The pine-covered, normally quiet region of Carrabassett Valley, which includes Sugarloaf Mountain, in Northern Maine has become a hip foodie hot spot, particularly over the past few years. The region features mostly casual dining options (wear your best snow boots or flip flops!), and many restaurants feature farm-to-table fresh ingredients. Whether you crave Italian pesto bread in a cozy hut, raclettes on the mountain, or the best burritos made with groats, there is food for every foodie here. Below I have listed the best places to eat in Carrabassett Valley! For a list of activities to do in the area, to get really really hungry for the food below, click here!
Alice & Lulus
When this place opened, I am pretty sure that I wept with joy. It’s a tiny spot (maybe 7 tables inside?) on Sugarloaf mountain with a cute small bar to enjoy a flight of wine. In the summertime, you can sit outside and enjoy fresh mountain air. I long for their crepes in the summertime with Frosé, their cheese and charcuterie boards year-round (often featuring food from Maine farmers), their wine tastings, and their raclettes in the wintertime. You can even get their raclette machines and cheese fondues to go if you have a cabin to take it home to!
The Bag
This place is a Sugarloaf institution. It’s a brewhouse located on the mountain (perfect for a midday lunch after skiing!), always hopping with people enjoying the Bag’s own beer and the BEST burgers. My fav is the Blue Steele (gorgonzola spread with caramelized onions) and many love The Gucci (pepperoni cheeseburger).
Coplin Dinner House
This restaurant is in Stratton, a 10 min drive from Sugarloaf mountain, and features deliciously fresh meals in a lively environment. There’s also a pub area, which is a fun way to end a ski day. The menu changes daily based on seasonal items, and there’s something on the menu for everyone, from baked stuffed Maine lobster to a red thai curry for my sweet vegetarian husband.
D’Ellies
This bakery and lunch spot is at the base of Sugarloaf mountain and features delicious homemade breads, soups, sandwiches. My brother spent his entire allowance on the cookies there growing up. Grab a sandwich and take it up the mountain to picnic with views!
Hugs
Hugs is a cabin about 5 min from Sugarloaf mountain, and it’s probably the restaurant my husband have eaten at the most… in the world. The pesto bread! The chicken limone! The alfredo sauce! The red wine in carafes! It’s a small romantic environment, and you leave truly feeling like you have had a warm hug, very cozy inside and very full.
Maine Beer Shed
I have a major crush on the Maine Beer Shed. The owners have poured their hearts into this place, and it shows. Yes, it’s mostly a gourmet shop of fresh eggs, Maine cheeses, frozen meals from Maine homes, fresh produce, local artisan goods, and hand-picked artisan beers. But you can ALSO get fresh meals there. Hence it’s on this list because a few days a week the owner Kate cooks incredible meals that you can enjoy either outside or in the Greenhouse—think lobster mac n cheese with all local Maine ingredients, sourdough pretzel rolls with a caramel sauce, or a homemade savory pie. Keep your eyes peeled for live music and their candlelit dinners in the Greenhouse events.
Rolling Fatties
About 20 minutes from Sugarloaf, Rolling Fatties has my favorite burritos in the world. They make their burritos with Maine Groats, you can add muncheese (a spicy cream cheese aka my husband’s addiction), and you can order corn bread with a maple glaze on the side. Mmmmm. Rolling Fatties also has live music, and even karaoke night, which is always a hoot.
Tufulios
Tufulios has my comfort pizza, about a 10 minute drive from Sugarloaf. I recommended chicken, pesto, tomatoes and cheese. This one is my addiction… And I love to pick it up on the way up to Sugarloaf from Boston and eat it in front of a roaring fire!
Whew, I’m really hungry now! What’s for dinner?
