Ready for a break from Minnesota before the weather hits for another long winter? Head to Maine for sunny skies, clear coastal water and the freshest seafood you'll ever taste this side of nowhere. On a recent trip to Stonington, Maine on Deer Isle, we found the ten best places to eat and shop.
Number four is the Whale's Rib Tavern at the Pilgrim's Inn, in Deer Isle, near Stonington. When staying on an island surrounded by the freshest seafood available and, on which island the main industry is yes, fishing, you can be assured the locals don't spend a lot of time going out to eat. When asked where to find the best food in town, the most popular answer on Deer Isle was bound to be "my mom's kitchen." Very helpful.
However, there are some gems to be found, especially during May to September when you are more likely to find good eats open for business. No matter if we asked around Boyce's Motel, the Farmer's Market, Island Approaches Gift Store, or just asked the summer folk, the Whale's Rib was one of the places that always came up as recommended for really good food. It's not cheap, but who cares when it's this satisfying.
For starters, the flat out best fresh oysters on the half shell are found at the Whale's Rib Tavern. In fact, among all the gastronomic options, you can't get a less than delicious dish at this local favorite. But, if after a few days of gorging on seafood, you are hankering for some Minnesota-style grilled steak, you can get it here, too.
Prefer vegetarian delights? The crisp eggplant entrée, served in a mesmerizing stack layered with rich oozing cheese and marinara, will have you swooning at first bite. Hankering for fish and chips? Look no further for a decidedly non-greasy, flavorful rendition of crispy beer-battered, yet moist on the inside fish, with a side of crispy tators.
Make reservations days in advance, and stop by early so you can hang out in the pub-style bar. The barkeep is sure to recommend the hard apple cider - take his advice.
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