Everyone thinks of lobsters when they think of Maine, but there are so many other good things to eat (and drink) in this great state and a plethora of talented chefs with delicious restaurants, both seafood and “non-seafood”. And with that, we will get into our top 10 favorite things to eat and drink and where to find them.

Lobster: Of course we have to start our list with lobster. Nothing conjures images of Maine more than that red, spiny crustacean. Go for a whole steamed lobster for an authentic (and messy) experience or take the easier route with a lobster roll. Maine lobster rolls contain big chunks of chilled lobster lightly dressed with mayo and served on a toasted split-top bun. “Lazy lobster” (basically a lobster roll without the bun), lobster mac ‘n cheese, lobster wontons, and lobster chowder are some of the other favorite ways for Mainers to get their lobster fix. When visiting Maine eat up as much lobster as you can because it’s about half the price as it is throughout most of the country. Red’s Eats in Wiscasset is probably the most iconic place for lobster rolls as it is smack dab on Route 1, en route to Acadia National Park. But honestly any lobster pound or seafood shack will have an excellent version as well. And we do recommend the more casual seaside shacks as opposed to fancy restaurants for your lobster consumption as it’s a more authentic atmosphere and a lot less expensive.

Oysters: Maine is home to many oyster farms, many of them small-scale local businesses. Maine oysters tend to be brinier than their west coast and even other east coast counterparts. In my humble opinion, the best way to have them is raw with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or with a mignonette (red wine vinegar and shallot). While most lobster pounds or seafood shacks won’t have fresh oysters, most sit-down seafood restaurants will. Some favorite places to get oysters include Eventide Oyster Co in Portland, King Eider’s Pub in Damariscotta, or for something really unique check out Glidden Pt Oyster Farms in Edgecomb. They offer oyster farm tours and also sell oysters that you shuck yourself at picnic tables on the waterfront. Shucking instructions are provided, and drinks are available too.

Five Islands Lobster Co - Georgetown, Maine

Clams: Drive along the Maine coast at low tide and you’re guaranteed to see clammers out in muddy banks with their rakes. You’ll find clams in many different forms. Clam chowder is New England style - a creamy base with potatoes and visible chunks of clam. Steamed clams are served with melted butter for dipping. Fried clams (my favorite way to consume clams) is typically “whole belly”, as opposed to meager breading-heavy clam strips. Clams casino is a New England favorite consisting of clams on the half shell, topped with a mixture of breadcrumbs and bacon and broiled until golden. Favorite places to get clams are, Five Islands Lobster Co in Georgetown, J’s Oyster in Portland and Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery.

Haddock sandwich: We say that you can judge any Maine seafood joint by how well they make a humble fried haddock sandwich. It consists of a big chunk of fried haddock atop a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato and tarter sauce. It’s our go-to at most places - you can only have so much lobster;) Again, this is a good bet at most places but we especially like them at Cook’s Lobster & Ale House in Harpswell and Thirsty Whale Tavern in Bar Harbor.

Scallop roll: Scallop roll is a great way to consume delicious seafood at about half the price of a lobster roll. Scallops are lightly breaded and fried and served just with tarter. So good!! Not every place carries them, so if you see a scallop roll on the menu, order it! My favorites are at Erica’s Seafood in Harpswell, Island Lobster Co on Peaks Island in Portland and Mine Oyster in Boothbay Harbor

Red snapper hot dogs: You’ll definitely know it when you see it. Red snappers are bright red hot dogs known for their “snap” when bitten. There are competing stories about how these came to be, but one popular theory suggests that in the early 1900s, German sausage makers arriving in Maine dyed them different colors to differentiate older sausages to be sold at a discount. These particular ones were dyed red and their natural casings provided a unique “snap” when bitten, hence the name “Red Snapper”. Many seafood shacks and pubs carry them. They’re always served on a split-top hot dog bun with the typical hot dog condiments of yellow mustard, ketchup and/or relish.

Blueberry pie: “Blueberries for Sal” is required reading for any Maine child and blueberry pie is required eating. Maine is home to delicious wild blueberries, which are tinier than typical blueberries and pack a more intense flavor. You’ll find pies with either type, and they are both delicious, especially when served with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Try a slice at Helen’s Restaurant in Machias, Two Fat Cats Bakery in Portland and Hello Good Pie Co in Belgrade.

Whoopie pie: More cake than pie, a whoopie pie consists of two chocolate cake-like cookies sandwiched around a creamy, marshmallow-like frosting. They are found more often pre-packaged at stores or seafood shacks than served as a dessert in a restaurant. Wicked Whoopies in Freeport has a ton of varieties in addition to the classic chocolate and vanilla combination. Also check out Labadie’s Bakery in Lewiston and Auntie’s House in Kennebunkport

Needhams: This iconic Maine candy is what happens when you take a Mounds bar and combine it with mashed potatoes. It’s a yummy dark chocolate-dipped square that is a delicious sweet treat. You’ll find these at Reny’s, an iconic Maine department store with locations throughout the state, as well as check-out aisles at most supermarkets.

Moxie: Maine’s official state soft drink. It has a distinctive, bitter, somewhat polarizing flavor (from gentian root extract) that some love and others, well, don't. Worth trying at least once for the experience! Many restaurants serve it but you can also pick it up wherever soda is sold.

Beer: Yes, I’ve gone to 11. You can’t discuss Maine food and drink without mentioning beer. Maine is home to a plethora of local breweries, many producing juicy New England IPAs but also a huge variety of lagers, sours and ales. If I had to pick a few favorites they’d be Flight Deck in Brunswick, Barrelled Souls in Saco and Belleflower in Portland. Side note, Flight Deck has some of the best pizza in the state as well (I could do a whole post on how good pizza is in Maine).

A word of advice for visiting restaurants in Maine, particularly those outside of the big cities and particularly seafood shacks:

Be sure to check days and hours. Most are not open 7 days a week and don’t stay open past 8pm.
Bring cash. Many seafood shacks are cash only, though often they’ll have ATM machines.
BYO. Many seafood shacks don’t sell alcohol, but allow you to BYO.
Always bring a sweater if you’re eating outdoors. Maine weather, especially on the coast, goes from 90 to 60 in the blink of an eye.
Reservations are highly recommended at popular restaurants in Portland, Kennebunkport and other cities near Portland. In Bar Harbor if there is a restaurant you’re set on, definitely get a reservation; however due to the high number of restaurants you can get in most places without reservations. For the rest of the state, you can get into most places, even in high season, without reservations. But again, if there is a place you have your heart set on and they take reservations, then make the reservation.

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