cranberryginger, jalapeno) and martinis — in addition to mixed drinks specially designed by Timber mixologists — it’s hard not to find something to suit every palate. Standout libations include the “Rattlesnake,” a frothy, sneaks-up-on-ya combination of Bar Hill Tom Cat Gin, absinthe, egg white, and fresh lemon juice, and the fragrantbut-potent “Sun Shower,” made with vodka, lime, orange juice, agave, and mint. Even if your day calls for a liquid lunch or dinner at Timber, go solid when it’s time for dessert. The “buckeye” tart, a voluptuous chocolate sphere filled with unctuous peanut butter mousse that rests in a crimped cocoa pastry flanked by caramel corn and scorched marshmallow glaze, is liable (appropriately) to make your eyes roll back in your head with pleasure. Simpler in design but equally comforting is the slab of Maine blueberry pie, so stuffed with the official state fruit that it tests the integrity of the sturdy-yet-flaky crust.

HAPPY ENDINGS

The aptly titled Happy Endings specializes in cocktails and confections, the fastidious execution of which commands a loyal patronage. Regulars belly up to the bar for whimsical cocktails like the “Witchy Woman,” with jalapeño-infused vodka, passion fruit, raspberry, and sour mix, or the “Ruby Slipper,” made with limoncello, strawberry vodka, prosecco, and mint.

Don’t forget that the buzz surrounding Happy Endings stems from their desserts as well as from their drinks. Try the creme brulee, whose surface shell requires a hefty jab from a fork that results in a satisfying crunch or the cheesecake of the day. The key lime with a buttery graham cracker crust is my favorite.

WE ASKED... you answered!

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL COCKTAIL?

Blueberry jam mojito from Timber!

—Kylie L.

Anything from Ferris BBQ in Pr esque Isle! The Bourbon Cream Espresso Martini is amazing and if you love margaritas, that’s the place to go! The Baked Apple Margarita and Lemondrop Margarita are my favorites.

—Josh G.

The Hot Honey Mango Margarita! Ferris BBQ!

—Kristi R.

The Chocolate Birthday Cake Martini at Silver Street Tavern & Restaurant in Waterville… it even smells like cake!

—Mary S.

Blueberry Tarragon Martini from Timber, Blueberry Margarita and Kiwi Margarita at Mason’s, Triple Berry Margarita at Pepino’s, and a cosmopolitan from bartender Nicole Brissette at Season’s... I could expand on this list even more!

—Jennifer G.

Blueberry Lemondrop Martini at Northern Maine Brewing Co.

—Amy Q.L.

Favorite from BEST COCKTAIL WINNER PROVENDER KITCHEN + BAR?

OWNER DARON GOLDSTEIN RECOMMENDS THE “LIVE WITH RUDY ROD”

Deep Eddy grapefruit vodka, simple, lime juice, elderflower, topped with prosecco.

Favorite from

BEST COCKTAIL WINNER HEY SAILOR!

KATHY C. RECOMMENDS THE “SEARSPORT SWITCHEL”

Local rum, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup.

close calls

CRAFT BREWERY

GREATER BANGOR

1ST: MASON'S BREWING CO.

2ND: ORONO BREWING

3RD: MARSH ISLAND BREWING

close calls

OUTDOOR SEATING

GREATER BANGOR

1ST: MASON'S BREWING CO.

2ND: KANU

3RD: HIGH TIDE

4TH: PEPPER'S LANDING

Fun Take-Out Treats

TRAVELING AROUND MAINE THIS SUMMER? PICK UP SOME TASTY, AND SOMETIMES UNUSUAL, TAKE-OUT FOR THE PERFECT PICNIC

BY PATRICIA ESTABROOK

Mainehas many fine restaurants that rival the best fare served across the nation, but no restaurant can equal the ambiance of a summer day in Maine. The seacoast, the mountains, and the wildlife of Maine stimulate the senses in a way that can only be enhanced by great food. To have the best of everything, enjoy some delicious — and perhaps unusual — take-out food in three breathtaking settings.

BY THE BAY

My friend Chris travels extensively throughout the northeast and says the fried pickles from Rollie’s Bar and Grill at 37 Main St. in Belfast are incomparable. They are best eaten hot, so claim a picnic table by the harbor, where you can see sailboats float down the Passagassawakeag River with their crisp white sails sharply contrasting against the blue water. It is the contrast of sour, crisp, and salty that makes Rollie’s fried pickles so memorable. Try them with ranch dipping sauce, and enjoy them with a ginger ale (no alcohol is permitted in Belfast parks) on a sunny day in the midcoast.

WESTWARD BOUND

If the mountains and the lakes of Maine call to you, then go to Rangeley for fried corn ribs from Furbish Brew House and Eats at 2341 Main St. The restaurant is right across the street from Rangeley Lake, where you can listen to the ripples kiss the shore as you nibble sweet fried corn from “ribs” made of corn cob. The corn is cut lengthwise and deep fried, making the cob curve like a rack of ribs.

WAY DOWN EAST

If you are traveling to Washington County, don’t miss a stop at the Nook and Cranny restaurant at 575 Arline Road in Baileyville. For those “from away,” the Nook and Cranny might seem like an unlikely choice for gourmet food, but with one bite you will be convinced rural does not have to mean “backwoods.” All items on the menu are available for takeout, so try the escargots bourguignon served with crostini. These morsels have just the right amount of resistance to the teeth and are bathed in a wine-and-garlic sauce that coats the tongue before it disappears into memory.

ENJOY FRIED PICKLES FROM ROLLIE’S BAR AND GRILL WHILE PICNICKING ON THE BELFAST HARBOR

Taking Fido along on your road trip?

Maine is a notably dog-friendly state. Polite pooches are welcome on many outdoor patios and decks.

Abel’s Lobster on Mt. Desert welcomes furry guests like this adorable visitor to enjoy food and a beautiful view of Somes Sound.

Pugnuts in Surry is a dogfriendly ice cream shop!

Or pick up a Maine-made Sweet Biscuits Dog Bakery treat from Tiller & Rye in Brewer or R&K Variety in Hampden to take along for the ride!

THE WINNERS FOR DOWN EAST ARE ...

BEST BAKERY

MOMO'S CHEESECAKES

471 MAIN ST, ELLSWORTH MOMOSCHEESECAKES.COM

BEST BAR

PROVENDER KITCHEN + BAR

112 MAIN ST, ELLSWORTH EATPROVENDER.COM

BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

BEST BURGER

PROVENDER KITCHEN + BAR

112 MAIN ST, ELLSWORTH EATPROVENDER.COM

BEST COCKTAIL

PROVENDER KITCHEN + BAR

BEST COFFEE SHOP

CHOCO-LATTE CAFE

240 MAIN ST, BAR HARBOR CHOCO-LATTECAFE.COM

BEST INTERNATIONAL

CRAZY SUMO

75 HIGH ST, ELLSWORTH

BEST MEXICAN MARGARITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT

191 MAIN ST, ELLSWORTH MARGS.COM

PROVENDER KITCHEN + BAR

BEST BREAKFAST

SYLVIA'S CAFE

248 STATE ST, ELLSWORTH SYLVIASCAFE.NET

BEST COFFEE SHOP DOWN EAST

1ST: CHOCO-LATTE CAFE

2ND: FLEXIT CAFE & BAKERY

3RD: 44 NORTH

3RD: COFFEE HOUND

BEST CRAFT BREWERY

AIRLINE BREWING CO.

22 MILL LAND, AMHERST

173 MAIN ST, ELLSWORTH ABCMAINE.BEER

BEST FAMILYFRIENDLY EATERY

PAT'S PIZZA (ELLSWORTH)

396 HIGH ST, ELLSWORTH ELLSWORTHPATSPIZZA.COM

BEST ICE CREAM

MORTON'S MOO

9 SCHOOL ST, ELLSWORTH MORTONSMOO.COM

BEST OVERALL EXPERIENCE

PROVENDER KITCHEN + BAR

BEST PIZZA FINELLI NY PIZZERIA

12 DOWNEAST HWY, ELLSWORTH FINELLIPIZZERIA.COM

BEST SANDWICH

86 THIS!

125 MAIN ST, ELLSWORTH 86THISMAINE.COM

BEST SEAFOOD BAGADUCE LUNCH

145 FRANK'S FLAT, PENOBSCOT TIED!

FARMS DAIRY LOCATIONS IN HOULTON, PRESQUE ISLE & CARIBOU HOULTONFARMSDAIRY.COM

VISIT MAINE’S

Oldest Diner

COURTESY OF THE WACO DINER

TAKE A VISIT to Eastport this summer to visit Maine’s oldest diner, the WaCo Diner, which turned 100 years old in April 2024.

The WaCo can be traced back to its roots as a lunch wagon in 1918. When the wheels fell off, the original diner was built. The WaCo has continually operated in its current location at 47 Water St. for 100 years with just a handful of owners, each of whom expanded and built upon the success of their predecessors.

Current owners, Mike Del Papa and Matt Boyle, bought the WaCo in late 2021, after Mike’s dad, Bob Del Papa, put it up for sale at the age of 83. Mike and Matt brought restaurant operations, general business, and customer service experiences with them. They have invested significant money, time, and energy into the equipment and facilities to enhance the atmosphere and efficiency, while continuing to offer amazing meals, incredible waterfront views, and a great customer experience, led by Tammy McPhail, a 20 plus-year veteran. The WaCo employs an awesome group of dedicated year-round associates, and looks forward to bringing summer staff back each season.

The WaCo has become an Eastport mainstay, operating 363 days a year, serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week, welcoming locals and visitors alike. Three nights a week, the WaCo Diner transforms into "The Schooner Room,” offering seaside dining and cocktails, including upscale seafood, beef, and chicken creations by local Chef Steve Sonner.

During any visit to the WaCo Diner / Schooner Room, it’s easy to see why they’ve not only survived, but continue to be an integral part of Eastport for 100 years.

Reserve with Open Table

436 Main Street, Presque Isle, Maine, 04769 (207) 768-5321