Steph C.
Yelp
I spent a day in Bangor and got lunch at Blaze with my friend Jonathan B., who lives in Maine. He noted that downtown Bangor is small, and that this was a decent spot with a big menu, and possibly our only option for a sit-down lunch on a quiet Tuesday.
The place was nondescript but casual and comfortable. It was pretty empty when we walked in, somewhere around noon, but a few other tables filled up while we were there. One of them included a cute baby, and I thought this would be a pleasant spot for lunch with my own young kids, should I ever need to feed them in Maine's third-most-populous city.
The menu was indeed huge, with food and beverage options in a dozen different categories. I got some guidance from our server, a nice young woman who took great care of us throughout our meal. She said the wagyu diner burger and fish tacos were good, and I got the burger while my friend got the tacos. The burger was solid, with a griddled 4oz. Dover Creek Farms patty, griddled Secret Meadow Farm bacon, fig jam, smoked cheddar, sriracha aioli, pickled jalapeño, lettuce, tomato, and red onion on a brioche bun. Lots going on, but it worked, and it came with some satisfying French fries. I had a beer with my lunch, an aid for the afternoon nap I was about to take after my basic economy redeye. Blaze offers a number of house drafts, and I think I got one of the pale ales. It was tasty, and it did the trick.
My hotel, it turned out, was right next door, and everywhere I went in downtown Bangor was a short walk away. Blaze isn't quite a destination joint, but if you want a hearty lunch with a pint of beer in Bangor, it may be your best and only choice.