Imagine a world where calories don’t count and sugar is a food group.
Welcome to Maine’s bakery scene, where carbs are king and pastry is practically a state sport.
1. The Holy Donut (Portland)
Nestled in a brick building with a crisp white awning, The Holy Donut is Portland’s temple of fried dough.
Their secret weapon?
Maine potatoes.
Yes, you heard that right – these aren’t your average donuts, they’re spud-tacular!
The result is a dense, moist confection that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about breakfast pastries.
It’s like someone took your grandmother’s mashed potatoes and gave them a sugary makeover.
Who knew tubers could be so tasty?
2. Congdon’s Doughnuts (Wells)
Congdon’s Doughnuts in Wells is the kind of place that makes you wish you had a time machine.
This family-run joint has been serving up sweet circles of joy since 1955.
The red exterior is as inviting as a warm hug, and inside, it’s like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting – if Norman Rockwell had an obsession with fried dough.
Their outdoor seating area is perfect for people-watching while you contemplate the meaning of life… or just how many donuts you can eat before your pants start complaining.
3. Scratch Baking Co. (South Portland)
Scratch Baking Co. is the hipster cousin of the bakery world.
With its blue-gray exterior and artsy vibe, it’s the kind of place where bread is not just food, it’s a lifestyle.
Their bagels are so good, they’ve probably caused a few New Yorkers to question their loyalty.
It’s like they’ve discovered the secret formula for turning flour and water into pure happiness.
If carbs were currency, this place would be Fort Knox.
4. Two Fat Cats Bakery (Portland)
Two Fat Cats Bakery is proof that sometimes, the best things come in brick packages.
This place is so serious about pie, I’m pretty sure they have a PhD in Pastry.
Their commitment to flaky crusts and perfect fillings is borderline obsessive – but hey, who’s complaining?
It’s like they’ve taken your grandma’s recipes and given them a gourmet makeover.
Just don’t tell grandma, or she might get jealous.
5. Standard Baking Co. (Portland)
Standard Baking Co. is anything but standard.
Tucked away in a brick building with a charming blue awning, it’s like stumbling upon a secret bread society.
Their croissants are so flaky, you’ll need a vacuum cleaner to clean up after eating one.
And don’t even get me started on their baguettes – they’re so authentic, you half expect to see the Eiffel Tower when you walk out the door.
It’s a carb lover’s paradise, where gluten isn’t just tolerated, it’s celebrated.
6. Frank’s Bake Shop (Bangor)
Frank’s Bake Shop in Bangor is like the Swiss Army knife of bakeries – it does everything, and it does it well.
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This place has been around since 1945, which means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect the art of making people happy through baked goods.
Their storefront might not win any beauty pageants, but inside, it’s a wonderland of sweet and savory treats.
It’s the kind of place where diet plans go to die, and nobody’s mad about it.
7. European Bakery & Tea Room (Falmouth)
The European Bakery & Tea Room in Falmouth is like taking a mini-vacation to the old continent, minus the jet lag and questionable exchange rates.
With its quaint pink exterior and cozy outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot for pretending you’re in a charming Parisian café.
Their pastries are so authentic, you’ll be saying “Oui, oui” before you know it.
It’s a slice of Europe in Maine, proving that you don’t need a passport to experience great European baking.
8. Bam Bam Bakery (Portland)
Bam Bam Bakery is the Flintstone-inspired name that packs a prehistoric punch of flavor.
This gluten-free haven proves that you don’t need wheat to have a good time.
Their treats are so good, even the most devoted gluten lovers might be tempted to switch teams.
It’s like they’ve discovered a way to make “free-from” taste “full-of” deliciousness.
Who knew avoiding gluten could be this much fun?
9. Hillman’s Bakery (Fairfield)
Hillman’s Bakery in Fairfield is the unassuming superhero of the baking world.
Their sign might simply state their opening hours and a job vacancy, but don’t let that fool you – inside, it’s a treasure trove of baked goodness.
This place has probably been the source of many a “cheat day” justification.
It’s the kind of bakery that makes you seriously consider moving to Fairfield, just so you can have it as your local spot.
10. Lil’s Cafe (Kittery)
Lil’s Cafe in Kittery is like that cool friend who always knows the best places to hang out.
With its sleek, modern exterior and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect blend of hip and homey.
Their crullers are so good, they should probably be illegal.
It’s the kind of place where you go for a quick coffee and end up staying for hours, contemplating the meaning of life over perfectly baked pastries.
11. Forage Market (Lewiston)
Forage Market in Lewiston is the Indiana Jones of the bakery world – always on a quest for the perfect ingredients.
Housed in a beautiful historic building, it’s like stepping into a time machine that happens to smell like freshly baked bread.
Their bagels are so good, they’ve probably caused a few identity crises among New York transplants.
It’s not just a market, it’s an adventure in flavor.
12. Bread & Roses Bakery (Ogunquit)
Bread & Roses Bakery in Ogunquit is the fairy tale ending to our bakery journey.
This charming white house with black shutters looks like it could be home to Snow White and her seven carb-loving dwarfs.
Their baked goods are so heavenly, you’ll be convinced they have a direct hotline to the sugar plum fairy.
It’s the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth while pretending you’re in a quaint village from a storybook.
There you have it, folks – a baker’s dozen minus one of Maine’s sweetest spots.
The table is set for adventure!
Let this map guide you to your next incredible dining destination.
Remember, calories don’t count when you’re on vacation… or reading about vacation.
Happy munching!