The funds will give a much-needed boost to the economy—including the tourism industry.
And when you have an increase in tourists to the area…well, folks gotta eat, and Sanford has plenty of casual, affordable options in and around the downtown area.
Map Of Sanford Restaurants
The map below shows the locations of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
Pilots Cove Café
Sanford has its own municipal airport—which, in turn, has its own popular café. Watch takeoffs and landings as you enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the dining room or on the outdoor patio, and enjoy a Bloody Mary, beer, or cocktail from the full bar, as well.
The menus here are just as hearty as the portions, and you can expect delicious, farm-to-table comfort food, made to order. There is also a new on-site beer garden—The Runaway—featuring live entertainment and craft cocktails.
Location: 199 Airport Rd, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Pilots Cove Café
El Mexicano
Featuring authentic, flavorful Mexican fare in a casual, comfortable atmosphere, the family that owns and runs El Mexicano uses only the freshest ingredients in everything they make—and you can taste the difference it makes as soon as you take your first bite.
With classic favorites like elote, nachos, tacos, burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas, fajitas, and enchiladas, you can also order creative twists on said classics, like bowls and salads.
There are also Hornitos margaritas on offer, as well as several dessert options; I suggest you start Ana’s Queso Fondue, move on to the BBQ Quesadilla, and then finish it all off with the 3 Leches Cake.
Location: 1364 Main St #16, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: El Mexicano
Bubba Frye’s Wings & Things
With a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere and an affordable, kid-friendly menu to match, Bubba Frye’s offers dine-in, take-out, and delivery service for their delicious comfort food.
Want wings? They’ve got ‘em—with 31 sauces to choose from. Searching for a sando or sub? Plenty of those, too. Pizza or calzone? Heck, yeah. Bubba’s also has big ol’ burgers, pulled pork, and these fabulous creations they call “Mac Bowls” in one- or two-pound portions…I kid you not. House-made mac-and-cheese with your choice of six delicious protein options. It’s a comfort food lover’s dream come true.
Location: 890 Main St #200b, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Bubba Frye’s Wings & Things
Shain’s of Maine
While known for being a great spot for ice cream, Shain’s is also a solid choice for a quick and casual lunch or dinner, especially if you’re looking for affordable seafood.
Offering budget-friendly, delicious choices like lobster rolls, chowder, and fried seafood platters alongside landlubber options like hot dogs, chili, meatball subs, pulled-pork sandwiches, and chicken finger dinners, you can rely on Shain’s for lunch, dinner…and ice cream for dessert, always.
Location: 1491 Main St, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Shain’s of Maine
Pho Saigon
Proud to be serving “Sanford’s most authentic Vietnamese” cuisine, it has taken the owners of Pho Saigon years to perfect their versions of the Southeast Asian recipes served at their restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, Pho Saigon offers a large menu full of delicious variations of familiar dishes.
Start by choosing a protein—chicken, beef, shrimp, calamari, scallop, pork, or tofu/vegetarian—then select the preparation recipe: Lo mein, Pad Thai, stir fry, Chow Foon, and many other options. There is also a full bar—and Boba tea (love me some Boba)!
Location: 890 Main St, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Pho Saigon
Third Alarm Diner
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (all three menus are served all day)—and also featuring a full bar—Third Alarm Diner is another great casual spot for comfort food and drinks.
So, if you want to order the Tanker Truck (two eggs with choice of meat and a pancake or slice of French toast) at 5 p.m., or a Meatloaf Dinner at 9 a.m., nobody will raise an eyebrow. Although, if I were you, I’d opt for the Third Alarm Bloody Mary or an Orange Creamsicle Adult Milkshake (depending on what time of day it is), and the house Lobster Macaroni and Cheese—no matter what time of day it is.
Location: 47 Washington St, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Third Alarm Diner
Lord’s Clam Box
Since 1969, the folks at Lord’s have been making good on their promise to offer budget-friendly, high-quality seafood.
Lord’s offers dine-in or take-out service, and even the seafood-shirkers in your clan can find something on this popular menu; you’ll find everything from chowder, clam cakes, fried shrimp, and an amazing Fisherman’s Platter to beef pot pie, chicken parmesan, double cheeseburgers, and poutine at Lord’s.
There are also plenty of appetizers and desserts on offer, as well as beer and wine.
Location: 1465 Main St, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Lord’s Clam Box
Sweet Memories Restaurant
This simple, diner-style eatery serves breakfast from 7-2 and lunch from 11-2 daily—and it’s all about the food; no muss, no fuss, no bells, no whistles. Featuring indoor and outdoor (seasonal) dining as well as take-out service, Sweet Memories offers large portions of hearty, homemade fare at affordable prices—and you can’t beat all that with a stick!
All the usual suspects are on offer: Pancakes, scrambles, combination platters, omelets, and more for breakfast, and sandwiches, burgers, baskets, wraps, and salads for lunch. I suggest the Double BLT club sandwich with fries for a solid, belly-filling lunch that will hold you until dinner.
Location: 937 Main St, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Sweet Memories Restaurant
Back Street Sanford
This Sanford hot spot is “where the locals meet for good food and drinks” and features a restaurant and a lounge to accommodate whatever sort of mood you might be in. The bistro-style vibe at Back Street’s dining room is family-friendly and casual, offering an expansive menu of delicious pub fare, cocktails, and desserts.
And when you’re up for some live entertainment with your drinks and nosh, head upstairs to Street Lounge where you can belly up to the bar, order from the same menu available downstairs, and partake of your libation of choice.
Location: 6 School St, Sanford, ME 04073
Website: Back Street Sanford
As mentioned earlier, if you’re on the hunt for casual, affordable fare in Sanford, you certainly won’t go hungry—and while I’ve run out of space and time to fully review the rest of these fine establishments, I will leave them here for your kind perusal.
For flavorful, global, BBQ-centric fare, head to Richie’s Jerk & BBQ. When you’re hankering for a big, juicy burger, it’s gotta be Burger Budz.
Mill Towne Tavern is a lively spot with pub fare, live music, a pool table, and other bar-style games, and Yummy House Restaurant and Mee D Thai are delicious, reliable options for fresh and authentic Chinese and Thai fare, respectively.
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