The 10 Best Local Restaurants In Bangor, Maine

No surprises for guessing the star of the show at Bagel Central, but guests will find much more than the name would suggest at this quirky little bakery. Firstly, there is a pumpkin patch for visitors to choose their own organic squash or perfectly ripe pumpkin to take home. Secondly, Bagel Central offers an array of desserts and sweet treats to whet the appetite. It is true, however, that the most impressive aspect of the whole operation is the bagel selection. There are as many as 28 different varieties, with gluten-free and vegetarian options on offer. Add to this the comprehensive selection of toppings and it would seem that the capacity for fine tuning is almost limitless, bringing back mealtime fun.

Just outside of Bangor, Brewster’s Fine Food and Drink allows diners to sample terrific American food in a stylish yet informal restaurant environment. The menu boasts classic snacks for excellent value, as well as craft beers and elegant cocktails. A particularly popular local choice are the Buffalo chicken wings paired with a spicy sauce, but the Mexican nachos loaded with chili, the Rooster’s meatball sub and the Brewster’s spinach salad with a warm maple dressing have all become firm favorites. Pop in for brunch to enjoy a true taste of American fare and zealous hospitality. Begin with thick French toast before taking on the ultimate breakfast challenge, the 12oz rib eye steak with eggs, hash browns and toast.

American truck stops, complete with hearty dining spaces, embody the history of America and in so doing have become iconic. Family-run Dysarts is no exception, promising a return to tradition and a broad welcome for the weary traveler. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Dysarts offers a true slice of America, whether in the form of homemade corn beef hash that greets you in the early hours of the morning or more literally, with a slice of ice cream pie alongside your coffee. Stop for lunch to enjoy American comfort food classics given a distinct Maine twist, such as a chicken pot pie with flaky pastry crust or a thick cut of meatloaf smothered in beef gravy.

Inspired by the mystery and intrigue of Ho Chi Minh City, Little Vietnam is a bundle of South East Asian delight nestled within the heart of New England. Family-owned and -operated, the menu is adapted from recipes that have been passed down through the generations, with the restaurant preparing its own immensely popular brand of pho– a Vietnamese noodle specialty. Little Vietnam also boasts a well-stocked bar where guests can either enjoy a variety of drinks before the meal or pause for thought with some light snacks when looking for something a little more low-key.

Massimo’s Cucina Italiana has been a Bangor staple for many years. Run by Massimo and Anne Marie Ranni, the restaurant has chosen to reject the stereotypical hallmarks of Italian decor in favor of a more chic, stylish interior design. The cuisine, however, remains steadfastly traditional, with delicious Italian salads to start, classic pasta dishes such as the ever popular penne puttanesca and succulent steaks wooing customers time and again. For something a little different, try chicken breast stuffed with ricotta, spinach and almonds or the sautéed fillet of white fish with a lemon and caper sauce, finished off with a true Italian classic – a creamy wedge of decadent tiramisu.

The Fiddlehead Restaurant in downtown Bangor uses the very best ingredients to style a gastronomic journey for its guests. With the Fiddlehead Farm Greenhouse and Gardens project now up and running, the plan to create a menu using organic farm to table fare is fast becoming a reality. The menu takes a grown-up approach to comfort food classics, incorporating unusual elements and experimenting with new dimensions of flavor. Begin with a tofu and leek skewer before enjoying a succulent chicken breast, roasted with bacon and savoy cabbage, or a bouillabaisse finished with a red pepper rouille. The Fiddlehead also has an extensive wine selection, which guests are encouraged to try at length, encouraging exposure of independent producers.