Off-the-beaten-path spots to find vegan eats in Maine

Veggie Life Burger. Courtesy Photo of Riverside Restaurant & Pub

By Avery Yale Kamila
Updated Nov. 2023 by Raine Raynor

When spending time in Maine’s tourist hot spots, such as Portland, Bar Harbor, Kennebunk, Camden and Freeport, vegans and vegetarians never want for good food. Get off the beaten path and options dwindle. But they don’t disappear entirely. That’s because when we know where to look, we can always find a decent veg meal in Maine, and many times getting off-the-beaten path leads to plant-based riches. To prove it, here’s a look at some of our favorite hand-held, vegan meals perfect for takeout, picnics and on-the-go eats tucked away in unexpected spots across the state. Please check restaurants’ websites for the most current menus.

Fried seitan sandwich at the Newcastle Publick House in Newcastle

Hidden just off Route 1, this village on the Damariscotta River serves up creative vegan eats at the local pub. Try the vegan bangers and mash, simmered in Pemaquid Ale and served with onion gravy, mashed potatoes and rotating nightly vegetables. Other menu options include French onion soup–you choose conventional or vegan cheese–jerk jackfruit quesadilla, blistered shishito peppers and bravas with vegan seasoned crema. (Website)

Vegan breakfast sandwich from Forage. Photo: Avery Yale Kamila

Vegan breakfast bagel at Forage in Lewiston (and Portland)

In the downtown of this former mill town, crispy bagels pair with house-made vegan eggs, fakin bacon, local greens and tomatoes for a tasty start to the day. Forage bakes its bagels in a wood-fired brick oven, lending a unique flavor to this vegan sandwich. Try the vegan breakfast sandwich or B.L.T. Order online or in person. (Should you find yourself back on the well-worn trail, Forage also has an outpost in Portland. (Website)

Vegan breakfast sandwich at Kindred Farms Market & Bakery in Casco

This local food market has a deli, a smoothie bar and a bakery. Make your breakfast sandwich vegan with Impossible sausage—or try it on a Sicilian pizza with vegan mozzarella. Other vegan sandwiches include burgers with locally-made Veggie Life patties and the Green Goddess, a spinach wrap with avocados, seasonal shoots, pickled beets, red onion ad lettuce tossed with a sweet onion dressing. Gluten-free bakery options are always available, with vegan cupcakes, Whoopie pies and cookies in the bakery during the busy summer months. (Website)

Craignair vegan lobster roll with coleslaw and roasted potatoes. Photo courtesy of Causeway Restaurant at Craignair Inn by the Sea.

Vegan lobster roll at the Causeway Restaurant in Spruce Head

Tucked inside the oceanfront Craignair Inn by the Sea, the Causeway Restaurant offers a robust selection of vegan options, the most talked about being the vegan lobster wrap. It is made with artichoke hearts and oyster mushrooms tossed in a creamy dressing. It is served with roasted potatoes and coleslaw. Other notable vegan items on the menu include crab cakes made with jackfruit and a house-made veggie burger crafted from local tofu and black beans. Should you prefer brunch, the restaurant makes vegan blueberry pancakes and vegan red flannel hash. (Website)

Vegan cheese sandwich at The Woodshed in Manchester

This tap house, live music venue and sandwich spot recently added vegan cheese to its menu, meaning the vegetarian Herbivore Sky sandwich can now be made vegan. Located on a historic property that used to be a tavern, the eatery is part of the headquarters of the Kennebec Cabin Company. DIY Network viewers know the company as Maine Cabin Masters from the reality TV show of the same name. The Woodshed’s website offers online ordering, and picnic tables provide plentiful outdoor seating, where you can enjoy food, drinks and music and maybe even catch a glimpse of one of the Cabin Masters. (Website)

Veggie Life burger at Riverside Restaurant & Pub in The Forks

Perched on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers, the Inn by the River houses this casual watering hole catering to hikers, campers, white water rafters and locals alike. The vegan veggie burger is a popular menu item made from quinoa, almonds, carrots and onions. The Veggie Life burger was first created and served at the Riverside Restaurant and is now available at other eateries throughout Maine. Another sure bet on the Riverside menu: Vegan jackfruit chili. (Website)

Kids Meals at Curbside Comfort in Gorham

Located at the site of a former ice cream shop, Curbside Comforts creates vegan versions of comfort food classics for kids and adults alike. Choose from chik’n sandwiches, mac and cheese, grilled wraps, salads, burgers and tenders. Kids meals come with a side of fries, a fruit snack and choice of beverage. Finish off your meal with vegan soft serve—available as a cone, shake, float or in a banana split. (Website)

Sausage Panini at Vickie’s Veggie Table in Biddeford

A mother and daughter team is behind this vegetarian restaurant in downtown Biddeford. The Sausage Panini combines Impossible sausage with a tofu egg, vegan mozzarella, pepper jelly and vegan mayo on herbed focaccia bread. Other menu highlights include the maple chipotle avocado BLT with tempeh bacon from fellow Biddeford business, Tootie’s Tempeh—the first tempeh maker in the U.S. to ferment their products in metal pans rather than plastic. (Website)

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Read more about eating plant-based in Maine

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This article originally appeared in the summer 2021 edition of Green & Healthy Maine. It was most recently updated November 2023.