Some of our favorite dining establishments serve a memorable Maine atmosphere, along with some delicious cuisine. We will help you make reservations, and offer further suggestions if you would like to give us a call.
Wing's Hill Restaurant, in the heart of Belgrade Lakes Village—
The food is fabulous. Located ten scenic minutes from the Yeaton Farm Inn, our recommendation to guests looking for a memorable dining experience with spectacular cuisine and pastries, is this historic restaurant. With a graceful treed lawn overlooking Long Pond in the distance, we enjoy eating on the historic wrap-around screened porch during the summer months. On chillier evenings the traditional and beautifully-appointed dining room, offers a quality setting for some great food. Very attentive, professional and friendly service. An evening spent at Wing's Hill can be an intimate dining experience. Two Culinary Institute Chefs, great pastries and desserts, and a quiet atmosphere, make this fine restaurant our favorite. Open Wednesday–Sunday with seatings at 6:00 and 8:00. Limited seating, reservations are required. Please plan ahead in making reservations as Wing's Hill Restaurant is very popular with guests and locals. BYOB. (Day's General Store, just across the road, stocks some wine selections.) $40.00 prixe fix per person, gratuity added on is additional. Memorable 5-course meal. 207-495-2400. Featured in Down East Magazine during 2004. We will be glad to make reservations for you.
Village Inn Restaurant, waterside, in the heart of Belgrade Lakes Village—
Very Highly Recommended. Waterside dining at its loveliest. Long famous for their duck dinners and Belgrade Stream setting, the historic "Locust House" is the longest-running restaurant in the region. The friendly owners, Charlie and Susan Grover, offer a comfortable dining atmosphere indoors and out. With an extensive menu which includes duck, lobster, quality meat and fish dishes, and vegetarian selections, their comfortable seating overlooks the famous Belgrade Stream. The extensive menu offers choices that will suit absolutely everyone's taste. A social, warm-hearted place for dinner, Charlie is often seen visiting and laughing with guests at each table. For larger parties, a banquet facility is available. On a warm evening, we enjoy dining on the lawn near the water's edge. Please make reservations in advance. Open seven days, many hours during the warmer months, and shorter hours through Christmas. The Village Inn has a full bar. Entrees range from about $20–$30. 207-495-3553. We will be glad to make reservations for you.
The Tavern at The Village Inn. On Wednesdays and Sundays during the wamer months, live music both nights and the streamside outdoor and indoor location, make this a great spot to share a brew with friends. Five local microbrewery selections are on tap. Jazz nights on Sunday, run from 5–7pm. Locals with boats cruise into the dock from Great Pond for this weekly event. Sit at the lawnside tables, or remain inside, but be sure to enjoy this golden opportunity to capture our sense of community here at the lakes.
The Top Deck at The Belgrade Lakes Golf Club. Just down the West Road from the Inn. New in summer 2008. There simply isn't a less-than-spectacular vista, from the open air decks at The Belgrade Lakes Golf Club. Sandwiches really are sandwiches; fresh and delicious. A Lobster Roll is available. Wine and Beer are available. Friendly and delightful, you can choose to watch golfers tee-off, or enjoy the spectacular overlook as they play the scenic course below. Open until sunset nightly, this may become one of Belgrade Lakes most beloved food choices, for those looking for lighter fare in a remarkable setting.
The Lazy Lab Café, Belgrade Lakes Village. The "new dog" in town is a friendly, welcoming "coffee bar-bookstore-internet" place. Upon meeting, Wendy and Wendy, the new owners, each discovered that the other owns a Labrador Retreiver. And, as Belgrade neighbors, their other obvious overlapping interests, have brought their friendship to the point of forming this charming business. Their bright, fresh shop features an array of beverages, fresh sandwiches, and fantastic baked goods by Tracy Anderson (our famous local pastry chef). The seating is comfortable for a leisurely break. Whether with a friend or loved one, or alone for a while, the many delectable books and magazines, make this the new spot in the village for commraderie and chat. Located in the old post office building, just next door to Antique Interiors, and the Enchanted Swan Gallery (for convenient browsing). Open 7:30 am to 3pm, daily. 81 Main Street, Belgrade Lakes. 495-2872.
The Olde Post Office Café, Mount Vernon Village—
Now offering dinner Friday and Saturday nights during the summer, this luncheon spot is a charming Maine waterside experience. We strongly recommend this new "Olde" café. They serve American Bistro cuisine, delicious creative sandwiches, homebaked breads and freshly-made soups (such as Tortellini Fiddlehead). Located at edge of Minnehonk Pond in the center of charming Mount Vernon Village, they offer an expresso bar and an eye-pleasing array of pastires. We suggest you select a table on the screened porch overlooking the water and within earshot of the gushing sounds from the adjacent mill stream. The light-filled café has a clean atmosphere, large windows and is "all Maine." It is a scenic 14-minute excursion from our door. The trip across Castle Island, past Elizabeth Arden's Maine Chance Farm, over rolling fields, past vintage homes and into the lakeside village of Mount Vernon, makes eating lunch at The Olde Post Office Café an opportunity to view the beauty of rural Maine. The service is very friendly. Open 6am to 2pm daily (plus summertime Friday and Saturday nights) each meal with beverage and soup costs $10–$15. No reservations needed. 207-293-4978.
Thai Star, Augusta, Route 27—
This charming restaurant has some delicious food with consistently neighborly service. The freshness of the food is noteworthy. And we so enjoy the healthy cuisine offered at this light-filled place. The owner/chef visits tables most times we have visited. And our guests have commented on the selection of Thai dishes, and on the quality of food. Just a few minutes drive from The Yeaton Farm Inn, we sometimes slip out ourselves, for a quiet meal. Wine and beer are served. Prices are extremely reasonable. Entrees range around $9.00 – $18.00. Consistently good quality seafood. Reservations are not necessary. 207-621-2808.
Hattie's Chowder House, Hallowell Village—
Good Chowders. Bright and with very friendly service, Hattie's is conveniently located for a food break while exploring the marvelous antique and craft shops along the river in Hallowell. We recommend a bowl of Hattie's Seafood Chowder, their salads and an accompanying Lobster Roll. Beer and drinks are available. Large street-side windows overlook the historic shops which stand along the Kennebec River. Lighter fare costs about $12.00–15.00. We found their local seafood to be fresh and delicious. The atmosphere is casual and social. Open every day from 11am to 9pm.
Liberal Cup, Hallowell Village—
Pub Atmosphere. A Greenwich Village-style pub sometimes with live music, this friendly place is often filled with professionals and those looking for a break from browsing the local shops. Full plate dinners and a variety of traditional foods make this restaurant one of our recommended spots for dinner. Fast service and a relaxing casual decor make this a favorite drop-in spot. Dinners cost about $15.00–$20.00. The bar is a great place to meet others.
Café de Bancock, just south of Hallowell Village—
Good View Overlooking the Kennebec River. offering a varied menu with sushi, sashimi, Thai fish, and curry dishes, this restaurant providesa delicious menu. We like their large appetizer plate to start. Be sure to ask for a window seat. The service is friendly and informative (we learned quite a bit about different Thai dishes and name pronunciations). Full bar, wine list and beer. Reservations are not required. Dinner costs about $15.00 – $20.00 per person. In this restaurant, interesting conversations seem to arrive with the appetizers.
The Freedom Café, Waterville—
Not traditional anything, but always interesting, this restaurant with wonderful artwork, serves up Afro-American culture with huge servings of southern/northern foods. Often noisy with occasional poets shouting their words above the din, this is not your typical Maine Restaurant. When we have visited, widely-varied professionals, Colby College professors, and an otherwise eclectic mix of friendly folks filled the tables. This is a very friendly, owner-run establishment, with personal touchesat delicious cuisine. Dinner runs about $20.00. Open from Thursday–Saturday, 5pm–9pm for dinner, Cash and checks only. College Avenue right near Colby. 207-861-8249. Located 30 minutes from the Yeaton Farm Inn in the center of Waterville. Reservations are now suggested due to popularity.
"A cook
is as useful
as a poet…
and as wise."
— Euphron
circa 200 BC
