Delicious Summer Hot Spots in the MidCoast!

Late summer is the time for laid-back days and perfect, casual food. You can find wonderful, small food spots throughout the MidCoast with menus that range from classic hotdogs and just-caught fresh lobster rolls to extraordinary Danish open-face toasts and memorable vegetarian risottos. Hungry? Here are just a few of our favorites.

 

 

Oysthers Raw Bar & Bubbly – Bath

Two sisters from nearby Georgetown have recently launched a terrific fresh-oyster raw bar along the Kennebec River in Bath. The seasonal menu features the sisters’ hand-farmed oysters and a rotating selection of oysters from other farms, emphasizing female-owned operations. With outdoor seating that overlooks the beautiful river, Oysthers is an oyster, lobster roll, and fresh crab haven, with a wide range of fun cocktails and curated wines.

 

 

Fōda – Appleton

About 15 miles inland from Camden and Rockland, the small town of Appleton is home to one of the newest dining hotspots in Maine. Opened by the chef and owner of Camden’s popular Boyton-McKay, Fōda’s wonderful menu is based on local ingredients and a vegetarian and vegan ethos. The restaurant’s farmhouse setting, large pond, and acres of countryside offer a quiet retreat from the coastal towns this time of year. (Shown in the left photo is woodfired pork chop, potato gratin, bok chow and micro radish. The right photo is Grand Marnier roasted strawberry donut bread pudding.)

 

 

Zoot Coffee – Camden

Munchies, fancy grilled cheese, espresso, coffees, and superb teas are the draw for this popular little café in Camden. You can best capture the feeling about the spot by their own words: Zoot = Happy. The modern vibe and sunny interior make Zoot Coffee a perfect place for conversation, relaxing, and enjoying some remarkably great coffees. (Tomato Basil Quiche shown above.)

 

 

Greet’s Eats – Vinalhaven

Your quest for the perfect lobster roll is easily found when you get off the ferry at Vinalhaven Island. The Greet’s Eats red food truck is just steps away in a parking lot next to the Fisherman’s Co-op. A few picnic tables overlooking the harbor, stacks of lobster traps, and boats unloading their catch just 50 yards away, tell you that lobster perfection has been found.

 

 

The Spot – Washington

The Spot is all about casual food done well. Opened recently by the foodies at Sterlingtown Public House in Union, The Spot’s classic smash-double-patty burgers are terrific. Order the battered onion rings and fresh slaw to round out your lunch. Or, try the grilled vegetable salad with shredded cheese and chipotle ranch.

 

 

Nautilus – Belfast

A favorite spot to watch the busy fishing vessels and large sailboats in Belfast Harbor is the outdoor patio at the Nautilus Seafood & Grill. The casual menu includes fresh lobster, steak, and seafood, such as roasted Brussels sprouts with seared scallops (shown above)—as well as huge sandwiches like the haddock reuben with famed Morse’s sauerkraut. Really hungry? Look no further than the Nautilus lobster mac and cheese.

 

 

Wasses – Rockland

When you’re ready for something messy, quick, and classic, get in line at Wasses hot dog stand in Rockland. For over 50 years, Wasses has served its renowned hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, and fried onions to generations of families and visitors. If Rockland isn’t on your travel itinerary, look for their two other stands in Thomaston and Belfast.

 

 

Seafolk Coffee – Rockport

The small village of Rockport overlooks one of the most idyllic harbors to be seen anywhere. Tucked in between famed Nina June’s restaurant and 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill you’ll find Seafolk Coffee—a local’s favorite hangout. Seafolk is much more than coffee. The seasonal menu includes open-face Danish toast sandwiches garnished with colorful herbs, salsas, and delicately smoked mussels.

 

 

`Keag Store – South Thomaston

The winding, coastal drive along Spruce Head Road is one of the pleasures of planning lunch at `Keag Store (pronounced “gig”). This small general store is local’s favorite for lobster rolls and a great steak and cheese sandwich. Just across the road, enjoy views of the tidal Weskeag River.

 

 

The Contented Sole – New Harbor

Pemaquid Harbor is a scenic, out-of-the-way area not far from busy Boothbay Harbor. What was once the site of a sardine cannery is now The Contented Sole. The building is modest and the atmosphere is decidedly casual, but the food and view from the dockside tables are exceptional. One of the house favorites is the Famous Fresh Fish Tacos (shown above) made with the fresh fish of the day.

 

For even more hot spots, check out Look What’s Cooking in the MidCoast or Farm-to-Table, Boat-to-Basket Bliss.