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.
AUGUSTA — As part of the summer speed reduction awareness and high-visibility enforcement campaign, the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is working in conjunction with the other New England Highway Safety Offices, in a combined effort to slow drivers down. The New England Drive to Save Lives campaign calls on all drivers to recognize speeding as an unnecessary and aggressive driving behavior that endangers all road users.
Communities across America are affected every year by fatalities that occur in speeding-related crashes. In 2024, there were 11,288 speed-related traffic fatalities, accounting for 29% of all traffic fatalities. Young drivers have a higher chance of being involved in speeding-related crashes. In 2024, 39% of male drivers and 20% of female drivers in the 15- to 20-year-old age group involved in fatal traffic crashes, speeding was a factor.
Between July 6th and the 31st, from Aroostook County to York County, more than 47 law enforcement agencies will continue to conduct high-visibility speed enforcement to save lives and reduce speeding and aggressive driving. Law enforcement will be out reminding drivers to slow down and drive with care. Drivers should plan to leave sooner to allow more time to arrive
without rushing. Maine Highway Safety Director Lauren Stewart says, “The seconds that you save by speeding are not significant enough to risk your safety or that of anyone sharing the road with you. Crashes are significantly more dangerous, resulting in death or serious injury when speeding is involved. Everyone wants to arrive at their destination safely.”
From Maine to Connecticut, New England is reminding drivers to Drive to Save Lives across the region. Whether you’re vacationing in another state or having a staycation, please slow down and take your time getting to your destination this summer.
Chief Matt Cummings of the Fort Fairfield Police Department says, “Keeping Maine safe isn’t just a job for law enforcement; it’s a shared commitment across our entire community. When you slow down on our local roads, you aren’t just following the law; you are actively protecting your neighbors, our children, and the character of our town. Let’s work together to keep our streets safe for everyone.”
Speeding is an aggressive and deadly behavior. It reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a pedestrian, hazardous objects, or an unexpected curve. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), local roads are more dangerous than highways for speeders. It’s a common misconception that speeding is an interstate-related issue: In fact, in 2024, 87% of all speeding-related traffic fatalities in the United States occurred on routes other than interstates.
“Every mile per hour matters. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react, increases stopping distance, and turns a preventable crash into a deadly one. As Maine’s roads become busier during the summer months, we urge drivers to slow down, stay alert and help ensure everyone arrives safely to their destinations,” says Sgt. Josh Stewart of the Kittery Police Department.
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is reminding drivers to Drive to Save Lives this month. Spend your time on the way to your destination, enjoying all of the beauty New England has to offer, not speeding through it. From the lighthouses across Maine’s coastline, New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, Vermont’s Moss Glen Falls, Massachusetts’s Fenway Park, a ferry ride from Point Judith in Rhode Island, to Connecticut’s Gillette Castle State Park, slow down and enjoy your drive.
PORTLAND, Maine — After a week of political chaos, Maine voters are now left grappling with what comes next — with control of the U.S. Senate on the line.
“To be kind of let down like that, it feels like I almost got ripped off, you know?” Steve Arsenault, a voter from Rockland, Maine, told MS NOW.
On Wednesday, Democrat Graham Platner — a populist outsider who won his party’s nomination for U.S. Senate just last month despite many controversies, including an old tattoo of Nazi symbolism — announced he would suspend his campaign.
Earlier in the week, Platner — who has been mired in a variety of scandals since launching his campaign in 2025 — was accused of rape by an ex-girlfriend in a new story published by Politico. Platner denied the allegations.
With the party now racing to find his replacement in a process set to play out over the next two weeks, many Democratic voters told MS NOW they’d love to see the new candidate espouse Platner’s anti-establishment, populist and at times pugilistic style. But minus the scandal.
And in a race that is a cornerstone of the Democratic Party’s ambitions to win back control of the Senate in the fall’s midterm elections, those voters want the new candidate to be a change agent
“I saw Platner as an opportunity to shake things up, to introduce new voices to the party — particularly younger voices,” Francis Weld of Portland told MS NOW. “I hope that we can find someone who continues that.”
“We want change,” Weld continued. “We need to do things differently if we want to be effective.”
“I want to see him,” Daniel Deis of Portland said, adding, “We need him — but someone with a clean bill of health.”
And Linda Holtslander of Peaks Island told MS NOW she wants Platner’s replacement to have “the platform that he was putting forth to the voters in this state” but “without the baggage.”
Democrats are poised to pick their new flag bearer to take on longtime Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in a quickly organized convention scheduled for July 25 in Bangor, Maine. More than 600 delegates will vote, winnowing the field of candidates in successive rounds of voting until they have a new nominee.
Already, several Mainers have announced they want to be considered — including the former president of the Maine Senate, a former state health official, the current Maine Secretary of State, and a brewer, among others.
Some are already making not-so-subtle overtures at Platner’s populist message.
In his paperwork announcing his run for the Senate, Nirav Shah, the former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, wrote that “the passion, energy and urgency that Graham Platner’s supporters brought to this race” will “have a real and important place in this campaign.”
And Troy Jackson, a former state lawmaker who has already secured the backing of dozens of current and former local officials plus the Maine AFL-CIO, in a social media post claimed to have spent his “whole life” fighting on behalf of a “powerful movement of working class people in the state of Maine.”
“I’m sure as hell not backing down now, when this fight is needed most,” he said.
One major lingering question is whether Platner’s most ardent supporters will accept the nominee selected through this special process.
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Kevin Frey
Kevin Frey is a congressional reporter for MS NOW.
PORTLAND, Maine (WGME) — For the first time in recent state history, the Maine Democratic Party will host a nomination convention to replace Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner.
“This isn’t going to be easy,” Chair of the Maine Democratic Party Charlie Dingman said. “Our laws never anticipated this unusual circumstance.”
Platner officially dropped out amid sexual assault allegations which he denies.
A 13-page plan will now determine Maine’s next Democratic Senate nominee.
601 delegates will vote for a candidate. This includes members from the Democratic State Committee and registered Democratic voters.
Those voters will be hand-picked by the Democratic committees in each of Maine’s 16 counties.
25% of those voters must meet one of several diversity requirements, including identifying as Black, indigenous, or a person of color, LGBTQIA+, or an immigrant.
Voting will be in the form of rounds. All candidates will appear on the ballot in the first round. The top five candidates who have the highest number of votes will advance to the second round.
The rounds continue until one candidate receives the majority of the vote.
“We have produced one of the most open and inclusive processes we believe any state party have ever undertaken to replace a Senate nominee,” Dingman said.
The nominee who wins will go head to head with longtime Republican senator Susan Collins. She’s seeking her sixth term in the U.S. Senate.
Her opponent remains to be seen for now.
No matter who it is, she remains confident she can win in November.
“I know that I’m making a big difference for the state of Maine and that that requires seniority, experience, and knowledge. I have all three at this point,” Collins said.
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