When you’re visiting Bangor–whether it’s on a Maine vacation or an extended stay for work–eating out will likely be part of your day. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to grab on the go, a nice dinner on the town, or a great spot to grab drinks, here’s a list of some of the best places to eat in Bangor, Maine.
Breakfast spots in Bangor
There are plenty of great places to eat breakfast around town–from the new arrivals to the staples that have been in Bangor for decades. Fast food is always an option, but since you can get those anywhere, here are a few places to grab your morning joe that you won’t find anywhere but here!
- Bagel Central – This is a favorite local breakfast spot in downtown Bangor, known for their superb bagels. Stop here to grab a quick bite on the go, or stay for awhile in the large, buzzing seating area to get some work done.
- The Grind House – Also located in downtown Bangor, The Grind House is just a few years old but making a stir with its quality menu and great atmosphere. Their creative menu offers coffee, breakfast, and lunch, as well as gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
- Frank’s Bakery – If you’re looking for a great breakfast spot to grab and go on your way to work, Frank’s Bakery is a classic in Bangor. Keep it simple with an affordable option, or splurge a little and grab some pastries to go with your morning coffee.
Casual lunch or dinner in Bangor
When you’re eating out in Bangor, you might be looking for something a little more budget-friendly or kid-friendly. Check out these are go-to Bangor restaurants for when you don’t need anything too fancy.
- Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que -Craving a taste of the South? Head to Moe’s on Broadway for a sandwich (made with meat smoked fresh daily) and delicious southern style side dishes.
- Pat’s Pizza – While not in Bangor itself, Pat’s Pizza locations are close to town in a few directions. It’s a classic and popular pizza place in the Bangor area that’s perfect for a night you’re craving some take-out.
- Dysart’s – No list of classic Bangor, Maine eateries would be complete without Dysart’s. The original location is not far from Bangor, and while it might seem strange to go “out to eat” at a truck stop on I-95, it really is a local classic. You may have seen a viral blooper video from their commercial a few years ago. If not, check it out here, and stop in to taste the buttery, flakey crust yourself. If you want to stay a little closer, there’s another location on Broadway.
- Governor’s – Another Maine restaurant classic is Governor’s Restaurant, where you can get homestyle cooking, big servings, and affordable lunch or dinner in Bangor.
- Ichiban – Craving some sushi delivery, take-out, or in a casual sit-down restaurant? Ichiban is a great spot with easy parking and close to the Pine Tree Inn!
Fine Dining
While Portland gets most of the attention for Maine’s foodie scene, Bangor has a few gems of its own. Check out these downtown restaurants when you want delicious food crafted from high-quality ingredients.
- 11 Central – Looking for something a little more upscale? This downtown eatery has a cozy atmosphere with exposed brick walls, and its extensive menu features some locally sourced ingredients, plenty of meat and seafood options, and unique pizzas (like lobster artichoke!).
- Fiddlehead Restaurant – If you’ve been in Maine during the spring, you may have heard about fiddleheads, which are greens that many people pick in the wild and cook. Fiddlehead Restaurant’s name is a spin on this rustic dish, but there’s nothing rustic about their menu. Serving many local ingredients (including from their own farm in season), the menu changes seasonally. The restaurant is also very accommodating to dietary restrictions.
Healthy or Vegetarian Options
Many restaurants around Bangor offer at least some healthy or vegetarian options on their menu, but these few rise above the rest.
- Fork & Spoon – Somewhat new to the downtown Bangor scene, the self-described “quirky conscious eatery” is a great spot for a healthy breakfast or lunch! They serve soups, paninis, salads, pastries, cakes, smoothies, and juice–with plenty of options that will make vegetarians and vegans happy.
- Taste of India – Craving something flavorful (and maybe a little spicy)? Family-owned Taste of India in downtown Bangor offers authentic northern Indian food. They offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. They also have lunch buffet and happy hour specials throughout the week, making this an affordable and satisfying place to eat out (or grab take-out) in Bangor.
- Kobe Ninja House – This Japanese grill and sushi bar near the Bangor Mall offers a wide array of Asian dishes. From tasty seaweed salad to your choice of sushi rolls, this is a great place to grab a healthy lunch or dinner.
Pubs & Bars
While Bangor definitely isn’t a “city that never sleeps,” there are a few great bars where you can grab a late-night drink or bite to eat. These pubs are open until 1 AM daily.
- Sea Dog – Want to grab a drink before an evening stroll or concert at the waterfront? Sea Dog Brewing Company is the place to go! Located right on the Penobscot River, they serve hand crafted beers and pub fare. If the weather is nice, grab seating on their spacious deck overlooking the water.
- Paddy Murphy’s – This Irish pub is a landmark in downtown Bangor. With live local music and a full bar, this is a great late night spot to grab drinks in Bangor.
The food scene in Bangor is growing, and this list just scratches the surface. But it’s a great place to start when you’re trying to figure out where to eat in Bangor.
Pin it for later:
Recent Comments