How’s this for a suggestion: go away for one night. Just one night! I know it sounds very short. And you’re right. One night, 24 hours, is not a lot of time. It’s not the same as a long weekend, a week-long getaway, a two-week adventure, or something else entirely. It’s just one night!

Luckily, I am here to inform you that a one night trip, a “micro vacation” if you will, may be just what you need to feel refreshed and ready to tackle the world again. Or at the very least, go back to work on Monday morning. ;)

Seth and I recently went to southern Maine (Ogunquit) for literally 24 hours, yes that’s the exact amount of time we were there, and we had a blast! It did help that we had been to the area many times before, but it didn’t make the trip any less exciting or fun (in my opinion).

Not only did we spend all of our time walking from spot to spot, but we were able to visit the favorites and discover something new along the way. How awesome is that?! A very brief trip with many amazing foods and pretty good weather will always be better than no trip at all.

Where did we eat while in Ogunquit, Maine? Let me tell you! I’ve listed below everything we ate during our 24-hour vacation. If you would like an even more extensive list, then I would recommend my larger Maine dining guide, right here. Enjoy!

24 HOURS IN OGUNQUIT, MAINE

Arrive: Friday Night

Dinner: The Trap - Perkins Cove

Come for the food, stay for the view, then come back again the next day. That’s my motto at this very small, but very wonderful restaurant deep in Perkins Cove. The staff is the friendliest, the food is superb, and you can enjoy your meal mere feet from the ocean with an unobstructed view. What’s better than that?

I love that the majority of the menu is gluten free which basically means we order a feast every time. There’s nothing that’s not awesome, but here are my tried-and-true favorites: calamari, fried oyster lettuce cups, shrimp tempura, crab cakes, and the tuna poke bowl (but the whole menu is marvelous).

Pro tip: arrive early for lunch or dinner (or stop in late-afternoon for snacks and a drink) to ensure you get one of the five outside tables facing the water. This spot fills up fast!

Late-night: Food for Thought

Major points for this relative newcomer to the OGT food scene because even though we only ordered drinks and a post-dinner snack, I am absurdly excited to go back for a full meal as soon as possible. All seating is outdoors, the vibe is chill and happy, and the staff is super helpful.

Whether you get seats at the bar or set up at one of the high-top tables, you’re in for a fun evening. We stopped in “late” (read: around 9pm) and got seats, but I know they’re very busy during traditional dinner hours (and during brunch/lunch).

My jalapeno and mango margarita was refreshing, spicy, and not too sweet. The perfect type of cocktail after a long walk in the evening heat and humidity.

The menu is “normal” and eclectic all at the same time and that’s exactly how it should be at this fun, funky outdoor restaurant. There are plenty of GF options and our server told us that there’s a dedicated fryer (say no more) for the fries etc. Clearly, we had to order fries! I have no self control.

These were some of the hottest, crispiest, best fries I’ve ever had on vacation. They were covered with local honey and black pepper which is officially my new favorite topping for fries. Next time we visit I cannot wait to try many more items on the menu and the fries again, of course. See you there!

Saturday

Breakfast: Backyard CoffeeHouse

For a quick and easy morning, head to this welcoming, cheerful spot right off the center of town in Ogunquit. Online ordering is available, but the line tends to moves pretty quickly. All of the usual morning requirements are available (coffee, tea, espresso, take your pick) as well as an assortment of grill-made options.

They do have GF bread for breakfast sandwiches (and take proper precautions in the kitchen) which is what I turn to for a filling, but not too heavy meal. Alternatively, a breakfast bowl is another delicious choice which is more like a breakfast salad with a base of fresh greens.

Ample outdoor seating is available although it does fill up during the morning and lunchtime rush. This is our go-to for quick breakfast that allows us to move on with our day without feeling sluggish after our first meal of the day.

Pre-Lunch: Barnacle Billy’s

One must visit this Perkins Cove landmark if not only for drinks on their back deck overlooking the boats in the cove. It’s a favorite place to relax, get an accidental sunburn, and soak up the “vacation energy” all around. Everyone is having a good time and the servers are friendly, helpful, and always available if you need (want) another cocktail.

A full food menu is available (order inside and your number will be called when it’s ready) which has the summer classics of boiled lobster, mussels, lobster rolls, clam chowder, salads, burgers, and hot dogs. Eating this food on the deck in the summer sun is a classic OGT experience.

On this particular visit, we just ordered drinks, but we’ve been here many times for bun-less hot dogs, chowder, and the incredible view (and vibe). Drink-wise, I’d recommend the Bloody Mary (the best), Pina Colada, or the famous rum punch if that suits your fancy. Seth is always pleased with their beer offerings and wine is available too if you prefer it. We love the deck at Barnacle Billy’s - it’s quintessential summer.

Order this 1/2 pound lobster roll without the bun for a major GF feast!

Lunch: Lobster Shack

Another landmark location in the Cove that we’ve been visiting for decades (truly), the Shack has the best of the best for whole lobster, lobster rolls, chowder, lobster stew, and much more. And there’s air conditioning! The line can get long for this one, but trust me it’s worth the wait.

In regard to gluten free options, their lobster stew is like a bowl of heaven, the chowder is great, the fish tacos are superb, and you could definitely order a lobster roll on lettuce rather than the bun (I’ve done that). Or just order a whole lobster!

Pro tip: lobster rolls are available in 1/4 pound, 1/2 pound, or full pound of lobster meat. Wowza. Seth prefers the half pound because it’s a glorious feast. For the freshest seafood, friendly staff, and a very jovial atmosphere, go to the Lobster Shack for lunch or dinner to make your quick trip even more delicious.

Late-day snack: Mornings in Paris

Honestly, at this point in the day we weren’t exactly hungry, but we decided to pop into this cute new bakery because its predecessor had been around for decades. While the majority of offerings are not gluten free (but they looked so good), I was excited to see a special GF pastry section filled with pre-packaged goodies from Bam Bam Bakery in Portland, which is an entirely gluten free bakery. Hooray!

I couldn’t resist the selection and bought a GF cinnamon bun and a lemon square, which we didn’t end up eating until that night and the next day. Verdict? Delicious! The lemon square was my favorite and I can’t wait to try the other options next time.

I’m so glad that this new shop has GF options so that it’s easy for everyone to have dessert in the village of Ogunquit. Coffee drinks and those sorts of beverages are available, too.

ACTIVITIES

What is there to do between meals? Here are some of my usual activities…

Walk around Ogunquit Village and/or Perkins Cove to stop in all of the cute shops selling all sorts of art, jewelry, clothes, and trinkets to take home.

Walk the Marginal Way to get to Perkins Cove for breathtaking views of the ocean. Stop along the way on a bench to take in the fresh ocean air and snap some photos. Make sure to glance up to the right to see some absolutely stunning real estate (best views around).

Stroll along the Ogunquit Beach for incredibly soft sand, cold ocean water, and miles of peace.

Stop into the famous Harbor Candy Shop for a sweet treat to bring home. I love the dark almond bark, dark chocolate truffles, and caramellows (marshmallow covered in caramel and chocolate).

DEPART: SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Happy, tired, a bit sunburnt, and very full! Cannot wait to go back…

PS: There are several new restaurants (and other favorites we didn’t get to) in Ogunquit that we haven’t had a chance to visit yet, but I hope to go again soon. Stay tuned for our next 24-hour adventure!

Enjoy!

Bar Bites Beyond: A Delicious 24-Hours in Maine