Whether you’re grabbing a plate at a family diner in Madawaska, a county fair, or a hometown pub in Fort Kent, you’ll find poutine that’s made with care and a little northern flair—sometimes with extras like pulled pork, fiddleheads, or even local maple gravy. But where can you get the “Best of Aroostook”? In 2026, 1,737 voters from Maine and beyond shared their favorite Aroostook businesses and destinations as part of the Best of Aroostook Awards.

With 414 votes, the award of “Best Poutine” goes to…

Lakeview Restaurant in St Agatha, Maine! Perfectly located on the ITS trail system, and right above Long Lake this is the watering hole from all your outdoor activities. While their entire menu stands out, their poutine is the best of Aroostook. Guests rave about the portion sizes, which are generous enough to satisfy any appetite, and the flavors that hit just the right notes. What truly sets it apart, though, is the atmosphere: with its beautiful lakeside view and friendly, down-to-earth service.  

2026 Winners

1st) Lakeview Restaurant

Poutine and a bird’s eye view of Long Lake. What more do you really need?

St Agatha, Maine │ Directions or learn more

2nd) Dolly’s Restaurant

Golden fries piled high, curds that squeak like they’re supposed to, and gravy so rich it could warm you up on the coldest Aroostook County day. Folks drive miles just to get a plate, and once you’ve had it, you’ll know why.  

Frenchville, Maine │ Directions or learn more  

3rd) The Slice Restaurant

From their dining room windows you can view the VaJoWa Golfers and the winter racers at the Tame the Track Snowmobile Races. Here the poutine recipe is simple: piping hot french fries and beef gravy with cheese.

Fort Kent, Maine │ Directions or learn more  

2026 Honorable Mentions

Listed in order of popularity among voters ‍

• Salted Butter Farm in Sherman, Maine
• Rodney's at 436 Main in Presque Isle, Maine
• Brenda's Restaurant in Sherman, Maine
• Rock's Diner in Fort Kent, Maine
• Maple Pig in Presque Isle, Maine
• Homestead Lodge in Oxbow, Maine
• Governor's in Presque Isle, Maine
• Swamp Buck in Fort Kent, Maine
• Ferris BBQ in Presque Isle, Maine
• Bucks Bar in Caribou, Maine
• Northern Maine Brewing Company in Caribou, Maine
• Frederick's Southside in Caribou, Maine
• Tasty Food in Van Buren, Maine
• Rusty Crab in Mars Hill, Maine
• The Bus in Houlton, Maine
• Downunder Sports Pub in Houlton, Maine
• Par and Grill in Caribou, Maine
• Al's Diner in Mars Hill, Maine
• Rendezvous in Caribou, Maine
• Riverside Inn in Presque Isle, Maine
• The Pines Grill in Monticello, Maine
• Chez Helen in Madawaska, Maine
• Dean's Motor Lodge in Portage, Maine
• Ivey's Bistro in Houlton, Maine
• Pat's Pizza in Presque Isle, Maine
• Sports Inn in Caribou, Maine
• Two Rivers Lunch in Allagash, Maine

Aroostook County Tourism (ACT) is the Destination Marketing Organization of Maine's Aroostook County. ACT is compromised of a 12 member volunteer board who work to promote all of The County and invite visitors to find their own Aroostook adventure through marketing. "Best of Aroostook'" is a fun way to highlight Aroostook County and no prizes are given. Winners are announced for the top three organizations in each category, while the remaining organizations are recognized as honorable mentions. Voting was open from January 1 through March 24, 2026, and winners were announced in April 2026.