Although probably best known in crustacean culinary circles for the renowned seasonal lobster shack, Red’s Eats (see below), “The Prettiest Village in Maine” has plenty of other visit-worthy eateries on offer.
With shorelines along both the Sheepscot and Back Rivers, this quaint, quintessential town features a treasure trove of interesting architecture and a growing collection of unique shops and galleries.
And after you spend a day strolling around Wiscasset’s lovely Main Street area, you’ll be sure to have worked up an appetite—so take a peek at what this traditional New England town has on offer to fill your belly.
Map of the Best Restaurants in Wiscasset
Here is a handy map of the best eateries in Wiscasset:
Red’s Eats
Wiscasset’s claim to fame, it’s hard to keep track of all the rave reviews Red’s Eats collects every year. This seasonal sensation is a real traffic stopper—and I mean that literally.
The line of patiently-waiting tourists and locals wraps around the corner on a daily basis in season, causing looky-loos and gawkers to inadvertently take their foot off the gas pedal, and…voila! Instant bottleneck on Route One.
But the long wait is more than worth it, say the likes of Maine Magazine, Phil of “Somebody Feed Phil” fame, Travelmidcoast.com, and Channel 13, among many others.
And while Red’s overflowing lobster rolls (my hands-down choice every time) put them on the map, there are plenty of other mouthwatering seafood (and non-seafood) menu options for any non-shellfish folks out there. There are even house-made dessert options—fried dough, blueberry cake, and whoopie pies.
Location: 41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website: Red’s Eats
Water Street Kitchen & Bar
Collecting industry accolades at every turn from heavy hitters like Down East Magazine and AAA, Water Street Kitchen & Bar has generated quite the buzz in Wiscasset since opening in June 2019.
Open most of the year (except for a short winter break in January), this upscale, riverfront property features plenty of comfortable indoor seating in the rustic-chic dining room and bar as well as a large, wrap-around enclosed porch and outdoor seating.
Water Street’s main menu is full of elevated, seafood-forward fare (options for landlubbers, too), and there is a separate and equally-fabulous bar menu, as well.
And since I prefer eating at the bar, I’d recommend the Fish Taco Trio (blackened or fried in-season catch-of-the-day, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and chipotle crema).
Be sure to check out the cocktail menu for some delightfully refreshing craft libations, like the C.R.G.: Cucumber, rosemary, and gin.
Location: 15 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website: Water Street Kitchen & Bar
Barnhouse Grill & Pub
Having opened in January 2021, smack in the middle of the ongoing Covid craziness, Barnhouse is one of the lucky establishments that survived the industry crunch of those uncertain times—and never looked back.
Offering delicious, abundant, and affordable Tex-Mex fare, a full bar, and friendly service, the Barnhouse has quickly become extremely popular with both locals and visitors.
Choose from sandwiches, burritos, tacos, BBQ platters, burgers, quesadillas, and a whole lot more on this pub-style menu—and be sure to check out the happy hour specials, Monday through Thursday, from 3-5. I’m partial to the Wild Wonder Burrito: Choice of protein (love me some shrimp), lettuce, tomato, cheese, roasted corn, cilantro, salsa, sour cream, jalapeños, and black beans.
Location: 690 Bath Rd Route 1, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website: Barnhouse Grill & Pub
Sea Basket
This family-friendly seafood restaurant is well-loved for the generous portion sizes of delicious, fresh fare, at prices that won’t empty your wallet.
The extensive menu obviously caters mostly to seafood lovers, but those that do not partake of such cuisine can find some non-finned and shell-less options, too.
Featuring fast counter service with plenty of casual indoor and outdoor seating, Sea Basket is a comfortable, come-as-you-are, and consistently reliable spot for a spectacular, no-frills seafood meal.
Really hungry? Order the Mixed Sea Jumbo Dinner Platter: Fried scallops, clams, shrimp, and haddock with fries, a dinner roll, and coleslaw.
Location: 303 Bath Rd, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website: Sea Basket
Sarah’s Café & Twin Schooners Pub
Open year-round, this warm and welcoming combo opened in 1987 and 1998, respectively, and the owner likes to tell folks that “the first ingredient is love” in all the homemade fare.
The menu is a panoply of mouthwatering options—featuring everything from salads, pub-style appetizers, and Sarah’s famous house-made soups to sandwiches, signature “Whaleboat” calzones, pizza, burgers, and seafood platters.
I strongly advise you to give the Harbormaster Whaleboat calzone a try: House-made dough stuffed with mozzarella, Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and spicy mustard, all baked to a state of melty magic.
Location: 45 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website: Sarah’s Café & Twin Schooners Pub
Wiscasset House of Pizza
Offering take-out only (at the time of this writing), the Wiscasset House of Pizza is a great option for those nights when you just don’t have the time or energy to whip up a meal, or when surprise guests show up at your door at dinnertime (what kind of monsters are these people?).
Featuring a classic, affordable menu of pizza (dough made fresh daily in-house), burgers, salads, and subs, this cash-only establishment is a reliable spot for fresh, made-to-order fare.
Location: 74 Flood Ave, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website: Wiscasset House of Pizza
The Cracked Egg
Under new ownership, this breakfast and lunch eatery is bright and bustling with energy and is typically closed for the month of January.
But for the rest of the year, folks fill the place up—tables and bar seating alike—to enjoy the fresh food served up with a smile. The breakfast offerings include egg combination plates, omelets, pancakes, waffles, hash, and specialty platters; the lunch menu features cold/hot/club sandwiches, burgers/dogs, and soups.
There is a boatload of daily and weekly specials, too, which are faithfully posted on the Cracked Egg’s Facebook page.
Location: 560 Gardiner Rd, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website: The Cracked Egg
Marketplace Café
Another year-round eatery, Marketplace offers homemade bakery items and daily breakfast/lunch specials, all made-to-order, for unbelievably affordable prices.
With egg plates, 3-egg omelets, griddle cakes, sandwiches, and combo platters available for breakfast and sandwiches, burgers, dogs, and specialty plates for lunch, Marketplace has a little something for everyone on offer.
I suggest trying the Chicken and Cheese bomb with mayo, onion, mushrooms, and green peppers.
Location: 681 Bath Rd, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website: Marketplace Café
Sprague’s Lobster
This seasonal favorite has both locals and tourists alike anxiously watching the calendar for opening day.
A quintessential lobster shack, Sprague’s has classic outdoor picnic tables and umbrellas for customers to enjoy their seafood (or non-seafood).
So, whether you’re craving a Fresh Maine Lobster Roll with a Clam Cake Basket or a Sweet Pepper Relish Dog with Fried Green Beans, Sprague’s has you covered.
Location: 22 Main St, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website: Sprague’s Lobster
Jodie’s Café & Bakery
Newly opened in late May 2022, Jodie’s made a big splash from the get-go. Folks have been raving about the fresh baked goods, breakfast, and lunch fare—along with the friendly, inclusive atmosphere—from day one.
Every item on the menu is made with obvious care, and it is clear how passionate these folks are about their business and customers.
Even the most basic of comfort-food options is elevated to a culinary masterpiece—like the Hot Ham and Swiss Cheese Sandwich, served on your choice of homemade bread.
Location: 277 Bath Rd, Wiscasset, ME 04578
Website: Jodie’s Café & Bakery
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