This Small-Town Maine Kitchen Serves Homemade Soups Worth A Long Drive

A bowl of soup can be enough to change the direction of a road trip. Along a busy route toward Acadia National Park, an old brick building serves the kind of lunch that makes pulling over feel like part of the day’s adventure.

Maine lobster bisque is one of the big draws, joined by rotating soups and sourdough melts that give travelers plenty of reasons to stop before reaching the coast. Breakfast also starts early on most days, making this an easy option for travelers with a full day ahead.

The setting is simple, but the menu gives the stop its personality. A quick meal here can easily become the part of the drive everyone remembers, especially when cooler weather makes a hot bowl sound even better.

A Handy High Street Address

Road trippers heading toward Bar Harbor, keep your eyes open, because one of the tastiest pit stops in Downeast Maine sits right along the way. Brick House Soups lives at 27 High St, Ellsworth, ME 04605, in the busy heart of town where Route 1 and Route 3 traffic rolls toward the coast.

That spot makes it an easy break for anyone driving from Bangor to Acadia National Park. Instead of settling for a quick snack from a gas station, travelers can grab a hot bowl of soup and a toasted sandwich in about the time it takes to stretch their legs.

The building itself matches the name. It is a handsome old brick structure with plenty of small-town character, the kind that looks like it has watched Ellsworth grow for generations.

Parking takes a little planning, since spaces sit off to the side of the building rather than right out front. A quick look around the lot before pulling in will save a loop around the block.

For questions or to check the daily lineup, the kitchen can be reached at 207-613-5683, and the website at brickhousesoups.com shares updates. Having that number saved on a phone is a smart move before any drive.

Lobster Bisque That Steals The Spotlight

Picture a bowl so smooth and rich that the spoon practically glides on its own. That is the lobster bisque at Brick House Soups, and it is the dish most closely tied to this little kitchen.

The bisque leans sweet and creamy, with the gentle flavor of Maine lobster running through every spoonful. It arrives hot, which matters on a chilly coastal morning, and the texture is velvety without feeling heavy.

Portions are generous, even when ordering a cup. A cup pairs nicely with a sandwich, while a larger bowl can easily stand as a full meal on its own.

Each order comes with toasted sourdough, and that bread is not just a side. It is sturdy enough for dunking, soaking up the bisque without falling apart, and it carries a tasty herb butter that adds a savory lift.

First-timers who cannot decide what to try should start right here. It gives a clear taste of what the kitchen does best, which is taking classic Maine ingredients and turning them into pure comfort.

Fun tip: order the crisps on the side for a little crunch between creamy bites. Scraping the last drops with a crust of bread is completely acceptable.

Soup Flights For The Wonderfully Indecisive

Choosing just one soup here can feel like picking a favorite grandchild, so the kitchen came up with a clever fix. The soup flight lets guests sample three different soups in one order.

A typical flight might line up tomato bisque, lobster bisque, and clam chowder side by side. Other days, choices can include broccoli cheddar, Hungarian mushroom, sweet potato chipotle, or a loaded seafood soup packed with fresh ocean flavor.

Because soups rotate, the exact lineup changes, and a full daily list is best checked in person or on the website. That rotation gives repeat visitors a good reason to come back and try something new.

The flight works great for couples or friends who like to share. Everyone can pass cups around the table and compare notes, turning lunch into a friendly little tasting party.

Here is a practical idea: pick one creamy soup, one brothy or chunky option, and one with a bit of spice. That mix shows off the range of the kitchen and keeps every sip interesting.

Toasted sourdough comes along for dunking, so no cup goes unfinished. It is a smart, affordable way to explore the menu in one sitting.

Chowders With A Downeast Twist

Maine takes chowder seriously, and this kitchen treats it with the respect it deserves while still having a little fun. Two chowders stand out on the menu: the classic clam chowder and the clam and corn chowder.

The clam chowder comes loaded with tender clams and hearty bits, plus a subtle kick that wakes up the taste buds without overpowering the creamy base. It is thick enough to feel filling but never gluey.

Meanwhile, the clam and corn chowder brings a sweet side to the table. Kernels of corn add pops of natural sweetness that balance the briny clams, creating a bowl that tastes like a summer day on the coast.

Both chowders show real skill in coaxing big flavor out of simple ingredients. There is nothing fussy here, just careful cooking that lets each part shine.

Newcomers can order a cup of each and decide on a personal favorite. Pairing either one with the house sourdough makes for a meal that sticks with you through an afternoon of hiking or shopping.

A quick bit of trivia: Maine-style chowder is traditionally cream-based, unlike the tomato version from New York. This kitchen proudly stays in the Maine camp.

Melts And Toasts Built On House Sourdough

Bread lovers, get ready, because the sourdough here is made in-house and it forms the backbone of the sandwich menu. Toasted until golden and crisp, it turns every melt into something special.

The Bricklayer’s Melt is a grilled cheese that feels like the ultimate version of a childhood favorite. It is gooey, crunchy, and ideal for dipping into a cup of tomato bisque.

For a taste of the sea, the Bricklayer’s Catch and the lobster grilled cheese add sweet Maine lobster to the mix. The Sunrise Melt brings a bright, refreshing flavor with just the right touch of acidity, keeping things balanced.

Spice fans can reach for the sriracha chicken melt, and a featured melt of the day sometimes shows up with extras like candied jalapenos. Those specials change, so asking at the counter is always worthwhile.

Toasts round out the lineup with toppings such as ricotta and tomato or lobster salad. The Brick Buoy, a lobster toast, piles fresh Maine lobster onto that famous bread.

A smart order is one soup plus one melt to share. That combo covers both sides of the menu without leaving anyone too stuffed to enjoy the rest of the day.

Breakfast That Starts At 8 AM

Early risers get a treat, since the doors open at 8 AM and breakfast is a big part of the story. Soup for breakfast might sound unusual, but on a cold Maine morning, it makes perfect sense.

The Brick Stack is a breakfast sandwich with egg, American and cheddar cheeses, and a choice of bacon or sausage on toasted sourdough. Adding bacon brings a savory touch without making the sandwich greasy.

Sweet tooths should look for Hearth and Honey, which features Maine blueberries. It is a lovely way to taste one of the state’s most famous fruits before heading out for the day.

On the side, the Cajun fried potatoes deliver crispy edges and a warm spice that pairs nicely with eggs. They are hearty enough to fuel a morning of exploring Acadia’s trails.

For something bolder, the chicken tikka masala soup offers a thick, warmly spiced bowl that feels almost like a chili. It is an unexpected find in a small Maine town and a fun one to try.

Planning tip: arriving right at opening means a calmer room and quick service. That head start also leaves plenty of daylight for sightseeing along the coast.

Cozy Rooms And A Crew With Big Hearts

Walk in on a gray afternoon and the first thing that hits is the smell of simmering soup and warm bread. The room is small, clean, and inviting, with a relaxed, no-fuss feel.

Fresh flowers often sit on the tables, a sweet little detail that makes the space feel cared for. The mood is laid-back, so hiking boots and travel clothes fit right in.

Service runs through a counter where guests place orders, and the team brings food out to the table. Meals tend to arrive quickly, often in around a quarter of an hour, even when the room starts to fill.

The small crew is known for being friendly, patient, and polite. They take time to explain options, answer questions about the menu, and help newcomers find the right combination.

Thoughtful touches extend beyond the dining room too. The restroom is kept clean and stocked with personal care products, a small kindness that travelers truly appreciate.

This is a place run by people who clearly care about their guests. That warmth adds an extra layer of comfort to every bowl, making the visit feel more like stopping by a friend’s kitchen than a typical restaurant.

Fair Prices, Smart Hours, And Other Tips

Good news for anyone watching a travel budget: a satisfying soup and sandwich meal here comes at a very fair price. A couple can share soups, melts, and sides for roughly forty dollars and walk away happily full.

Exact menu prices can shift, so checking the website or the counter menu is the best way to see current costs. Either way, the portions and quality deliver strong value for the money.

Hours are simple to remember once written down. Tuesday through Thursday, the kitchen runs from 8 AM to 6 PM, while Friday and Saturday stretch to 7 PM.

Sunday is shorter, from 8 AM to 3 PM, and Monday is a day off, so plan road trips accordingly. Showing up on a Monday would mean a very sad, soup-free afternoon.

Lunchtime can get busy, especially during summer when Acadia visitors pass through. Coming a bit before noon or in mid-afternoon usually means shorter lines and easier seating.

First-timers should try a soup flight, add a melt on house sourdough, and save room for crisps. With that order, any drive to Ellsworth will feel completely worth the miles.