PLACES TO EAT & DRINK
Our Top Recommendations
Bethel, ME has a number of great places to dine and have fun. And it helps to have the inside scoop to make the best of your stay. Here are our top recommendations on restaurants and bars to visit.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
DICOCOA'S BAKERY
We have dreams about DiCocoa's bagels - they are literally the best we've ever had (try the salt bagels and black cheddar bagels). This place is totally organic and vegan and just about everything they make is delicious and good for you.
CROSSROADS DINER
Crossroads is your typical diner - nothing fancy, but it hits the spot. If you are looking for a big breakfast before you hit the slopes or head for a hike, this place will get the job done.
SUNDAY RIVER BREWERY
Quite possibly the best doughnuts this side of the Mississippi, we often grab a dozen and make breakfast at home. Though the brewery also has a great menu for dine-in breakfast and lunch.
DINNER & LATE NIGHT
MATTERHORN
The Matterhorn is THE quintessential mountain ski town restaurant and bar. They have incredible pizza and an extensive menu. It is great for all ages, but is probably the most lively bar scene in town when they have bands there.
SUD'S PUB
Sud's Pub is a great little spot tucked in the basement of a large house. Pretty good food and a great beer list this place is a favorite among the locals. They often have small bands play on weekends though it is not a rowdy spot.
RIVER HAUS & WELL
River Haus is near the base of Sunday River and boasts an expansive view of the mountain. Great atmosphere for adults and an arcade in the back for kids makes this spot a solid choice for a night out.
LE MU EATS
This place is one of the best "hidden" gems of Bethel. It is a self-described little blue shanty next to Steam Mill Brewery and it serves some of the best grub around. Everything here is insanely good. Though you should be forewarned...the Hot Noodz are really, really hot.
BUTCHER BURGER
Definitely not the healthiest place to eat, but it is a fun spot nonetheless. They've got really creative burgers and sandwiches (we could go without the burger with fried chicken for buns though...;). Their salt & vinegar fries are possibly the best fries ever!
BRIAN'S
If you are looking for a fancy night out on town, this is the spot. They have great modern American fare, creative drink menu and a great deck to soak it all in.
SMOKIN' GOOD BBQ
This place seems to be smoking BBQ literally 24/7/365, so they've got it down pat. Grab a picnic table, order from the food truck, and enjoy some really tasty, authentic grub.
CHO SUN SUSHI BAR & GRILL
Sushi in rural Maine? Well, this place has surprisingly good sushi and makes a good Mai Tai to boot! Make sure to call ahead for reservations as they are often booked up.
CAMP
Camp has a really nice atmosphere, but we have found the service to be hit or miss. They have a really nice menu - albeit a bit pricey.
THE MEETING HOUSE
The food at The Meeting House is very good, but they seem to prefer locals over tourists. We've been turned away several times after they've said the kitchen is closed, which seemed really odd to us. Nevertheless, it is a really fun place to grab a beer and play some pool.
APRES SKI
FOGGY GOGGLE
Foggy Goggle has got to be one of the best apres ski bars in the country bar none. Great food and an extensive beer menu make this a must visit spot. Check the Sunday River website to see when they have bands playing and you won't be disappointed.
NORTH PEAK LODGE
This incredible little restaurant is at the top of the gondola at Sunday River. It has limited seating and doesn't take reservations, so plan on waiting for a seat but it is worth it. We recommend getting their famous large charcuterie board complimented by local Maine beers.
BARKER LODGE & PUB
Go to the top floor of the Barker Mountain Lodge at Sunday River and you'll find a quaint, but lively apres ski scene. There's a big stone fireplace in the middle to warm up and a great deck to soak in the sun and watch skiers come down the mountain.
SHIPYARD WHITE CAP LODGE BREW HAUS
At the base of White Cap Mountain in Sunday River you'll find this lively pub packed with apres skiers. Good pub food and an occasional band make this a fun place to visit.