10 Best Restaurants in Augusta | Exploring Maine (2024)
Augusta though is known for housing many of Maine’s historical landmarks, but its food, too, cannot be overlooked. Whether you are looking forward to dining for local cuisine, having a slap-up breakfast, trying Maine’s seafood, or sipping a glass of cocktail, Augusta has truly many options to choose from. Downtown Augusta is lined with several local food outlets as well as high-end food franchises. People can pick up from the basic and usual flare or go for something that’s limited just to Augusta; the food here will never disappoint you.
Augusta is Maine’s capital city, and therefore it welcomes countless visitors every single day. Whether it is for economic, commercial, political, or tourism purposes, Augusta never actually shuts down, and neither do its food offerings. Wondering where to eat when in Augusta?
10 Best Restaurants in Augusta | Exploring Maine
Well, follow our choicest picks below and learn about the Most Popular Restaurants in Augusta, Maine. Have a look:
1. Riverfront Barbeque and Grille
A restaurant cum bar, the Riverfront Barbeque, and Grill is a local downtown Augusta restaurant. The restaurant sits close to the Kennebec River and offers some excellent slow-cooked southern barbeque food. Though that’s not alone. This popular dining facility in Augusta has something for that, and that too with a view. Some of their must-try dishes include Memphis rib and Barbeque Pork Platters. Of everything, ribs here are truly the ones topping the chart of excellence. Their Chicken, Crab, Cornbread, and Coleslaw are some added options to try. When done with dining, guests can check out the upstairs drink place, ‘the Gin Mill.’ As added options, the restaurant also features the Rail Trail nearby. This paved pathway for walkers, bikers, and joggers is popular amongst locals. It runs all the way from Augusta to Hallowell and Gardiner and is a pleasant option for checkout nature’s beauty.
2. The Red Barn
A local favorite, the Red Barn is undoubtedly a popular restaurant in Augusta, Maine. This quaint little roadside barn space offers simple Maine seafood like lobster rolls which one can enjoy sitting on their outdoor picnic tables. Red Barn originally started by selling Chicken, but gradually, it made a name in seafood cuisine and today is quite popularly known for the same. It’s been 35 years, and the second generation of Bill and Florence Benedict (original owners) have worked here while staying under family ethics. A visit here will allow you to try no-frills seafood, for instance, lobster rolls, seafood chowder, fried shellfish, and more. And if seafood isn’t what you prefer, Red Barn’s long traditional chicken dishes will definitely keep you bounded here. Their quintessential lobster roll and other fried delicacies are a must-try.
3. The Oak Table & Bar
The Oak Table & Bar is a very minimalistic but exciting restaurant to consider when in Augusta, Maine. For dining here, one has to make reservations but making efforts for that is absolutely worth it. They also operate on a first-come-first-serve basis but since this place gets full early, booking your seat is advisable. The restaurant focuses on the idea of serving locally sourced seasonal food only, and everything on its menu changes frequently. Not just the food here termed as delicious but the vibes as well ensuring matching the level. The melodious liver music, interactive staff, and friendly atmosphere add to enhance one’s experience. There’s even a bar and lounge area where guests can relax while enjoying a glass of cocktail and beer. On the beverage list, their blueberry gimlet is a must-try.
4. Downtown Diner
One of the best restaurants in Augusta, Maine, Downtown Diner is a classic diner-style restaurant. It serves breakfast and lunch options, along with some super delicious desserts. The restaurant features a simple food menu, including eggs, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, salads, soups, pies, and cookies. Locals often bring their kids here to have the softest, fluffiest, and most flavorful pancakes. For adults’ Downtown Diners’ hot coffee is something that can be categorized as a must-check out. The restaurant has a very comfortable vibe along with a friendly staff that elevates the whole eating experience. While dining at Downtown Diner, either catch a glimpse of historic Fort Western by looking across the river. Or, choose the window seat and watch the world go by on Water Street.
5. Cloud Nine
Cloud Nine isn’t a standalone restaurant but an entity within Senator Inn & Spa. However, to have a meal here, one doesn’t necessarily need to book at the Inn. Cloud Nine also operates standalone dining options, and it is certainly worth a visit. The restaurant is easily accessible from the highway and is a popular choice amongst both locals and tourists. People can visit here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, utilize their comfortable yet upscale setting, and make it a memorable affair. The restaurant initially is popular for brick-oven pizza, but its menu extends towards oysters, parmesan-crusted scallops, salads, seafood medley, honey soy, and more such options. The restaurant even features a fully functioning bar. Or, people who book at Senator Spa can relish an appetizer, an entree, and a specialty cocktail or two.
6. Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant serves the best Italian food in Augusta, Maine. A visit here allows individuals to enjoy abundant portions of classic Italian favorites that are brought fresh from the kitchen to the table. Whether you prefer classic pasta and a bowl of salad or authentic Italian pizza, Olive Garden has it all. The restaurant is ideal for dates and celebrations and is also an affordable one to go with. When here, try their irresistible Chicken Parmigiana or the mouthwatering Fettuccine Alfredo. Their menu also includes baked bread sticks of choice, which are served with homemade soup or garden-fresh salad, a delicacy one must not overlook. Not only the food at Olive Garden Italian Restaurant is good, but the staff is very friendly and accommodating. All this combined takes the dining experience to a level of excellence.
7. Otto’s On The River
Otto’s On The River is a popular waterside restaurant in Augusta, Maine. It is a popular joint that serves seafood, pasta & vegan dishes, along with some excellent cocktail options. Their menu includes a range of options varying from filet mignon to lamb chops, pumpkin curry purée & Brussels sprouts, chicken marsala, Reuben sandwich, stuffed haddock, pumpkin cheesecake, and more. Along with their casual flare, Otto’s also served special menus and holiday dinners on occasions like Thanksgiving, Easter, and Valentine’s Day. The restaurant advises reservations for individuals visiting with families. While enjoying the meal, guests also get to enjoy the incredible views of Kennebec River right from the outer deck and even the dining room itself. Otto’s has been beautifully decorated, and the prices here are reasonable as well.
8. The Liberal Cup
Operating for over two decades now, the Liberal Cup is a cozy restaurant and a craft brewpub. This popular rustic microbrewery is popular amongst both locals and tourists and is one of the mandatory places to visit in Augusta, Maine. The restaurant features a very classic indoor dining facility that often remains crowded with local friends and seasonal visitors. The liberal cup is just like any other pub that dots the English countryside. It features an award-winning chef who takes the dining game here to another level of excellence. Their menu includes a range of appetizers, sides, sandwiches, pies, pot dishes, burgers, chicken wraps, soups, salads, and more. Whereas for drinking, options extend from Alewife, Bug Layer, Pitch Black IPA, Ex-wife Extra Beer and more. On Tuesdays, Liberal Cup organizes trivia night, a very enjoyable flare to be a part of. However, reach early since the restaurant gets crowded soon.
9. Augusta House of Pancakes
Another popular restaurant in Augusta, the House of Pancakes, has been operating for nearly four decades now. Located on 100 Western Avenue, Augusta, the restaurant operates through the week. Its timing goes as Monday through Saturday from 6 am to 2 pm and on Sundays from 7 am to 2 pm. An ideal breakfast point, this local eatery offer fluffy, warm and flavorful pancakes that are ideal to start the day. Not only pancakes, but their menu also includes French toast, Omelets, and sides. Some of the must-try include Homemade Banana Bread, Cheddar Cheese Pancake, Raspberry and Strawberry Pancakes, New Select Sirloin & Eggs Meal, Breakfast Pizza, and AHOP Sampler. Augusta House of Pancakes is a local wonder for breakfast lovers and is popular amongst both locals and tourists. This place definitely has some vintage memories.
10. Kume
Last but not least on our list is Kume, a must-visit restaurant in Augusta, Maine. It is basically a Japanese restaurant that offers a range of flavorful Asian fusions. Kume offers everything from Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner right at the marketplace of Augusta Shopping Plaza. Within its expansive restaurant is a dining room with booths and tables, a semi-circle beverage bar near the entrance, an entire room set aside for hibachi, and a sushi bar taking up an entire back wall. The menu at Kume is truly extensive, and the taste is great. From enjoying a date night to having some quality family time, this restaurant makes up for it all.
