+1 207-667-7220
Nestled in the heart of Ellsworth, Maine, Riverside Cafe offers a charming and cozy spot to indulge in a delicious brunch or breakfast that captures the essence of hearty, comforting American fare with a delightful coastal twist. Located at 151 W Main St, this beloved local eatery is a must-visit whether you’re starting your day or seeking a laid-back midday meal infused with authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
Riverside Cafe’s menu reads like a celebration of bold, satisfying dishes designed to delight all palates. Popular standouts like the Sausage Gravy Biscuit Platter draw you in with its rich, savory gravy enveloping flaky, buttery biscuits—though some guests note the biscuit varies in texture, the overall flavor experience remains memorable. The Crab Eggs Benedict and Crab Omelette offer a fresh, upscale twist on classic breakfast staples, with sweet, tender crab meat elevating each bite into a truly decadent treat, earning high praise from diners who have never encountered crab quite like this in their morning meals. The Blueberry Stuffed French Toast and Raspberry Oatbake with Fresh Fruit add a vibrant pop of fruity sweetness and a comforting, homemade feel, perfectly paired with real maple syrup that speaks to the region’s rich traditions.
The offerings don’t stop there—creative dishes like the Breakfast Burrito, Irish Benedict, and Lobster Quiche provide adventurous options that showcase the cafe’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Brunch classics such as The Bridge Hill Omelette and savory options like the Reuben Sandwich and Cobb Salad with Grilled Chicken add variety, ensuring something for everyone regardless of appetite or craving.
Aside from the food, many guests love the inviting, diner-like atmosphere that Riverside Cafe exudes. The warm and welcoming vibe is frequently mentioned, making it the perfect spot to relax, enjoy great company, or savor a solo meal while soaking up the small-town charm. Service is consistently friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall experience, though a few diners have pointed out minor inconsistencies like the coffee sometimes tasting burnt or tea feeling a bit off. Still, these glimpses rarely overshadow the genuine hospitality and care from the staff.
Riverside Cafe also shines with its thoughtful beverage options—mimosas and Bloody Marys add a festive touch to weekend brunches, while freshly squeezed juices and refreshing lemonade offer bright complements to the hearty plates. Whether you're diving into a savory crab Benedict or indulging in blueberry pancakes dripping with pure maple syrup, each sip and bite feels like a lovingly crafted ode to Maine’s vibrant culinary scene.
Given its combination of inventive dishes, welcoming atmosphere, and reasonable prices, Riverside Cafe stands out as a local gem — ideal for travelers discovering Ellsworth or regulars craving a dependable spot for good, soul-satisfying meals. Whether you’re wandering nearby vintage shops or settling in for a casual brunch with friends or family, this cafe promises a memorable culinary experience that is both comforting and excitingly fresh.
If you find yourself in Ellsworth, don’t miss the chance to savor the unique seafood-infused breakfast items, indulge in classic favorites with a twist, and enjoy the down-to-earth ambiance that Riverside Cafe so authentically embraces. Call ahead at +1 207-667-7220 to reserve your spot or simply walk in and let the flavors and hospitality welcome you home.
Yummy food, service was great. Atmosphere was warm and welcoming. I got the #4 eggs, home fries, and toast. My husband got the #5 eggs with hash, homefries, and toast. The hash was a little more crispy than he liked it.
Flavor: B Service: A Tea: C Solo dining: B I got the French toast which was good but nothing special, along with the biscuits and sausage gravy which had great flavor in the gravy but the biscuit was disappointing. Our server was a delight. The tea tasted like it had set out too long or something was weird about it. Overall a great brunch spot worth trying.
Delicious gem in Ellsworth. We discovered this during our trip to Bar Harbor. It is located on a cute street with vintage shops that we were visiting. The cafe has a super cozy diner-like vibe. The service was great. We had a turkey sandwich and a fried haddock sandwich. The fries were the best we had during our trip. Their fresh lemonade and OJ was also the best we had. The prices were far better than Bar Harbor and only a short half hour drive away. Definitely recommend if you’re visiting the area and please remember to tip well (at least 20%).
My wife ordered the Crab Omelette & I ordered the Crab Eggs Benedict. Both of us never had crab meat in our egg dishes, we felt that it was the best Omelette & Eggs Benedict we have ever eaten. Our waitress & the whole dining experience was awesome.
Breakfast was good, and the wait was not too bad especially since we were there on a Sunday morning. Much more of a brunch time than breakfast. The coffee was not the best, the beans tasted burnt. They have a good amount of space in Which to seat guests. Service was fine, nothing special to write home about. She was getting the job done. The buckwheat and pancakes were subpar, I think those were overcooked as well. The eggs Beni options we selected were good.
A local eatery with comfort food, though the Crab & Cheddar quiche was a welcome surprise. My group also liked the Blueberry stuffed French toast and the Sausage Gravy w/Biscuits. Try the Sriracha syrup for an extra wake-up!
Excellent breakfast/brunch spot. Prices great, especially in this economy. Highly recommend. Staff was kind, our waitress Sarah made our experience even better.
Had a late lunch here with my dad and wife, and was greeted nicely even though we were close to closing time. Ordered the crab cake sandwich but they came back and said they were not happy with their crab cakes at time and asked if I wanted something else. I got the Ruben which was very delicious. My wife got the turkey club which she also enjoyed however my Dad got the grilled chicken sandwich which thought was good but a bit dry. Service was great.