Last week family friends came up to Maine for a wedding. They made a stop to visit me, and I took them to breakfast at Mae’s Café and Bakery in Bath. A fifteen minute drive from campus, Mae’s offers a picturesque setting, high quality service and excellent food. My guests and I absolutely loved it.

Mae’s is an old-fashioned white building situated on a hill. The inside is well-lit, wood paneled and charming. We sat in a window booth looking out on a park, a church and a court building. A local artist’s paintings hung on the walls. In this setting, our conversation could not help but turn to the natural beauty of Maine and the character of the Northeast.

After being seated we were immediately offered cups of coffee, which were kept full throughout the meal, and a selection of tea. The food arrived fairly quickly after we ordered it, which was good news for my family friends, who had an appointment in the early afternoon. Overall, the service was efficient, smooth and very friendly. We felt right at home.

The food at Mae’s was fantastic. The breakfast menu is large, featuring all the classics as well as bakery goods, healthier options and a number of specialties. I personally recommend Gavin’s Benedict, a hearty dish with home-made lamb sausage. Ethan’s oats, which I had a bite of, are also delicious. My table also split a pecan bun—don’t leave without trying one.

When it comes to price, Mae’s is fair. I wouldn’t eat there every day, but for a special breakfast occasion with high quality food, the value is very reasonable. I strongly recommend Mae’s as a destination for Family Weekend or other special occasions. Out of town guests will be delighted with the atmosphere and setting, and the food won’t disappoint either. Though it is farther away from Bowdoin than Wild Oats, it makes up for the distance by offering full-service instead of a cafeteria-style line, a bigger and nicer menu and a better overall experience. It would also make a nice change of pace for parents who have made more than one trip to Brunswick in the past few years.

Mae’s Café and Bakery is the best breakfast in Bath, don’t miss it!

Mae’s Café and Bakery is located at 160 Centre Street in Bath, Maine. The restaurant is open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. seven days a week and accepts reservations over the phone.