For a town of Brunswick's size there is certainly no shortage of dining options. Some of the best, and most unique, establishments though are only just beginning to open for the summer season.
I did some sleuthing to find the opening days of a few of my local favorites. These eateries are not only delicious, but also economical. And luckily, we don't have long to wait.
Fat Boy—OPEN
11 Bath Rd Brunswick, ME
(207)-729-9431
In a previous article ("Edible Senior Seven") I shared my love of Fat Boy crinkle cut fries, but there is much more to love at this Brunswick institution. For the most part, the food at Fat Boy is your standard fried diner fare—burgers, French fries, grilled cheese and hot dogs—with a Maine twist.
Fat Boy is known for its famously thick and delicious frappes (I like vanilla best, but the mocha is also very good) and its fried clams, which are considered by some to be the best in the region. Plus, the prices are truly unbeatable. Fat Boy's lobster roll, though much smaller than Red's (see below) and heavier on the mayonnaise, is quite good and for $6.25 it's the cheapest around. The car-side service is a novelty that makes Fat Boy a unique and fun springtime excursion.
Lola's Taqueria—Weekend of April 15
165 Maine Street (on the mall) Brunswick, ME
Lola's Taqueria is a relatively new addition to the food cart scene in Brunswick but has nevertheless met considerable success. Despite sometimes slow service (there are usually only two people working at a time), Lola's is a delicious and inexpensive departure from the traditional fried food offered by its neighbors.
My favorite is the verduras y queso taco, served in a soft corn tortilla with grilled zucchini, peppers, and onion, avocado and melted pepper-jack cheese. Plus, it's a steal at only $3.50. Lola's burritos are also top-notch and generously sized.
The chipotle beef burrito is especially popular. The inside scoop is that Lola's will also be offering more specials this season like a Maine shrimp taco, a mushroom and kale taco, and a "spring burrito" with salsa fresca, black beans, and roasted tomatillos.
Red's Eats—April 19
41 Water St. Wiscasset, Maine
(207)-882-6128
Widely recognized as Maine's best, the lobster roll at Red's is nothing short of heavenly. Red's, located in picturesque Wiscasset, frequently has summer lines whose wait times are in excess of one hour.
Luckily, the line during Bowdoin's academic year tends to be modest, if not non-existent. I recommend that you take advantage of the pre-season calm at Red's as their rolls are truly phenomenal. Red's serves up a perfectly toasted bun literally overflowing with a whole lobster worth of meat and your choice or mayonnaise or drawn butter. I have lived in Maine for 22 years and I have never had a better lobster roll anywhere. Red's serves a perfect Maine meal in a beautiful coastal town and it is well worth the 30-minute drive and $14.95.
Cote's—Around May 1
212 Maine Street, Brunswick
(207)-729-7716
Cote's Ice Cream hardly needs an introduction; chances are most Bowdoin students are very familiar with Cote's deliciously creamy homemade ice cream. Thankfully, Cote's is reopening right around Ivies.
Cote's has several hit flavors (black raspberry, java crunch and peppermint stick are all phenomenal) but the best, in my opinion, is their cookie dough. The chunks of dough are enormous—some scoops are more cookie dough than ice cream. It may be a little much for some people, but if you like cookie dough, this flavor is the way to go.
Insider tip: For an off-menu treat, ask for the Chill Factor. I've never been sure exactly what goes into this magical shake (a friend turned me onto it at the beginning of my Bowdoin career) but my best guess is Heath Bar chunks and fudge sauce. Whatever it is, the Chill Factor is Cote's most delicious and best-kept secret.