From classic poutine and fresh-brewed coffee to locally loved shops and wide-open trails, these winners represent the very best of Maine's Aroostook County. Consider this list your guide to the places locals love, and the experiences visitors don't want to miss.

In Aroostook County, things move at a different pace. You will find main streets lined with mom 'n pop shops that have been staples for generations, four-season recreation that defines life in northern Maine, and a level of hospitality that's genuine from the moment you arrive. Known as the Crown of Maine, this is the quiet side of Maine, an authentic part of the state where the focus is on quality, community, and connection.

You'll know you've arrived to The County when the waitress asks "Would you like your potatoes baked, mashed, or fried?" Aroostook is home the Maine Potato and defines the region's landscape, menus, and the people here - so let's go explore the Best of Aroostook!

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‍🥇 Best Restaurant
Winner: Salted Butter Farm of Sherman, Maine
Honorable Mention: Rodney's at 436 Main of Presque Isle, Maine
Coming soon - View all winners
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🍺 Best Brewery
Winner: Northern Maine Brewing Company of Caribou, Maine
Honorable Mention: First Mile Brewing Company of Fort Kent, Maine
Coming soon - View all winners

🍩 Best Molasses Donut
Winner: Sadie's Bakery of Houlton, Maine
Honorable Mention: Ruska Coffee Company of Caribou, Maine
Coming soon - View all winners

🏨 Best Hotel or Lodge
Winner: The Northeastland Hotel of Presque Isle, Maine
Honorable Mention: Best Western Caribou Inn of Caribou, Maine
Coming soon - View all winners
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☕ Best Coffee Spot
Winner: Ruska Coffee Company of Caribou, Maine
Honorable Mention: Hub Coffee of Presque Isle, Maine
Coming soon - Read all winners

🛍️ Best Gift Shop
Winner: Neighborhood Books of Presque Isle, Maine
Honorable Mention: Volumes of Houlton, Maine
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📚 Best Shopping
Winner: Marden's of Madawaska, Presque Isle, and Houlton, Maine
Honorable Mention: Home Ec. Market of Presque Isle, Maine
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🍟 Best Poutine
Winner: Lakeview Restaurant of St. Agatha
Honorable Mention: Dolly's Restaurant of Frenchville
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‍🥞 Best Ployes
Winner: Dolly's Restaurant of Frenchville, Maine
Honorable Mention: Bouchard Family Farm of Fort Kent, Maine
Coming soon - View all winners‍

‍⛳ Best Golf Course
Winner: Mars Hill Country Club of Mars Hill, Maine
Honorable Mention: Va Jo Wa Golf Course of Island Falls, Maine
Coming soon - View all winners

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‍⛷️ Best Ski Place
Winner: Big Rock Mountain of Mars Hill, Maine
Honorable Mention: Fort Kent Outdoor Center of Fort Kent, Maine
Coming soon - View all winners

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So go on... take it from the voters. These are the hot spots that make the Crown of Maine a great place to visit. Whether you are starting your day with a locally roasted coffee, browsing small-town shops, or coming in off the trails to dine downtown, Aroostook will surprise you it's gems. Just one visit and you'll see, Aroostook is a place one may simply just be.

‍So how did we come up with this list? Aroostook County Tourism created a 17 question survey that was completed by 1,737 participants in the winter of 2026. Votes that had similar spelling or common typos were combined and tabulated and the winner of each category was awarded a winner, first runner up, and all businesses were included as honorable mentions in the complete listings. We hope you take pride in this list and that it helps you find an Aroostook Adventure!