Freeport may be best known as one of New England’s premier outlet shopping epicenters (L.L. Bean—looking at you, kid), but with all that retail therapy going on, folks are gonna work up an appetite. Am I right?
So, it only stands to reason that Freeport also has a plethora of palate-pleasing dining options, most within walking distance of its bustling town center.
No need to pack snacks for your day-long hunt for the perfect bargain; there’s an answer to any craving you might find yourself suffering from—everything from Beef Wellington to whoopie pies, lobster rolls to sushi rolls, or…well, you get the picture.
Map of Freeport Restaurants
Here is a handy map of all the Freeport restaurants we mention:
Harrasseekett Lunch and Lobster
From May to October, this local waterfront institution has been catching and serving up fresh Maine seafood (and their famous whoopie pies) for over 40 years, now.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, Harrasseekett Lunch and Lobster is BYOB, cash only, and the quintessential Maine seafood experience.
Their menu is laden with fried seafood baskets (fresh clams, scallops, fish, shrimp), made-to-order sandwiches, and all manner of sides—and then to top it all off, a host of their homemade baked goods awaits your perusal. Go for the whoopie pie or blueberry pie, I say—because Maine.
Location: 36 Main St, South Freeport, ME 04078
Website: Harrasseekett Lunch and Lobster
Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro
Industrial-chic aesthetic? Check. Creative, thoughtful menus? Check. Friendly service? Check. Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro ticks all the boxes, in my book.
Warm wood flooring and exposed rings of softly glowing bulbs welcome the hungry shopper to settle into a cushy armchair and enjoy a generous pour of something red while nibbling delicious nosh.
With both lunch and dinner menus available, it doesn’t matter when you stop into Tuscan—because they do a spectacular job at whatever they’re serving.
I love making a meal out of their Smoked Haddock Cakes appetizer along with Gorgonzola Beet Salad…but hey, you do you.
Location: 140 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
Website: Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro
Broad Arrow Tavern
Located at the venerable Harrasseekett Inn, the Broad Arrow is a cozy, casual nook where you can sit at the bar (or at a table) under the watchful eyes of taxidermized moose as you watch your meal being prepared in the open kitchen.
This casual, family-friendly, hunting lodge-y establishment is open for lunch and dinner and does not accept reservations (although you can put your name on a waitlist).
For over 30 years, their oft-updated menus have included as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible—and you just haven’t lived until you’ve tried their Fish Tacos (blackened, fried, or baked haddock with shredded cabbage, pickled onions, jalapeños, and herbed aioli).
Location: 162 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
Website: Broad Arrow Tavern
Jameson Tavern
Located a stone’s throw from the L.L. Bean Flagship store, the Jameson Tavern has been hugely popular with locals and tourists alike…for a really, really long time.
Established in 1779, the Tavern is one of the oldest operating taverns in Maine and features several claims to fame; not only does the Tavern boast of a resident ghost, but Bobby Flay has stated their lobster stew was one of the best he’d ever tasted.
With an enormous, seafood-forward menu and generous portions, the folks at the Jameson know how to turn first-time customers into lifelong fanatics.
Make sure you start with their Down East Fondue (fresh lobster meat, served with a sherry/roasted shallot/herb cream fondue, and grilled French bread). Oh, yes, they did.
Location: 115 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
Website: Jameson Tavern
Petrillo’s
Frequently voted as having the best food during the annual “Flavors of Freeport” celebration of all things dining and drink, Petrillo’s is an Italian food lover’s paradise (although their menu features plenty of other options).
Many of their culinary offerings feature ingredients from Maine purveyors, and their spectacular house-made bread is available upon request to nibble on while you wait for your order.
Folks rave over Petrillo’s specialty pizzas—for good reason—but I’d also recommend their Spicy Meatball Panini (house meatballs, provolone, and spicy pepper aioli on house focaccia).
Location: 15 Depot St, Freeport, ME 04032
Website: Petrillo’s
Buck’s Naked BBQ
For all you southern BBQ aficionados, you’ll know that “naked” means the meats are dry-rubbed and sauces are served on the side. That is how Buck’s rolls—and they’ve got a fan base just as dedicated as their workers (with pit masters rising at 4 a.m. to get the ol’ hickory pit fired up and ready to rumble).
And no matter what your protein vehicle of preference is—chicken wings, brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, sausage—Buck’s smacks it out of the park every time; their list of sides (choose two with any Slow and Low entrée) is impressive, as are the add-on options.
And since I’m a “go big or go home” type of girl, I recommend the Big Buck Combo (sliced brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, and pit chicken, with the cornbread and “Dinky Salad” for sides).
Location: 568 US-1, Freeport, ME 04032
Website: Buck’s Naked BBQ
Freeport Café
Flavor-forward. Friendly faces. That’s the Freeport Café in a nutshell. Stepping into this cozy, homey restaurant is like walking into your grandmother’s kitchen—complete with country décor and mouthwatering aromas.
With both breakfast and lunch dining options, the Freeport Café doesn’t overwhelm guests with an oversized menu of endless choices—their perfectly-sized list of delicious comfort food offers all the breakfast classics (I, of course, recommend their honkin’ Country Breakfast) and a host of lunch options (their Reuben is divine).
Location: 29 US-1, Freeport, ME 04032
Website: Freeport Café
Lobster Cooker
If you’re looking for a casual, sports-pub vibe to go with your fresh Maine seafood dining experience, look no further than the Lobster Cooker.
Festooned with sports memorabilia, this spot is fun, friendly, and features a full menu of pub-style favorites, including a kid’s menu.
Start with their Fried Avocado appetizer (breaded, spicy slices of avocado topped with zesty Boom-Boom sauce) and move on to their belly-busting Fisherman’s Platter (fried haddock, calamari, scallops, shrimp, and a double order of fries).
Location: 39 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
Website: Lobster Cooker
Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen and Topside Tavern
This popular spot is located just across the intersection from the L.L. Bean Flagship store, where you can sit on their covered deck and watch the world go by while enjoying your lunch or dinner…although their sweeping, curved bar and rustic, woodsy indoor vibe is not to be missed, either.
No matter which aesthetic you choose, there’s little chance you’ll leave hungry, because Linda Bean’s knows their stuff. And be sure to wear your stretchy pants—because you just HAVE to order the Maine Lobster Shore Dinner (one-and-a-quarter-pound whole lobster, a pound of steamed clams, melted butter, corn bread, a cup of clam chowder, coleslaw, and a slice of pie a la mode) at least once on your visit to Freeport.
Location: 88 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
Website: Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen and Topside Tavern
Antonia’s Pizzeria
If you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for, then I suggest you head to Antonia’s—because, despite the name of this establishment, they have more than pizza.
Antonia’s offers authentic Italian and Greek cuisine, with Spanakopita and Souvlaki cheek-to-cheek with Carbonara, Scampi, and Alfredo dishes.
The menu is extensive and filled with cultural classics—and they even left room for some American favorites like jalapeño poppers and buffalo chicken pizza.
Location: 193 Lower Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
Website: Antonia’s Pizzeria
I’ve run out of space—but before I sign off, here are a few additional spots to keep on your radar when heading to Freeport.
For fresh, delicious Chinese or Thai food, head to China Rose or Thai Garden Restaurant, respectively.
For delicious pub-style food whilst enjoying some locally-brewed craft suds, you have a kegful of options: Brickyard Hollow, Maine Beer Company, Nighthawk’s Kitchen at Mast Landing Brewing, or Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub.
For authentic Mexican/Brazilian/Latin American fare, Athena’s Cantina is top-notch.
If you just need a quick bite to reenergize you while you shop ‘til you drop at the Bean Flagship store, stop into their 1912 Café.
And if you’re only looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, Freeport has options for you in that department, too: head to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream or
Wicked Whoopies, depending on your mood.
