The area around Camden Harbor is abundant with amenities suiting every budget—and while this beautiful resort town certainly caters to the well-to-do, there are plenty of lodging, shopping, and dining options for those of us keeping an eye on spending.
And while many of Camden’s accommodations feature complimentary breakfast, there are still a fair few of those that do not—which means folks’ll be on the hunt for a great morning meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick, grab-and-go muffin with coffee or a sit-down, table-service experience, the array of breakfast establishments to choose from in Camden will ensure that you won’t start your day hungry.
Map of the Best Camden Breakfasts
Since I personally can’t navigate for beans when I’m hungry, this map of Camden breakfast spots is sure to be my saving grace the next time I’m in town:
Bagel Café
This cheerful little nook offers friendly counter service and plenty of cute bistro tables where you can settle in and enjoy your breakfast.
The menu is full of homemade-daily deliciousness like house-boiled-and-baked bagels, scratch-made breads, muffins, and scones, as well as bagel sandwiches, oatmeal, and granola. Breakfast is served all day (from 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.), and you can also opt for takeout or curbside service.
I’m a big fan of the Bagel Café Lox Bagel: Your choice of one of 12 different bagel flavors (I suggest the dill) topped with smoked salmon or gravlax with cream cheese, red onion, and capers (whoops—excuse me while I wipe the saliva off my keyboard).
Location: 25 Mechanic St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: Bagel Café
Boynton-McKay Food Co.
This proud disclaimer on the Facebook page for this local favorite says it all: “The only thing we don’t make in-house is the ketchup.”
Delicious, made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch fare is what you can expect when you stop into this bright and funky café in Camden. Formerly the town’s long-time drug store and soda fountain, Boynton-McKay still retains much of that five-and-dime, apothecary aesthetic—and it totally works.
Boynton-McKay is open year-round, and the menu is quite extensive, offering everything from omelets made with locally-sourced ingredients to buckwheat waffles topped with strawberry-rhubarb compote.
My favorite item (to date) has been the Breakfast Salad: seared flank steak, avocado, and a poached duck egg drizzled with a sriracha vinaigrette (take THAT, morning hangries).
Location: 30 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: Boynton-McKay Food Co.
Zoot Coffee
This cheerful, energetic little bistro features a made-from-scratch menu of vegetarian fare—much of which is gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free.
Zoot is the perfect spot for a quick, delicious breakfast nibble—think avocado toast, a hearty slice of quiche or pie, oat porridge, or yogurt with granola and honey.
And if you’re a coffee or tea aficionado, this is where you want to go—whether your caffeinated mojo of choice is an espresso, Americano, cortado, matcha, chai, macchiato, or latte, you can rest assured that Zoot has it, hot or iced.
Location: 5 Elm St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: Zoot Coffee
Camden Deli
Since 1985, the folks at the Camden Deli have been dishing up scratch-baked deliciousness in their comfortable, waterfront digs.
With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, you can enjoy their fabulous morning (or lunch and dinner) fare, no matter what the weather is up to outside—although I always say that food tastes better when you can hear, smell, and see the sea.
The dine-in/take-out menu here is sized just right with a little of everything (egg sandwiches and burritos, omelets, combo plates, and pancakes) without being overwhelming. I suggest getting the Crab Melt Omelet (while you can—unfortunately, it’s a seasonal dish): fresh Maine crabmeat, sliced Portobello mushrooms, and Swiss cheese.
And if you missed the boat (see what I did there?) on that particular menu item, order the Bandito Burrito instead (scrambled eggs, roasted red peppers, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and salsa).
Location: 37 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: Camden Deli
Marriner’s Restaurant
Perched overlooking the iconic Camden Falls since 1942, this local fixture features abundant servings of delicious, comfort food diner fare at very affordable prices.
With plenty of order-by-number combo plates, overstuffed 3-egg omelets, pancakes, and a long list of a la carte items, Marriner’s provides a true, belly-busting breakfast experience.
Be sure to check the daily specials board—these offerings reflect in-season ingredients and are only available for a short time.
Might I suggest the Lobster & Cheddar Omelet with a homemade blueberry muffin on the side (you know me—gotta have my sweet-and-savory for breakfast)? Now, if that doesn’t scream “Maine-made breakfast,” I don’t know what else possibly could.
Location: 35 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: Marriner’s Restaurant
Owl & Turtle Bookshop Café
This independent bookstore was established back in 1970; after location-hopping and changing ownership a few times, the newest owners recently—and wisely—added “café” to its résumé.
With all manner of both hot and cold beverages on offer along with locally-baked sweet and savory small plate noshings, The Owl & Turtle feels like a magical little spot from a bygone era, replete with cozy reading nooks and scattered bistro tables to settle in and enjoy your favorite cup of coffee or tea alongside a delightful nibble as you dive into whatever literary find you scored during your leisurely stroll through the shop.
Location: 33 Bay View St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: Owl & Turtle Bookshop Café
The Smoothie Shack
For a delicious, filling breakfast that won’t weigh you down, why not try a healthy smoothie or an even heartier smoothie bowl from The Smoothie Shack?
Kind of like dessert but infinitely better for you, these concoctions are not to be missed; choose between The Shack’s 13 fresh fruit (such as the Classic, with strawberry, banana, and orange juice) or 8 superfood smoothies (like the Carrot Top, with mango, pineapple, carrot, and ginger), depending on your mood or craving.
Since I like to chew rather than drink my breakfast, I suggest ordering the Superfood Green Bowl: Mango, banana, and superfood greens blended with orange juice and coconut milk as a base, topped with granola, sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, hemp seeds, and shredded coconut with a healthy drizzle of raw local honey.
Location: 46 Elm St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: The Smoothie Shack
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