This Historic Maine Restaurant is So Good, People Drive Hours Just to Eat Here

When it comes to where to eat in the state of Maine it can seem almost overwhelming. From hardcore, lifelong locals to droves of folks from away, thousands of different Maine restaurants are begging for your business with their mouthwatering options.

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And, of course, Maine is home to some seriously historic, iconic and popular places to grab some grub. From restaurants set right on the ocean to hundreds of places along the Route 1 corridor, there is certainly no shortage of options when it comes to 'where to eat' in The Pine Tree State. But which one has people coming from all over the world?

Over the years, Laura and the Benedict family have turned a little red barn on Riverside Drive in Augusta into one of the most renown 'take out joints' this side of the Mississippi. The Red Barn serves up the best chicken and seafood you've ever had and, because of this, people come from 'just down the road' to 'all around the world' to have a bite.

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The Red Barn is so popular, in fact, that they have developed the Red Barn Road Show, a fleet of food trucks that can take the Red Barn on the go to different events, fundraisers and fairs all around the state.

The Red Barn has been a cornerstone of our Central Maine community since 1977, when the Benedict family opened the original restaurant, offering hearty chicken and seafood to both locals and visitors alike.

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According to the about us section of the Red Barn website, many of its employees have had the privilege of serving multiple generations of central Maine families, who have come to rely on the Red Barn for its exceptional quality and value.

Throughout the past 35 years, all ten of Bill and Florence Benedict’s children have worked at the restaurant at various points, each embodying the family's strong work ethic, according to the website.

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It was in 1986 when Laura Benedict took the reins of the Red Barn, which was facing challenges as national chain restaurants began to dominate the scene. The road hasn’t always been smooth, particularly during times of economic uncertainty like COVID, but Laura’s determination has kept the restaurant afloat.

Thanks to her perseverance and the unwavering support of countless loyal customers who return year after year and season after season, the Red Barn has earned its place as one of the few remaining, and busiest, family-owned and operated restaurants in the region. But don't take our word for it, try it for yourself the next time you're up this way.