dining out in augusta maine Maine’s capital city has numerous restaurants, ranging from fast food chains to small local restaurants with unique cocktail and food menus. Many of the locally-owned restaurants are centered around the downtown area, with chains dotting the Western Ave and mall areas near the highway exits.

Sit along the Kennebec and sip a craft beer from Cushnoc, enjoy a seafood meal at Cloud Nine, or grab chicken to go at the Red Barn. Whether you’re visiting the city on business and want a nice dinner, or just need to grab a quick lunch out in a relaxed setting, you’ll find a dining option in Augusta.

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Map Of Augusta Restaurants

The map below shows the locations of all the restaurants mentioned in this post, in case you want to grab a bite before checking out things to see near Augusta Maine:

State Lunch

Located in the city’s downtown, State Lunch offers craft cocktails and a unique menu. They serve up everything from french fries and burgers with their unique twist to ramen and banh mi. If you’re planning to pay State Lunch a visit, be sure to check out the specials. You never know what delicious new meal they’ll be serving up from day-to-day! Whiskey enthusiasts will also enjoy trying their extensive list of whiskey varieties.

Year-round, you can sit inside the cozy restaurant, and in the summer you can grab a small table on the sidewalk outside to enjoy your meal in the fresh air. They also offer take-out.

Location: 217 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Website: State Lunch

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Otto’s

One of the higher-end dining options in Augusta, Otto’s offers a quirky but comfortably appointed bar and lounge area as well as a separate dining area. In the summer, their porch offers tables at which you can enjoy a view of the river while you dine.

Their dinner menu includes items like filet mignon and lamb chops, but at lunch you can find more casual dining options. On holidays like Thanksgiving, Easter, and Valentine’s Day, Otto’s frequently offers special menus and welcomes reservations for families to enjoy a special holiday meal at the restaurant. It’s a great spot for a special date night, or to grab a drink before or after dinner.

Location: 287 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Website: Otto’s

Red Barn

A longtime local favorite for casual, delicious (though not the healthiest…) dining, The Red Barn now has two locations in Augusta. Their original spot is a short drive outside the downtown area, but well worth it, especially in the summer when the picnic tables are open and kids can roam around the open area outside while you wait for your order. The newer location is take-out only, and is just just down the street from the State House.

In addition to being a local favorite for their food, The Red Barn is also well-known for its charitable events that benefit numerous local causes. The restaurant has even been featured on NBC Nightly News for their charitable work.

Location: 455 Riverside Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or 356 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Website: Red Barn

Oak Table

With a focus on locally-sourced, seasonal food, the Oak Table has a food menu that changes daily. They also require reservations for their dining room – but it’s worth it, and you can easily make a reservation on their website.

If you enjoy music as you dine, the Oak Table is the perfect spot for you. Check their website for upcoming performances that will provide you with entertainment as you eat.

The bar and lounge area is a lovely spot to relax and is seated on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Oak Table’s cocktail and beer menu is also local-product heavy, offering such beverages as a blueberry gimlet made with Maine blueberries.

Location: 233 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Website: Oak Table

Cushnoc

Pizza and beer, what more could you want from a restaurant? Cushnoc takes this classic combo and elevates both – they brew their own craft beer, and create unexpected combinations of pizza toppings that bring a new twist to the old favorite. Local names of their original pizzas bring a smile to the community – for instance, a breakfast-themed pizza is named “The Diner Closes at Two,” referencing the diner located across the street from Cushnoc’s Water Street location.

While the bar at the Water Street location has plenty of space to enjoy a beer or two, you can also try out Cushnoc’s brews at their tasting room located on the floor below the main restaurant, or head to Route 3 and relax at their tasting room.

Location: 243 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330

Website: Cushnoc

Downtown Diner

Augusta’s Downtown Diner is a classic diner-style restaurant with breakfast and lunch food, daily specials, and mouthwatering desserts. The coffee’s served up hot as soon as you sit down, and whether you’re bringing in kids for the pancakes, sitting at the breakfast bar and reading the paper, or grabbing a sandwich with your coworkers, the servers will get to know your name and welcome you in. Sit in the window and watch the world go by on Water Street as you enjoy a hot meal – and look across the river to catch a glimpse of historic Fort Western.

Location: 204 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Website: Downtown Diner

Riverfront BBQ

When you want a hearty meal of barbecue, Riverfront is the restaurant for you. You will never leave here hungry. Whether you opt for a barbecue platter or their rich homemade mac & cheese, your meal will be filling and delicious. Oh – and don’t forget the cornbread, you’ll regret it if you don’t try it.

Enjoy your meal in one of the wooden booths, or sit at the bar and enjoy a beer. As you eat, you’ll likely hear classic rock or oldies from the overhead speakers. Riverfront is a laidback spot where you’ll always get a good meal.

Location: 300 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Website: Riverfront BBQ

Cloud Nine

Cloud Nine is the restaurant located in the Senator Inn & Spa, but as a standalone restaurant it’s certainly worth a visit. With steak and seafood entrees, a full bar, and a comfortable yet upscale setting, Cloud Nine is an excellent spot for a special night out or just to treat yourself to a relaxing dinner. While there, don’t forget to try a dessert!

Easily accessible right from the highway, Cloud Nine is also a convenient spot for people from outside of Augusta to visit for a good meal in a relaxing setting. You can also make a night of it – book a massage at the Senator’s Spa, then take your time enjoying an appetizer, an entree, and a specialty cocktail or two.

Location: 284 Western Avenue, Augusta, ME, 04330

Website: Cloud Nine

Kume

Located in the Marketplace at Augusta shopping plaza, it’s worth it to take the trek through numerous intersections to get to Kume for hibachi or sushi. The Japanese restaurant is an expansive operation, with an entire room set aside for hibachi, another dining room with booths and tables, a sushi bar taking up an entire back wall, and a semi-circle beverage bar near the entrance.

The food is fresh and the menu is extensive. Everyone will enjoy watching the activities of the creatures in the large fish tank and kids are always thrilled to see the large sumo wrestler statue at the entrance. Kume is the perfect spot for a family night out or something different for date night.

Location: 19 Stephen King Dr Suite 1, Augusta, ME 04330

Website: Kume

John Sullivan’s Restaurant

A laidback Irish pub, John Sullivan’s is the kind of spot that harkens back to a bar where everybody knows your name. Whether you join the mug club or just go occasionally to sit at the bar or enjoy a pizza, you’ll easily feel comfortable and welcome. Watch a sporting event on their TVs, try a few different beers or whiskies from their extensive selection, or stop in on a weekend night to enjoy live music. Their menu offers Irish favorites like Irish lamb stew and many typical pub-style foods like burgers and fries.

John Sullivan’s enclosed porch is open year-round, expanding the seating options for the restaurant and giving patrons a brighter spot to sit with more windowspace.

Location: 18 Bridge Street, Augusta, ME 04330

Website: John Sullivan’s Pub