Isn’t it a nice feeling when, after finishing a meal at a restaurant, you sit back and say something along the lines of, “Wow, that was so good! And there was so much food! What a deal!”
It’s good when the food is excellent. But it’s even better when you feel like you got great value for your money — whether it’s through portion sizes, quality, service or experience.
In a time when it feels like your dollar doesn’t go quite as far as it used to, it’s nice to know that there are still places where your wallet leaves as happy as your tummy does. These are a few of our favorite dining deals in Maine.
The Eagle’s Nest, Brewer
We’ll cut right to the chase: The Eagle’s Nest in Brewer has one of the best lobster roll deals in the state of Maine. Although $31 may seem in line with typical lobster roll prices, when it arrives at your table, you’ll understand why it’s a deal: it’s positively loaded with fresh Maine lobster. And it comes with fries and coleslaw. And it’s really good. Compare that with more expensive lobster rolls elsewhere with less meat and no sides included, and you’ll understand why this cozy riverside eatery is legendary in the Bangor area. Don’t sleep on the all-you-can-eat fried haddock, either.
Las Palapas, Bangor and Brewer
Burritos the size of a football. Bowls of queso big enough to swim in. Margaritas that seem to never end. One thing’s for sure: you will never leave either of Las Palapas’ locations in Bangor or Brewer hungry. You will probably bring home leftovers, in fact. If you can finish an entire Las Palapas burrito in one sitting, you’re a pretty hungry person.
Delvino’s Grill & Pasta House, Belfast
Delvino’s is one of a rare breed: a great date-night restaurant that won’t break the bank. It serves solid Italian-American fare out of its elegant brick-lined dining room, alongside cocktails, wine and sangria. There’s a Tuesday meal deal that’s well-loved by locals: two entrees per person and an appetizer and a dessert to split, that’s $29 for lunch and $47 for dinner. It’s a great place to treat your sweetie, even if you’re on a budget.
A1 Diner, Gardiner
There’s a reason people speak so fondly of this restaurant in Gardiner: it’s a classic diner but with a modern twist. You can get a big, hearty breakfast, or opt for traditional fare like fried haddock, mac and cheese and yes, even liver and onions. The specials change constantly, inspired by international cuisines including Greek, Korean, Moroccan and Cajun and many others. Regardless of your menu choices, you definitely get your money’s worth — excellent food at a reasonable price, and plenty of it.
Sun Vietnamese, Portland
You can get a mountain of fried rice, a giant banh mi or a huge, steaming bowl of beef or chicken pho for under $15 at this long standing no-frills Forest Avenue eatery in Portland. In fact, you can’t get anything here for more than $15, because that’s the most expensive price point on the menu. It’s generally a takeout joint, but if you’re feeding a crowd, it’s hard to find a better deal in Portland.
Now we want to know: what do you think is the best dining deal in Maine? Where do you get the most bang for your buck?
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