15 Maine Soul Food Joints That Locals Say Could Give Grandma A Run For Her Money

Growing up, I was convinced that nobody could touch my grandmother’s fried chicken and collard greens. Her kitchen was pure magic—every meal seasoned with love and tradition. But when I moved to Maine, I discovered something that truly surprised me.

This northern state, better known for lobster rolls and chowder, has quietly become a haven for authentic, soul-warming Southern cuisine.

From Cajun kitchens tucked into coastal towns to Carolina-style barbecue joints smoking meat low and slow, Maine’s soul food scene is thriving. These fifteen restaurants serve comfort so good, even Grandma would nod in approval—and probably ask for the recipe.

1. Hot Suppa — Portland

Walking into Hot Suppa feels like stepping into your favorite aunt’s kitchen on a Sunday afternoon.

This Southern kitchen and brunch staple has become legendary among Portland locals who crave authentic comfort food. The menu changes daily, so you never quite know what treasures await, but that’s part of the magic.

Their cornbread alone could make a grown person weep with joy. The buttermilk biscuits are flaky enough to shatter at first bite, and the gravies are rich without being heavy. Everything tastes like it was made with love and a secret ingredient nobody will share.

2. The Bayou Kitchen — Portland

My first bite of their shrimp and grits transported me straight to New Orleans.

This family-owned gem specializes in Cajun and Creole breakfast and lunch that’ll make your taste buds dance. The recipes have been passed down through generations, and you can taste that heritage in every spoonful.

The owners treat everyone like family, remembering your name after just one visit. Their gumbo has the perfect balance of spice and depth, while the jambalaya is packed with flavor that builds with each bite. The portions are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to.

3. Po’ Boys & Pickles — Portland

Biting into their fried oyster po’ boy reminded me why I fell in love with New Orleans cuisine.

This spot brings authentic Big Easy flavor to the Pine Tree State with sandwiches so packed with goodness they barely close. The French bread arrives fresh daily, crusty outside and pillowy inside, just like it should be.

Their house-made pickles add the perfect tangy crunch to every sandwich. The remoulade sauce is creamy with just enough kick, and the seafood is always fresh and perfectly fried. They also offer vegetarian options that are just as satisfying as the meat versions.

4. Big J’s Chicken — Portland

The first crunch of their buttermilk-brined chicken made me forget every other fried chicken I’d ever tasted.

Located at Thompson’s Point, Big J’s has perfected the art of the perfect bird. Their brining process keeps the meat juicy while the coating stays impossibly crispy, achieving what seems like culinary wizardry.

Every piece comes out golden brown and steaming hot from the fryer. The seasoning is bold without overwhelming the natural chicken flavor, and the meat practically falls off the bone. Their sides are no afterthought either, with mac and cheese that’s creamy perfection and coleslaw that provides the perfect cooling contrast.

5. Wilson County Barbecue — Portland

Whole-hog barbecue done right is an art form, and Wilson County has mastered it.

Their Eastern North Carolina style cooking means low and slow smoke until the meat is tender enough to pull apart with a fork. The vinegar-based sauce cuts through the richness perfectly, honoring Carolina tradition while satisfying Maine appetites.

Weekend brunch here is something special, combining barbecue with breakfast favorites. Imagine pulled pork on a biscuit with a fried egg, or smoked chicken hash with crispy potatoes. The smoke ring on their meat is a thing of beauty, proving they take their pit time seriously.

6. Terlingua — Portland

Smoke billows from their pit seven days a week, creating aromas that draw you in from blocks away. Terlingua brings Texas and Southern barbecue traditions together with house-smoked meats that fall apart at the gentlest touch. Their brisket has that perfect pink smoke ring and bark that snaps before melting on your tongue.

The Southwestern sides add interesting flavor combinations you won’t find elsewhere. Think smoked beans with jalapeños, elote-style corn, and poblano mac and cheese. Everything is made from scratch, and the quality shows in every bite.

Being open every day means you never have to wait long for your barbecue fix. The consistency is remarkable.

7. Crown Fried Chicken — Portland

When midnight cravings strike, Crown Fried Chicken becomes your best friend.

Open until 2 AM most nights, this spot satisfies late-night hunger with seriously good fried chicken that doesn’t sacrifice quality for convenience. The coating stays crispy even during the rush, and the chicken is always cooked through without being dry.

Their wing game is particularly strong, with multiple sauce options and perfect seasoning. The tenders are thick and juicy, making them ideal for dipping. Fries come hot and salty, exactly what you need after a long night.

8. Moe’s Original BBQ — Bangor

Alabama barbecue is different from its Carolina and Texas cousins, and Moe’s shows you exactly why that matters. Their signature white sauce is tangy and creamy, perfect on smoked chicken or pork. The meat gets kissed by smoke for hours, developing deep flavors that need minimal sauce to shine.

The Bangor location brings Southern hospitality to central Maine with genuine warmth. Portions are generous, and the sides rotate seasonally to highlight fresh ingredients. Their collard greens have just the right amount of pot liquor, and the cornbread is sweet without being cake-like.

Hours are posted clearly, making it easy to plan your barbecue pilgrimage.

9. Southern Spoon — Brewer

Small restaurants often serve the biggest flavors, and Southern Spoon proves this beautifully.

This intimate spot in Brewer dishes out homestyle Southern cooking that tastes like it came from someone’s treasured family recipe box. Every plate arrives with care and attention to detail that larger establishments simply can’t match.

Their daily specials showcase different regional Southern cuisines throughout the week. Monday might bring low country shrimp and grits, while Thursday features Nashville hot chicken. The rotating menu keeps regulars coming back to try something new while maintaining beloved classics.

10. Go See Tyce BBQ — Saco

Jamaican spices meet Southern smoke in the most delicious collision you can imagine. Go See Tyce creates fusion barbecue that honors both traditions without compromising either one. The jerk seasoning adds Caribbean heat and complexity to classic smoked meats, creating flavors that dance across your palate.

Their jerk chicken has crispy skin packed with flavor while staying juicy inside. The ribs get rubbed with island spices before hitting the smoker, emerging with layers of taste you’ll want to savor slowly. Rice and peas provide the perfect base for soaking up all those incredible juices.

This is takeout worth seeking out in Saco. Check their current hours online before making the trip.

11. Smokin’ Good BBQ — Bethel

Seasonal barbecue might sound limiting, but it actually means everything is perfectly timed and fresh. This Bethel smokeshack operates on a schedule that ensures quality over quantity, with Fall 2025 dates already posted for planning purposes. When they’re open, the barbecue is worth whatever drive it takes to get there.

The rustic setting adds to the authentic pit barbecue experience. Picnic tables, outdoor seating, and the smell of wood smoke create an atmosphere that enhances every bite. Their brisket is tender with beautiful bark, and the pulled pork is seasoned to perfection.

Check smokingoodbarbecue.com for their seasonal schedule and special events. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss out.

12. Spring Creek Bar-B-Q — Monson

Texas-style barbecue in rural Maine might surprise you, but Spring Creek makes it work beautifully. Their beef brisket rivals anything you’d find in Austin, with that perfect smoke ring and tender texture that only comes from patient smoking. The fat renders perfectly, keeping everything moist while adding rich flavor.

Sausage links are made in-house with just the right snap when you bite through the casing. The beans are thick and smoky, loaded with burnt ends that add texture and flavor. White bread comes on the side, traditional Texas-style, perfect for soaking up sauce and juices.

Find them on Yelp for current hours and location details. The drive to Monson rewards you with authentic pit barbecue.

13. Noble Pizzeria & Barbecue — Portland

Combining barbecue with pizza might sound wild, but Noble makes it work like magic. Their new Stevens Avenue location smokes meats daily, then uses them as toppings on wood-fired pies that bring together two beloved comfort food traditions. The pulled pork pizza with tangy sauce is a revelation.

You can also order straight barbecue plates if pizza isn’t calling your name. The ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender with a glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Brisket comes sliced thick, showing off that smoke ring with pride.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for families or groups. Check Noble Barbecue online for menu updates and hours at the new location.

14. The Red Barn — Augusta

Some restaurants become institutions, and The Red Barn has earned that status through decades of consistent excellence.

This long-running Augusta spot specializes in fried chicken and seafood that keeps generations of families coming back. The recipes haven’t changed much over the years because they got it right from the start.

Their fried chicken is perfectly seasoned with a coating that stays crispy. The seafood is sourced locally when possible, fried to golden perfection alongside hush puppies and coleslaw. Everything tastes like summer even in the middle of winter.

15. Shaking Crab Cajun Seafood House — South Portland

Cajun seafood boils are messy, delicious, and absolutely worth every bit of effort. Shaking Crab brings Louisiana’s favorite communal dining experience to South Portland with bags of perfectly seasoned shellfish, corn, and potatoes. You’ll need bibs, wet naps, and an appetite because these boils are seriously filling.

The spice levels range from mild to wild, letting you control the heat. Fresh crab, shrimp, crawfish when available, and sausage all get tossed together with their signature seasoning blend. Everything arrives steaming hot in bags you pour directly onto the table.

This is hands-on dining at its most fun. Check their South Portland location for active hours and current seafood availability.