Maine
25 best places to eat for cheap across Maine
Earlier this year, we asked you, our readers, earlier this year to tell us your favorite places in Maine for budget-friendly feasting. You know where to find bang for your buck — Asian takeout, pizzerias, diners and hole-in-the-wall pubs held heavy sway in your voting, though you named some hip tourist favorites as well. Here are the top 25 our readers loved:
171 Cumberland Ave., Portland. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. 207-613-9399, bahnappetitme.com. $7-$18. No reservations.
Vietnamese takeout spot specializing in bahn mi sandwiches. Popular dishes include lemongrass beef bahn mi and bbq pork bahn mi. “It’s just a near perfect bahn mi,” one reader said.
390 Commercial St., Portland. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days. 207-773-7070, beckysdiner.com. No reservations.
Located in the heart of Portland’s working waterfront, Becky’s has been pleasing locals and tourists alike with budget-friendly meals and all-day breakfasts since 1991. Some of the most beloved dishes include blueberry pancakes, corned beef hash, fried clams and lobster rolls.
671 Congress St., Portland. 4-9 p.m., Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday; 4-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-347-7557, bodamaine.com. $9-$28. No reservations.
Boda bills itself as a “very Thai” kitchen and bar. Regulars often choose the Thai sticky rice balls and drunken noodles.
262 Island Ave., Long Island. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days through Labor Day, 207-766-2512, lobakehouse.com. $8-$24. No reservations.
Accessible only by boat, Byers & Sons offers sunset views from their deck on Casco Bay. Popular orders include lobster rolls, buffalo chicken pizza and donuts; don’t miss their Oyster & Champagne weekends with an added raw bar menu. “From Memorial Day to Labor Day it’s THE place to get a great lunch by the ocean, and then after the beach, stop by for a beer or prosecco on tap while you wait for a glorious ferry ride back to town,” one reader gushed.
1472 Lisbon St., Lewiston. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Tuesday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. 207-376-3870, chickadeeoflewiston.com. $7-$26 with market price seafood dishes. Reservations online through website.
A family restaurant institution for 19 years, Chick-a-dee offers a variety of local seafood dishes along with sandwiches, steaks, chicken and soups. Bestsellers include fried clams, haddock, seafood scampi and lobster stew.
447 US-1, Yarmouth. 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 207-846-1117, claytonscafe.com. Breakfast $7-$11; lunch $10-$15. No reservations.
A homey local staple since 1994, Clayton’s is known for its fresh-baked pastries, sandwiches and seasonal soups. House favorites include the chicken salad and curried chicken salad sandwiches.
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617 Congress St., Portland. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. seven days. 207-613-9356, cbgportland.com. $11-$20. No reservations.
A hip Portland pub celebrated for its fried snacks, craft cocktails and cheeseburgers. Regulars swear by the fish & chips, smash burger and fried chicken sandwich. “A veggie burger and a beer is under $25, and the vibes never fail,” one reader said. “Local, tastes good, no frills.”
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90 Exchange St., Portland. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m., seven days. 207-536-1017, crispygai.com. lunch $9-$21; dinner $9-$25. Reservations only available for groups of 6-10.
This Old Port hotspot specializes in Southeast Asian street food and expertly crafted tropical-inspired cocktails. Must-orders include hat yai fried chicken/wings, crispy deluxe sandwich, pad see ew and Crying Tiger.
43 Middle St., Portland. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-774-8080, duckfat.com. $9-$25. No reservations.
Cozy sandwich shop known for its flavorful Belgian-style frites cooked in duckfat. Don’t miss the Duckfat grilled cheese with raclette and cheddar, poutine with duck gravy, milkshakes and donut holes.
240 US-1, Falmouth. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-536-0771, on Instagram @fuegofalmouth. $8-$27. No reservations.
Casual, kid-friendly Mexican eatery known for its fast, friendly service. Popular orders include uniquely-wrapped chimichangas, coconut shrimp and margaritas. “The smothered burritos are heavenly, ” one reader noted.
540 Forest Ave., Portland. Noon-10 p.m., seven days. 207-772-0300, greatlostbear.com. $8-$25. No reservations.
This laid-back brewpub is a Portland institution known for its eclectic decor, extensive comfort food menu and wide array of beers on tap. Top-sellers include the pulled pork nachos, cheesesteaks and peanut butter and jelly wings. “Tons of options, all done pretty darn well,” one readers said. “And it’s a piece of Portland history; there aren’t many affordable, family friendly, classic bar/diners like GLB left!”
36 Main St., South Freeport. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday-Wednesday. 207-865-3535, harraseeketlunchandlobster.com. $8-$37. No reservations.
A family-owned business operating on the South Freeport waterfront since 1970, specializing in fresh local seafood. Seafood baskets are on the more expensive end of their offerings, but sandwiches are value-priced.
72 Maine St., Brunswick. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sunday-Tuesday, Thursday; 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-798-6888, online menu. $5-$25. No reservations.
Cozy Japanese sushi restaurant with some hot specialty entrees. Customers laud the bento boxes, chicken teriyaki and sushi boats. One customer notes: “The bento box at lunch is full of delicious fish, and other there are other tasty dishes.”
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145 Main St., Waterville. 10 a.m.-9 p.m, Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207-873-4300, nikoswatervillehouseofpizza.com. $9-$25. No reservations.
This Waterville mainstay has been serving pizza, pasta and subs since 1980. Regulars recommend the meatball subs, Big Mac pizza and steak bombs.
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10 locations throughout Maine. Find days/hours of operation of specific locations at ottoportland.com. $10-$28. No reservations.
Portland-based pizza chain known for their creative toppings. Popular pizza orders include the butternut squash, ricotta and cranberry; mashed potato, bacon and scallion; and fresh pineapple, bacon and hot honey. “Top-quality, thin crust pizza,” one reader said. “Try the Mushroom and Manchego option. Great combo and unusual.”
93 Alfred St., Biddeford. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days. 207-283-0002, pizzabyalexmaine.com. $9-$14. No reservations.
A beloved family-owned Biddeford pizzeria, serving New England Greek-style 10-inch pies topped with cheddar for 66 years. Fan favorites include Alex’s special, Hawaiiand pizza, and Yaya’s Greek, with feta cheese and spinach. “Prices for a personal pizza can’t be beat, and Yaya’s Greek pizza is sooo good,” raves a regular.
189 Main St., Saco. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday-Thursday. 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207-282-1847, rapidrays.net. $4-$16. Takeout only.
Another York County institution, Rapid Ray’s has been Southern Maine’s hometown go-to for takeout fast food since 1953. Top sellers include the burgers and hot dogs, onion rings, clam cakes and lobster rolls.
501 Cottage Road, South Portland. Noon-8 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; noon to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-747-4089, rattleshakegrill.com. $10-$24.
Rattle Shake began life as A&C Soda Shop before rebranding last December. Popular orders include the burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, ice cream floats and boozy milkshakes. “Best cheeseburger I’ve ever eaten anywhere,” one reader said.
190 State St., Portland. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday. 207- 536-1354, elcorazonportland.com. $10-$20. Reservations by phone.
Downtown restaurant serving authentic regional Mexican fare, as well as specialties like goat birria and deviled shrimp. Regulars love the pollo en mole, tamales and fried green tomato tacos.
212 Danforth St., Portland. 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days. 207-774-7604, ruskisportland.com. $8-$22. No reservations.
A landmark dive bar in Portland’s West End dating back to 1892 with a surprisingly expansive menu offering sandwiches, pizza, burgers and dogs, salad and soups, pubby starters and breakfast all day. Popular orders include eggs Benedict, fish & chips and Ruski’s steak bomb.
131 Ossipee Trail W., Standish. 4-8 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday; 11 a.m. -8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 207-772-0360, sillys.com. $10-$17. No reservations.
This cherished restaurant operated out of Portland since the 1980s before relocating to Standish last year. The fun and quirky space serves up whimsically named dishes like Empire Strikes mac, a protein-topped mac and cheese, the Stop Bacon Sense BLT wrap, and Gravy Danger fries with gravy, bacon and cheese.
548 Congress St., Portland. 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days. 207-541-9097, tacoescobarr.com. $5-$18. No reservations.
A funky downtown taqueria offering tacos, tortas, enchiladas, burritos and more. Crowd pleasers include the puffy tacos, chipotle sweet potato taquitos and fish tacos.
333 Clarks Pond Parkway, South Portland. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30-10 p.m., Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. 207-828-6677, tajofmaine.com. $6-$19. Reservations available online.
Renowned for its bountiful all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, Taj also offers a wide selection of tasty Indian fare at budget-friendly price points for lunch and dinner. Fan favorites include the samosas, butter chicken, masala dosa and chicken tikka masala.
782 Forest Ave., Portland. 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., seven days. 207-828-1114, online menu. $9-$21. No reservations.
Longstanding Vietnamese restaurant near Woodfords Corner offering a variety of pho, vermicelli dishes, fried rice and other hot entrees, as well as pan-Asian selections like pad Thai and lo mein. Regulars swear by the rare beef salad, beef pho and stir-fried chicken with Chinese broccoli.
18 Hampshire St., Portland. 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. 207-536-1285, tomasoscanteen.com. $9-$18. No reservations.
A friendly, no-frills neighborhood bar in the East End, Tomaso’s serves up a menu of pub grub classics like wings, burgers, dogs, chicken sandwiches and their house special sausages. Fan faves include loaded Dump Truck Fries, mac & cheese and The Costanza reuben.
A 4-year-old girl is in critical condition after being pulled from a hotel pool in Kennebunk, Maine, on Saturday morning.
The Kennebunk Fire Department said it was dispatched to the Hampton Inn, at 6 Independence Drive, around 9:30 a.m. for a child not breathing. Firefighters and EMS arrived on scene and found a 4-year-old girl who was in cardiac arrest after a near drowning incident in the hotel pool.
Immediate and extensive resuscitative efforts were provided on scene, according to the fire department. The girl was taken by ambulance to MaineHealth Biddeford and then flown by medical helicopter to MaineHealth Portland, where she was in critical condition.
The circumstances surrounding the incident were not immediately provided.
This incident is under review, the fire department added, noting that additional information is not being released at this time out of respect for the family’s privacy.
The fire department is also offering these pool and water safety tips for the summer season: “Protect Children – Phones Down Eyes Up.”
- Always actively supervise: designate a sober, attentive “water watcher” within arm’s reach of young children. No phones or distractions.
- Use barriers: ensure pools have four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates; keep doors and gates locked.
- Life jackets: young or inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard–approved life vests near water.
- Swim lessons & skills: enroll children in age-appropriate swim lessons and teach basic water safety early.
- Know the environment: at hotels, check for lifeguards, pool depth markers, rules, and hazards; never assume someone else is watching.
- No diving in shallow water; no running or rough play near the pool.
- Remove toys from the pool when not in use—don’t leave items that attract children.
- Learn CPR: caregivers and hotel staff should be trained in infant/child CPR and rescue breathing. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing, call 911 immediately and begin CPR.
- Drain safety: keep hair, clothing, and body parts away from drains; teach older kids about the danger.
For many hunters, drawing a Maine moose permit is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After years — and sometimes decades — of applying, the excitement of seeing your name among the winners quickly turns into a new challenge: planning for the hunt.
Whether you’re going on your first moose hunt or preparing for another trip into the Maine woods, there are several important steps permit winners should take as soon as possible.
Hire a registered Maine guide
Many permit winners hire a registered Maine guide to help locate a moose, scout hunting areas and navigate unfamiliar country. You’re paying for their knowledge, experience and time spent scouting before the season ends. Even if you’re a Maine resident, hiring a guide should be a consideration. Most hunters don’t have the time to make multiple scouting trips, and trail cameras aren’t always an option because cell service is limited or nonexistent in many hunting areas.
If you’re considering hiring a guide, don’t wait too long. Available openings often fill up the night of the lottery.
Book lodging for your moose hunt
Sporting camps, cabins, campgrounds and hotels near popular moose hunting areas will also fill up quickly. If your hunt will take place hours from home, securing lodging should definitely be one of your first priorities. Waiting until summer will leave you with fewer options and a longer commute to your hunting area.
Find a meat processor
The state maintains an official list of moose meat processors. The last thing you want to be doing is calling around on a warm September day trying to find a butcher willing to take your moose. Processors can only handle so many animals each season, and much like guides and lodging, many fill their schedules quickly. Calling ahead and having a plan in place can save a lot of stress after a successful hunt.
Line up your hunting partners and helpers
If you’re not hunting with a guide, it’s helpful to know who will be accompanying you. Aside from sharing the experience, friends and family can help scout, call, spot animals, film the hunt and retrieve a harvested moose.
How will you retrieve the moose?
Depending on where the animal is harvested, you may need an ATV, side-by-side, trailer, winch, ropes or other equipment to retrieve it. Keep in mind that ATVs and side-by-sides are prohibited in the North Maine Woods, so you may need to quarter and pack the moose out instead. In that case, game bags, packs, knives and saws will be essential, while items such as a jet sled or game cart may help make the job easier.
Gather your moose hunting gear
In addition to your weapon, consider what you’ll need for the hunt itself. Tarps, coolers, headlamps, GPS units, an inReach, radios, rain gear and extra fuel can all make a hunt more comfortable and efficient.
If you’re planning on getting away from the roads, you may need or want a wall tent. You’ll also need cots or other sleeping gear, a heating source, water, cooking gear and emergency supplies. A spare tire, jumper cables, chainsaw and basic tools can also be invaluable when traveling remote logging roads.
Prepare for meat care and transportation
Make plans to have coolers, ice, transportation and storage well before opening day.
Sight in your rifle or practice with your bow
Don’t be the hunter who misses because their scope was 8 inches off, got bumped during travel or hasn’t been checked since last season. Confirm your rifle is properly sighted in before the hunt, and shoot again after arriving in camp. Stock up on ammo and spend time practicing from realistic field positions.
Don’t overlook shooting sticks, either. Many hunters regret leaving them behind. Shot opportunities are often farther than expected, and a stable rest can make all the difference when anticipation and excitement start to take over.
The same applies if you choose to bring a bow. Reps, shooting from different positions and accurately judging distance can all improve your chance of success.
Scout your zone
If you don’t hire a guide, make sure you’re familiar with your hunting area. Not only will you likely run into other hunters during the week, you may arrive at your preferred spot only to find another truck already parked there. Having backup options is key.
Conditions also vary dramatically from year to year, so what worked for hunters last season may not work this fall.
Depending on the weather, moose may be farther away from roads, requiring hunters to do more walking. Last September’s hunt saw lower success rates in every wildlife management district compared to 2024.
Moose biologist Lee Kantar noted that drought conditions and slightly earlier September dates can lead to changes in moose behavior. Drought and warm weather likely affect moose movement, feeding patterns and activity levels, resulting in moose staying closer to areas with moisture and green vegetation.
“If bulls are not widely searching for cows, if bulls and cows are bedding or ruminating more in dark growth during the day, and if hunters do not adjust and ‘go in after them’, then success will drop,” Kantar said
The same challenges can affect October hunts.
Study maps, use onX, review aerial imagery and learn access roads before the season begins. Many logging roads shown on maps are no longer passable or have been blocked off.
Prepare physically for the hunt
Even hunters who plan to hunt from roads may end up walking several miles in a day.
Just getting into a producing moose area can require long walks down logging roads, skid trails or old cuts. Moose hunting can be physically demanding, with long days outdoors, rough terrain, bugs and heavy lifting. Spending a few months improving your fitness can make the experience more enjoyable.
Create a checklist
Make a list of everything you’ll need including licenses, permits, firearms, ammo, retrieval equipment, coolers, camping gear, food, water and emergency supplies. The more organized you are, the smoother the hunt is likely to be.
VINALHAVEN, Maine (WGME) — Two boaters are charged and a third is dead after he went overboard in Downeast Maine.
Just before 5 Thursday, Maine Marine Patrol says a boater fell overboard in “Hurricane Sound” near Vinalhaven.
He’s identified as 57-year-old Marshal Ames.
Marine Patrol says before they arrived, a good Samaritan from Hurricane Island was able to reach Ames and began CPR, but he was pronounced dead by first responders.
Officers say when the other crewmembers arrived on shore, they got into a fight with them.
The crew members, 39-year-old Geoffrey Barrett and 27-year-old Theodore Lane, are facing charges including assault.
The Maine State Police major crimes unit is now part of the investigation.
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