The 19 Best Restaurants in Bangor, Maine, 2024
Are you visiting Bangor and in search of a great meal? Well, you are in the right place! I’m excited to share some of the best restaurants in Bangor.
Bangor, Maine, is a cute town in central Maine. Roughly 2 hours north of Portland and 45 minutes from the coast, you are close to the Atlantic but also in the heart of Maine.
Known as the Queen City, Bangor has incredible dining options with great food for visitors. There’s a wide range from typical American fare to breweries and seafood in Bangor’s local restaurants.
Looking for a hotel while visiting? Click here for my top choice!
The 19 Best Restaurants in Bangor, Maine, 2024
Welcome to the ultimate guide to restaurants in Bangor, Maine, where culinary delights await at every corner. Nestled in the heart of New England, Bangor offers a vibrant and diverse dining scene that caters to all taste buds. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tickle your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So grab a fork and let’s dive into the flavorsome world of Bangor’s restaurants!
1. Novio’s
Novio’s is a fine dining establishment with a nice atmosphere in Bangor, Maine; reservations are highly recommended as they are known for their excellent food. Unfortunately, they are also closed on Sunday & Monday, FYI.
Novio’s offers a four-course meal with an app, salad, entree, and dessert. You can add a wine pairing for an additional cost. They also have an extensive whiskey menu.
If visiting Bangor, Novio’s would provide a memorable and cozy meal. It is truly the best place.
2. Timber Kitchen & Bar
Ranked by Tripadvisor as the Best of the Best, Timber Kitchen & Bar is the perfect place in Bangor. Not only do they offer a selection of delicious food, but they have a substantial selection of vegan and vegetarian options.
Start your meal with one of their boards, such as the hummus board, bruschetta, or mac and cheese. The menu has extensive offers from flatbreads, burgers, salads, pasta, handhelds, and seafood for entrees. There’s so much to choose from with great service!
Timber restaurant in Bangor, Maine, is an idea for the best date night.
3. Masons Brewing Company
Voted Best Burger & Craft Beer in Bangor, Masons Brewing Company is an excellent option while visiting the town. The menu items are tasty options such as Brew Haus fries, dirty fries, and a pretzel spread for small plates.
For meals, they have exciting hotdog options to choose from, as well as burgers and pizza. If you want to avoid staying, you can place an order online with alcohol too.
Mason Brewing has a fantastic patio with lots of seating to try their local craft beer. It would be the perfect atmosphere on a sunny day and is one of the best breweries in Bangor, Maine.
4. Blaze
Blaze is a good restaurant for the heart of downtown Bangor. They offer craft beer with an expansive menu. They are known for their wood-fired pizzas but have so much more too. Choose from sandwiches, salads, nachos, etc.
Make sure to check out their daily specials. They offer twists on favorites like an Alfredo-based pizza with steak and onions. In addition, their daily specials can pair with an alcoholic drink for a reasonable price!
5. Geaghan’s Pub & Brewery
Geaghan’s Pub & Brewery believes it is your “home away from home.” Visitors find a comfortable atmosphere with good food.
In the Pub, you’ll find a variety of traditional American selections with an Irish twist, such as wings, burgers, chowder, salads, and sandwiches.
Stop for a festive celebration if you are in town on St. Patrick’s Day. It is a great experience.
6. Sea Dog Brewing
Sea Dog Brewing Company, a Maine restaurant chain, offers a fun and lively atmosphere and is one of the best breweries in Bangor, Maine. If the weather is nice, grab a seat in their open-air section.
Choose from a wide selection of comfort food like soups, chowders, salads, sandwiches, and burgers for dinner. Although it is a brewery, there’s a robust menu of wines and fun cocktails like a Blueberry Lemonade vodka.
As for the brewery, try one of their home-brewed beers like Blue Paw Wild Blueberry Ale or Raspberry Wheat Ale.
7. 11 Central
Ranked #2 on Tripadvisor in the best restaurant category, 11 Central must be part of your time in the Bangor area. For instance, they are known for their chili and chowder apps and fresh seafood, burgers, and meat selections.
One incredible perk about 11 Central is that the kitchen staff works together as a family, and all items are made in-house versus a restaurant heating frozen pre-made food. They are known for their friendly service.
Lastly, they work with a local bakery, Happy Endings, for their dessert menu.
8. Nocturnem Draft Haus
If you are looking for good beer and an excellent burger, Nocturnem Draft Haus is your place. Some visitors compare the restaurant to a college bar or a sports bar with the friendliest of bartenders.
The menu is simple and sometimes changes, so check their social media page for the latest updates. Even though it is not an extensive menu, the food is incredible and worth a stop. If traveling with your furry friends, they are allowed on the outdoor patio.
9. Utopia
Utopia offers local cuisine for Bangor visitors. Utopia is perfect for clean ingredients and vegan or vegetarian options.
Many items on their menu reflect a Mediterranean flare, such as humus, a falafel platter, a Greek salad, or Moroccan stew. For your meal, you can go simply with a gyro or shawarma or choose from salmon, swordfish, and chicken.
Guests rave about the cannolis!
10. Moe’s Original BBQ
Although Moe’s Original BBQ is a chain, the restaurant is still worth visiting. Known for their Alabama style of BBQ, you’ll want to try the white sauce. Most BBQ sauces are red-based, and Alabama white sauce is unique and worth trying as it is mayo based.
Make a plan to grab a meal here and try their tasty pulled pork sandwich, fried catfish sandwich, smoked chicken, or ribs. Remember to top off your meal with one of their Southern sides- cornbread, baked beans, mac, cheese, or banana pudding- a Southern treat.
Lastly, you can order family packs or 1 lb of individual meats at home. If you travel with a large group and have a rental home, this would be a quick and easy meal after a long day of exploring Bangor.
11. Pho Hoa Grill
Looking for Vietnamese food while visiting Maine? Look no further than Pho Hoa Grill. Although some describe it as a hole in the wall, the food is mouth-watering.
Order the friend dumplings, Pho, spring rolls, and coconut shrimp. Locally owned, Pho Hoa Grill and the staff work hard to prepare meals with fresh ingredients.
Bottom Line- Pho Hoa Grill is a hidden gem in Bangor.
12. The Tarratine
Located in a historic building in the heart of Bangor, The Tarratine is worth a stop while visiting Bangor.
As a side note, this restaurant is commonly used for private events, so it is only open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday and Sunday brunch. However, if I were in town on a Sunday, I would save time for brunch here to try their crab cake eggs Benedict or the brioche french toast. You can grab a quiet meal in their dining room.
13. Yoshi
Located in Brewer, Maine, a short four-minute drive from Bangor, Yoshi offers excellent Japanese food. It is considered one of the best restaurants for sushi in the Bangor region.
Best Seafood in Bangor
14. Eagle’s Nest
Known for its lobster roll, Eagle’s Nest is a casual spot in Bangor. If you are in town, you want to take advantage of the opportunity to try one of Bangor’s best lobster rolls. If you love lobster rolls, Portland, Maine, offers some of the yummiest in the state.
Eagle’s Nest’s menu boasts seafood platters, shrimp, fish, and burgers if you want something besides lobster. Don’t be discouraged by the low-key and dated decor; the food is delicious as it highlights Maine’s fresh seafood.
15. Pepper’s Landing
If you are okay with exploring north of Bangor for fresh seafood, plan to stop at Pepper’s Landing. It is a short 17-minute drive and worth leaving Bangor.
Pepper’s Landing is a great spot for seafood. They offer traditional Maine lobster rolls with butter or mayo and a unique twist on the Kennebunkport roll- lobster tossed with cilantro lime aioli, red pepper, cajun seasoning, and pico. Perfect for the adventurous eater!
Not interested in seafood? Don’t worry! You can order sandwiches, burgers, or chicken salad.
If you are leaving Bangor to explore the great outdoors in Millinocket, Maine, this would be an excellent stop on the way to Mount Katahdin.
Breakfast & Bakeries in Bangor
16. Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery
Are you looking for a casual and low-key meal in Bangor? Governor’s is a relic from the past when they exclusively served burgers and pie. Now there are several locations scattered throughout the state.
Governor’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food is reasonably priced and traditional American fare.
Pick up an item from the Bakery. For instance, try their famous strawberry rhubarb pie or ice cream sundaes. If you love their baked goods, you can have them delivered to your home year around.
17. Dysart’s
The first thing to say about Dysart’s is don’t judge a book by its cover. Dysart’s runs two restaurants- the Truck Stop and Broadway. Dysart’s started as a truck stop restaurant and eventually opened a second location in Bangor known as Dysart’s on Broadway. It is one of the iconic Bangor restaurants and a delicious place.
Although the decor is simple, the food is tasty. If you love breakfast, this is the place for you. They offer multiple pancakes, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and French toast. For instance, try the strawberry or blueberry shortcake french toast.
They offer burgers and sandwiches if you want something other than breakfast. Lastly, Dysart’s is known for their baked goods.
18. Bagel Central
I don’t know about you, but our family loves bagels. We will always search for a local bagel joint for breakfast when we travel. It is one of the few items my kids will eagerly eat for breakfast.
They even offer a few vegan bagel options, such as everything and whole wheat. Plus, they sell gluten-free bagels- everyone can indeed find something here!
They also offer the traditional breakfast fare if you want protein to add to your bagel.
19. Frank’s Bakery
Are you a sweet tooth looking for a homemade pie? Frank’s Bakery sells pies in 20 variations. Choose between peach, blueberry, pecan, chocolate cream, etc. Or, if you prefer cupcakes, you can buy individual cupcakes too.
Frank’s Bakery sells fresh bread daily, and the variations change daily. Check their website for more details.
Frank’s is your place if you are like my kids, who will eat breakfast for any meal. They serve breakfast all day on top of pizza, salads, and burgers. If I were traveling with kids, I would stop here for a meal.
FAQ: Top Restaurants in Bangor, Maine, 2024
🍽️What are the most popular restaurants in Bangor?
Novio’s, Timber Kitchen & Bar, and 11 Central! Due to their popularity, I suggest making reservations in advance.
🍽️What are the best restaurants that deliver in Bangor, Maine?
Moe’s Original BBQ & Sea Dog Brewing Company
🍽️What are the best healthy restaurants in Bangor?
Timber Kitchen & Bar, Utopia, and Fork & Spoon
🍽️What restaurants are allergy friendly?
Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery
🍽️What are the coziest restaurants in Bangor?
Novio’s, 11 Central
🍽️What are the best family restaurants in Bangor?
Moe’s Original BBQ, Dysart’s
🍽️Who has outdoor seating?
Seadog Brewery, Masons Brewing Company, Nocturnem Draft Haus
🍽️What are the best seafood restaurants in Bangor?
Eagle’s Nest, 11 Central and Pepper’s Landing
🍽️How do you get to Bangor?
If you aren’t in New England, you would want to fly into Bangor International Airport.
Where to explore after Bangor?
You are close to Acadia National Park, where you can explore the great outdoors. Acadia offers luxurious lodging or pet-friendly options. If you’ve been to Acadia, consider heading south to Portland or north to Millinocket, an outdoor paradise. Maine is an incredible state and there’s so much to see and do.
If you enjoy trying new restaurants and are headed to southern Maine, check out Ogunquit’s brunch scene– it is worth the drive!
In Conclusion: The 19 Best Restaurants in Bangor, Maine, 2024
Traveling can be fun & exciting, but determining meals three times a day can be exhausting. Some travelers love finding the best local cuisine, while it is stressful for others. My recs on the tastiest restaurants help ease the stress and planning of a trip to Bangor, Maine.
