5 Best Restaurants in Thomaston, The Mid-Coast Region

The menu at this late-afternoon-into-late-evening spot is limited and changes frequently, but it's always good. Order a small plate or charcuterie board, or go bigger with something like risotto, ramen, or seared pork shoulder with roasted shallots and toasted pistachios. Sunday brunch is popular, thanks to such choices as molasses pancakes, deviled eggs with smoked trout, and gougeres served with candied bacon. Accompany your food with a cool craft cocktail, Maine beer (several on draft), or a glass of wine.

This local gathering spot sells a variety of hot and cold coffee and tea drinks, plus an appealing selection of light meals. Breakfast choices include a curried rice bowl, nachos, and avocado toast; at lunch, there are wraps and better-than-average salads. 

Billing itself as a classic Italian-American bakery, this little place across the street from the Maine State Prison Showroom turns out all sorts of sweet treats. The selection changes daily, but there's a good chance you'll find cupcakes, cookies, scones, sweet buns, tiramisu, Italian cream cake, savory foccacia buns, croissants, and pizzicati cookies. There's coffee, too, made from Maine-roasted beans. Get there soon after they open at 9 am, as the goodies usually sell out.

What was once a vintage gas station has been reborn as a casual dining spot with a Texas vibe. Moist, smoked barbecue is the star here, with offerings including brisket, pulled pork, and pork and beef ribs. The menu also includes tacos, sandwiches, pizzas, soups, and salads. Great specials amp up the selection even further. Sunday brunch features country-fried steak and eggs or biscuits and gravy; sometimes jalapeno cheddar grits or lobster johnny cake with Champagne beurre blanc make an appearance. Like most everything else here, the sauces are made from scratch, and you can even buy a bottle or two to take with you. Save room for the yummy cheesecake, whose flavor changes frequently. The bar mixes creative cocktails, including weekly margarita specials, and there's draft Maine beer, wine, and plenty of non-alcoholic choices. There's frequent live music, too.

With a welcoming, small-town atmosphere, this little café is popular with locals. Served at both lunch and dinner, the menu includes salads, sandwiches, burgers, and a few entrées such as fish-and-chips, baked stuffed haddock, and scallops au gratin.