The Great Debate: Maine’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
In the charming coastal city of Portland, about an hour south of Augusta, you’ll find eventful culinary rivalries playing out in spots like The Blue Rooster. This barbecue joint has earned local acclaim by marrying Southern-style smoked meats with a distinctly Maine twist. Their slow-cooked ribs and brisket are infused with locally sourced maple, giving a sweet smoke that sets their fare apart. The rustic, wood-paneled interior invites diners to linger over robust flavors, and the waterfront views nearby create a perfect backdrop. Visiting in late summer when the Longfellow Trail blooms nearby adds a fresh outdoor adventure to the smoky feast, making it ideal for travelers who want to combine nature and notable eats.
Heading inland toward the capital city, Augusta, the pizza scene shines brightly at Otto Pizza. This spot, about a 45-minute drive from Portland, has carved a niche for itself with inventive toppings that reflect Maine’s agricultural bounty. Their thin-crust pizzas come adorned with ingredients like smoked cheddar, fiddlehead ferns, and fresh seafood, echoing the region’s culinary identity. Otto’s use of a wood-fired oven in their historic downtown location imparts a crisp, charred crust that pizza aficionados rave about. A visit here pairs well with a stroll through the nearby historic Kennebec Arsenal, where the blend of old brick and modern flavors feels quintessentially Maine. Early fall, when the foliage begins to turn, makes this area especially picturesque and a perfect time to savor a slice.
Farther up the coast, in Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, the seafood offerings become an immersive experience linked closely to the ocean’s bounty and Acadia National Park’s splendor. One standout is Stewman’s Lobster Pound, a short drive from Bar Harbor’s bustling downtown. This classic Maine lobster shack serves freshly caught lobster and clams, boasting a no-frills dockside setting that lets diners enjoy their meal while watching boats come and go. The convenience of dining here after hiking the Ocean Path Trail—an easy 4.4-mile coastal walk with breathtaking views of the Atlantic—makes for an unbeatable day. Summer and early fall bring calm seas and pleasant weather, ideal for combining maritime adventure with a quintessential Maine seafood feast.
In the southern town of Kittery, less than 20 minutes from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, another barbecue contender thrives in a cozy, family-run spot known simply as Kittery BBQ. Their specialty is a slow-smoked pulled pork sandwich that emphasizes a vinegar-based sauce, echoing New England’s affinity for tangy flavors rather than the sweeter sauces common elsewhere. The eatery’s proximity to the scenic Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge adds an unexpected eco-tourism angle; after a satisfying meal, visitors can explore the refuge’s salt marsh boardwalks, where birdwatching and tidal views provide a serene contrast to the hearty barbecue. Springtime, when migratory birds return, offers the richest wildlife viewing alongside the lip-smacking barbecue.
For pizza lovers willing to venture into the more rural reaches of the state, Gritty McDuff’s in Freeport, about 25 minutes north of Portland, offers a distinctly Maine pizza experience paired with craft brewing. This brewpub serves hand-tossed pizzas topped with locally milled flour and seasonal vegetables from nearby farms. Their signature pizza embraces rustic simplicity while the adjoining brewery showcases Maine’s burgeoning craft beer scene, making it a hub for those seeking authentic local flavor in both food and drink. The nearby Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, with its gentle walking trails and ocean vistas, complements a visit here. Autumn’s crisp air and leaf colors enhance the cozy pub atmosphere, perfect for savoring a hot slice and Maine-brewed ale.
In the far north, near the Canadian border, the small town of Caribou offers a lesser-known but noteworthy seafood gem at The Sea Gypsy Café. Situated about three hours northeast of Bangor, this humble eatery specializes in fresh-caught whitefish and smoked salmon sourced from nearby lakes and rivers rather than the ocean. This freshwater twist on Maine seafood is unique in the state’s culinary narrative. After a meal here, visitors can venture to the nearby Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, where hiking trails wind through pine forests and wetlands, providing a quiet wilderness experience. Late summer, with its long daylight hours and mild temperatures, is ideal for combining exploration with a taste of northern Maine’s distinct seafood heritage.
Downtown Bangor also stakes its claim with a vibrant pizza scene, notably at Blaze, a local favorite known for its inventive flavor combinations and fast-fired crusts. Situated about two hours north of Portland, this modern pizzeria thrives amid Bangor’s historic downtown district, where theaters and galleries create a lively backdrop. Blaze’s approach focuses on bold, contrasting ingredients like caramelized onions, spicy sausage, and Maine blueberries, highlighting the state’s culinary creativity. Pairing a visit here with a walk along the Bangor Waterfront Trail offers a refreshing balance, especially during spring festivals when the city buzzes with energy and the trail blooms with fresh greenery.
Finally, no discussion of Maine seafood would be complete without mentioning The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth, just a short drive south of Portland. Perched on rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, this iconic spot offers panoramic ocean views alongside expertly prepared lobster rolls and clam chowder. The site’s rugged coastal beauty, visible from the adjacent Two Lights State Park, enhances every bite, inviting visitors to linger on the cliffs before or after their meal. Early morning or late afternoon in summer, when light softens and lobster boats drift into view, provides a memorable sensory experience. The Lobster Shack encapsulates the essence of Maine’s coastal food culture—fresh, simple, and inseparable from its stunning maritime setting.