Josie's Country Store & Cafe Ellsworth
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Josie's Country Store & Cafe

4.61439 reviews

Josie's Country Store & Cafe is a delightful gem located at 126 Surry Rd in Ellsworth. This cozy spot specializes in breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving up local favorites and comfort food. The menu offers a range of options, from classic pancakes to hearty sandwiches.

The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it perfect for solo diners or families visiting the area. Enjoy your meal on the breezy terrace or grab a seat indoors. The friendly staff aims to make every visit enjoyable with quick service and tasty dishes. Josie's is popular for providing a unique blend of cafe vibes and convenience store charm, ensuring everyone finds something they love. With a price range of $10-$20, it’s accessible for most budgets.

About

Located in the heart of Ellsworth, Josie's Country Store & Cafe stands out as a local favorite. The cafe is part of a country store that offers everyday supplies alongside a delightful menu. The inviting setup encourages guests to mingle and savor delicious meals.

Josie's began as a community hub, bringing together locals and tourists. The blend of grocery essentials and hearty meals makes it a unique establishment. Many regulars appreciate the friendly staff who know their names and orders, adding a personal touch to every visit. Josie's reflects local culture by serving regional specialties that highlight the flavors of Maine.

Get in Touch

126 Surry Rd, Ellsworth, ME 04605, United States

Opening Hours

  • Monday 05:00-16:00
  • Tuesday 05:00-20:00
  • Wednesday 05:00-20:00
  • Thursday 05:00-20:00
  • Friday 05:00-20:00
  • Saturday 05:00-20:00
  • Sunday Closed

Where to Visit

Get Directions

Customer Reviews

"What a great use of space. A gas station like store with space for serving food. When we first walked in, we did not know where to go. So look for the glass doors on the side for dine in options. We had French toast and omelets for breakfast. The was good and you have a good amount of choices to select from. Service was fine, maybe a little more attention to drink levels. Overall, the experience was good."

- Allison L.

"While visiting Maine, this became our go-to spot. We came twice for breakfast and once for lunch before having to part with our beloved Josie's. :( Josie's is an amazing restaurant that is very unassuming. It's attached to a convenience store or, honestly, maybe the convenience store is attached to the restaurant. It deserves to be the main star. When we first visited, we were unsure where to go to be seated. Once the employees saw we were waiting to be seated, they directed us to go around and find a spot we wanted. Easy enough. Service was very kind and very efficient. For breakfast, we ordered the FRESHHHHHHHH orange juice and grapefruit juice. Both were to diiiie for, for real. They mean fresh. We love pulp and this did not miss the mark. For food, we ordered the Corned Beef Hash Platter and the Breakfast Platter. I can't say enough good things about the Corned Beef! It was perfectly crispy as you would expect. The home fries were incredible, especially because of the peppers and onions. My wife really enjoyed her breakfast platter as well. 10/10 and we did come back. When we came for lunch, we ordered the Dill Pickle Fries, the Bacon Bleu Burger, and the Western Burger. All were FIREEEEEEEE! The photo of the Dill Pickle Fries almost didn't get taken. We were halfway through the plate before I remembered the pic. The burgers were huge and we definitely could not finish them but danggggg it did we want to. OMG and I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fries that came with the burgers. They were so perfectly crispy and seasoned. *chef's kiss* By the time we had to fly back out, we were Josie's regulars. The person who always greeted us and checked us out had great conversation and was so kind to us. If we are anywhere near the area again, we will 100% make a trip to Josie's."

- Delaney A.

"I need to preface this review by saying that my husband and I eat out often. Josie's was by far the best restaurant we experienced on our trip to Maine. I had an amazing breakfast of blueberry pancakes, eggs, bacon, and home fries with peppers and onions, along with fresh-squeezed orange juice and coffee. Everything was made to perfection. After spending the afternoon shopping and walking around Bar Harbor, we couldn't decide on a restaurant in the area for dinner--so we made our way back to Josie's. Once again, we were blown away. The cocktails were fantastic, and the mussels were unlike anything we've had anywhere else--absolutely unforgettable. The fish tacos and truffle fries were fresh and flavorful, and everything came out hot. The owner's attention to detail, the quality of the food, and overall business sense are things more restaurants should aspire to. Josie's is a gem!"

- Neek B.

"Such a great time! Quick stop for my fam on our trip and met the family who ran the spot. Really cool restaurant with a store included AND a nice view. Food was so good and they had nice, crispy fries. Loved the Italian Sandwich and buffalo chicken wrap (shown). Everything came out quick and fresh. Great service with good conversation."

- Bella T.

"This is the most unique place you will visit. Country store with all of the daily supplies, imported food items, fresh grab and go sandwich and salads. The real gem is the dining room. With a menu pages long, there is surely an option for everyone. The food features unique flavor combinations! Please visit this "country store" for one of the best meals around at a fair price!"

- Paul R.

"We went for the Pancit (Filipino Lo Mein) but they didn't have it that night so that was very disappointing. I did love the orange chicken! Fried rice was a little bland but still good. The lavender hibiscus margarita was delicious. Interesting but fun atmosphere sitting on the porch of a country store eating Asian food."

- Amanda S.

"I originally walked in at first it's a little bit confusing you walk in, and are greeted with a convince store front, you walk through a door and get to sit in a beautiful outside seating area. The food was spectacular sorry the photo shows my wife's food after she had already started she got a tuna ahi bowl and it was fantastic everything was perfect and the presentation was perfect. I got the shrimp scampi and unlike other watery ones I've had before this was perfect everything was cooked perfectly. Also they have every soda/liquor you could ever desire. Desert was also spectacular homemade to. For three of us it was $95, we ordered three meals plus drinks plus an appetizer plus 3 deserts, plus three bottles drink on our way out price was spectacular great food quality."

- Christian
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Why Visit

Visitors must stop by Josie's for its incredible breakfast offerings. The breakfast platters, especially the blueberry pancakes and corned beef hash, have earned rave reviews. Pair your meal with freshly squeezed juice for the perfect start to your day.

For lunch, try the Dill Pickle Fries or the hearty Bacon Bleu Burger. The unique menu features a fusion of flavors, appealing to a wide range of taste buds. Don't miss the truffle fries served alongside shareable sandwiches, perfect for groups.

The ambiance here is casual yet vibrant. The blend of a country store with a cafe creates a welcoming environment. Outdoor seating offers a charming view, making it a great spot for sunny days. Josie's also accommodates families with high chairs and a kid-friendly menu.

Most Liked things

Customers love the fresh ingredients used in every dish, especially the famous orange juice. Many highlight the crispy texture of the fries and the generous portion sizes. The warm, friendly service often leads to repeat visits, creating a home away from home for many. Josie's also features a variety of local beers and wines to complement the meals.

Most Disliked things

Some patrons experience confusion on arrival, unsure where to find seating since it's attached to a store. Additionally, the busiest hours can lead to longer wait times, particularly on weekends. A few visitors wished for more vegetarian options on the menu to cater to diverse dietary needs.

FAQ

What meals are available at Josie's Country Store & Cafe?

Josie's offers a variety of meals throughout the day. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options. Favorite dishes include omelette platters, breakfast sandwiches, and a selection of delicious desserts.

Is there outdoor seating available?

Yes, there is a lovely terrace for outdoor seating. It provides a great atmosphere for enjoying meals in nice weather, making it perfect for a relaxing dining experience.

What are popular menu items for breakfast?

Breakfast favorites include the breakfast basic, pancakes, and omelette platters. Many guests also love the French toast and breakfast sandwiches for a tasty start to the day.

Is the cafe family-friendly?

Certainly! Josie's Country Store & Cafe is family-friendly. It offers high chairs, a kids' menu, and an accessible environment, making it perfect for families dining out.