Just steps from the Maine Stay Inn’s front door lies a funky restaurant with a name to match – Bandaloop. And while the atmosphere is rustic and Bohemian chic, the cuisine is anything but. Located about three very short blocks from the inn in a residential area adjacent to Dock Square’s shopping district, you might miss it, if not for the bright red door. Walking into this converted barn (that’s how I perceive it, at least), you will find a wide, modern bar and soft lighting, aided by twinkling white Christmas lights along the upper balcony. The upstairs houses a few small tables and a quiet, intimate atmosphere with great views of the roughly hewn rafters and ample opportunity to people watch. And while the downstairs is more tightly packed and bustling, you have a chance to watch the amazing skills of Chef Scott Lee, owner of Bandaloop. Personally, I love an open kitchen – you know the food is hot and fresh, because you see it come out of the pan, onto the plate and into your belly – no waiting under some heat lamp. That would be entirely counterintuitive here, as “fresh is best” clearly dominates this eatery. In the past they have offered a covered, heated patio during the warmer months and into foliage season, but a recent dinnertime visit revealed exterior construction for a more permanent addition of seating area.
The waitstaff at Bandaloop Restaurant is cheerful, but not overbearing, and very helpful to those of us plagued by indecision. But at Bandaloop, indecision must be incredibly common – the menu is just too good! A two-page menu and handful of specials shouldn’t be terribly troubling, but when you consider the option of pairing any protein source with any of their signature sauces (and there are around 7 of each), the menu seems to grow exponentially!
In all honesty, there is nothing that I wouldn’t like at Bandaloop. Their trend is toward organically raised products and interesting combinations, many with an Asian fusion flair. My personal favorite is their grilled salmon or fried tofu with caramelized chili-coconut sauce. But you certainly can’t go wrong with their spinach salad and Mac & Cheese! And the menu offers a host of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options.
No matter the season, we at the Maine Stay Inn recommend reservations – even on a Wednesday in March. So let us make on for you, because Bandaloop is certainly not to be missed!
