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15 Iconic Dishes That Scream Maine

These are the foodstuffs of lighthouse-filled dreams.

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classics week logoFor Classics Week, a collection of 15 of the state's iconic dishes. Some are prototypes: blueberry pie is known as a "Maine" dish, so lots of places make it with varying degrees of success. Other iconic dishes are specific to individual chefs or restaurants. You'll find examples of each here, and they are all at the top of their game. You'll disagree with the selections or gasp at the omissions, and that's okay — the comments are for sharing your picks, and perhaps influencing a future version of this map.

Note: the map is ordered roughly south to north.

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Owls Head General Store

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Seven Napkin Burger: A notoriously messy burger drives local and national traffic to this unassuming spot. Go see what all the fuss is about. [Photo: Tom Minervino]

Red's Eats

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Lobster Roll: The line for this classic shack's lobster roll doesn't let up until Red's closes for the season. Swallow your pride and brave the wait.

Amato's

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Italian: For better or for worse, Amato's is the "Home of the Real Italian," a famous local take on a grinder, hoagie, sub, or whatever other regional term you've heard for a sandwich on a long roll. Salt, pepper, and oil?

Two Fat Cats Bakery

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Whoopie Pie: The whoopie pie looms so large in Maine's culinary canon, it was recently named the official state snack. Two Fat Cats' take, up to and including the seasonal pumpkin version, is where you will begin to truly appreciate the cakey treat.

Dot's Bakery

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Blueberry Pie: The blueberry pie is Maine's official state dessert. Does that make Dot's the official state bakery?

Five Islands Lobster Co.

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Steamed Lobster: Critic Bill Addison called its picturesque setting overlooking Sheepscot River "the Maine of the imagination." Picking apart a freshly-caught, freshly-steamed lobster on a picnic table is all part of that pretty picture. Don't forget to tuck in your bib.

Fore Street

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Wood Oven-Roasted Mussels: Portland's seminal farm-to-table restaurant is home to one of the state's best sea-to-table dishes. A delicate touch with a hot oven is a beautiful thing.
Hot Dog: Wasses' hot dogs don't even need the region's signature red casings to stand out. Peanut oil as cooking fat is one secret to the popularity of these dogs.

Bob's Clam Hut

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Fried Clams: Original or Lillian-style — where the clams are dipped in a milk wash before frying — is no choice at all. Order them both ways and enjoy.

Silly's Restaurant

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The Hippy Dippy Shake: The menu at Silly's is all over the map, and the name of this incredible milk shake — which involves peanut butter and crunchy pretzels — embodies the wacky deliciousness at work.

Street and Co.

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Scallops in Pernod and Cream: A beautifully sweet and herbal preparation. Owner Dana Street told a critic he's thought about replacing this dish, but can't bear to disappoint his customers.

Gilbert's Chowder House

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Clam Chowder: Sometimes, a name is just a name. When it comes to Gilbert's Chowder House, the name says it all. Try the clam chowder and see.

Muddy Rudder Restaurant

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Rudder Chips: "House chips" are enough to get most diners excited. Muddy Rudder continues down a dark and delicious path, topping its chips with shrimp or chicken, parmesan cream, and bacon.

Dolphin Marina & Restaurant

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Fish Chowder: Open only half the year and self-described as "off the beaten path," Dolphin Marina and Restaurant lives and dies by its views and its fish chowder, a standout in the state.

A1 Diner

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Blueberry Pancakes: Do things just taste better in diner cars? Dotted with Maine's most famous fruit, A1's pancakes are worth going out of your way for.

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Owls Head General Store

Seven Napkin Burger: A notoriously messy burger drives local and national traffic to this unassuming spot. Go see what all the fuss is about. [Photo: Tom Minervino]

Red's Eats

Lobster Roll: The line for this classic shack's lobster roll doesn't let up until Red's closes for the season. Swallow your pride and brave the wait.

Amato's

Italian: For better or for worse, Amato's is the "Home of the Real Italian," a famous local take on a grinder, hoagie, sub, or whatever other regional term you've heard for a sandwich on a long roll. Salt, pepper, and oil?

Two Fat Cats Bakery

Whoopie Pie: The whoopie pie looms so large in Maine's culinary canon, it was recently named the official state snack. Two Fat Cats' take, up to and including the seasonal pumpkin version, is where you will begin to truly appreciate the cakey treat.

Dot's Bakery

Blueberry Pie: The blueberry pie is Maine's official state dessert. Does that make Dot's the official state bakery?

Five Islands Lobster Co.

Steamed Lobster: Critic Bill Addison called its picturesque setting overlooking Sheepscot River "the Maine of the imagination." Picking apart a freshly-caught, freshly-steamed lobster on a picnic table is all part of that pretty picture. Don't forget to tuck in your bib.

Fore Street

Wood Oven-Roasted Mussels: Portland's seminal farm-to-table restaurant is home to one of the state's best sea-to-table dishes. A delicate touch with a hot oven is a beautiful thing.

Wasses

Hot Dog: Wasses' hot dogs don't even need the region's signature red casings to stand out. Peanut oil as cooking fat is one secret to the popularity of these dogs.

Bob's Clam Hut

Fried Clams: Original or Lillian-style — where the clams are dipped in a milk wash before frying — is no choice at all. Order them both ways and enjoy.

Silly's Restaurant

The Hippy Dippy Shake: The menu at Silly's is all over the map, and the name of this incredible milk shake — which involves peanut butter and crunchy pretzels — embodies the wacky deliciousness at work.

Street and Co.

Scallops in Pernod and Cream: A beautifully sweet and herbal preparation. Owner Dana Street told a critic he's thought about replacing this dish, but can't bear to disappoint his customers.

Gilbert's Chowder House

Clam Chowder: Sometimes, a name is just a name. When it comes to Gilbert's Chowder House, the name says it all. Try the clam chowder and see.

Muddy Rudder Restaurant

Rudder Chips: "House chips" are enough to get most diners excited. Muddy Rudder continues down a dark and delicious path, topping its chips with shrimp or chicken, parmesan cream, and bacon.

Dolphin Marina & Restaurant

Fish Chowder: Open only half the year and self-described as "off the beaten path," Dolphin Marina and Restaurant lives and dies by its views and its fish chowder, a standout in the state.

A1 Diner

Blueberry Pancakes: Do things just taste better in diner cars? Dotted with Maine's most famous fruit, A1's pancakes are worth going out of your way for.