Camden, Maine is a quaint seaside town situated on Penobscot Bay. Ocean views, scenic drives, outdoor adventure, and a welcoming community make Camden the quintessential New England small town and one of my favorite places to enjoy a weekend getaway. Stay tuned for a series of posts about this midcoast jewel. First up where to eat and drink in Camden, Maine because that’s my favorite thing to do. 

Long Grain

This place is loved by both locals and travelers, so it is always busy!  Long Grain is a Thai kitchen that utilizes local and seasonal ingredients and serves up some delicious meals. The Kao Soi Gai, Larb and Pad Seaw are some of my favorites but honestly you can’t go wrong with anything that you order from here. I definitely recommend making a reservation before you go and if you can sit at the bar, you’ll probably end up chatting with an owner. Located at 20 Washington Street.

40 Paper

40 Paper has an inviting, warm atmosphere filled with locals. This modern Italian restaurant serves up handmade pasta, delicious flatbreads and gooey arancini. The bar hosts a happy hour with drink specials and small bites. Did I mention it’s in a all located in a civil war era mill? We like to sit in the bar area and test our Trivial Pursuit skill from their 1980s deck. Located at 40 Washington Street.

Marriner’s Restaurant

If you are looking for no fuss New England style food look no further. This luncheonette has been serving up delicious chowders, lobster rolls, fried clams and their crazy good blueberry pancakes for years and they certainly know what they are doing. Marriner’s doesn’t really have a website but are open Wed-Mon 6:00am-2:00pm for breakfast and lunch. Located at 35 Main Street.

Blaze

This location has some great views and beers. Super casual, they serve wood fired pizzas, burgers, french fries and seafood. It’s worth popping in for a snack and a beer after doing a little shopping. Located at 5 Bay View Landing.

Boynton-McKay

Don’t google this place because it will come up as closed. It is very much open, alive and well. Serving up delicious breakfast specials like summer veggie hash, eggs benedict and biscuits & gravy. And for lunch; tacos, homemade soups, sandwiches and creative salads. Check out their instagram page! Located at 30 Main Street.

Natalie’s

Now, I’ve never eaten here but I have popped in for a drink. The first time was after a wine dinner at The Cellar Door and the owners of the inn invited Andrew and I back for a drink. The Camden Harbor Inn is pure luxury and enjoying a cocktail at Natalie’s is a must when visiting the area. The decor is fantastic and the drinks are classic. They make a fabulous Vesper, have a wonderful wine list and the atmosphere is topnotch. I’m sure the food is amazing, they source their ingredients from local fishermen, farmers and get their veggies from their own gardens. Located at 83 Bayview Street.

16 Bay View- Vintage Room

Since we’re on the topic of drinks, The Vintage Room is a great spot for a drink before you head off to your dinner reservation. Big leather chairs, a cozy fireplace and warm brick walls make this a perfect place to spend a happy hour. It is attached to a hotel but there will be locals and travelers alike sipping in the Vintage Room. Try one of their signature cocktails like the Golden Hour or Sweet Woodruff Fizz. What I love too is that they have a whole menu of fun mocktails.They do serve a small menu of snack like Crispy Chicken Wontons and a Cheese Board. Located at 16 Bayview Street.

Zoot Cafe 

I need coffee, I can’t function in the morning without it. This coffeehouse has not only delicious coffee and espresso but super yummy food items as well. Muffins popping with fresh berries, savory quiche, grilled cheese sandwiches, and Scottish birdies. They have a lot of vegan options as well, like a vegan grilled cheese. Yum! Located at 31 Elm Street.

These are just my favorite places to pop into when visiting Camden but there are so many more! I’ve heard great things about Peter Ott’s on the Water, Wolfpeach, Waterfront, and Franny’s Bistro as well but have yet to make my way into these establishments. It’s hard to try new places when you want to make sure you get your favorites!