Location: Houlton
Countries
Where to Eat in Houlton: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Houlton is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, on the Canada–US border, located at 46°07′32″N 67°50′23″W / 46.1256°N 67.8398°W / 46.1256; -67.8398. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 6,123. It is perhaps best known as being at the northern terminus of Interstate 95 and for being the birthplace of Samantha Smith, a goodwill ambassador as a child during the Cold War. The town hosts the annual Houlton Agricultural Fair.
1. The Vault Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
The Vault features creative American food in a comfortable, historic setting. In addition to classic dinner options -- hand-cut steaks, seafood, and pasta -- we offer weekly specials that highlight more eclectic tastes and local foods and beverages. We're proud to partner with Maine farmers and producers to feature some of the best The County and our state have to offer.
Reviewed By Kathy B - Stowe Area, Vermont
Flavorful, fresh food offerings. Funky atmosphere. Great menu with reasonable prices. We ordered blackened salmon and sirloin steak, medium rare. Steak was rare and had to be sent back. Very good once it came back. Salmon was raw in the center of a generous cut....MoreThank you for your review. I'm sorry that your meal wasn't 100% on-point, but I'm glad that you said something to your server so that we could work to make things right. Hope to see you back the next time you're in town!
2. Houlton Farms Dairy Bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By nononsense42 - Canada
I absolutely love their ice cream. They have hard and soft serve. Good portions and fair prices. I go often in summer.
3. Tim Hortons
Overall Ratings
4 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By JCW703 - Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
Having long heard tales of the mythical "Tim Hortons" and how great it was, I had high expectations. Admittedly, the staff did seem nicer than the typical dunkin, but the donut just weren't as good.
4. Elm Tree Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By Ann G - New Brunswick, Canada
After carefully explaining the requirements for gluten free food due to celiac disease, this meal was a total fail. The waitress was either too busy, uneducated or not interested in the delivery of a safe meal. After the meal was delivered I tasted the potatoes and knew they were not real unprocessed mash potatoes. Upon asking to make sure they were safe the waitress informed me the cook wondered why I ordered these as they contained gluten. I had to ask four times to get the opportunity to read the actual ingredient list. At this point the waitress became rude and offered no apology or solution to my problem.They do offer gluten free bread but it appears there is a real disconnect between the cook and wait staff and questionably the owner. I will not be giving this place another chance nor would I recommend it if you have special dietary requirements.
5. Sadie's Bakery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Jim B - Houlton, Maine
No seats inside-at all!This redefines tiny.One daily entree and four sandwiches,baked goods,sodas and coffee.You'll have to sit outside.We got bacon mac and cheese-very good,but spoiled with beets as the only veg.(TRIPLE ICK!)Staff was wonderful.Food hot delicious and served in minutes.Two entrees and two large coffees were $18.18.I'd go back on a warmer day-very raw and rainy.
6. Wired Houlton
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Jim B - Houlton, Maine
Server deserves more than five stars-very friendly,yet professional and knowledgeable about the whole menu-not easy for a new place.Great cocoa on a bitterly cold day-a wrap(not heated)and a very filling chicken soup were perfect for $8.50-tax included.
Prices are reasonable for the most part.Quick service and well worth the price.I'll be back.This is the site of the old and much missed Shelley's Cafe.Totally revamped.
7. Cold Stone Creamery
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By keriqueen
Apparently they can't post when they aren't accepting gift cards, 6 days after Christmas....not on the door, not at the case to order, not at the register. Apparently they can only tell yo when you are standing at the register with three kids already holding their ice creams. Apparently "Fill it to the Brim" as stated on their company website means to do so on fifty percent of orders and to leave an inch and half empty from the top on the other fifty percent of orders. Apparently trying to contact the company to file a complaint and reach some sort of solution for what is essentially being pressured out of twice as much money (gift cards that couldn't be used and that fact not being posted prior to ordering) does no good, beyond demands for your personal information with no indication of when you might be able to speak with the general manager to arrive at a solution.
8. The Courtyard Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 48 reviews
Welcome To The Courtyard Café! We are an intimate, yet casual restaurant offering a delightful dining experience. Whether relaxing in our full-service bar area or or main dining room, you are sure to have a wonderful experience. Take out and catering also available.
Reviewed By CFofLL - Fredericton, Canada
We found the Courtyard Cafe while searching for a non chain restaurant for lunch on our way back from Florida. There was a snowstorm outside so we were the only people there had the bonus of a very pleasant visit with the owner and her husband while enjoying a delicious meal. I had the quiche of the day and my wife had the lasagna of the day both accompanied by fresh salads and home made rolls. All were delicious. We will certainly try to go there again in the future and will recommend it to our friends.
9. O'Kelly's Irish Pub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By SherFR - Bridport, Vermont
We were staying at the nice attached motel, Ivey's, and thought we'd have an easy beer and sandwich. Fox TV news was surround sound. I asked our waitress if that was what the other clients wanted, and she said it was random and could switch. So she changed one screen to silent picture , but left the bar t.v.. I like sports in a pub, but a barrage of political propaganda is intrusive. The beer was fine but the sandwichs fell apart and the salad was mostly croutons, cheese and fake bacon toppings.
10. Pizza Hut
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Robert B - Riverview, Canada
We called them ahead and told them we would have 50 for their buffett lunch. Bus arrived 1/2 hour early and the accomodated use extremely well even when they were busy. The two waitresses were very fast and pleasant while the chef kept their buffett full. Food was quite good and hot. We will stop there again.
