Few People Know One Of The Nicest Restaurants In America Is Hiding In Small-Town Maine
By Chris Dodge|Updated on February 05, 2024(Originally published January 30, 2023)
×
Chris Dodge
Author
My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
New restaurants are springing up all over Maine, and there have been some really good ones lately. We love old-time classics that have been around for a while, but when something exciting is happening in a small little town, we can’t help but be elated. White Duck Brew Pub in Winthrop, Maine, opened in 2022 and has been gaining some serious attention. This can easily become one of those go-to restaurants for anyone in the state for years to come. We are grateful that we have such a great place to eat in our state.
After having been open for a little while now it is safe to say these predictions have come to pass. This is one of the greatest restaurants that Maine has to offer whether you are looking for a big juicy burger or to try something new. Bring a group of friends and see for yourself just how good a trip to this slightly out-of-the-way restaurant really can be.
The White Duck now sits as a beacon of delicious food awaiting anyone traveling through the small town of Winthrop.
It might be slightly out of the way for some but a quick drive from the heart of Augusta and you can gather with the White Duck community around fantastic cooking and a great good of people.
The restaurant was started by a combination of some incredible people. If you have been around in the Augusta/Gardiner area (or anywhere in Maine, for that matter) for any length of time you probably have heard the name Travis Mills.
This man is a local hero with a character to match his strength in combat and sacrifice. His selfless life has paved the way for us to enjoy the freedoms we have here in America, and deserves all of the honor we can give him. Long story short, Travis Mills is among one of the most amazing people you will ever meet and he is one of the owners of the White Duck. So you know you are in good company when people like Mr. Mills are involved.
Advertisement
Everywhere you look in the restaurant there is a story to tell. The collaboration of owners, cooks, and staff members down to the very tables you sit at.
Another owner named Zach Stewert (also a great guy) cut the lumber when he was young with his father on his family farm. This prized lumber was set aside for a special opportunity and that day came when it was time to put tables in the new restaurant. You can sit at those very tables to enjoy a meal with family and friends.
You can start your meal with a couple of great appetizers like the duck confit poutine. These decadent hand-cut fries are slathered with cheddar cheese curds, shredded confit duck meat, and topped with herb gravy.
Many people have walked away from the White Duck saying “That was the best burger I have ever eaten”.
We have to say we agree -- their juicy ½ White Duck Pub Burger is the stuff of legends. Fun fact: they sold 587 burgers in December 2022 alone. I think it is safe to say the word is getting out.
The menu has plenty to offer for just about anyone. Dig into some decadent pulled pork tacos, chicken parmesan, cottage pie, seafood scampi, and much more. The dishes are certainly impressive and you can’t go wrong with any choice.
If you plan on visiting, and I would highly suggest you do, the White Duck hosts many events throughout the year. Not only can you enjoy some of the best burgers your taste buds have ever experienced, but you can also join for some live music. A lineup of great local artists will perform on special days so make sure you check the calendar of events so you can catch one of these live shows (Check the link to the website below).
The White Duck in Winthrop, Maine, might be a new restaurant but word is spreading fast. People are flocking to this little town to partake in one of the nicest restaurants we have in our state. You owe it to yourself to make your way over and see that it lives up to the talk around town. For more information please visit the White Duck Brew Pub website.
If you are looking to stay for a while in the beautiful lake region of Winthrop check out this gorgeous lakefront home rental. It is a picture-perfect waterfront getaway on Maranacook Lake.