When we moved to the mid-coast of Maine, we prepared for scaled back food options in both the dining out and grocery shopping departments. What we discovered was a high-quality local food scene that is more diverse than we could have imagined.
We’re lucky to live in a coastal town, which means access to some of the freshest seafood around. In addition to our beloved Maine lobster, you can get straight-from-the ocean sea scallops, mussels, clams, oysters, haddock, cod, and Atlantic salmon, and that’s just the beginning.
Farms & Grocery
Specialty farms like High Hopes and Broad Arrow offer a great source of fresh meats, eggs, cheeses, and produce. Farm stands run by local operators such as Clark Farms and Spears Vegetable Farm provide locally grown produce, along with a wide variety of other culinary treats including baked goods, jams, jellies, and syrups.
The Rising Tide Co-op is another not-so-hidden gem in our area. In operation since 1978, this cooperatively-owned grocery store features more than 300 local farmers and producers. In addition to local produce, meats, and dairy items, the store also carries a unique selection of beer and wine.
Local Restaurants
For those times when we need a break from cooking, we’ll head to Deb’s Bristol Diner for breakfast or lunch. Owner Deb is widely known for her scratch made dishes. I’m partial to the turkey club sandwich, which features turkey breast she roasts and slices daily, along with thick bacon, crispy lettuce, and plump tomatoes. My husband loves her cheeseburgers, but opts for the meatloaf when it’s on the menu. Eggs benedict is his go-to for breakfast and I’m all about the steel cut oatmeal. Her biscuits are legendary, and the specials are always fantastic (like the Haddock Rachel – yum!).
We also love the pizza at Oysterhead Pizza Co. in Damariscotta. Their wood-fired pizzas are always fresh, creative, and oh-so tasty. We’re looking forward to sampling their bagels, which have quite the following and are frequently sold at Broad Arrow (noted above), too.
For a more upscale dining experience (that just means wear your nicer jeans), we enjoy King Eider’s Pub. Situated in a historic brick building on Main Street in Damariscotta, it’s got all the New England charm you could want. Our favorite place to dine is in the actual pub space downstairs – the brick walls and low beam ceiling make it warm and cozy – just what you want from a pub. As for the food, the seafood pot pie is incredible. It’s loaded with fresh haddock, lobster, salmon, and scallops. We also love the bangers & mash and the untraditional (read: not fried) fish n’ chips. And the rotating dessert menu is fabulous.
Summertime beckons us down to Muscongus Bay Lobster. Situated on Round Pond Harbor, this family-owned outdoor dining experience is a favorite among locals and visitors. As the name would imply, lobster is the main menu item, though you can get shrimp, scallops, oysters, and chowders. (There’s a kiddie menu, as well.) Picnic tables dot a huge deck built over the water which serves as the “dining room” and they recently began offering beer and wine.
People will show up with tablecloths to spread out onto the picnic tables, fresh flowers, and coolers packed with their own charcuterie boards and salads to go with their seafood. It truly is an experience! We always order the lobster roll, which is simply delicious. All seafood is cooked to order, and it has always been 100 percent fantastic.
If you’re ever in the area, give one of these places a try!