Best Places to Eat in Houlton Maine 2026 | Family Dining, Cafés, Pubs & Fine Restaurants
- Gerry Caron
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Houlton Maine - A Complete Local Dining Guide for Visitors & Food Lovers
Looking for the best places to eat in Houlton, Maine? Whether you’re visiting Aroostook County for Moosestompers Weekend, passing through northern Maine, or planning a longer stay near the Canadian border, Houlton delivers a surprisingly diverse dining scene packed with hometown charm, comfort food, bakeries, pubs, and international flavors.
From cozy cafés and family diners to fine dining and late-night pubs, this Houlton dining guide highlights the top places to eat—complete with descriptions, contact info, and direct links—so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying great food.
👨👩👧👦 Best Family-Style Restaurants in Houlton
Irving Big Stop Restaurant
📍 267 North St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 521-0290
A favorite stop for travelers and locals alike, the Irving Big Stop Restaurant in Houlton is known for hearty portions, classic American comfort food, and all-day breakfast. This family-friendly restaurant is ideal for snowmobilers, road-trippers, and families looking for a reliable, welcoming meal with fast service and generous plates.
🍷 Fine Dining in Houlton, Maine
The Vault
📍 64 Main St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 521-5040
Set inside a beautifully restored historic building, The Vault offers upscale dining in downtown Houlton with creative American cuisine and craft cocktails. Popular for date nights, special occasions, and visitors seeking refined dining in northern Maine, The Vault blends atmosphere, flavor, and local sophistication.
🍺 Bars & Pubs in Houlton
Bastions Tavern
📍 43 Market Square, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 254-2199
Located in the heart of Market Square, Bastions Tavern is a lively sports bar known for its extensive menu, cold drinks, and high-energy atmosphere. With plenty of seating and TVs, it’s a popular stop for casual dining, game nights, and social gatherings.
O’Kelly’s Irish Pub
📍 241 North St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 532-4206
A budget-friendly favorite, O’Kelly’s Irish Pub offers classic pub fare, a relaxed vibe, and friendly service. It’s a great choice for visitors looking for affordable food, a welcoming crowd, and a laid-back evening out.
The Downunder Pub
📍 282 North St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 532-9421 ext. 303
Known for its full bar, live weekend entertainment, and exciting menu, The Downunder Pub brings nightlife to Houlton. It’s a top pick for food, drinks, and music after a day of winter activities or local events.
🌏 International Dining Options
Tang’s Chinese Cuisine
📍 60 North St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 532-9981
A longtime local favorite, Tang’s Chinese Cuisine serves classic Chinese dishes with generous portions. Offering dine-in and takeout, it’s known for dependable comfort food and friendly service.
Taste of China
📍 127 Military St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 532-1281
With a large menu, buffet options, and takeout service, Taste of China is ideal for families and groups craving familiar Chinese favorites in Houlton.
🧁 Bakeries & Cafés in Houlton
Courtyard Café
📍 61 Main St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 532-0787
A charming downtown café offering seafood, meats, poultry, vegetarian meals, and more. Courtyard Café is known for its relaxed atmosphere and thoughtfully prepared dishes.
Sadie’s Bakery
📍 5 Water St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 532-6650
A Houlton institution for over 70 years, Sadie’s Bakery is famous for fresh bread, donuts, pastries, and classic baked goods. A must-visit stop for breakfast or treats to take home.
The County Co-op & Farm Store
📍 53 Main St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 521-5284
Offering organic foods, local products, and sustainable goods, The County Co-op is perfect for health-conscious visitors and those wanting to support Maine producers.
The Cup Café
📍 61 Military St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 532-9269
A nonprofit, community-focused café offering specialty coffee, tea, homemade treats, free Wi-Fi, and a cozy place to gather. The Cup Café is a welcoming stop year-round.
The Pastry Corner
📍 51 Bangor St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 521-0026
Specializing in custom cakes and desserts, The Pastry Corner is a favorite for celebrations, events, and sweet cravings.
Treasures of the Heart Tea Room
📍 88 Smyrna St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 318-9926
A beautiful tea room and gift shop offering a peaceful dining experience with teas, light fare, and charming décor.
Wired Café
📍 23 Market Square, Houlton, ME
📞 (617) 388-9619
A downtown coffee shop and internet café serving specialty drinks and light snacks in a comfortable, connected space.
🍦 Ice Cream (Seasonal)
Houlton Farms Dairy Bar
📍 131 Military St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 532-2628
A seasonal favorite serving classic Maine ice cream and frozen treats—perfect for summer evenings in Houlton.
🥡 Takeout in Houlton
TNT Takeout
📍 69 High St, Houlton, ME
📞 (207) 521-5250
Offering pizza, subs, seafood, burgers, salads, and more, TNT Takeout is a go-to option for fast, satisfying meals on the go.
📍 Why Houlton, Maine Is a Great Food Stop
Houlton’s dining scene reflects the heart of Aroostook County—friendly, authentic, and welcoming. With everything from historic bakeries and cozy cafés to lively pubs and fine dining, it’s easy to find a great meal any time of year.
❄️ Where to Eat During Moosestompers Weekend in Houlton, Maine
Visiting Houlton for Moosestompers Weekend (February 6–8, 2026)? You’re in luck—this beloved winter carnival brings the town to life, and Houlton’s restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and pubs are a big part of the experience.
Between sledding at Community Park, ice skating at the Millar Civic Center, fireworks, and the antique snowmobile parade, warm up at popular downtown spots near Historic Market Square. Favorites like Bastions Tavern, The Vault, Courtyard Café, Wired Café, and O’Kelly’s Irish Pub are ideal for grabbing a hot meal, coffee, or drinks during the festivities.
Many local eateries extend hours, offer winter specials, and welcome festival crowds throughout the weekend. For the best experience, arrive early, expect lively atmospheres, and consider reservations for Friday and Saturday nights.
📍 Moosestompers Weekend
When: February 6–8, 2026
Where: Houlton, Maine
Events Nearby: Community Park, Market Square, Nickerson Lake
Official Site: https://www.moosestompers.com
Whether you’re fueling up before outdoor fun or winding down after a full winter day, Houlton’s dining scene delivers comfort, flavor, and small-town hospitality—especially during Moosestompers Weekend.
What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions
Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.
Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:
🛶 Boating & paddling routes
🎣 Fishing hotspots
🏕️ Wilderness camping sites
🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks
🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
Rockwood Maine Lodging • Moosehead Lake Rental
Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:
Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway dual access for trailers, boats, ATVs, & snowmobiles
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Perfect home base for skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and wildlife watching
Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in Moose River, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
This Houlton dining guide highlights the top places to eat—complete with descriptions, contact info, and direct links—so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying great food.
