Inland Maine
Take a road-trip break at Butterfield’s in Dover-Foxcroft – this family-run ice-cream stand has been going strong since 1950. Walk up to the window,…
Must-see restaurants in New England
Massachusetts
Gloucester's favorite seafood shack is about a mile west of town, on the mainland. It's a convivial, crowded place serving irresistible clam chowder,…
Aldo's Bakery & Homemade Ice Cream
Rhode Island
Family-friendly Aldo's has been serving homemade ice cream and pastries, including delicious Portuguese sweetbread, to Block Island tourists for over 40…
Southern Vermont
Nestled deep in the woods (off VT 30 and VT 11 east of town) and overlooking the rushing waters of Bromley Brook, Mistral's offers fine dining including…
Cape Cod
Super family-friendly and decidedly retro, the Lobster Claw has a cute nautical interior and a menu of steamed clams, mussels and littlenecks, plus…
Cape Cod
Opposite the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center, Sam's is a good, simple family choice for fish and chips, fried clams and lobster rolls. The $7 kids' menu…
Connecticut
Serving up comfort food for two decades, this roadside stand features housemade doughnuts and pies, popular pizzas (including one with clams, scallops and…
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
Affordable lunch specials ($10-15) make this a popular spot for State House staffers and other professional types. The minimalist decor and extensive menu…
The Berkshires
This old-school diner on the east side of town dishes up all the classics at honest prices. The retro 1950s decor is fun and though the food is nothing…
Mount Desert Island
If all that fried seafood/craft beer/blueberry pie has you craving something healthy, raw and delicious, head here. Order a zesty juice or a smoothie, a…
Inland Maine
The sandwiches here are huge and inexpensive (trust us, you only need a half-portion), making Big G's a good stop for travelers on a budget. Grab your…
Provincetown
Scoring low for aesthetics but high for flavor and value, this central place has a selection of dumplings (choose steamed or pan-fried) plus a short menu…
South Shore
This simple cafe serves soups, salads and sandwiches with a smile. Breakfast is a highlight, with half a dozen Benedicts and equal number of breakfast…
North Maine Woods
Eat breakfast all day at this cozy eating spot near the center of town. Burgers, wraps and Mexican pizza are served at lunch. It also sells bag lunches (…
Martha's Vineyard
On the west side of town, this fish market is fresh, fresh, fresh, with everything from sushi to award-winning chowder, lobster rolls and fish and chips…
Midcoast Maine
Open since 1865, Darby's is a picture-book bistro with tin ceilings, an original antique bar and paintings by local artists adorning the walls. Eclectic…
Midcoast Maine
Smooth and creamy gelato in more than 40 flavors, from blood orange sorbet to pumpkin pie, is a surefire recipe to draw in summer crowds. Serves good…
Western Maine
In the thick of Naples' Causeway action, Rick's is good for camaraderie, drinks and lake views (with a side order of live music Thursday to Saturday…
Midcoast Maine
Camden's an unabashedly fancy town, and if you need an unabashedly fancy picnic, head to French & Brawn, with its 'boat and summer cottage supplies,' high…
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
The brainchild of celebrity chef Todd English, Figs rakes 'em in with its innovative whisper-thin pizzas. For a real treat, order the signature fig and…
Cape Cod
Just off the Cape Cod Rail Trail, this bustling roadside clam shack dishes out fried seafood that you can crunch and munch at outdoor picnic tables, as…
Cape Cod
No, it's not a place to buy pots and pans, but rather the downtown spot for a coffee fix, homemade muffins and sandwiches. Order at the counter and take…
New Hampshire
This old-school greasy spoon serves up uncomplicated eggs, pancakes, salads, soups and sandwiches. It's all delivered with love and a smile straight to…
Cape Cod
Lots of seafood with impeccable local pedigree is on offer at this modern restaurant by the drawbridge, but it's not all fishy fare: upmarket burgers,…
Nantucket
A popular stop on the island for tasty and unpretentious grub on the edge of town that's known for its all-day breakfasts (blueberry pancakes, big omelets…
Cape Cod
True local flavor, with Formica tables, fishers' hours and service with a sassy smile, can be found at this roadside diner just outside of Chatham's…
Nantucket
For the island's best fried clams, cheapest lobster dinners and other seafood treats, head to this combo fish market-clam shack on the south side of town…
Western Maine
A big plate of eggplant parmesan with a side of pasta after a day on the slopes has been a Rangeley tradition for some four decades. This boisterous…
Burlington
Delicious, reasonably priced homemade curries, rice and noodle dishes, accompanied by generous pots of tea, are the specialties at this bright, sunny…
Cape Cod
Stop in this ultra-popular restaurant, which specializes in creative flatbreads with ingredients such as duck bacon and butternut squash. Even if you're…
Cape Cod
Stop in the harbor-adjacent Black Cat Tavern for some post-sightseeing or pre-ferry boarding fried clams or lobster rolls. The menu selection isn't unique…
Cranberry General Store & Seawich Café
Mount Desert Island
A stone's throw from the ferry dock, the small general store and cafe is the island's heartbeat. Stop by for a sandwich or freshly baked goods, and to see…
Portland
Vendors here hawk all of the produce Maine has up its plaid sleeves, from blueberries to homemade pickles. On Saturday mornings the market is held in…
Midcoast Maine
In this stylish, locally focused specialty grocer's, there's a fridge cabinet full of ready-to-go eats, plus a sandwich bar for made-to-order wraps,…
Nantucket
This place is a village institution for its laid-back style as much as for its crab cakes. Pick up a bottle of wine at the store next door and enjoy it…
Connecticut
A pleasant, jazz-filled cafe with a range of coffee drinks, loose-leaf tea and killer macaroons – they've won some awards and it's clear why. Local art…
Portland
In-the-know local foodies line up for the thick, chewy 'Sicilian slab' at this old-school Italian market, which sells pizza from a tiny bakery in the back…
Northern Vermont
The New England Culinary Institute's first restaurant, this casual bakery and cafe serves delicious pastries and coffee drinks for breakfast, followed by…
Boston
There are several options for lunch on Aquarium Plaza, including Reef. This seasonal outdoor restaurant serves lobster rolls, clam chowder and steamers …
Cape Cod
Cupcake nirvana can be found here, where pretty confections beckon from the cabinet: lemon drop, peanut butter pleasure, Oreo delight. There's also soft…
