Sunday, May 19, 2013
By Ray Routhier rrouthier@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
(Continued from page 1)
Nemo Burian hoists a freshly baked potato, bacon and scallion pizza at Otto Pizza on Congress Street in Portland, the Readers Choice winner for best pizza.
Photos by John Patriquin/Staff Photographer
Stylist Jessica Parzych, right, takes care of Krista Wood of South Portland at Head Games Salon for Hair & Body in Portland, the readers favorite for best hair and nail salon.
Second Place: Beal's Old Fashioned Ice Cream, various locations
Honorable Mention: Red's Dairy Freeze, South Portland
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Coffee By Design
620 Congress St., 67 India St. and 43 Washington Ave., Portland; in L.L. Bean, Freeport
879-2233, ext. 202; coffeebydesign.com
Started by a local couple who appreciate good coffee, Coffee By Design is in some ways an educational center. You can learn about coffees from around the world from the staff while enjoying the brew.
Second Place: Dunkin' Donuts
Honorable Mention: Starbucks
BEST BAKERY
Standard Baking Co.
75 Commercial St., Portland
773-2112; forestreet.biz
Part of the Fore Street group of restaurants, Standard Baking has been the standard for high-quality baked goods around here for more than a decade. You must try the sticky buns.
Second Place: Scratch Baking Co., South Portland
Honorable Mention: Two Fat Cats, Portland
BEST RESTAURANT FOR VEGETARIANS/VEGANS
Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro
608 Congress St., Portland
347-3111; greenelephantmaine.com
Even folks who say they are meat lovers can appreciate the flavors at this place, from the coconut soup to the Thai basil fried rice.
Second Place: Silly's, Portland
Honorable Mention: Pepperclub, Portland
BEST FOOD CART
Eric's Pizza Express
Commercial Street near the Maine State Pier, Portland
facebook.com/EricsPizzaExpress
Eric Hughes, then 21, opened his Eric's Pizza Express last summer, and has quickly earned a following. Slices of pizza, from a cart, by the water. What's not to like?
Second Place: Mark's Hot Dogs, Portland
Honorable Mention: TIE -- Don's Lunch, Westbrook; Danny's on the Mall, Brunswick
BEST PIZZA
Otto
576 Congress St. and 225 Congress St., Portland
773-7099; 358-7870; ottoportland.com
Mashed potato, bacon and scallion. Sounds a little strange, but you just have to try it. This innovative pizza place has gotten rave reviews, and has been featured on cable TV food shows.
Second Place: Portland Pie Co., Portland, Scarborough and Westbrook
Honorable Mention: Flatbread, Portland
BEST FRIED CLAMS
Ken's Place
207 Pine Point Road, Scarborough
883-6611
Everyone seems to have their favorite seafood spot among the several near Pine Point, but Ken's is certainly a local institution, started in 1927. It serves burgers and hot dogs too.
Second Place: Susan's Fish- N-Chips, Portland
Honorable Mention: The Lobster Shack at Two Lights, Cape Elizabeth
BEST WHOLE LOBSTER -- TIE
Portland Lobster Company
180 Commercial St., Portland
775-2112; portlandlobstercompany.com
This is a great place for a steamed lobster dinner outside, right smack dab in the middle of Portland's working waterfront. Plus, a great live music series provides pleasant sounds while you dine.
DiMillo's, Portland
25 Long Wharf, Portland
772-2216; dimillos.com
Some places boast a happy hour near the water. This one is actually ON the water, as in floating -- DiMillo's is on a former car ferry.
Second Place: Bayley's, Scarborough
Honorable Mention: None
BEST LOBSTER ROLL
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
225 Two Lights Road, Cape Elizabeth
799-1677; lobstershacktwolights.com
A simple, elegant lobster roll, with mayonnaise on the side. Plus, the view makes everything taste exceptional.
Second Place: Susan's Fish-N-Chips, Portland
Honorable Mention: Bayley's, Scarborough
BEST BARBECUE
Buck's Naked BBQ
568 Route 1, Freeport and 4 Turning Leaf Dr., Windham
865-0600; 893-0600; bucksnaked-bbq.com
Barbecue with an edge. Buck's two locations both host "bike nights" for motorcycle enthusiasts, and the Freeport location has a "juke joint" with Saturday night dance parties. And the meats are slow smoked for up to 13 hours!
Second Place: Beale Street Barbeque, Bath and formerly South Portland
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Bayside Bowl in Portland is the Readers Choice winner for best bowling alley. It also has a bar, pub food and a performance space. |
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The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth wins the most votes from readers for the best lobster roll and for best outdoor dining. |
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Novare Res Bier Cafe in Portland is the top vote-getter for best bar. Staff file photo |
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University of Southern Maine students Ry Russell, left, Tyler Wells and Patric Brophy run the Saco Drive-In, awinner with readers. Staff file photo |
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