Home to the Bath Iron Works and a destination in its own right, this up-and-coming little city has plenty to do and see (shops, galleries, boutiques, hiking trails…and the Maine Maritime Museum is here, as well), which means you’ll need to have a plan in place for frequent sustenance stops.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner—Bath’s dining options are plentiful enough that you probably won’t have to resort to patronizing the same place twice…unless you want to, of course.
Map Of Bath Restaurants
The map below shows the locations of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
Southgate Family Restaurant
With friendly service, affordable prices, and abundant portions of delicious fare, the Southgate Family Restaurant has been in business for over three decades. Serving up both breakfast and lunch menus Wednesday through Sunday from 7-1, you can get a Jalapeño Cheddar Burger for breakfast or a Loaded Breakfast Burrito for lunch if you so desire—and that’s my kind of place.
The homemade hash here is legendary—but I’d have to go for the Reuben Benedict: Two poached eggs, corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, all topped with hollandaise sauce. Hey, why not get two of my favorite things in one go?
Location: 25 Centre St, Bath, ME 04530
Website: Southgate Family Restaurant
Winnegance Restaurant & Bakery
Serving breakfast and lunch, the lively and colorful Winnegance Restaurant and Bakery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 6-4. Sister property to Schutty’s Seafood (see below), the folks that own both locations know how to make fantastic fare.
Expect fresh, local food made from scratch every day; morning options like breakfast sandwiches, omelets, pancakes, French toast, scrambles, and burritos, or lunch choices like subs, tacos, soups, salads, wraps, and entrees (perfect for taking home for an easy dinner). In the latter category, I recommend the Seafood Scampi: Sautéed lobster, scallops, and shrimp in lemon-white wine-garlic butter with onions, mushrooms, and sweet red peppers over linguini.
Location: 36 High St, Bath, ME 04530
Website: Winnegance Restaurant & Bakery
Schutty’s Seafood
This hugely popular seasonal stand has outdoor, covered seating and features all of the expected seafood classics on offer, along with plenty of unexpected items.
Sure, you can order a traditional Maine lobster roll, a pint of scallops, a blackened swordfish sandwich, or a fried haddock basket…but you can also get shrimp tacos, chili-cheese tater tots, deep-fried cheese curds, or a vegetable Reuben sandwich. Not too shabby, huh? I’m a big fan of the crabmeat roll, usually with a side order of the smoked haddock chowder.
Location: 410 State Rd, West Bath, ME 04530
Website: Schutty’s Seafood
Best Thai II
Best Thai II uses local meats and produce to create all of their authentic dishes; the owners follow the Thai belief that “eating is a celebration of life—part of an eternal pursuit of health and harmony,” and it is evident in the fresh, delicious fare you’ll be treated to.
Featuring an extensive, creative menu of both familiar Thai classics as well as quite a few lesser-known creations, Best Thai aims to sway customers to try something different and gain a new favorite dish. Be adventuresome and perhaps try the Larbkai Salad (ground chicken, red onions, lettuce, mint, cilantro, red peppers, and ground, toasted rice topped with spicy lime juice) along with a bowl of Tom Kha Soup (Thai spices, mushrooms, chicken, scallions, and coconut milk).
Location: 23 Elm St, Bath, ME 04530
Website: Best Thai II
J.R. Maxwell & Company
This steak and seafood restaurant opened in 1979, its longevity a testament to its popularity. With a warm, upscale tavern feel and a huge pub menu to match, J.R. Maxwell’s has plenty of room in the spacious dining areas and features a full bar, a pool table, and TVs for watching sports.
Soups, chowders, and the beer batter for their amazing fried fish are all house-made, and the only problem you may run into here is deciding what to get from the expansive offerings. And because it’s what they do best here, might I suggest you order the Surf and Turf? You’ll be presented with a Maine lobster, steamed to perfection, alongside an 8-ounce New York sirloin.
Location: 122 Front St, Bath, ME 04530
Website: J.R. Maxwell & Company
The Galley Family Restaurant
Open for breakfast and lunch until 2 p.m. seven days a week, The Galley is a great spot to bring the whole family. Large portions of simple, delicious, affordable fare—all in a friendly, casual atmosphere.
There are just enough options on both menus—not too skimpy, not too overwhelming—and there is also a kids’ menu. For breakfast, I recommend the Steak & Cheese Omelet; if you’re in The Galley for lunch, then definitely try the Chicken Salad Club—with a side of onion rings (they’re a food group unto themselves).
Location: 245 Centre St, Bath, ME 04530
Website: The Galley Family Restaurant
Byrnes’ Irish Pub
This family-owned-and-operated pub promises “good food, good drink, and always a good time.” Open Tuesday through Sunday year-round, the fare on the menu at Byrnes’ is riddled with classic fare tweaked with local and Irish influence—take the Pastrami Poutine appetizer, for example: Fried Maine potato cakes layered with grilled pastrami and onions, then topped with Guinness onion gravy and melted cheddar.
And of course, you’ll have to try the Irish Bangers and Mash: Pork sausage and Guinness onion gravy with braised cabbage and a slice of homemade Guinness bread. And be prepared for a lively atmosphere at Byrnes’…because as the old Irish proverb says: “Laughter is brightest where food is best!”
Location: 38 Centre St, Bath, ME 04530
Website: Byrnes’ Irish Pub
The Cabin
Touted as “as good as it gets in Maine” by DownEast Magazine and “one of the best” by the Boston Globe, The Cabin has been serving up “the only real pizza in Maine” since 1973. That’s a lot of pizza, folks! The dough is made daily, in-house, and every pie is made to order—including The Cabin’s famous 28” pizza. But they’re not only a pizza joint, mind you.
There are plenty of other options here on the menu, like appetizers, pasta, subs, and salads. The Cabin serves beer and wine and is open Wednesday through Sunday; note that credit cards are not accepted (there is an ATM on-site).
Location: 552 Washington St, Bath, ME 04530
Website: The Cabin
Well, I’ve just about reached the end of my allotted space-tether, but because I just can’t bear to leave worthy establishments unmentioned, here are a few more fantastic spots to add to your list.
For delicious, homemade breakfast and lunch fare, stop by Fiona’s Restaurant or Mae’s Café & Bakery. Burano’s Wood-Fired Pizzeria features a fabulous menu of specialty pizzas, entrees, and sandwiches, and Mateo’s Hacienda is the place for “the best authentic Mexican on Earth”.
The Bath Brewing Company offers both a traditional dining room as well as a casual tavern space to enjoy their German, American, and English-style craft beers and delicious pub fare. And the Kennebec Tavern Restaurant features both indoor and outdoor deck dining (the latter with beautiful river views) for their plentiful, affordable menu.
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