Eating well around Baxter State Park
WRITTEN BY JOANNA O’ LEARY
Katahdin. Its very name evokes extreme physical challenges: treacherous climbs, arduous hikes, nimble kayaking. To tackle the aforementioned — as well as any “lesser” feats — you have to fuel up. Trail mix just isn’t going to cut it.
Grandbelly’s Country Cafe, Medway
Breakfast is the name of the game at Grandbelly’s, where bountiful platters of Belgian waffles, biscuits and gravy, and “kitchen sink” omelets provide the calories you need — and more — for the day’s planned endurance sports. If you love hollandaise, be sure to try any of the Benedict variations, including ham, lobster, or prime rib options. Later diners should look to the wipe-off board for announcements of lunch and dinner specials, primarily Americana classics such as chop suey, steak tips, and country-fried steak.
Fredericka’s Restaurant and the Loose Moose Bar & Grille, Millinocket
With double the dining opportunities under one roof, it’s hard to go wrong when you stop at the Big Moose Inn Cabins & Campground. For those feeling a bit fancy, Fredericka’s is home to upscale continental fare (e.g., chicken marsala, crab-stuffed haddock), while the Loose Moose is a reliable source of pub grub staples (wings, nachos, burgers). Sandwich aficionados will especially appreciate the latter’s creative lineup, which includes a sumptuous Reuben and the deliciously nostalgic “Thanksgiving sub” (oven-roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, American cheese, cranberry sauce). bigmoosecabins.com
Salted Butter Farm, Sherman
“Salt,” “Butter,” “Farm” — it bodes well for getting a great meal, and this adorable restaurant certainly delivers. Located in a 19th-century mansion known locally as the “Big Purple House,” Salted Butter Farm was originally constructed as a mail-order residence for Sherman’s first postmaster, A.B. Leavitt, and his family. Today, Salted Butter Farm serves up satisfying homemade fare, albeit with whimsical names. Start with “It Was Colonel Mustard in the Kitchen with the Pretzel Stick” (chewy pretzel wedges with cheddar fondue and Raye’s mustard) before moving on to a robust entree like the chicken Parmesan platter or the barbacoa burrito. Those with a sweet tooth should save room for Salted Butter Farm’s rotating selection of homemade cheesecakes or a root beer float. saltedbutterfarm.com
Knife Edge Brewing, Millinocket
Nothing tastes better after a taxing day on the trails than a pint and a slice (or two) at Knife Edge. This craft brewery offers house-made brews from locally sourced ingredients, as well as oven-fired pizzas in spacious digs suited to accommodate large parties. Standard pepperoni and buffalo mozzarella pizzas, with their pillow-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside crusts, certainly hit the spot, as do the wings and hearty chili. Pro tip: go for pies with more inventive toppings such as the “Butternut Crave” (roasted butternut squash, ricotta, cranberries, red onions). A full schedule of live entertainment including comedians and bands, plus other amusements like trivia or paint-and-sip classes, make it easy to become a regular at Knife Edge Brewing. neoc.com/knife-edge-brewing
Craig’s Clam Shop, Patten
Each year, locals and those “from away” count down the days until the opening of Craig’s, a seasonal shack and dairy bar. Pack your patience on the weekends, but rest assured the line for fried seafood baskets (haddock, clams, shrimp, scallops, etc.) and lobster rolls is well worth it. Sides of coleslaw and fries are anything but an afterthought at Craig’s, with the waffle fries addictive to the point of almost distracting you from your entree. While you’re waiting for your basket, take the edge off your hunger with some fried mushrooms, and remember to balance all that piscine protein with some calcium in the form of a soft-serve swirl.
