We Ranked The Best BBQ Steak Restaurants In Maine (Crème De La Crème)
A really good steak can make a road trip feel worth it all by itself. Maine may be famous for seafood, but that does not mean beef gets pushed to the side.
Plenty of restaurants here know how to serve a steak with a great sear, plenty of flavor, and the kind of plate that makes you glad you showed up hungry. A few spots also work BBQ into the mix, giving you even more reason to stop.
What I like most about this list is that the restaurants do not all feel the same. Some are casual, others feel a little more polished, but the food is what keeps people coming back.
Here are seven places where steak or BBQ deserves a serious look the next time dinner plans call for something hearty.
The Steakhouse, Wells
Ranked at the very top of our list, this Wells favorite has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond its zip code. Locals talk about it the way kids talk about summer vacation, with genuine excitement.
The steaks here are hand-cut and cooked with a kind of care that makes each bite feel like a small celebration. You can taste the difference when a kitchen takes pride in its work, and this place clearly does.
The flavors are bold, the portions are generous, and the atmosphere feels welcoming from the moment you sit down.
What really sets this spot apart is its long-running reputation for carefully prepared steaks and a menu centered on hand-cut beef. That kind of reliability is rare, and it keeps folks coming back season after season.
Beyond the steak, the sides deserve a standing ovation too. Baked potatoes arrive fluffy and warm, and the vegetables taste fresh rather than forgotten.
It is the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every forkful.
The staff here treat you like an old friend, not just another customer. Friendly service can turn a good dinner into a great memory, and that is exactly what happens here.
Fun little detail worth mentioning: the aroma of steaks cooking in the restaurant’s high-temperature broilers can make dinner tempting before you even open the menu.
If you find yourself cruising through southern Maine and craving a proper steak dinner, this is the spot to circle on your map. You can find it at 1205 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090, ready to fill your plate and your heart with something delicious.
Bonissoni Brazilian Steakhouse, Ogunquit
Imagine servers gliding through the room carrying skewers of sizzling meat, ready to slice a fresh portion right onto your plate. That is the magic of this Ogunquit gem, and it turns dinner into a full-blown event.
The Brazilian churrasco style means variety is the name of the game here. You get to sample different cuts, each one seasoned and grilled to bring out its natural richness.
It feels a bit like a parade of flavors marching straight to your table.
Pacing yourself is the real challenge, because everything smells and tastes so good you want to try it all. Smart diners start slow and leave room for the star cuts, but even the beginners leave happy and full.
The setting matches the food, with an atmosphere that feels special without being stuffy. It is a wonderful place for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or simply the fact that it is a good day to eat well.
Vegetables and sides round out the experience beautifully. The salad options are fresh and colorful, giving your plate a nice balance against all that hearty, smoky meat.
Service is a big part of what makes this place shine. The team keeps everything moving smoothly, and they clearly enjoy sharing their food traditions with curious guests.
Here is a neat tidbit: Brazilian churrasco is closely associated with the gaúcho traditions of southern Brazil, where meat was traditionally cooked over open flames. Getting a taste of that history right here in Maine is pretty cool.
For a dining experience that feels festive and generous, point yourself toward 82 Shore Rd, Ogunquit, ME 03907. Come hungry, stay a while, and let the skewers keep coming until you cannot possibly fit another bite.
Lakeview Restaurant, St. Agatha
Picture eating a perfectly grilled steak while gazing out over a calm, shimmering lake. That dreamy combination is exactly what this northern Maine treasure delivers, and it is worth the drive up.
The view alone would be enough to earn a visit, but the food refuses to play second fiddle. Steaks arrive cooked just the way you like them, tender and packed with flavor that pairs perfectly with the peaceful scenery.
St. Agatha sits far from the busy tourist crowds, which gives this spot a relaxed, homey feeling. You get the sense that the people cooking your meal truly care about their community and their guests.
Portions are hearty, the kind that fuel you up after a long day exploring the great outdoors. Nobody leaves this table feeling shortchanged, and that generosity is part of the charm.
The menu offers plenty beyond steak, so picky eaters and adventurous ones can both find something to love. Still, the grilled meats are the headliner, and they earn every bit of applause.
Sunset dinners here are especially memorable. As the light fades over the water, the whole room glows, and your meal feels like part of a postcard-perfect moment.
A little local flavor: this part of Maine is known for its strong Acadian roots, and that warm, friendly spirit shows up in how the staff treat everyone who walks in.
If you enjoy meals with a side of natural beauty, this place belongs on your must-visit list. Head to 9 Lakeview Dr, St Agatha, ME 04772, grab a seat by the window, and let the combination of good food and gorgeous views make your evening unforgettable.
It proves great steak can come with a great view too.
Mac’s Grill, Auburn
Some restaurants just have that buzzing, feel-good energy the second you walk up, and this Auburn hotspot is one of them. It is the kind of place where laughter and the sound of sizzling steak fill the air.
The grill work here is no joke. Steaks come out juicy and flavorful, with a nicely charred outside that seals in all the good stuff.
Every bite reminds you why grilled meat is such a crowd-pleaser.
Families flock to this spot for good reason. The menu has something for everyone, from big eaters chasing a hearty steak to kids who just want a familiar favorite.
Nobody goes home grumpy.
Portion sizes tend to be impressively generous. You might arrive starving and leave with a to-go box, which honestly feels like a bonus meal for later.
The service crew keeps things friendly and fast, even when the dining room is packed. That balance of speed and warmth is harder to pull off than it looks, and they nail it.
Beyond the steaks, the sides and appetizers hold their own. Crispy fries, fresh salads, and other tasty extras round out a meal that feels complete from start to finish.
Here is something fun: Auburn is part of the Lewiston-Auburn area, twin cities with a proud history of hard work and hearty appetites. A place serving up big, satisfying meals fits right in with that spirit.
Whether you are grabbing a quick weeknight dinner or gathering the whole family for a weekend treat, this grill delivers the goods. Swing by 1052 Minot Ave, Auburn, ME 04210, and treat yourself to a plate that will leave you smiling and pleasantly stuffed.
It is comfort food at its finest.
Rustlers Steak House, Windham
With a name like Rustlers, you already know this Windham spot brings a fun western flair to the table. It leans into that cowboy charm without ever feeling gimmicky, and the food backs up the theme with real muscle.
Steaks are the main event here, cooked with a confidence that comes from lots of practice. Each cut is tender, well-seasoned, and cooked to your liking, making it easy to see why regulars keep saddling up for more.
The rustic decor sets a cozy, relaxed mood. Wood accents and warm lighting make you feel like you have wandered into a friendly ranch house where good meals are a way of life.
Value is a big part of the appeal too. You get quality food at prices that feel fair, which means you can enjoy a great steak dinner without emptying your wallet.
The staff bring a laid-back, welcoming vibe to every table. They are quick with a smile and happy to help you pick the perfect cut if you cannot decide.
Sides here deserve a shout-out as well. From loaded potatoes to crisp vegetables, the supporting cast makes sure your plate is never boring.
A neat bit of trivia: the word rustler once described someone quick and energetic on the frontier, and this restaurant lives up to that lively reputation with its bustling, happy atmosphere.
For anyone craving a hearty steak dinner with a splash of western personality, this is a fantastic pick. You can find it at 61 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062, ready to serve up big flavors and good times.
Round up your friends or family, mosey on in, and get ready to enjoy a meal that hits every note just right. Yeehaw indeed.
Mike’s Clam Shack, Wells
Do not let the word clam in the name fool you, because this Wells favorite grills up steaks that hold their own against the seafood stars. It is a place where surf and turf lovers can have the best of both worlds.
The steaks arrive tender and flavorful, cooked with the same care that made this spot famous for its seafood. Whether you crave a juicy cut or a combo plate, the kitchen delivers with a smile.
Being in a coastal town, the atmosphere here has that easygoing seaside charm. It is casual, comfortable, and perfect for a relaxed dinner after a day near the beach.
Families and travelers alike love this spot because the menu offers so much variety. You can mix and match steak with local seafood favorites, creating a meal that feels like a true Maine experience.
Portions are satisfying and the flavors are honest. Nothing here feels overcomplicated, just good food made well and served by folks who clearly enjoy their jobs.
The service keeps things breezy and friendly, which fits the vacation mood perfectly. You never feel rushed, and that relaxed pace lets you actually enjoy your meal.
Here is a fun note: Wells is known for its beautiful beaches and salt marshes, so grabbing dinner here after a day outdoors feels like the perfect end to a classic coastal day.
If you want a spot that offers steak and seafood side by side, this is a winning choice. Visit 1150 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090, and treat yourself to a meal that captures the best of Maine dining.
Come as you are, order whatever your heart desires, and leave with a full belly and happy memories to take home.
Carriage House Restaurant, East Boothbay
Rounding out our list is a coastal charmer in East Boothbay that feels like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The setting near the ocean gives every meal an extra sprinkle of magic.
The steaks here are prepared with a gentle expertise that lets the natural flavors shine. Each cut is cooked thoughtfully, resulting in a meal that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy at the same time.
What makes this place special is the blend of relaxed coastal vibes and quality dining. You get the warmth of a neighborhood favorite mixed with food that could easily impress on a special occasion.
The ocean-side location means your dinner comes with a view worth savoring. Watching the water while enjoying a perfectly grilled steak is the kind of simple pleasure that sticks with you.
Portions strike a nice balance, generous enough to satisfy without leaving you overstuffed. The sides complement the main course beautifully, rounding out each plate with fresh, thoughtful touches.
Service here carries a genuine, heartfelt quality. The staff seem truly glad you stopped by, and that kindness makes the whole experience even better.
A little geography for you: East Boothbay is part of the scenic Boothbay region, famous for its harbors, gardens, and boat-building history. Dining here means soaking up a slice of classic Maine coastal life.
For a seasonal dinner in East Boothbay with steak and other carefully prepared entrees appearing on the menu, this restaurant is worth considering. You can find it at 388 Ocean Point Rd, East Boothbay, ME 04544.
Whether you are celebrating something big or just treating yourself, this welcoming restaurant offers a delightful way to end our tasty tour of Maine’s best BBQ steak destinations. Bring your appetite and your camera too.