The Red Barn

Seafood restaurant · Augusta

The Red Barn

Seafood restaurant · Augusta

1

455 Riverside Dr, Augusta, ME 04330

Photos

The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null
The Red Barn by null

Highlights

A charming roadside barn in Maine, the Red Barn serves up enormous portions of fresh seafood like lobster rolls, all in a warm, inviting atmosphere.  

Placeholder
Placeholder

455 Riverside Dr, Augusta, ME 04330 Get directions

theredbarnmaine.org

$10–20 · Menu

Information

Static Map

455 Riverside Dr, Augusta, ME 04330 Get directions

+1 207 623 9485
theredbarnmaine.org
TheRedBarnMaine

$10–20 · Menu

Features

wifi
payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
outdoor seating

Last updated

Mar 9, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

"The Red Barn in Augusta bounced back from financial struggles by offering free food and donating proceeds to charity. Through the process of giving away money, owner Laura Benedict began to make it back and has been able to keep the restaurant running — and it’s become an institution." - Dana Hatic

New Portland Cookie Cart Will Serve Giant Chicken and Waffles Macarons - Eater Boston
View Postcard for The Red Barn

Ronnie R

Google
This is my kind of place! Comfortable atmosphere but still determined to provide A+ service to the customer. It's easy to see why they have a loyal, local following. That seafood chowder was money 👌 I would happily return!

David Stlouis

Google
Good eats, lobster sandwich was good, i was expecting it to be hot lobster as i ordered it with melted butter but it was cold. Still very fresh and tasty. We had clam strip and onion rings… incredible. Karaoke outside was fun.

Megan Russell

Google
Best lobster roll we had during our trip. Best prices of the whole trip too and very generous portions. Staff was SO nice and the vibe was very chill and friendly. Definitely stop by here.

Jeffrey Laroco

Google
Plenty of parking when we arrived at the location. We were greeted upon entering the building. The staff was very friendly and the service was fast as well. Lots to choose from on their menu. Everything was cooked fresh to order. Big size portions. My wife and I couldn't finish all what we ordered. Will definitely return if we ever travel back in the area.

A S

Google
This place has amazing food, great service and atmosphere. Laura's seafood stew is so good you'll be talking about it and coming back for more every chance you have. Great restaurant, with a great mission and superb lobster rolls and seafood stew.

karen dube

Google
Food was great and plentiful. Lots of seating to accommodate lots of people. Place is popular. Inside / outside dining. Order Inside and receive a gadget that'll vibrate when ready. Plus, they'll call out your name. Porta potties outside. Large parking and additional up in back.

Michelle Gillo

Google
This is probably the best place for seafood in Maine! Take it from someone who was born & raised here and has tried many, many different seafood restaurants. This place has a very large parking lot with plenty of parking. They have a grassy area with picnic tables if you want to eat outside. There's an additional grassy area out back to take your pets for a walk so they can do their thing. They even carry doggy bags to pick up after they go! You place your order inside, and you can eat your food either outside or inside. Their menu is pretty big and they do have non seafood items, like burgers, chicken, hot dogs, etc. I ordered the Snack size whole clams with french fries, and my better half had the scallops (snack size) with onion rings. We couldn't finish them so we brought them home for leftovers and ate them for lunch the next day! The amount of food you get is more than what one person needs in a setting, and the fact that it's delicious food makes me rate this place at the top of my list! I will be back, soon!

Bruce Babbidge

Google
I have been going to the Red Barn for over 45 years. The food is fresh and fried to perfection. I usually order Chicken and Onion Rings. But their sea food is delicious, and their Seafood Stew is incredible. I travel up from Westbrook and it's worth the trip. If you're in the Augusta area I Highly Highly Recommend you visit the Red Barn.

Nic S.

Yelp
A splendid time was had by all! What a gem. I had a wonderful experience and tasty food. The lobster tail nuggets and whole belly clams were so clean tasting! We had fries with our meal and those were abandoned in favor of the proteins--there was a ton of food for the two of us--we even took some home, and we just ordered a normal portion. It's nothing fancy--we ate in the car--but the mood was jovial, thanks to the good natured gals who got the food out. Get the lobster nuggets--so darned good! Just the right amount of batter to be crisp, and not overwhelm the lobster. The clams--the same. Going back will be a pleasure.

Abby L.

Yelp
We got the Laura's famous seafood stew to go and it was delicious, full of lots of seafood, and absolutely hit the spot! The sizes seemed a little small for a large family but definitely worth it!

Tracy D.

Yelp
The Red Barn is absolutely delicious!! We found this place through a random Yelp search and it exceeded all our expectations. We had the lobster roll (DO NOT MISS THIS LOBSTER ROLL) and the scallop roll, both were so so so good!!! We also had the homemade whoopie pie and I'm still dreaming about it!! I highly recommend this restaurant if you find yourself in the area.

Parker E.

Yelp
Food is perfect Laura is so nice! I would recommend fried shrimp or chicken and fries! I need the recipe to make this amazing food! 5 stars I wish there were a thousand

Marc L.

Yelp
OMG, I have heard about there seafood stew & fried clams etc... Took an extended trip to see what all the hoopla is about. Everything is true... 5 stars... portions are humongous. One portion is easily enough for two people. The only downside are that the onion ring breading is a little to much.

Sophie S.

Yelp
Such delicious fried chicken - I don't know what's in their batter, but it's perfect. The fried green beans were also delicious.

Jason L.

Yelp
Really great Maine lobster roll, best of our trip. Lots of sweet lobster, great roll, and just enough mayo. Also got the seafood chowder, which was overflowing with fish and lobster. The service was welcoming for us and our dog. Got asked how we were doing, and a few staff greeted our dog too. It's definitely a great combo when the food is great and you feel welcomed too! Definitely recommend and will be back!

Peter M.

Yelp
This place has the best lobster roll I have eaten in new england. Their seafood chowder is ridiculous - more seafood than chowder. So good. Great staff. Cool atmosphere. There were some girl scouts selling ice cream or something in the parking lot too - very cute. Ill be back next year!

Tabitha P.

Yelp
Cute place exceptional food fresh oil fried foods and the best portions I have ever seen. My partner sampled a bowl of their famous seafood stew with all the seafood they offer in stew form delicious I got the haddock basket lunch size was more than enough. There was a women constantly cleaning and stocking the dining area they have outdoor tables as well. The service was great quick friendly and helpful.

Erica W.

Yelp
I will always love the impact ms Laura has on the community and how much love she spreads! The chicken baskets though something has changed and the chicken is not the same, it hurts my heart to say such a thing as my family has been loyal to Red Barn for as long as it has been around!

Joshua P.

Yelp
The best thing here is their peanut butter whoopie pie and their house soup. Mostly everything else is deep fried with little to no seasoning. They have a ton of outdoor seating and parking. Very little indoor seating.

Ki L.

Yelp
Their haddock's is so good. We drive up from Boston because my husband is addicted to their seafood stew. Worth the drive.

Chung S.

Yelp
More like 3 1/2 stars. My husband, a friend and I stopped here for lunch during Ironman 70.3 Maine weekend. My husband wanted to try the much proclaimed excellent lobster roll. We stood in line to order and found a seat around the side where many picnic styles tables with umbrellas were situated. Although the line was long, it moved quickly. My friend doesn't eat seafood so she ordered a dinner sized chicken basket. It was only a few dollars more than the lunch basket. To everyone's surprise, the basket was huge, probably enough to feed 3 people. My friend enjoyed the fried chicken. My husband ordered the lobster roll. It was at a hefty price of $27 including 1/4 pounds of lobster meat. The lobster roll was reported to be "okay", "nothing special" and could have been more flavorful. So for $27, he was "underwhelmed". I ordered the mixed seafood basket (oyster, shrimp, scallop and fish). It came with French fries and a roll. The basket was piled high but mostly due to a large biscuit buried underneath the fries and fried seafood on top. Everything was cooked well any not greasy...all absorbed by the roll below. After some much needed seasoning with salt and pepper, it was good. The restaurant supported veterans with poster boards in 2 locations showing local veterans that gave up their lives in the various wars. They also had a swing for individuals in a wheelchair. So they also support inclusion which was nice. But, I probably would drive out of my way to eat at this restaurant.

Tracy L.

Yelp
Came in on a busy Saturday at lunchtime. Expected a line but it actually went really fast, with a patient cashier as she took our order for 8 people. The seafood stew was amazing, with tons of scallops, shrimp, fish and lobster bits. The fried clams beat out my ex-favorite, Woodman's of Essex, MA!! And that's saying a lot! Good lobster rolls as well. The onion rings included the "hearts" part of the onion. Excellent all around !! Hope to be back someday.

Dawn W.

Yelp
Stopped on the way to Bar Harbor. Staff was friendly and service was fast, Delicious lobster roll and scallop roll. Shrimp basket was big.

Cindy C.

Yelp
Still one of our favorite seafood haunts in Maine, but a few observations from our visit this year: 1) Google says they close at 7, so we did not go our first day in (Friday) since it would have been cutting it close. Come to find out they are open until 8. 2) We did manage to go Sunday night, but they were all sold out of lobster rolls. Understandable, but disappointing nonetheless. 3) The mixed seafood basket had almost no fried clam strips, only fried clam bellies! Oh, the horror! Portions are noticeably smaller, although the prices seemed to be close to 2 years ago when we last visited. 4) Had we been able to go Friday night as planned, we could have gone to the Union Fair and Camden on the same day instead of making two LONG separate trips on separate days just so we could get to you on Sunday. 4) Staff is pleasant and the food taste/quality was still amazing!

Todd R.

Yelp
Not sure what I can say that others haven't already said. My family has loved this place for years. The chicken is fantastic and prepared fresh when ordered. The result is absolute perfection... a crisp coating that isn't the least bit greasy with a juicy and flavorful inside. I am not sure how a chicken nugget could get any better.

Jonathan C.

Yelp
This place is absolutely fantastic! Must drop by if you're in Augusta or passing through. It's right off the highway - you can't miss the large red barn. It's family owned, and the staff are so friendly it feels like they're welcoming into your home. I had the clam strip appetizer and the lobster roll and both were fantastic! The lobster roll was filled with fresh lobster, and they helped me customize it just the way I like it with warm butter on top. The clam strips were crispy and delicious! There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Everyone, from the staff at the register to the staff who prepared my order were so kind and welcoming. Come support this wonderful spot!

Janice H.

Yelp
Great food (but be prepared it's all fried), large portions, and very friendly staff!

Elizabeth P.

Yelp
Going to red barn made me feel like I was going to a family reunion. Everyone was so friendly and there were tons of places to sit inside and out. I highly recommend the seafood stew. It was very dense with seafood that was cooked perfectly. The best part was the greeter who was so kind and attentive.

Peter M.

Yelp
The Red Barn was apparently closed for a time during the heat of the pandemic, and then open for take-out but not for eating in. It has now reopened and is well-thought of by one of our friends, so we decided to give it a try. The fact that you can eat inside, however, does not mean it is a sit down restaurant. By that I mean that you go up to the counter and order what you want (after getting menus at the counter if you are new as we were) and then sit down at a table and wait for them to call your name. Between the three of us we ordered a haddock basket, a chicken sandwich with their homemade potato chips, and a burger and fries. The chips were fine and the chicken sandwich okay, though I thought longingly of the one at Popeyes, but hardly memorable. The haddock breading didn't have much flavor and didn't fare well with reheating. The burger seemed small for the price. The fries were of course fries, and therefore fine. The food didn't stand out so I guess we won't be back. There are just too many great places out there for us to give the Red Barn another try. But it is wildly popular, so I suggest you give it a try. You may have different tastes altogether.

Jenna C.

Yelp
Looking for a quick lunch stop on our road trip, we happened upon The Red Barn. Definitely a family-friendly, no-frills kind of place. You go inside and order at the counter, they give you a pager, and when it's ready, you pick it up from the window. We got the lobster roll, which was delicious - big chunks of meat with lettuce & mayo on buttery toast. We ate at one of the many picnic tables outside on the lawn, where a band was setting up to play later. My only complaint is there's just one bathroom inside and it's in an awkward place. Otherwise, we enjoyed our visit!

Meredith S.

Yelp
The food is just really good. Decor is very, very informal, but charming in its own way. The clam strips are just spectacular. Stay and eat them in the restaurant - they lose something crucial in transit. I like them with cocktail sauce, which you can get on request, but the tartar sauce is also very good. Lobster roll is great. Service is friendly - though always busy. Have been several times and will definitely go back.

Nischinth S.

Yelp
The restaurant is on the list for one of the best places to eat in Maine. I have been here a few times before and like their haddock. Note that this place is seasonal so make sure you check before you hear there. However, don't get disappointed as they have another location on state st where you can go try some haddock and chicken. The place could get crowded and I like the seasonal location more.

Deni G.

Yelp
Always visit the Red Barn when I'm in the area! Fresh variety of seafood! Love the fried clams! Wish it wasn't so far from home!

Terry M.

Yelp
Great seafood and chicken better than average fried food joint food is always good and quick service

Larry S.

Yelp
I recently stopped by the Red Barn for an early dinner after a round of golf. The menu featured a wide spectrum of delicious fried seafood options. Unfortunately there were limited non-fried options. My order was taken by a very pleasant person behind the counter. The food arrived quickly. I got the mixed seafood platter and my wife got the seafood stew. My food was lightly battered and perfectly cooked. It was a bit heavy on the fries vs fish, but everything was delicious. My wife's stew was loaded with fish, scallops, and lobster. It was also delicious. She ordered a bowl, but the serving size was more of a cup. I'll likely return to the Red Barn when I'm craving fried seafood.

Brian Q.

Yelp
Best fried fish basket, and the clams are awesome. If you order 1 bet you'll have more than enough to share. ( I make my own tarter sauce, just because I like it a little on the sweet side) The staff is always friendly and efficient. It's a gem of an eatery!!!

Conrad L.

Yelp
Our family has been coming here for almost 25 years and in all that time we have never been disappointed. This visit took place of a very hot Thursday night and there was an Elvis impersonator entertaining the very large crowd. At the Red Barn, the pictures say more than words ever could.

Vinny G.

Yelp
Excellent seafood stew lobster roll was delicious too fair price with good quality food

Janice S.

Yelp
Food was fabulous. Had the lobster roll and french fries so so yummy! The staff is adorable. It was so sweet. He stopped here a tiny bit out of the way on our way up to Bar Harbor from Portland. It was well worth a trip the outdoor seating area and the day was gorgeous, mid 70° weather perfectly blue skies

Wong G.

Yelp
Wow wow wow, have no words for this place. Amazing foods, super super friendly people, nice siting set up. Got fried lobster, fried mix, onion rings, fried mushroom, cheese burger, lobster roll and seafood stew. Stew is the best. Soup is very light and the amount of seafoods in it just unbelievable. My family loves the lobster roll, and the bread for the fried stuffs are pretty good. We were looking at the menu, and John just came and over help. Very nice guy, gave us welcome pins. Everyone, literally everyone was just nice. I cannot recommend this place enough. And btw, price is very reasonable as well.

Stephanie G.

Yelp
The Red Barn is not a fine dining establishment. It just isn't. However, if you're looking for down home comfort food served with a smile, this is the place. The Red Barn has been a neighborhood fixture in Augusta Maine. They also do a lot for the greater good. The owner puts her heart and soul into this place and it shows. My husband and I are both disabled veterans. We have never felt unwelcome or out of place here.

Savanna A.

Yelp
A favorite! Everybody loves it here. The food, service and atmosphere is great. If you're traveling from away, stop by.

Tracy E.

Yelp
Used to be a big Barn fan. Now it caters toward the tourists and not the locals. Once a family friendly reasonable place to take my family for supper has become one of the most expensive for less portions. They had a large price increase and changed the portion sizes and batter and they seem to fry everything together as every time I go I get a clam in my chicken. I guess the biggest bummer is it's so commercialized now the locals can't afford it and it's not even open to us most of the year.

Theresa H.

Yelp
Wonderful food! Very clean. Only drawback is there are not enough restrooms. They do put out portable toilets though. Not my thing but ok. Best time to go is during the outdoor entertainment during the summer.

Abraham T.

Yelp
When you go to the red barn, you must have the deep fried lobster claws. They will make it so you'll never want to eat lobster any other way again in your life. The service is impeccable, and the owners are friendly and welcoming. They also support the community in a lot of ways which leads me to be a repeat customer beyond the amazing food that they serve. When I think of Maine, I think of the red barn.

Diego S.

Yelp
Having never been to Maine, I did some research on food establishments in the Augusta area. The Red Barn was near the top of the list, but sometimes online reviews can be misleading. Stopped in town to meet with some local residents and mentioned my lunch plan. They gave me an affirming look that indicates the Red Barn was the place to go. I was also warned that the owner, Laura was a hugger. Yes she is and it was great. Seafood Stew - amazing! Lobster Roll - incredible! Fried clams - delicious. Onion rings, French fries and fried shrimp were also wonderful. Finished it off with a whoopie pie...then got two more for the drive. Thank you Laura. I hope to return in the future.

Lefty L.

Yelp
I must say HOLY MOLY the food was to die for!!! I am wicked wicked fussy, and I must that EVERY single time I order something, my taste buds do a super douper happy dance in my mouth!! super clean , your feet don't stick, and the bathroom makes me happy too. I know it's odd, but I like em clean. I must add, they do a lot for the community, and that's super cool. It was really nice one day, the owner took the time to smile kindly at my mom, and say some nice stuff to her. wicked good place!!

Barbara N.

Yelp
Fast and friendly service. I only wish I lived closer so I could visit more often. I'm not sure which I like more on the menu, Laura's Seafood Stew, whole belly clams or the veggie basket.

Matt J.

Yelp
Great food, great service and they do a lot for the community. Highly recommend. Don't forget to get some seafood chowder.

Tommy F.

Yelp
The food is awesome. My wife had a lobster roll and I had the seafood basket. We were stuffed but wanted to try the seafood soup so we shared a bowl of that. The seafood soup is one of the best foods I have ever tasted. The people who work here are so friendly and helpful. I wish we could move this business back to Texas. The eating area is old school but clean and comfortable. I would recommend this place of business without hesitation and I plan on going back tomorrow.

Stephen M.

Yelp
The Red Barn is the center of what might be called "the Augusta Maine school of comfort food". I travel the country for work, but when I'm up from Memphis visiting family I order from one of the handful of similar family businesses with similar fried chicken, seafood, hand-cut onion rings and fries. The Red Barn is special as the market leader, known for their amazing service, personal warmth, and generous support of local charities & causes. IF you're looking for this style of food, everything is good. If not (like a recent rating given by a person who seems to have given 1-star to a breakfast in Utica NY *and* Red Barn in the same day -- let's say they were visiting, they'd had a long day, and they had a recommendation from their hotel to come here. They were in a bad mood and was in no mood for a surprise, and they weren'texpecting what they got. Don't want fried food (that is never greasy, as fried food goes, but with juices sealed inside)? TRY LAURA'S FAMOUS SEAFOOD STEW, served hot and/or available cold in the fridge to the left of the counter. On our last trip I had to buy TWO quarts, one for ready meals in the hotel and one to bring home to Memphis. I would note that Laura is so generous that she's released the recipe for the stew, it is easy to find online. I don't think I can make it for less than her selling price, even if I could get the same quality seafood, so I buy it there, bring it home, and I add a bit of tarragon which makes it perfect to our tastes, accented with oyster crackers. Mmmmm! Thank you Laura, from 1,500 miles away!

Monica L.

Yelp
I tried the fried haddock for the first time yesterday. It was great. The onion rings were amazing, as always. They have lots of outside seating. It's a great place to meet family or friends.

Cathe D.

Yelp
What a terrific place and the food is fantastic! The Red Barn clearly thrives on guests being able to enjoy the food while seated at the numerous picnic tables set all around the property, yet I was thrilled with my first experience here despite the pouring rain. The long lines are efficiently handled whilst giving guests a view of the very busy and very tidy kitchen. While waiting for my order, I was impressed by the employees clearing tables and guiding diners to the newly opened booths. Every one of them were cheerful, efficient and especially solicitous of older guests needing just a little extra assistance. My clear meat lobster roll was jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The 1/4 lb of meat consisted of large whole claw meat, unlike so many lobster rolls filled with tiny pieces of shredded meat. Today the lobster roll was on a special including their hand-cut onion rings which were hot and crispy! My sister ordered the "snack" size fried shrimp basket and the shrimp were cooked perfectly with a light and crisp breading. The size was very generous. In fact, watching diners leaving, today, most were carrying take-home boxes. Prices are very reasonable. Food arrives quickly. It is an hour and a half drive to the Red Barn for us, but we are looking forward to a sunny day to drive down and enjoy their food again, this time seated at one of their picnic tables.

Brad R.

Yelp
Local favorite for sure. Had some meals that were frozen fish and somewhat chlorine flavored shrimp. Ok in a pinch.

Wanda H.

Yelp
SORRY, no pics for this one! Family picked up orders for takeout, and brought them to our campgrounds for chowin' down. We had the Mixed Seafood, a Lobster Roll and a Whoopie Pie. The entrees were okay, but nothing really great. The Lobster Roll was pretty bland in my opinion. The Mixed Seafood was ...eh. The Whoopie Pie was the best part! Glad me and hubs were sharing, or there would've definitely been a sugar coma!!! I'm sure part of the draw of this place is the place itself. Would give it another try, but only if we dined in.

Charles R.

Yelp
Great ambience Superb setting Fine food especially now with isolation we need Am outlet like this Brings back the old days of outdoor dining Great views

Brian Z.

Yelp
Beautiful atmosphere and friendly folks. VERY clean restrooms. Everything was great... except the food :/ Got the mixed basket so tried everything except the chicken (I did notice a lot of locals getting chicken so maybe that's good?). There was nothing particularly "bad" but it was just ok. The breading was thick and very bland. No seasoning and not the best. Shrimp is tiny under all that breading. Decent portions. The large baskets are fine for two. Milkshakes are a hard pass. I believe it's just a McDonald's type premade machine then they add flavors (she did confirm the flavoring were flavor add ins) Mocca- just Herseys syrup Coffee - not the worst of the lot Black Ras - decent syrupie flavor All three overly sweet. No one in our party of 4 finished more than a third to a half. The mocca one was just thrown out.