Over the years we’ve given you ideas for tons of different road trips. From Maine’s coolest natural wonders to our state’s most unique lighthouses, it turns out there’s quite a bit to see here in Maine! We love to sightsee, but there’s nothing like making your way through the state to sample the food that helped put us on the culinary map. If that’s the type of road trip you’re looking for, read on! We’ve put together an epic road trip that leads to some of the best BBQ in Maine, and will help you love living here even more.

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1. Salvage BBQ & Smokehouse, Portland
Salvage BBQ, 919 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102, USA
irenecerutti / TripAdvisor
Salvage BBQ, 919 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102, USA
Salvage BBQ & Smokehouse / Facebook
While not entirely a true hole-in-the-wall, we felt Salvage was worth including because it's plain ole delicious. Stop in, step up to the counter, and load up on meat and sides. If you're lucky you'll be there on "worst" trivia night!
2. Smokin' Good BBQ, Bethel
Mark Elliott/GoogleMaps
212 Mayville Rd, Bethel, ME 04217, USA
Tina Weber / Google
There's nothing like BBQ that's served out of a truck, giving off the rustic vibes that it should. That's exactly what you'll find at Smokin' Good, which has basically been around forever. This is pit-style 'cue at its most delicious. Order the ribs. Trust us!
3. The Shed, Rangeley
The Shed, 2647 Main St, Rangeley, ME 04970, USA
The Shed / Google
The Shed, 2647 Main St, Rangeley, ME 04970, USA
The Shed / Facebook
One of the most beloved restaurants in the Rangeley area, the Shed is a BBQ joint that doubles as a community center. Enjoy live music, great food, and fun year-round.

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4. Spring Creek BBQ, Monson
Spring Creek Bar-B-Q, 26 Greenville Rd, Monson, ME 04464, USA
Jeff Grove / Google
Spring Creek Bar-B-Q, 26 Greenville Rd, Monson, ME 04464, USA
seth mclain / Google
This Texas-style BBQ spot used to be a bit more off-the-radar. Then Anthony Bourdain showed up and people began to realize just how great the food in Maine really is! Grab yourself a plate of something meaty and you'll definitely be making plans to come back to Spring Creek for more.
5. Mr. Ribs Barbeque & Grill, Damariscotta
Mr Ribs BBQ, 603 Main St, Damariscotta, ME 04543, USA
B F H / TripAdvisor
Neal B / TripAdvisor
Some of the most authentic BBQ in Maine can be found at this tiny, unexpected stop on your BBQ road trip through Maine! Things here aren't fancy, but that's just the way we like it.

Editor's Note: Since the original publication of this article, Mr. Ribs has closed its doors. For another delicious barbecue option in Damariscotta, Gators Deep South is a must-stop!
6. Riverfront Barbeque & Grille, Augusta
Riverfront Barbeque & Grille, 300 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330, USA
Josh Tovar / Google
Riverfront Barbeque & Grille, 300 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330, USA
Charlene Hill / Google
Next up is a spot that has a little more structure than some of the trucks you've enjoyed along the way. Riverfront Barbeque comes complete with walls and a roof! Plus the food is fantastic. Enjoy southern BBQ including Memphis dry rub ribs, pulled pork, and beef brisket.
7. Elsmere BBQ, South Portland
Sandra Brochu / Google
448 Cottage Rd, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
john deola / Google
And thus concludes the best BBQ road trip you've ever taken! Or, maybe the only one you've ever taken. Either way, you'll be happy that the last stop is Elsmere. The Texas-style BBQ here is made using "mama," the state-of-the-art smoker found here. Once you've gobbled up your last delicious bite, head on home from a weekend filled with the best food in the state.

Of course, these aren’t the only delicious BBQ restaurants in Maine, but we think this road trip is a pretty good place to start! Do you have any favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants or BBQ hidden gems that we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments!

Now that you’ve enjoyed some of the best BBQ in Maine, it might be time for dessert. This mouthwatering ice cream trail in Maine is the sweetest adventure in the state.

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Best BBQ in Maine & Related Info

Jennifer | February 07, 2023

What is the most famous restaurant in Maine?

Maine's dining scene may not be as world-renowned as some, but the state's most iconic food sure is! That said, Maine offers far more to the culinary world than just lobster, and many of its restaurants have earned major accolades for their farm-to-table freshness, wildly creative dishes, and legendary specialties. Here are just a few of Maine's most famous popular restaurants:

 

What is the oldest restaurant in Maine?

Waco Diner (1924)  is typically considered to be the oldest restaurant in Maine; however, The Palace Diner (1927)  is often given the same title. Some other historic, long-standing restaurants and bars include:

 

What is the most unique restaurant in Maine?

Quirky, themed, and uber-creative restaurants aren't out of the norm in the Pine Tree State. Check out Grace in Portland for some heavenly dishes served up in a beautifully renovated church. Or, for a modern take on the iconic digs of the 50s, check out Blast From the Past Too Diner in Scarborough - one of a few retro restaurants around the state.

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