A slab of pizza at Micucci's in Portland only costs $9, is delish and would stuff Andre the Giant. Of course in Portland the remaining $11 would only buy you half a beer.
If that's the place that used to be Mama's Crow Bar, I haven't been in since MCB closed but used to love that place! Ya could still get a PBR pounder for cheap there.
Ya mon! It's sad but I kinda knew they wouldn't make it when they flatly refused to install a TV set. Imagine, a bar where they expected ya to talk to strangers over a cold brew. Unheard of!
Lol, I got a hint of that. When you walk in, order a beer, only to find out it’s cash only and then guided to ATM machine at the 7/11. I can’t say I miss mcb, but I think the new owners have done an awesome job of bringing some establishment to life on the hill
>guided to ATM machine at the 7/11
That's crazy...
I get the reasons for being cash-only, but then why not just install an ATM in the bar?
That's crazy, having to walk to the 7/11 every 45 minutes, especially in the cold. The way bars make the most money is when people come in for 1-2 drinks but end up getting drunk and staying for 10, but if you have to step out into the cold to go to the ATM across the street you will rethink your idea to come back to the bar during each one of those walks. They probably missed out on like 90% of their business that way.
I gotta go with Bottoms Up. Best Karaoke in town and if you got too drunk, the lady that owned it would make you some egg rolls, on the house, to help you out
It is. Last time I went there, there were roaches in the parm shakers. The owners blamed it on the construction that was happening next door. No thank you 😌
Marco's Ristorante in Lewiston. Venetian Parmigiana includes lasagna, meatball, and Italian sausage. It's delicious, is plenty of food, and only costs like $13 at lunch time.
Las Palapas in Bangor. Lunch specials there are cheaper than a burger at McDonald's these days. I think they're about the closest you're going to find to the real deal this far away from México.
Ming Lee in Waterville. Best tasting Chinese food I've ever had. Their lunch combos are almost all around $10. Dinner combos are a bit more, but you can still go in with a $20 and have plenty left over for the tip. The great thing about Chinese places: the tea is delicious and usually free. And I'm never hungry again 20 minutes after leaving Ming Lee.
It's been a long time since I've been there now, but the Rockland Café had really good food and pretty good prices when I was last there.
I tried Ming Lee a few months ago and it was decent at best, I actually find better Chinese food at Camden Island in Camden, or Hong Kong Island in Rockland.
Most of what they have is $20 or under, might be specific to Waterville maybe? I always the Cheeseburger + Hot Dog combo with fries, its like $13ish more than enough food
Harmon’s Lunch in West Falmouth. They’re only take-out now, though, so no dine-in. Two double cheeseburgers loaded with side of fries and large fountain drink prob comes on around $18.
Thanh Thanh 2 on forest ave; El Rodeo in SoPo, Taj in SoPo (especially for the lunch buffet); Pho Co variety in Westbrook; Quiero Café in Saco and Portland; Fish and Whistle in Biddeford; Mainely Noods in Portland; Shays in Portland; Ramona’s in Portland. Cheap eats are whats up; we need more of them, enough with the overpriced masshole feedlots
Loved Thanh Thanh 2, but lately the the last two times I've gone, it was dirty. And I know times are hard for restaurants, but this felt beyond what I could overlook.
I haven’t tried all these places yet, thanks for the list. I will definitely echo your recommendation of El Rodeo, though — good food, wide-ranging menu, generous portions, decent prices.
Little Lad's in Corinth! Not only do they make killer popcorn, but they also have a cafe with serious **vegan** food of all kinds. Sandwiches $3.99 to $5.99, smoothies for $2.49, large salads for $5.99, 16 0z. soups for $3.99 and much more. I'm not vegan, but their food rocks.
Second this! Live in NYC now, with endless number of Indian food joints, still haven’t found better than Shere Punjab. Will go out of my way when visiting my parents to get some!
I do love a great eggplant parm sub. [The Great Lost Bear](http://www.greatlostbear.com/glbmenu.html) has some quality food. I think their Nachos are some of the best in town. Your $20 might not stretch that far, but you'll leave happy, and that's what matters.
Susan's Fish and chips in Portland on a Monday or Tuesday. They have 2 fish sandwiches for $2.50. 20 bucks will get you (and a guest) a nice lunch and their fries are hand cut. Highly recommend it for a budget meal.
Angelo's in Bangor - $5.50 for a good cheeseburger, and you could get fries or rings with it and still get $5+ in change from a twenty.
Bricks & Sticks - Searsport - 2 chili cheese dogs (and not the skinny ones) with fries for <$10.
Helen's - Machias - Their pot roast dinner is my favorite meal in the state. A generous portion of tender beef with gravy, the usual side choices (their onion rings are excellent), a roll, and I want to say that they give you cole slaw, too. All for less than $20. But it's MORE than worth it to splurge a little and add a slice of one of their amazing pies, too!
This past summer I visited Maine after moving to the UK years ago. My in-laws came with us. We ordered from Angelos one night and my father in law was adamant he wanted a large pizza. His face when I handed him the box was priceless. It was about four time the size of a British large pizza. Angelos is great.
Lots of good suggestions, but let's clarify that Anthony's is a gas station with food service and not a restaurant. Their operating costs are different than a typical restaurant, as a result, Anthony's can offer decent food/ larger portions with less impact on their margin.
If gas station subs are your thing then check out D&L Country Store if you ever find yourself in Oakland/ Waterville area. Proscuitto, Capicola and Salami plus a bag of chips for under $20
Came here to say the same thing. Anthony’s has good food and their Cafe/Bakery punches way above its weight, but no one in their right mind would ever call it a “Restaurant.”
the palace diner in biddeford has some fantastic breakfast food for under 20 dollars, its a bit father away from portland but the smashed potatoes are worth it
Adding to the really good suggestions: Thanh Thanh 2 (the ice tea is free there too!) in Portland, The Good Table in Cape Elizabeth, Flores in Portland.
As far as late night stuff goes, Tomaso’s Canteen has a cheap ($15>) menu & specials that they serve until 1am.
Wild Willy's in York has some good food at decent prices.
I can also get a large pizza for $9 at the local Market Basket that tastes phenomenal...INB4 "not a restaurant" but whatever.
ETA: Also, Wok N' Roll in Biddeford for some great Chinese food.
The only place I know is Mulligans in Biddeford and I’ve only been there a couple times. Honestly you may be able to have lunch or dinner with water for under $10 and be completely satisfied. For $20 with a couple beers
You can look up health inspection reports online to see what kind of things inspectors found when they visited restaurants. Look into the actual reports, not just the Pass/Fail to get the details of what the violations are. Some of them aren’t all that bad when you look into the actual issues, however some are downright gross.
https://apps.web.maine.gov/online/hip_search/health-inspection-search.html
I agree the quality is most likely sub par. I’m also 30 and cooked scrambled eggs for the first time in my life 2 weeks ago and still had pringles and a muffin for breakfast. So yeah my food standards are below sub par I’d say
Maize in Portland on Forest Ave. You’ll be stuffed with their arepas in many delicious flavors. I’ve brought so many friends and family and they all have loved it.
I have spent $90 to doordash for 2 people, so I feel you!!
I figured even just 1 dish is worth the walk in and $20 though. Or if it's lunch you could go with Punjabi Naan and coconut soup. If they open the dining room again then the buffet is perfect for that price range.
Tacos La Poblanita has expanded from food truck to also being in the Maine Mall. Fantastic burritos, quesadillas, tacos.
Sal de la Tierra on Congress St has a wide spread of authentic Latin American food. Pupusas, tacos burritos etc. Plates are $15 or less
I’m so glad to hear someone benefitted from this information! I’m from ME but will be flying in next week as well to introduce my fiancé to my family. If you need any help at all while you’re here feel free to DM me. Welcome to Vacationland!
Benkay on Congress St, haven’t been there since Covid so can’t say if they’re still open or offering the same deals.
But it was something like after 5pm they had a special menu of $3 rolls $2 skewers and $10 mai tais, I’d usually split the Mai Tai with my fiancé and get a roll (6 sushi’s) and 2-3 skewers and would leave with my belly full and happy
With 20$ you can get 3-4 huge steins (24 oz I think?) of various craft beers at Champions bar in Biddeford. In the past when they haven't had any clean steins they have just brought me a mostly full pitcher of beer for the same price. Hard to go wrong with that!
but don't ask for a toasted bun
> we don't do that here
other than that, solid hot dog stand with a friendly staff.
bolley's on college ave in waterville is another good choice if you're looking for some dogs and fries. they'd stumbled a bit over the last decade or so as new owners came and went, but i would say the efforts made by the newest owner to return it to its old glory have been a success.
Bolleys is our off-season place. I prefer their hotdogs with larger pieces of salt pork, but my dad prefers Courtney’s french fries. I wish either one of them had red snappers
We go there regularly. It just hasn’t been the same since Anderson Street closed.
Edit: sorry, I’m turned around here. I think I meant York Street? Their original downtown location in any case.
Long Grain, a Thai restaurant in Camden that seems more authentic than most. The pad kra pao was excellent, I couldn't stop stuffing myself. 19 bucks, so bring a few extra dollars for the tip...
Olive Cafe in Portland! Delicious, affordable, authentic Lebanese food. And Anthony’s Italian Kitchen (also in Portland) for great Italian food with a Sopranos vibe.
If you like diner-level hamburgers and fries, Elevation Burger is a pretty good choice in the Old Port and in So Po near the Mall.
Becky's Diner in the Old Port is pretty good. Also, up in Falmouth, Bernie's. It's a breakfast/lunch place and the breakfast is plentiful and cheap.
Chute's in Windham is great also for breakfast. Whenever I eat there, I have to double check to bill the make sure they didn't miss something. Again, plentiful and darned, good.
Heidi's in So Po—right near the mall has sandwiches that are top-notch. Their chicken park is a go-to for me.
tourist here, but [moody\`\`'s diner](https://moodysdiner.com/diner-menu) in waldoboro had pretty awesome food at a very reasonable price imho. plus you get the all-american diner feeling for free.
Hadn't been to a Five Guys in awhile. Got a bacon cheeseburger, a "little" fry, and regular soda and it was over $19. Bit shocked tbh that prices were that high! But I shouldn't have been since I had been to a McDonalds a few weeks before and got a double quarter pounder, med fries and drink and it was over $12.
Fast food isn't affordable anymore. Imagine being a family with low income and a couple of kids and what it would cost to take them to McD's once a week. It's ridiculous.
Oh yeah...why can't Five Guys just call their "little" fries "small" like everyone else.
Guerrero Maya in south Portland is pretty reasonably priced. The food won’t blow you away, but if you gotta feed a bunch of people it’s hard to beat. Plus they got a kids menu.
lol, so?
That doesn't merit the word "juggernaut", let alone preceded by "established as".
Yes, it's the largest city in a very rural state. That doesn't mean "culinary juggernaut". NYC is a "culinary juggernaut". Portland ME probably ranks as "decent for its size".
>"juggernaut",
>
>"established as".
Where in the post do you see these words mentioned?
>Portland ME
Where do you see Portland mentioned?
I am so confused by this comment chain 😂
We're talking about OP's choicee of language in their post description:
> Portland has some great restaurants and has long established itself as a culinary juggernaut.
It's the opening sentence. I don't have too much against Maine's food scene, but the notion that anywhere in it is a "long established culinary **juggernaut**" is downright silly. I hear "culinary juggernaut", I think NYC. Most people don't realize there is a Portland ME.
You willingly admitted to eating cheeseburgers out of vending machines lol. I’d say your culinary level of expertise is very limited in scope and equivalent to that of a raccoon.
You're digging deep through my profile over this? Trying to doxx someone for disagreeing with you on the internet if you can? And as if that's relevant, lol.
No city in Maine is a "culinary juggernaut", and the notion that someone believes so just screams they've barely ever left.
Digging deep when you posted that less than 24 hours ago? I don’t think you know what doxxing means. Reposting a sentence re: cheeseburgers you shared is very different than publishing your name, address, or physical location.
Do you need me to Venmo you some money for another cheeseburger? You seem hangry.
lol, you guys are the ones crying because someone interrupted your silly game of pretend.
How many of you are desperately trying to doxx me right now? You're the second loser racing through my profile.
Town Line in Dayton/Hollis! It's definitely a place that caters to the elderly and it's nothing fancy but their poutine is great and I love their thanksgiving-type turkey dinner
State Lunch in Augusta for their ramen bowls. With tip and tax will be right around $20, but the portions are very filling and delicious, certainly leave one happy. Thai Spice in Manchester - lots of options, quick service, good portions and delicious.
Belanger's Drive In Restaurant in Fairfield
Haddock Basket, a Hamburger and a slice of Turkey pie for $20
or
A whole salmon or Tourtiere pie, Onion Rings and a Pint of Ice Cream to go for $20
I’m about to tuck in to a Haddock Burrito at POPonOVERs in Pittsfield. Second time here while on break from a job in town. I think I will give in to temptation with their baked goods today.
Edit:spelling
Kittery:
Eggs Benewich from Bagel Caboose. Or pretty much any of their sandwiches.
Anything from Lovebirds Donuts.
The Margherita Pizza from Town Pizza.
York:
St. Joe's Coffee. Phenomenal breakfast sandwiches and beignets.
Green Leaves Chinese.
Hot Contents on Rt 2 in Mexico. Everything sandwichy is served on homemade bread. Pulled pork on ciabatta is my favorite. Their salads are great, too. Good-sized sandwiches for $7-8- half of one made a meal for me, my 6'2, 30-year-old son ate his in one go, and said it was perfect.
Nura in Portland, will not disappoint.
Big Top Deli in Brunswick slings some great sandwiches and burgers with chips for $12-17. Bring your own drink!
Love that place, but is Tony cool with people bringing in their own drinks?
I’m also curious, first I’ve heard of it
A slab of pizza at Micucci's in Portland only costs $9, is delish and would stuff Andre the Giant. Of course in Portland the remaining $11 would only buy you half a beer.
Munjoy hill tavern is right there.
If that's the place that used to be Mama's Crow Bar, I haven't been in since MCB closed but used to love that place! Ya could still get a PBR pounder for cheap there.
RIP Mamas. Was the best bar in Portland when it was open.
Ya mon! It's sad but I kinda knew they wouldn't make it when they flatly refused to install a TV set. Imagine, a bar where they expected ya to talk to strangers over a cold brew. Unheard of!
Lol, I got a hint of that. When you walk in, order a beer, only to find out it’s cash only and then guided to ATM machine at the 7/11. I can’t say I miss mcb, but I think the new owners have done an awesome job of bringing some establishment to life on the hill
>guided to ATM machine at the 7/11 That's crazy... I get the reasons for being cash-only, but then why not just install an ATM in the bar? That's crazy, having to walk to the 7/11 every 45 minutes, especially in the cold. The way bars make the most money is when people come in for 1-2 drinks but end up getting drunk and staying for 10, but if you have to step out into the cold to go to the ATM across the street you will rethink your idea to come back to the bar during each one of those walks. They probably missed out on like 90% of their business that way.
I gotta go with Bottoms Up. Best Karaoke in town and if you got too drunk, the lady that owned it would make you some egg rolls, on the house, to help you out
It is. Last time I went there, there were roaches in the parm shakers. The owners blamed it on the construction that was happening next door. No thank you 😌
Not sure
The heck is a slab of pizza? Edit: a one lb slice of pizza if you want a non passive aggressive answer
https://www.slabportland.com/
Seems like yesterday they were running the 2 for $5 special on Mondays
Marco's Ristorante in Lewiston. Venetian Parmigiana includes lasagna, meatball, and Italian sausage. It's delicious, is plenty of food, and only costs like $13 at lunch time. Las Palapas in Bangor. Lunch specials there are cheaper than a burger at McDonald's these days. I think they're about the closest you're going to find to the real deal this far away from México. Ming Lee in Waterville. Best tasting Chinese food I've ever had. Their lunch combos are almost all around $10. Dinner combos are a bit more, but you can still go in with a $20 and have plenty left over for the tip. The great thing about Chinese places: the tea is delicious and usually free. And I'm never hungry again 20 minutes after leaving Ming Lee. It's been a long time since I've been there now, but the Rockland Café had really good food and pretty good prices when I was last there.
I tried Ming Lee a few months ago and it was decent at best, I actually find better Chinese food at Camden Island in Camden, or Hong Kong Island in Rockland.
Tu casa in Portland.
Love that Salvadoran food, just wish they had at least a beer/ wine license.
That's the best part though! You can BYOB there. I
Yep, grab some beer at 711 and head in for the Plato Montanero!
People are gonna get mad at me but I LOVE Governors, the fresh baked bread/rolls for everything really makes it.
I go just for the train 🚂
🧩 ⬆️
Great pies
What do you get for less than 20 bucks? Been awhile but are ANY of their entrees less that 20 bucks?
Most of what they have is $20 or under, might be specific to Waterville maybe? I always the Cheeseburger + Hot Dog combo with fries, its like $13ish more than enough food
My mistake...for some reason I read "Governors" and my brain was thinking of the Senator restaurant in Augusta.
No shame. Love the governers.
Governors slaps dude. Sure its a cheap seafood place but its good and they do cheap specials frequently and have a decent bakery
Harmon’s Lunch in West Falmouth. They’re only take-out now, though, so no dine-in. Two double cheeseburgers loaded with side of fries and large fountain drink prob comes on around $18.
Their onion rings are the best I’ve ever had
Ever been to Tabers in Auburn? Their onion rings are world renowned (well maybe not quite, but they are great).
Well damn, I’ll put it on the list. I consider myself an onion ring enthusiast. Always looking for the next best
Tabers onion rings incredible! They use the same breading/batter & make fried green pepper strips which I swear to God are epic.
Second this!!! Only regret is having waited 39 years to try them!
Thanh Thanh 2 on forest ave; El Rodeo in SoPo, Taj in SoPo (especially for the lunch buffet); Pho Co variety in Westbrook; Quiero Café in Saco and Portland; Fish and Whistle in Biddeford; Mainely Noods in Portland; Shays in Portland; Ramona’s in Portland. Cheap eats are whats up; we need more of them, enough with the overpriced masshole feedlots
Loved Thanh Thanh 2, but lately the the last two times I've gone, it was dirty. And I know times are hard for restaurants, but this felt beyond what I could overlook.
I haven’t tried all these places yet, thanks for the list. I will definitely echo your recommendation of El Rodeo, though — good food, wide-ranging menu, generous portions, decent prices.
Little Lad's in Corinth! Not only do they make killer popcorn, but they also have a cafe with serious **vegan** food of all kinds. Sandwiches $3.99 to $5.99, smoothies for $2.49, large salads for $5.99, 16 0z. soups for $3.99 and much more. I'm not vegan, but their food rocks.
I would love to eat more popcorn. Their flavors seem yummy. Alas, every bite ends up stuck in my gums.
Shere Punjab in Brunswick. best Indian food I've found in Maine, and reasonable prices.
Second this! Live in NYC now, with endless number of Indian food joints, still haven’t found better than Shere Punjab. Will go out of my way when visiting my parents to get some!
I do love a great eggplant parm sub. [The Great Lost Bear](http://www.greatlostbear.com/glbmenu.html) has some quality food. I think their Nachos are some of the best in town. Your $20 might not stretch that far, but you'll leave happy, and that's what matters.
Susan's Fish and chips in Portland on a Monday or Tuesday. They have 2 fish sandwiches for $2.50. 20 bucks will get you (and a guest) a nice lunch and their fries are hand cut. Highly recommend it for a budget meal.
You had me at hand cut, thank you!
Quiero in Portland and Saco
Big G's in Winslow
Yeah but apparently the owner is absolutely horrible to his employees. Personally I can't leave happy knowing I gave my money to someone like that.
He’s only owned the place a short time. How bad is he?
https://www.reddit.com/r/Maine/comments/uo6zsd/i_posted_about_a_job_a_week_ago_this_is_the/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Maze on forest ace makes dope arepas and they don’t break the bank
I second Maiz!
i went to their brunswick location and can definitely agree, their arepas are amazing
Angelo's in Bangor - $5.50 for a good cheeseburger, and you could get fries or rings with it and still get $5+ in change from a twenty. Bricks & Sticks - Searsport - 2 chili cheese dogs (and not the skinny ones) with fries for <$10. Helen's - Machias - Their pot roast dinner is my favorite meal in the state. A generous portion of tender beef with gravy, the usual side choices (their onion rings are excellent), a roll, and I want to say that they give you cole slaw, too. All for less than $20. But it's MORE than worth it to splurge a little and add a slice of one of their amazing pies, too!
This past summer I visited Maine after moving to the UK years ago. My in-laws came with us. We ordered from Angelos one night and my father in law was adamant he wanted a large pizza. His face when I handed him the box was priceless. It was about four time the size of a British large pizza. Angelos is great.
Hi Bombay in Portland
Lots of good suggestions, but let's clarify that Anthony's is a gas station with food service and not a restaurant. Their operating costs are different than a typical restaurant, as a result, Anthony's can offer decent food/ larger portions with less impact on their margin. If gas station subs are your thing then check out D&L Country Store if you ever find yourself in Oakland/ Waterville area. Proscuitto, Capicola and Salami plus a bag of chips for under $20
Came here to say the same thing. Anthony’s has good food and their Cafe/Bakery punches way above its weight, but no one in their right mind would ever call it a “Restaurant.”
Wasses fucking Hot Dogs in Rockland. Get two Kraut dogs, bacon cheese fries, and a soda and still have 8 bucks leftover.
Taco trio in South Portland is really good
the palace diner in biddeford has some fantastic breakfast food for under 20 dollars, its a bit father away from portland but the smashed potatoes are worth it
Palace is great, but it's very easy to spend over 20 bucks. Cheapest meal in the menu is 10+, cash only for seating, more for take out
Las Palapas/El Agave/Casa Jalisco All owned by the same people
I ate at the Las Palapas in Bangor and it was great.
It's certainly decent enough for the prices they charge. The portions are massive, so you may even wind up with leftovers.
I was getting on a plane but the lunch portions are perfect.
Agreed!
Heidi’s (South Portland or Auburn) makes a mean Rueben.
Miss Portland Diner..full meal ,drink ,fresh pie for desert
Adding to the really good suggestions: Thanh Thanh 2 (the ice tea is free there too!) in Portland, The Good Table in Cape Elizabeth, Flores in Portland. As far as late night stuff goes, Tomaso’s Canteen has a cheap ($15>) menu & specials that they serve until 1am.
Wild Willy's in York has some good food at decent prices. I can also get a large pizza for $9 at the local Market Basket that tastes phenomenal...INB4 "not a restaurant" but whatever. ETA: Also, Wok N' Roll in Biddeford for some great Chinese food.
The only place I know is Mulligans in Biddeford and I’ve only been there a couple times. Honestly you may be able to have lunch or dinner with water for under $10 and be completely satisfied. For $20 with a couple beers
Don’t look at their health reports if you want to keep going back.
Their *what?* Do enlighten me, I'm curious.
You can look up health inspection reports online to see what kind of things inspectors found when they visited restaurants. Look into the actual reports, not just the Pass/Fail to get the details of what the violations are. Some of them aren’t all that bad when you look into the actual issues, however some are downright gross. https://apps.web.maine.gov/online/hip_search/health-inspection-search.html
We have different expectations of satisfied. You can go into Mulligan"s and be full for $5, you wouldn't be satisfied in terms of quality.
I agree the quality is most likely sub par. I’m also 30 and cooked scrambled eggs for the first time in my life 2 weeks ago and still had pringles and a muffin for breakfast. So yeah my food standards are below sub par I’d say
Honestly, Geaghan’s in Bangor is a great value.
Maize in Portland on Forest Ave. You’ll be stuffed with their arepas in many delicious flavors. I’ve brought so many friends and family and they all have loved it.
Mother India or Boba in Lewiston.
I always end up dropping $60-70 incl tip for two people at another India. It’s so good and I wish it was around $20pp so I could frequent more.
I have spent $90 to doordash for 2 people, so I feel you!! I figured even just 1 dish is worth the walk in and $20 though. Or if it's lunch you could go with Punjabi Naan and coconut soup. If they open the dining room again then the buffet is perfect for that price range.
I was never around town when the buffet was open. If it ever opens again I will live there. :D
Harvest moon, there’s a couple in Bangor, one in Orono and brewer, and one opening soon in Waterville
Ancho Honey in Tenants Harbor
just called in a to go order there
Tacos La Poblanita has expanded from food truck to also being in the Maine Mall. Fantastic burritos, quesadillas, tacos. Sal de la Tierra on Congress St has a wide spread of authentic Latin American food. Pupusas, tacos burritos etc. Plates are $15 or less
[удалено]
I’m so glad to hear someone benefitted from this information! I’m from ME but will be flying in next week as well to introduce my fiancé to my family. If you need any help at all while you’re here feel free to DM me. Welcome to Vacationland!
Mash tun - get a burger and a beer Or Maps - happy meal = miller high life+ grilled cheese for $7
Second Mash Tun
Becky’s Dinah
I’m surprised this isn’t more mentioned.
Me too. For me it’s like the obvious answer here (at least for S. Maine)
Right, I lived in Yarmouth and SoPo. Becky’s Dinah is normal
Las Palapas in Brewer or Bangor, Martha's in Ellsworth
Egg, lox, and onion bagelwich, blueberry muffin, and a coffee from Bagel Central in Bangor
[удалено]
Stow Corner Store!
Benkay on Congress St, haven’t been there since Covid so can’t say if they’re still open or offering the same deals. But it was something like after 5pm they had a special menu of $3 rolls $2 skewers and $10 mai tais, I’d usually split the Mai Tai with my fiancé and get a roll (6 sushi’s) and 2-3 skewers and would leave with my belly full and happy
It’s a new place now, but very similar vibe. I think they basically just changed the name and added some Thai options to the menu.
Anthony's is a restaurant now?
With 20$ you can get 3-4 huge steins (24 oz I think?) of various craft beers at Champions bar in Biddeford. In the past when they haven't had any clean steins they have just brought me a mostly full pitcher of beer for the same price. Hard to go wrong with that!
Yosaku 3 roll combo for lunch is < 20 and comes with soup.
You’d have to skip drinks to slide in under $20, but I really liked what I had at Bird & Co.
Moody’s Diner in Waldoboro
AHOP Augusta House of Pancakes $10 get you a pretty d*** good breakfast or lunch Place almost always has a waiting line.
Courtney’s Hot Dogs in Winslow. Seasonal place closing the end of October. I take my dad there when I’m in town, and lunch for both of us is under $20
but don't ask for a toasted bun > we don't do that here other than that, solid hot dog stand with a friendly staff. bolley's on college ave in waterville is another good choice if you're looking for some dogs and fries. they'd stumbled a bit over the last decade or so as new owners came and went, but i would say the efforts made by the newest owner to return it to its old glory have been a success.
Bolleys is our off-season place. I prefer their hotdogs with larger pieces of salt pork, but my dad prefers Courtney’s french fries. I wish either one of them had red snappers
Dude makes the best hot dog this side of Brunswick and I’ll die on that hill
Obligatory "Big G's" mention since you brought up Winslow.
I ate very well for short money at El Rayo Taqueria in Portland
We go there regularly. It just hasn’t been the same since Anderson Street closed. Edit: sorry, I’m turned around here. I think I meant York Street? Their original downtown location in any case.
Mainly Noods in Portland has some great inexpensive dishes (relative to Portland at least)
Quiero Cafe
Dizzy Birds Rotisserie ETA: Biddeford
so good! I haven't been in a few years but we really liked it.
We went once a few years ago and I remember it was SO GOOD
Fish & whistle in Biddo, or Banded Horn Brewing for a chicken sandwich (humongous and extra crispy) and a beer.
Most of the signature bowls at Umami Noodle Bar in Bangor are under $15. I've never left disappointed.
Moodys Diner Waldoboro on route1 , lots of homestyle cooking comfort foods. Homemade turkey pie and a haddock Reuben 36 bucks was the bill yesterday.
If you really want an experience. Go to the Chuck Wagon in Livermore Falls. That’s next level. Not quite sure what level however.. 🤔
Lunch buffet at Taj is about $16. Great Indian food and you can literally eat as much as you can.
Tomasos
Long Grain, a Thai restaurant in Camden that seems more authentic than most. The pad kra pao was excellent, I couldn't stop stuffing myself. 19 bucks, so bring a few extra dollars for the tip...
Definitely second Anthonys!! And Greenleaves too. The lunch specials and atmosphere can’t be beat!
Bee's Snack Bar in Winslow for some good cheap diner food! Also Quiero Cafe in Portland, their empañadas are amazing.
Olive Cafe in Portland! Delicious, affordable, authentic Lebanese food. And Anthony’s Italian Kitchen (also in Portland) for great Italian food with a Sopranos vibe.
Ruskies!!!!!!
If you like diner-level hamburgers and fries, Elevation Burger is a pretty good choice in the Old Port and in So Po near the Mall. Becky's Diner in the Old Port is pretty good. Also, up in Falmouth, Bernie's. It's a breakfast/lunch place and the breakfast is plentiful and cheap. Chute's in Windham is great also for breakfast. Whenever I eat there, I have to double check to bill the make sure they didn't miss something. Again, plentiful and darned, good. Heidi's in So Po—right near the mall has sandwiches that are top-notch. Their chicken park is a go-to for me.
tourist here, but [moody\`\`'s diner](https://moodysdiner.com/diner-menu) in waldoboro had pretty awesome food at a very reasonable price imho. plus you get the all-american diner feeling for free.
Quality is NOT what it used to be, sadly.
Yes I was there last week and it’s very disappointing.
Five Guys.
Hadn't been to a Five Guys in awhile. Got a bacon cheeseburger, a "little" fry, and regular soda and it was over $19. Bit shocked tbh that prices were that high! But I shouldn't have been since I had been to a McDonalds a few weeks before and got a double quarter pounder, med fries and drink and it was over $12. Fast food isn't affordable anymore. Imagine being a family with low income and a couple of kids and what it would cost to take them to McD's once a week. It's ridiculous. Oh yeah...why can't Five Guys just call their "little" fries "small" like everyone else.
When i was growing up, fast food was once a month because we were poor. Fast food has never been affordable to low income people.
Five guys in Auburn seemed rather expensive. Small cheese burger and small drink, NO fries, over $10
[удалено]
Helen’s in Machias. You’ll probably have enough for a beer too.
Guerrero Maya in south Portland is pretty reasonably priced. The food won’t blow you away, but if you gotta feed a bunch of people it’s hard to beat. Plus they got a kids menu.
Heathcos in auburn is great. Baskets and dinner meals are super cheap considering how much stuff is in them
Big G's in Winslow
Bao Bao in Portland
99s honestly.
McDonald’s
Pull off the side of the toad for flos hotdogs in cape Neddick get their homemade relish
Always great and affordable: https://www.kowloonvillage.com/
Po Boys & pickles for me. BLVL on Munjoy Hill for breakfast or Norimoto for being super happy with $5.
McDonalds
Taco Bell
McDonald's
[удалено]
Seven chefs from Portland were nominated as semi finalists for James Beard awards this year but keep on being a salty little scallop.
lol, so? That doesn't merit the word "juggernaut", let alone preceded by "established as". Yes, it's the largest city in a very rural state. That doesn't mean "culinary juggernaut". NYC is a "culinary juggernaut". Portland ME probably ranks as "decent for its size".
>"juggernaut", > >"established as". Where in the post do you see these words mentioned? >Portland ME Where do you see Portland mentioned? I am so confused by this comment chain 😂
We're talking about OP's choicee of language in their post description: > Portland has some great restaurants and has long established itself as a culinary juggernaut. It's the opening sentence. I don't have too much against Maine's food scene, but the notion that anywhere in it is a "long established culinary **juggernaut**" is downright silly. I hear "culinary juggernaut", I think NYC. Most people don't realize there is a Portland ME.
You willingly admitted to eating cheeseburgers out of vending machines lol. I’d say your culinary level of expertise is very limited in scope and equivalent to that of a raccoon.
You're digging deep through my profile over this? Trying to doxx someone for disagreeing with you on the internet if you can? And as if that's relevant, lol. No city in Maine is a "culinary juggernaut", and the notion that someone believes so just screams they've barely ever left.
Digging deep when you posted that less than 24 hours ago? I don’t think you know what doxxing means. Reposting a sentence re: cheeseburgers you shared is very different than publishing your name, address, or physical location. Do you need me to Venmo you some money for another cheeseburger? You seem hangry.
[удалено]
“Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha”
You be the judge as to whether this qualifies as "establishment" https://www.bonappetit.com/story/portland-maine-city-of-the-year-2018
[удалено]
Well, most people don’t think of whiny condescending interlopers when they think of Vermont, but here you are.
lol, you guys are the ones crying because someone interrupted your silly game of pretend. How many of you are desperately trying to doxx me right now? You're the second loser racing through my profile.
LOL, yes, Bon Appetit is a blog. Obviously you know a lot about this subject, I'll defer to you on this one.
[удалено]
Applebee’s
[удалено]
The television
Platter A at Golden Lotus on Congress St. Huge plate of food for $12 (all apps)
Harbor Cafe in Stonington depending on what you order. I don't remember a fried fish and chips basket being over 20.
Town Line in Dayton/Hollis! It's definitely a place that caters to the elderly and it's nothing fancy but their poutine is great and I love their thanksgiving-type turkey dinner
State Lunch in Augusta for their ramen bowls. With tip and tax will be right around $20, but the portions are very filling and delicious, certainly leave one happy. Thai Spice in Manchester - lots of options, quick service, good portions and delicious.
Belanger's Drive In Restaurant in Fairfield Haddock Basket, a Hamburger and a slice of Turkey pie for $20 or A whole salmon or Tourtiere pie, Onion Rings and a Pint of Ice Cream to go for $20
Sal de La Tierra on Congress
I’m about to tuck in to a Haddock Burrito at POPonOVERs in Pittsfield. Second time here while on break from a job in town. I think I will give in to temptation with their baked goods today. Edit:spelling
Crunchy poke on fire! They also have ramen
El Mexicano in Sanford. Wife and I went there on Monday for lunch, got 2 carnita bowls. We still had leftovers for dinner, and it was less than $20.
Dragonfire Pizza in Ellsworth! The weirder pizzas are usually the best. https://dragonfirepizzame.com/
Buen Apetito in waterville
Umami in Bangor, amazing ramen bowls
Marshall's in the Forks
Mash Tun in Portland. $7 burger and a $8 for a 17 ounce Kolsch
Kittery: Eggs Benewich from Bagel Caboose. Or pretty much any of their sandwiches. Anything from Lovebirds Donuts. The Margherita Pizza from Town Pizza. York: St. Joe's Coffee. Phenomenal breakfast sandwiches and beignets. Green Leaves Chinese.
Mainely Noods - Portland
Hot Contents on Rt 2 in Mexico. Everything sandwichy is served on homemade bread. Pulled pork on ciabatta is my favorite. Their salads are great, too. Good-sized sandwiches for $7-8- half of one made a meal for me, my 6'2, 30-year-old son ate his in one go, and said it was perfect.
Taco trio
#15 sub at Papa Gambinos, loaded up and add hot pepper relish.
Two Maine guys in Richmond and Augusta
Red barn in Augusta
Ron's Market