Formerly a logging city (hence the enormous Paul Bunyan statue on Main Street), Bangor is now a bustling hive of retail and dining options…the latter of which I’m here to organize, categorize, and review here for you, so you don’t have to.
(Also, full disclosure: As a full-on Stephen King fan, it took all of my willpower not to steer you only to establishments that inspired the Master of the Macabre for many a scene in his novels…such as Oriental Jade, for instance—the spot he drew imagery from for that horrific fortune cookie scene in It, thinly disguised as the Jade of the Orient.)
Map Of Bangor Restaurants
The map below shows the locations of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
11 Central
11 Central is often mentioned in Bangor restaurant reviews; the recipe creation process for their menus is a group effort—the entire staff participates in the endeavor. Broken down into whimsical subcategories like “Farms,” “Fins,” and “Fur & Feathers,” the culinary geniuses here source as many local ingredients as possible—and all of their soups, sauces, desserts, and drinks are made in-house.
I suggest ordering the Surf & Turf with Comfort (mac & cheese tossed with Maine lobster and topped with a petite filet mignon) with a Thai Basil Martini…but leave room for dessert!
Location: 11 Central St, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: 11 Central
Nocturnem Draft Haus
While they call themselves a high-end beer bar, Nocturnem is far more—and their effort to make all who enter their doors feel welcome is evident. All about quality over quantity, Nocturnem offers a pared-down nosh menu to accompany their carefully-curated libation selections—and there is more than enough to choose from on both fronts…including desserts.
So, whether you just want a few small plates (a local artisan cheese sampler and some Nocturnem Wings, for example) to go with your Every Little Thing DIPA, or need a heartier option, like a Bacon-Boursin Chicken Wrap or a Reuben Burger with your North Sky Stout, they’ve got you covered.
Location: 56 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: Nocturnem Draft Haus
The Fiddlehead Restaurant
“Quality, without pretense or price” is what the folks at The Fiddlehead want diners to experience when coming to their restaurant. Their menu could be described as gussied-up comfort food—and I mean that in the best way.
For example, they take a run-of-the-mill Statler chicken breast, roast it with lemon-herb parsnip (which was probably grown on their own farm), and top it with miso gravy. They also offer house-made desserts that change daily—so be sure to ask what the evening’s offerings are.
Location: 84 Hammond St, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: The Fiddlehead Restaurant
Blaze
This is one of my go-to casual spots when in Bangor. Blaze has a warm, energetic vibe, fantastic food and cocktails, and great service…a dining trifecta, in my book.
Their Wild Mushroom Pizza is legendary, and if I’m not in a pizza kind of mood, I usually steer toward the Mexican Street Corn Chicken Tacos. Their beer menu is vast and borderline overwhelming, so give yourself time to peruse it—order some poutine to nibble on while you decide…
Location: 18 Broad St, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: Blaze
Timber Kitchen & Bar
While Blaze claims the casual dining award in my estimation, Timber—located in the Marriott Residence Inn behind Paul Bunyan—claims the gold for taking everything to the next level. The aesthetic is “cozy-hunting-cabin-on-urban-chic-steroids”—and the effect couldn’t be any more enchanting.
Their all-day menu is extensive, creative, and offers so many different options and categories that you’ll find yourself wishing you were pickier, to narrow down your choices.
Overwhelmed? Then start with their Lemony Garlic Hummus Jar before moving on to a Downeaster Burger (wild mushrooms, smoked bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, fried egg, and spicy sauce). Trust me on this.
Location: 22 Bass Park Blvd, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: Timber Kitchen & Bar
Utopia
Mediterranean cuisine lovers, rejoice! From top-to-bottom, Utopia’s menu draws its culinary inspiration directly from the coastline countries along the Mediterranean Sea—and if you have never experienced the delights of this region, you’re in for a real treat.
The Grilled Halloumi Cheese starter is divine, as are the parmesan-dusted Polenta Fries (heck, get both)—and then I suggest sharing the Farro Salad before moving on to a meal-sized portion of classic Spanakopita or the Berbere-Spiced Shrimp Gyro.
Location: 96 Hammond St, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: Utopia
Evenrood’s
Evenrood’s claims to be “where the new spirit of Bangor meets the old,” and I think they’re on to something, there. The atmosphere is energetic and welcoming, the look is urban-industrial, and both the food and service are stellar.
The menu is simple yet creative—elevated, flavor-forward pub food plated with style and panache. Evenrood’s features an expansive, rotating roster of craft brews and signature cocktails—my favorite is the Twenty 2 Bloody Mary.
Location: 25 Broad St, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: Evenrood’s
Novio’s
Novio’s likes to be known as a “small bistro with a big whiskey problem,” but don’t let that fool you. A true whiskey destination, they are also currently offering a four-course dining menu; this experience can only be described as an elevated, epicurean event.
Choose an appetizer, salad, entrée, and dessert—and make sure you plan accordingly for the latter because their Peanut Butter Ice Cream topped with marshmallow sauce and peanut brittle is worth leaving room for.
Location: 130 Hammond St, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: Novio’s
Geaghan’s Pub and Craft Brewery
It’s like Cheers, only Irish…and they brew their own beer.
Geaghan’s is the epitome of a neighborhood pub, and whether or not everybody knows your name, you’ll still feel welcome here. Since 1975, the Geaghan family has been making sure that everyone that walks in feels like they belong there; their traditional, tavern-style menu (you have to try a bowl of their Steak-and-Stout Stew) and unpretentious, comfortable atmosphere are a recipe for return customers.
Location: 570 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: Geaghan’s Pub and Craft Brewery
McLaughlin’s Lobsters & Seafood Takeout
If you’re looking for a real Maine seafood experience, complete with picnic tables and bibs, then head to McLaughlin’s. This seasonal take-out establishment specializes in lobster rolls, shore dinners, fried seafood, and chowders—so chances are if you’re jonesing for seafood, McLaughlin’s has the cure.
Pull up an outdoor picnic table, or bring your bounty home—either way, you’re in for a classic Maine treat.
Location: 728 Main St, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: McLaughlin’s Lobsters & Seafood
Governor’s
This local fixture has become a true Maine icon and is the destination for classic, affordable comfort food (and their famous, signature strawberry pie). Their menus are vast, burgeoning with diner-style dishes in generous portions (their Blue Plate Combos are hugely popular) and served with a smile.
With five other Maine locations, Governor’s in Bangor opened their doors in 1959 and is a happy holdout from days gone by—the perfect spot to bring the family for a belly-filling, wallet-friendly night out.
Location: 643 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: Governor’s
Moe’s Original BBQ
Alabama BBQ in Bangor? Yes, indeed. Pulled pork, smoked meats (chicken, sausage, or turkey), fried catfish, ribs…get ‘em sandwich-style or by the platterful, and then, of course, you have to decide on which sides to pile on (I recommend the cornbread and banana pudding).
With several dining areas and atmospheres to choose from, you can gnaw your ribs while watching football at the bar, in the dining room atrium, or at a high-top. But no matter where you sit, make sure you grab plenty of napkins.
Location: 650 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: Moe’s Original BBQ
The Tarratine
Known locally as the place to go for celebrations that call for fancy, the historic Tarratine is a high-end spot where folks mark special occasions, yes—but they also have a seasonal rooftop lounge for a more casual experience.
Their menu is carefully curated to reflect each season’s local bounty, and every entree is presented with delightful accompaniments, each chosen to perfectly accentuate and enhance the dish as a whole—like the Scallops and Risotto, for example: Seared scallops with black garlic, shallots, risotto, lemon-herbed ricotta, balsamic pearls, and broccolini.
Location: 81 Park St, Bangor, ME 04401
Website: The Tarratine
As usual, I’ve overwritten my welcome—but here are seven more spots you should certainly visit when in Bangor. Craving sushi? Head to Ichiban.
Miguel’s is a local favorite for Mexican food, and if you just have to have your chicken Tikki Masala fix, Taste of India is your go-to.
For ramen, Umami Noodle Bar; for authentic Laab or Pho, it has to be Mama D Thai Cuisine; for Japanese hibachi dinner and a show, stop into Kobe Ninja House, and for a Guinness, a Guinness Burger, and a good time, head to Paddy Murphy’s.
Leave A Comment