Top 5 restaurants in Maine for business dining

Ramp processes billions of dollars in business expenses across thousands of companies every month. Our unique position in the payments ecosystem provides visibility into actual spending patterns, including restaurant and dining expenditures across diverse industries and business sizes.

Understanding Maine's business dining landscape requires a data-driven approach that goes beyond traditional reviews. By analyzing actual spending patterns, we can identify establishments that consistently meet the needs of business professionals—from client meetings to team celebrations. This approach reveals how tourism, seasonal fluctuations, and Maine's evolving culinary scene shape dining choices across the state's diverse regions.

Understanding Maine restaurant industry

Maine's restaurant sector demonstrates remarkable resilience, with 1,800 restaurants operating statewide as of August 2024. The industry generates $5.58 billion in direct output annually while supporting 54,735 employees. Tourism amplifies this impact significantly—15.3 million visitors spent $2.1 billion at restaurants in 2023 alone. The state's culinary identity centers on hyper-local sourcing, with 68% of establishments incorporating Maine-grown ingredients. This farm-to-table approach combines with the state's renowned seafood industry to create unique business dining opportunities from Portland's bustling waterfront to inland ski resort destinations.

Top 5 restaurants for business meals and client dining

Based on aggregated business spending data, these establishments consistently rank as Maine's preferred destinations for professional dining. Modern Barn, Longfellow's Restaurant, and Brickyard Hollow lead in hosting client meetings and corporate events. This ranking reflects actual business expense patterns rather than individual consumer preferences, providing unique insights into where Maine companies invest their dining dollars.

Modern Barn

Modern Barn has redefined upscale dining in Bethel since 2021, occupying a historic building that began as an early 20th-century corn cannery. The restaurant earned the Wine Spectator 2021 Restaurant Award of Excellence for its carefully curated 175-bottle wine collection, establishing itself as a premier destination for business entertaining near Sunday River ski resort.

Notable facts: The 80-seat dining room features rustic-chic decor with exposed beams and a prominent wine display wall, creating an atmosphere that balances professionalism with Maine's outdoor heritage. Originally relocated to 19 Summer Street in 1932, the building's transformation into a contemporary dining establishment preserves historical architectural elements while incorporating modern amenities. The restaurant's proximity to Sunday River positions it perfectly for hosting clients during ski season or summer golf outings.

Signature dishes:

• 12-ounce ribeye with toasted walnuts and maple cream reduction
• Pan-seared salmon with pesto and shaved parmesan
• Mediterranean haddock featuring artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and feta
• Thai Chili Cauliflower (vegan option that's become an unexpected bestseller)
• Deconstructed Beef Wellington with pastry-wrapped filet medallion

Best for: Executive dinners and high-stakes client meetings where wine selection matters. The upscale-casual atmosphere works particularly well for closing deals or celebrating successful partnerships. The riverside deck provides an impressive setting for summer business gatherings, while the intimate dining room suits confidential discussions during Maine's colder months.

Brickyard Hollow

Brickyard Hollow Brewing Co. represents Maine's fastest-growing brewpub concept, expanding from its original 2018 Yarmouth location to nine establishments statewide. The flagship occupies the historic Brickyard Hollow district at 236 Main Street, where 19th-century brickworks once dominated the landscape.

Notable facts: The company's rapid expansion—including five new locations in 2023-2024—demonstrates its appeal to business crowds seeking casual yet quality dining. Each location features a 4,400-pound Texas-built wood-fired smoker nicknamed "Mama" that serves dual duty for barbecue and pizza preparation. The brewery produces 12 seasonal beers annually, with their signature Brickyard IPA accounting for 40% of draft sales across all locations.

Signature dishes:

• Fresh Mushroom pizza with roasted garlic and gorgonzola crumble
• Smoked brisket sandwiches with maple bacon aioli
• "BYO" pizza with custom combinations from 20+ toppings
• Wood-fired barbecue selections
• Seasonal craft beer pairings

Best for: Team outings, informal client meetings, and after-work gatherings where a relaxed atmosphere encourages open conversation. The communal picnic tables and brewery viewing areas create natural networking opportunities. Multiple locations mean there's likely a Brickyard Hollow convenient to most business districts, making it ideal for spontaneous lunch meetings or planned team celebrations.

Dysart's

Dysart's Restaurant and Truck Stop has served Maine since its Mother's Day 1967 opening, becoming a cultural institution that transcends typical dining categories. The Hermon flagship at 530 Coldbrook Road gained national fame when its "buttery, flaky crust" commercial went viral in 2012, later earning a Saturday Night Live parody.

Notable facts: Originally operating 24/7, the restaurant now serves from 5am to midnight while maintaining its authentic truck stop heritage. The establishment's multi-generational employment—with 30% of staff having relatives who previously worked there—creates exceptional service consistency. A second full-service location in Bangor opened in 2014, expanding options for business diners. The 200-seat capacity accommodates large corporate groups while vintage photographs document its evolution from a 12-seat diner.

Signature dishes:

• 10-inch chicken pot pie with legendary "buttery, flaky crust" (serves two)
• Haddock fish and chips
• Irish nachos (house-fried potato chips with cheese and bacon)
• Lumberjack breakfast featuring triple-stack pancakes
• Classic New England comfort food selections

Best for: Early morning business meetings, hosting out-of-state clients seeking authentic Maine experiences, and large group gatherings where diverse menu preferences need accommodation. The unpretentious atmosphere removes formality barriers, making it excellent for building genuine business relationships. Extended hours suit various schedules, from pre-dawn contractor meetings to late-night post-event gatherings.

Longfellow's Restaurant

Longfellow's Restaurant has anchored Kingfield's dining scene since 1980, with current owners Christopher and Melissa Doucette maintaining its community-focused tradition since their 2013 purchase. The 259 Main Street location overlooks the Carrabassett River, offering seasonal deck dining alongside the year-round dining room.

Notable facts: Strategic positioning 45 minutes from Sugarloaf Mountain ensures consistent business from ski industry professionals, with winter months seeing 60% of patronage from ski area visitors. The restaurant hosts the annual "Kingfield Chowder Challenge," demonstrating deep community ties that benefit business networking. Dietary accommodations include clearly marked gluten-free and vegetarian options across 90% of the menu, simplifying group ordering for diverse teams.

Signature dishes:

• Scallops Nova Scotia baked with honey butter and breadcrumbs
• Mediterranean haddock with artichokes, feta, and Kalamata olives
• "Surf and Turf" combination of BBQ beef tips and baked scallops
• House salad featuring Maine maple vinaigrette and local goat cheese
• Seasonal New England specialties with Mediterranean influences

Best for: Client entertainment during ski season, intimate business dinners requiring a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere, and meetings where dietary restrictions need careful consideration. The fieldstone fireplaces and local artwork create conversation starters, while the Wednesday-Sunday schedule requires advance planning for business events. Summer deck dining provides memorable settings for closing deals or celebrating milestones.

Aroma Joe's

Aroma Joe's has revolutionized Maine's coffee culture since beginning state expansion in 2005, growing from its 2000 New Hampshire founding to 42 Maine locations among 110 total outlets. The drive-thru focused model, created by Maine-born cousins Marty and Tim McKenna with Mike and Brian Sillon, emphasizes speed without sacrificing quality.

Notable facts: The proprietary "AJ's Rush" energy drink launched in 2012 now accounts for 35% of sales, offering a caffeine alternative that's become integral to Maine's business culture. With 90-second average transaction times, locations serve time-conscious professionals efficiently. The "Cups for Causes" program has donated over $200,000 to Maine nonprofits since 2015, providing corporate social responsibility opportunities for business partnerships. Expansion plans include 15 new Maine locations by 2026.

Signature dishes:

• "Beach Bum Rush" (coconut and pineapple energy blend)
• "Green Alien" (mint-chocolate energy drink)
• Rainforest Alliance Certified craft-roasted coffees
• Toasted marshmallow and maple coffee innovations
• Seasonal specialty beverages

Best for: Quick morning meetings, grabbing coffee before client presentations, and providing catering for office events. The consistency across locations ensures reliable quality for traveling business professionals. Drive-thru efficiency makes it perfect for busy executives, while the "positive energy" service philosophy creates an upbeat start to business interactions. Multiple locations enable convenient meeting spots throughout Maine's business corridors.

Tips for business dining in Maine's restaurant scene

Maine's business dining culture reflects the state's blend of traditional values and modern innovation. Make reservations at least 48 hours ahead during peak tourist seasons (June through October and ski season), as visitor influx can triple wait times at popular establishments. Many restaurants source ingredients locally, so menu items change seasonally—embrace this by asking servers about daily specials that showcase Maine's bounty.

Understanding Maine's casual professionalism helps navigate dress codes. Even upscale venues like Modern Barn welcome "Maine formal"—quality outdoor brands paired with dress shoes are perfectly acceptable. This relaxed approach extends to timing; Maine business culture values authenticity over rigid formality, so don't hesitate to suggest meeting at Dysart's for their famous 6am breakfast if it suits your client's schedule.

Leverage seasonal advantages for memorable client experiences. Summer deck dining at Longfellow's or Modern Barn creates lasting impressions, while winter meetings near ski resorts can combine business with recreation. For larger groups, consider Brickyard Hollow's communal seating that encourages team bonding, or book Dysart's spacious dining room for company celebrations. Remember that many inland restaurants operate on reduced schedules during mud season (March-April), so confirm hours when planning spring meetings.