Imagine a world where calories don’t count and cinnamon rolls are a food group.
Welcome to Maine’s sugary paradise!
Grab your stretchiest pants and join me on a mouth-watering adventure through the Pine Tree State’s most delectable cinnamon roll destinations.
1. The Sinful Kitchen (Portland)
Tucked away in a cozy corner of Portland, The Sinful Kitchen lives up to its name with a devilishly good cinnamon roll.
The exterior, with its vibrant mural and inviting storefront, hints at the culinary creativity within.
As you step inside, the aroma of freshly baked goods envelops you like a warm, cinnamon-scented hug.
Their cinnamon rolls are a work of art – pillowy soft dough spiraled with generous layers of cinnamon and sugar, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s just the right amount of sweet.
It’s the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite, possibly accompanied by some involuntary happy noises.
2. Home Kitchen Cafe (Rockland)
Next stop: Home Kitchen Cafe in Rockland, where the cinnamon rolls are so good, you might consider moving in.
This charming establishment, with its homey atmosphere and welcoming vibe, serves up cinnamon rolls that could make even the most hardened sea captain weep with joy.
Their rolls are the size of a small island and just as inviting.
The dough is tender and flaky, with swirls of cinnamon that seem to go on forever.
The crowning glory?
A generous drizzle of vanilla glaze that cascades down the sides like a sweet, sugary waterfall.
It’s breakfast, dessert, and pure comfort all rolled into one magnificent package.
3. Becky’s Diner (Portland)
Ah, Becky’s Diner – a Portland institution that’s been serving up slices of heaven (disguised as cinnamon rolls) for years.
This no-frills diner, with its classic neon sign and waterfront views, is where locals and tourists alike flock for a taste of Maine’s finest.
Their cinnamon rolls are the stuff of legend – enormous, gooey, and utterly irresistible.
Each bite is a perfect balance of soft dough, warm cinnamon, and sweet icing.
It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to high-five strangers and break into spontaneous sea shanties.
4. Palace Diner (Biddeford)
All aboard the flavor train!
Next stop: Palace Diner in Biddeford.
This vintage railcar-turned-diner serves up cinnamon rolls that are truly fit for royalty.
The retro charm of the place is the perfect backdrop for indulging in some seriously good eats.
Their cinnamon rolls are a masterclass in simplicity done right.
The dough is light and airy, the cinnamon-sugar filling is perfectly spiced, and the glaze is applied with the precision of a pastry surgeon.
It’s the kind of cinnamon roll that makes you wonder if you’ve been eating cardboard masquerading as pastry all your life.
5. Dysart’s Restaurant (Hermon)
Dysart’s is more than just a truck stop – it’s a cinnamon roll destination.
This family-owned establishment has been serving up comfort food for decades, and their cinnamon rolls are the crown jewel of their menu.
These rolls are the size of a truck tire (fitting for a truck stop, right?) and just as robust.
The dough is hearty and satisfying, with a cinnamon swirl that could hypnotize you if you stare at it too long.
Topped with a generous smear of butter that melts into every nook and cranny, it’s a cinnamon roll that demands respect – and maybe a nap afterward.
6. Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast (Bar Harbor)
In the heart of Bar Harbor, Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast is serving up cinnamon rolls that could make a lobster forget about the sea.
This quaint eatery, with its charming facade and cozy interior, is a testament to the power of good old-fashioned home cooking.
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Their cinnamon rolls are a work of art – each one lovingly crafted and baked to golden perfection.
The cinnamon-sugar filling is generous and well-distributed, ensuring every bite is a flavor explosion.
And the cream cheese frosting? It’s so good, you’ll be tempted to ask for a side of it to go.
7. The Front Porch (Ogunquit)
The Front Porch in Ogunquit isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a cinnamon roll experience.
This charming spot, with its welcoming atmosphere and beautiful coastal views, serves up rolls that are worth writing home about (if you can put down your fork long enough to pick up a pen).
Their cinnamon rolls are a perfect balance of decadence and restraint.
The dough is rich and buttery, the cinnamon filling is warm and fragrant, and the glaze is applied with just the right touch.
It’s the kind of pastry that makes you want to linger over your coffee and contemplate the meaning of life – or at least the meaning of really good baked goods.
8. Hot Suppa (Portland)
Hot Suppa in Portland is where cinnamon rolls go to show off.
This hip joint, with its funky vibe and creative menu, takes the humble cinnamon roll and elevates it to new heights.
Their rolls are a flavor adventure – think classic cinnamon roll meets culinary innovation.
The dough is infused with a hint of orange zest, adding a bright note to the rich cinnamon filling.
And the topping?
A maple bourbon glaze that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
It’s not your grandma’s cinnamon roll, but she’d probably approve.
9. Cafe This Way (Bar Harbor)
Hidden away on a quiet street in Bar Harbor, Cafe This Way is serving up cinnamon rolls that are worth getting lost for.
This cozy spot, with its eclectic decor and friendly atmosphere, is a hidden gem in the world of sweet treats.
Their cinnamon rolls are a testament to the power of simplicity.
The dough is light and fluffy, the cinnamon filling is perfectly balanced, and the glaze is applied with a generous hand.
It’s the kind of cinnamon roll that makes you want to curl up in a comfy chair and forget about the outside world for a while.
10. Marcy’s Diner (Portland)
Marcy’s Diner in Portland is where cinnamon rolls go to become legends.
This no-nonsense diner, with its classic counter seating and bustling atmosphere, serves up rolls that are as big as your head and twice as satisfying.
These cinnamon rolls are not for the faint of heart – or small of stomach.
They’re massive, gooey, and unapologetically indulgent.
The dough is rich and yeasty, the cinnamon filling is abundant and well-spiced, and the glaze is applied with reckless abandon.
It’s the kind of breakfast that requires a game plan and possibly a support team.
11. The A1 Diner (Gardiner)
Last but certainly not least, we have The A1 Diner in Gardiner.
This classic railcar diner, with its shiny exterior and retro charm, is serving up cinnamon rolls that are truly first class.
Their rolls are a perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence.
The dough is tender and flaky, the cinnamon filling is warm and comforting, and the glaze is sweet without being cloying.
It’s the kind of cinnamon roll that makes you want to put on a poodle skirt and do the jitterbug – or at least contemplate the golden age of diners while you lick your fingers clean.
There you have it, folks – a sugar-coated journey through Maine’s finest cinnamon roll havens.
Chart your course to flavor!
This map is your key to smooth travels and tasty discoveries.
Remember, life’s too short for bad pastry.
Now go forth and conquer that sweet tooth!