3. Darby’S
City: Belfast, ME
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (207) 338-2339
Address: 155 High St.
Description: This old eatery used to be the default restaurant in Belfast. There weren’t many dinner options back before the arrival of Chase’s and Thai Bhurapar, and Darby’s was always dependable. If you wanted pad Thai, you went to Darby’s. If you wanted a Cajun chicken sandwich, you went to Darby’s. If you wanted a drink after the movies . . . you get the idea. Food has been served at this locale since the Civil War—check the beautiful tin ceilings—and the kitchen here continues to turn out good, unusual fare. In fact, the travel Web site Visiting New England gave the award for “most eclectic restaurant” to Darby’s, praising the fact that it mixes Thai, Mexican, and good old Maine cuisines with aplomb. Try the crab cakes or the fish and chips.
4. Dockside Restaurant
City: Belfast, ME
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (207) 338-6889
Address: Main St.
Description: A favorite of locals and the travelers who wander down Main Street to the waterfront, the Dockside is your typical Maine family-style, seafood-place diner but with the focus on the fish and crustaceans. Wooden booths, vinyl seating, big portions, friendly staff—it’s all very comfortable and familiar. The lobster stew is a crowd-pleaser and, even though it’s an appetizer, it’s almost a meal in itself, stuffed as it is with meat. You can get a traditional turkey dinner if you like, but it’s the seafood that you’ll remember.