Local Eats

Satisfy your cravings

Just one visit to Maine’s Kennebec Valley and you’ll discover a vibrant and growing local food scene. And it all began with bread 13 years ago in Skowhegan. In response to a new “locavore” movement, community members established the Kneading Conference and Artisan Bread Fair. Based in part on its success, founding partners Amber Lambke and Michael Scholz would go on to start the Somerset Grist Mill and Maine Grains. The nearby Millers Table Cafe and bakery features locally sourced food, Maine Grains, a wood-fired oven, patio and courtyard.

Not to be left out, the towns of Waterville, Augusta, Hallowell, and Gardiner boast ever growing lists of locally run restaurants, brew pubs, bakeries, and food shops. Waterville has even hosts the annual favorite Taste of Waterville with flavorful offerings from local food trucks to the area’s diverse restaurants.

Breakfast

Pick a stool and belly up to the counter, grab a coffee, and dig into eggs-any-way, home fries, and more. This is the way breakfast is meant to be. For pancakes we recommend Farmingdale’s Hi-Hat and or the Lumberjack Breakfast at Purple Cow House of Pancakes on Route 201 in Fairfield.

Bite into an artisan sourdough bagel and
seasonal shmear at Waterville’s Sunrise Bagels; they even offer a gluten-free bagel. You will love a seasonal latte or tea at Traverse Coffee Co in Hallowell.

For brunch, Riverside Farm Market in Oakland is known for its crab benedict around. Gardiner’s A-1 Diner lists choices like shakshuka and biscuits ‘n’ gravy on their menu. For an impressive array of hand-crafted pastries, quiche, and artisan bread, it has to be The Bankery in Skowhegan.

Lunch

Don’t skimp on lunch. Head to State Lunch on Water Street in Augusta where the menu runs from a sustainably raised burger to house-made ramen noodle bowls. Select from sandwiches named for celebrities at Big G’s in Winslow or try a famous “Maine Italian” sandwich at Day’s Store in Belgrade Lakes.

In Skowhegan, the Brick House Kitchen has salads, sandwiches, panini, plus vegetarian and gluten-free options. In Gardiner, grab a slice at Gerard’s or stop into Lisa’s Legit Burritos.

The small town of Canaan delivers big flavors at Silverton Sporting Ranch BBQ Bar. Enjoy locally sourced dishes featuring their own Maine Made sauces and a curated list of local craft beers to go with them.

And dinner

Gardiner’s downtown offers locally run dining like The Blind Pig Tavern, where you can enjoy tasty bites such as Blind Pig poutine or bacon fat Brussels sprouts with a classic cocktail.

In downtown Augusta, we tip our cap toward the Chef’s Tasting menu at The Oak Table & Bar, featuring local seasonally inspired dishes. Belgrade Lakes is home to The Village Inn & Tavern, which has gained national recognition for its famous 12-Hour Roast Duck^TM.

Waterville’s five-star Front & Main, located in the Lockwood Hotel, serves creative cuisine by Chef Jesse Souza. OPA delivers an elevated Greek/Mediterranean dining experience. Set on the Kennebec River in Fairfield, Meridian’s Kitchen & Bar is known for artisanal cuisine and drinks in a fun space. Try Hawk’s Nest Lodge overlooking the Dead River or The Boatman’s Bar and Grill in The Forks.