Savor Steak Perfection At These 18 Must-Try Steakhouses In Maine
Maine might be famous for its lobster, but its steakhouses deserve just as much love.
Tucked between coastal views and pine-covered hills are spots serving up sizzling cuts that rival the best in the country.
Whether it’s a cozy rustic lodge or a sleek downtown grill, these kitchens know how to treat a steak right.
From juicy ribeyes to tender filets, every bite delivers bold flavor, perfect sears, and that unmistakable satisfaction only great beef can bring.
1. Nick’s Steakhouse
Family-owned since 1978, Nick’s marinates their signature ribeyes for 48 hours in a secret blend that locals swear contains Maine blueberry.
The rustic log cabin atmosphere adds to the charm. Their house specialty, a 24-ounce porterhouse, arrives at your table still sizzling on a cast iron skillet.
Regulars recommend saving room for their famous bourbon pecan pie.
2. The Grill Room & Bar
Tucked in Portland’s Old Port district, The Grill Room’s open kitchen lets you watch chefs work their magic on the wood-fired grill. Locally sourced beef gets the royal treatment here.
Regulars rave about the bourbon and brown sugar glazed filet mignon that practically melts on your fork. Their intimate brick-walled dining room creates the perfect backdrop for serious steak enthusiasts.
3. Bullwinkle’s Family Steak House
Quirky moose décor and enormous portions define this beloved Waldoboro institution. Don’t let the casual vibe fool you – these folks take beef seriously.
Their legendary 32-ounce “Moose Steak” challenge has defeated countless hungry visitors.
Finish it solo and your photo joins the Wall of Fame! Kids go crazy for the tableside s’mores dessert option.
4. Paul’s Steak House
Housed in a converted 1800s farmhouse, Paul’s blends historic charm with modern culinary expertise. The owner personally selects each cut of beef from local farms.
Butter-basted prime rib, carved tableside on Saturdays, draws crowds from three counties away.
The antique bar serves prohibition-era cocktails that pair perfectly with their hearty steaks.
5. The Bog Tavern
Snowmobilers and foodies alike flock to this remote lodge where wild game steaks share menu space with traditional beef cuts.
The massive stone fireplace keeps things cozy even in February blizzards. Their signature blackened venison strip rivals any beef steak in flavor.
Weekend nights feature live bluegrass music that perfectly complements the rugged, authentic Maine backwoods experience.
6. Rustler’s Steakhouse
Cowboy culture meets Down East charm at this surprising western-themed outpost. Ranch hands serve up generous portions while wearing authentic boots and hats.
Their Texas-inspired dry rub creates a perfect crust on every steak.
The saloon-style bar offers an impressive whiskey selection, and weekends bring line dancing lessons before dinner service begins.
7. Trails End Steakhouse
Perched at the terminus of the Appalachian Trail, hungry hikers celebrate completed journeys with Trails End’s famous tomahawk ribeyes.
The walls display hiking boots donated by successful thru-hikers. Mountain views from every table enhance the experience of their oak-smoked sirloin.
Their signature “Trail Magic” spice blend contains 17 ingredients and is available for purchase in small trail-friendly tins.
8. Jack Russell’s Steak House & Brewery
Craft beer and premium beef unite at this gastropub where every steak comes with a suggested house-brewed beer pairing.
The owner’s Jack Russell terrier, Barley, often greets guests at the door. Their coffee-crusted strip steak, finished with their stout reduction, creates flavor fireworks.
The brewery tanks visible behind glass walls add industrial chic to the warm, dog-friendly atmosphere.
9. DiMillo’s On the Water
Aboard a converted car ferry permanently docked in Portland Harbor, DiMillo’s combines seafood excellence with outstanding steaks. The gentle harbor sway adds unique ambiance to your meal.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase working lobster boats while you enjoy their pepper-crusted New York strip.
Their surf-and-turf options featuring fresh-caught Maine lobster alongside premium beef create the ultimate Maine dining experience.
10. Fore Street
James Beard award-winning chefs transform local grass-fed beef into culinary masterpieces at this Portland institution.
The open hearth cooking method creates unmatched flavor complexity. Seasonal farm vegetables accompany perfectly wood-grilled hangar steaks.
The restored brick warehouse setting with exposed beams creates a sophisticated yet unpretentious atmosphere that epitomizes Portland’s food scene.
11. The Steakhouse
Sometimes simplicity speaks volumes – this aptly-named eatery focuses exclusively on beef perfection. The minimalist menu offers just five cuts, each aged 28 days minimum.
Their bone-in ribeye, seared at 1800 degrees, develops a caramelized crust that steak aficionados dream about.
The dining room’s leather booths and low lighting create an atmosphere of reverent appreciation for serious beef.
12. Mac’s Grill
Auburn’s favorite steakhouse blends casual comfort with serious carnivorous delights. Their legendary seasoning blend contains 17 spices, creating a distinctive crust on every steak.
Generous portions satisfy even the heartiest appetites – their 24-ounce porterhouse challenges brave diners.
The warm, woodsy interior filled with local sports memorabilia makes even first-time visitors feel like regulars.
13. Low Stakes Lodge
Don’t let the punny name fool you – this lakeside gem takes beef very seriously. Picnic tables on the dock provide summer seating where you can watch the sunset while savoring their famous smoked sirloin.
The casual atmosphere belies the culinary expertise behind each perfectly cooked steak.
Their unique “Dip Your Own” butter bar features six flavored butters for customizing every bite of your meal.
14. Thames Landing
British colonial vibes permeate this unexpected gem where Maine ingredients meet international techniques.
The chef’s London training shows in their perfect Wellington-style filet. Afternoon tea service transitions seamlessly into evening steak dinners.
Their signature peppercorn brandy sauce, flambéed tableside, creates both spectacle and incredible flavor for their center-cut filets.
15. Lost Fire Grill & Bar
South American grilling techniques meet Maine ingredients at this Kennebunkport hotspot.
The massive open-fire parilla grill dominates the center of the restaurant, where chefs perform beef alchemy. Argentinian-style skirt steak with chimichurri showcases simple perfection.
The lively atmosphere and inventive cocktail program make this a favorite for both locals and summer visitors to this coastal town.
16. The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery
Part butcher shop, part steakhouse, this innovative concept lets you select your cut from the case before they cook it.
The glass-walled aging room displays marbling masterpieces in various stages of perfection. Their signature 45-day dry-aged tomahawk develops flavor complexity that must be tasted to be believed.
The butcher counter sells take-home versions of their house rubs and marinades for home grilling enthusiasts.
17. LongHorn Steakhouse
While chain restaurants often get overlooked, Maine’s LongHorn locations consistently outperform their corporate siblings.
The Augusta location’s head chef, a 30-year veteran, personally inspects every steak before it leaves the kitchen.
Their Outlaw Ribeye develops a perfect char while maintaining juicy tenderness. The predictable excellence and reasonable prices make this a reliable choice for families and steak lovers on a budget.
18. The Tarratine
Housed in a historic Bangor social club, The Tarratine blends old-world elegance with modern culinary techniques.
Membership was once required, but now everyone can enjoy their legendary dry-aged porterhouse. Original woodwork and stained glass create a Gatsby-esque dining experience.
Their whiskey selection includes rare Maine-distilled options that pair beautifully with their pepper-crusted filet mignon.