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Our second annual Best Restaurants list, like our first, is based on readers’ votes. As in the presidential primaries, however, there was a bit of a shake-up due to a larger number of votes from our area’s younger crowd. This is a good thing!
We all know there are many fine restaurants that are as deserving as some of these winners. Some have not been in business long enough to have the public awareness it takes to get a lot of votes; others are too far outside the city to get the kind of landslide needed to win a “Best” survey. (Think Cleonice in Ellsworth, among many others.)
That being said, this list is a great tool because it’s a “sure thing” dining list. Want some damn fine gourmet food? Head to New Moon (they open at 5 p.m.). Looking for romance? Go to the Lucerne Inn—better yet, go in time to watch the sun set and stay overnight in one of their luxurious rooms.
Not too many places on this list are high falutin’. Most of our favorite eateries are places where the food is simply tasty and consistent. Take those Coffee Pot sandwiches. People will line up halfway up the block on State Street waiting for one of those things. What is it that makes them taste so good? We’ve heard one expert say it has something to do with the onions, but the owner won’t give up his secret.
There are some more real innovators out there. In a world where “take-out” usually means greasy or deep-fried, this year’s Best Take-out winner is Montes on Columbia Street—a place that turns out some of the most creative, high quality salads, soups, and sandwiches you’ll find anywhere.
Long story short: There’s no pinning our tastebuds down in these parts. Thankfully, our area is blessed with a diverse group of restaurateurs who are working hard to keep us fed and happy. We salute every last one of you. –Ed.
And the winners are...
• Best Gourmet Food: New Moon Bangor
• Best Family Restaurant: Governor’s
Several locations
• Best Romantic Dinner: Lucerne Inn Dedham
• Best Seafood: Muddy Rudder Brewer
• Best Steak: Texas Roadhouse Bangor
• Best Pizza: Pat’s Pizza Several locations
• Best Coffee: Dunkin’ Donuts Many locations
• Best Take-out: Montes International Catering &
Gourmet Cafe Bangor
• Best Breakfast: Dysart’s Hermon
• Best Dessert: Dysart’s Hermon &
Governor’s Several locations (tie)
• Best Buffet: Oriental Jade Bangor
• Best Salad Bar: Ruby Tuesday Several locations
• Best Sandwich: The Coffee Pot Bangor
• Best Wine List: Cafe Nouveau Bangor
• Best Microbrew List: Sea Dog Bangor
• Best View: Sea Dog Bangor
• Best Place to Bring a Group: Margaritas Orono
• Best Neighborhood Pub: Bear Brew Pub Orono
Woodman’s Bar & Grill Orono (tie)
• Best Service: Thistles Bangor
• Best Vegetarian: Taste of India Bangor
• Best Ethnic Food: Ichiban Bangor
• Best Value for the Money: Johnny’s Old Town
Congratulations to all winners and the voters who made this possible.
Bon appetit!
