I live in Falmouth, Maine; meaning I’m conveniently located near the Old Port and Freeport, which are both full of places to eat. However, as a picky eater, it’s hard to find non-kids menu food while out to eat. On top of that, it’s easy to rack up a large tab at a restaurant while ordering the foods you like.
This list is complete with picky eater approved foods, that are affordable, even at restaurants that are typically on the pricey side. Side note: Can you tell pizza and french toast are my favorite foods?
1. Otto
Atmosphere: Rustic. Employees are typically laid back and friendly, and the pizza is great.
What I get here: A small chicken & basil pizza
Cost: $12.50
Locations near me: Portland, ME, Yarmouth, ME, South Portland, ME
Proximity to my house: 11-minute drive to both the Yarmouth location and one of the Portland locations (225 congress street)
2. Miss Portland Diner
Atmosphere: Nostalgic. This diner is old school and serves breakfast all day.
What I get here: French Toast
Cost: $6.50
Location near me: Portland, ME
Proximity to my house: 12-minute drive
3. Muddy Rudder
Atmosphere: At times this place reminds me of an old folks home, however, it is a lovely restaurant with a pleasant river view.
What I get here: Caesar salad
Cost: $6.95
Location near me: Yarmouth, ME
Proximity to my house: 12-minute drive
4. Bayside American Cafe
Atmosphere: Artsy? I don’t exactly know if that’s the right word to describe it, but I’ve always found this place to be cute and cozy.
What I get here: Two pieces of french toast
Cost: $7.50
Location near me: Portland, ME
Proximity to my house: 12-minute drive
5. Duckfat
Atmosphere: Cozy yet trendy. This place is small, but definitely cool. Because of the size of the restaurant, I usually prefer to take this to go. In the Summer my friends and I take it to Munjoy Hill in Portland for a picnic.
What I get here: Panini pressed grilled cheese and a small fry with truffle ketchup
Cost: $11.25
Location near me: Portland, ME
Proximity to my house: 13-minute drive
6. Flatbread
Atmosphere: Earthy. This Flatbread is also located right on the water, providing a lovely view.
What I get here: 1 Small Jay’s Heart (their swanky name for cheese pizza)
Cost: $11.00
Location near me: Portland, ME
Proximity to my house: 13-minute drive
7. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Atmosphere: Fast food, but nice fast food. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is clean and convenient.
What I get here: Always a smoothie, depends on the day. I either get the acai berry boost, avocolada, or island green.
Cost: $5.79
Location near me: South Portland, ME
Proximity to my house: 15-minute drive
8. Gritty's
Atmosphere: Fun. If you like pub-style restaurants, this is your place.
What I get here: Chicken Tenders
Cost: $9.99
Location near me: Freeport, ME, Portland, ME
Proximity to my house: 15-minute drive to the Portland location
9. Panera Bread
Atmosphere: Extra nice fast food.
What I get here: Fuji Apple Salad with chicken
Cost: $9.39
Location near me: South Portland, ME, Westbrook, ME
Proximity to my house: 16-minute drive to the South Portland Location
10. Petrillo's
Atmosphere: Neighborhood cozy. This is a nice place to go after shopping in freeport.
What I get here: “Just Cheese” pizza
Cost: $9.50
Location near me: Freeport, ME
Proximity to my house: 19-minute drive
11. iHop
Atmosphere: Happy. My cousin and I always come here together and the servers are very friendly. Plus, who isn’t happy while eating breakfast food?
What I get here: French Toast
Cost: $6.29
Location near me: South Portland, ME
Proximity to my house: 19-minute drive
12. Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro
Atmosphere: Chic. The decorations here are gorgeous and unique.
What I get here: “Oh My Cheese” Pizza
Cost: $11.00
Location near me: Freeport, ME
Proximity to my house: 19-minute drive
13. Azure Cafe
Atmosphere: Elegant. Some things here can be pricey, but if you’re looking for a good, cheap salad and a classy yet casual place, Azure Cafe is great.
What I get here: Caprese Salad
Cost: $6.50
Location near me: Freeport, ME
Proximity to my house: 20-minute drive
