Shain’s of Maine

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Discover Shain’s of Maine

Tucked away in the heart of Sanford, ME, Shain’s of Maine stands as a cherished establishment that has seen a remarkable transformation over the years. Founded in 1984 as Shain’s, it was envisioned by the owner’s parents as a warm and welcoming community hub. Guests were greeted with smiles and genuine inquiries about their day, creating a rare and inviting atmosphere that is often elusive in modern times. For 17 years, the community rallied behind the restaurant, supported by the owner’s family. Tragically, in 2002, the matriarch succumbed to cancer, leaving behind her cherished restaurant, her vision, and her “place.” In honor of her memory, the decision was made to close the restaurant and shift the focus to the family’s ice cream business.

Twelve years passed, during which many locals and visitors fondly remembered the restaurant’s delightful “home-cooked” meals. In 2014, the restaurant underwent a remarkable revival. Beyond its culinary delights, Shain’s is celebrated for its endearing and friendly ambiance. The restaurant serves as a cherished meeting place for locals and tourists, especially during the bustling summer months. Shain’s of Maine is more than just a dining destination. It is a poignant narrative of preserving a mother’s legacy and a commitment to offering extraordinary service and pocket-friendly, homestyle meals to the community. It’s a place where the past is intertwined with the present, creating an experience that warms hearts and nourishes the soul.

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Menu Specials of Shain’s of Maine

Shain’s of Maine, renowned for its warm and welcoming ambiance, offers a delightful culinary experience with a distinctive feature known as the Daily Specials menu. Each day brings a new and exciting array of mouthwatering dishes, meticulously prepared and thoughtfully presented to satisfy a diverse range of tastes. The Daily Specials menu has become a cherished tradition. Every day of the week, the restaurant presents a unique selection of delectable options that cater to a broad spectrum of preferences. From savory meatball subs served with a generous portion of golden fries to the savory delights of a pulled pork sandwich, the menu is carefully crafted to delight the guests.

Among the featured dishes, you’ll find the haddock sandwich, a flavorful creation that encapsulates the taste of the ocean with each bite. The restaurant takes pride in the art of preparing and serving the finest haddock in town, nestled within a perfectly toasted bun. For those seeking the quintessential Maine experience, don’t miss the lobster roll special, available on select days. This iconic coastal delight is lovingly prepared with the freshest lobster meat, lightly seasoned, and served on a soft, buttered roll. It’s a must-try for seafood enthusiasts and a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to showcasing the best flavors of Maine.

Lobster Roll Delight

Whether your preference is a grilled or steamed roll, this renowned establishment offers a lobster roll experience that is nothing short of exceptional. The Lobster Roll, a culinary masterpiece, takes center stage. Served on your choice of a perfectly grilled or delicately steamed roll, each bite is an exquisite journey into the flavors of the Maine coast. The lobster meat, tender and succulent, is sourced fresh from local waters, ensuring the highest quality and an authentic taste that captures the essence of this coastal region.

The Lobster Roll can be customized to your liking. You have the option to enjoy it with a side of golden, crispy French fries that perfectly complement the rich, savory flavors of the lobster. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a cup of chowder, made with locally sourced ingredients, can accompany your roll. For the ultimate seafood indulgence, the Lobster Roll can be paired with both French fries and chowder, creating a sumptuous meal that satisfies every craving. Every Lobster Roll served is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to delivering an unforgettable dining experience. The careful preparation and dedication to using the finest, freshest ingredients ensure that each bite is a journey through the flavors of Maine.

About Menu of Shain’s of Maine

The American restaurant understands the importance of offering a well-rounded dining experience. The menu and prices reflect the commitment to providing nutritious and affordable meal choices. Whether you opt for the Chicken Finger Dinner, the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or the Hamburger, you can count on the restaurant to deliver a meal that satisfies your taste buds and nutritional requirements.

Chicken Finger Dinner

The Chicken Finger Dinner is a beloved classic that never goes out of style. Tender and succulent, these chicken fingers are carefully prepared to ensure a crispy exterior while maintaining their juiciness. Each bite offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crispy coating complements the tender, well-seasoned chicken inside, creating a mouthwatering experience. Served alongside the chicken fingers are a generous portion of golden french fries and a side of coleslaw. The french fries are expertly fried to a perfect crisp, offering a satisfying contrast to the chicken’s tenderness. The coleslaw adds a refreshing element to the meal, with its crisp, crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing. The combination of chicken, fries, and coleslaw creates a balanced and satisfying dinner that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a comforting classic with a gourmet touch. Made with premium ingredients, this sandwich elevates a childhood favorite to new heights. The star of the sandwich is the cheese, which is melted to gooey perfection between two slices of perfectly grilled bread. The result is a harmonious blend of rich, creamy cheese and the crispy, buttery exterior of the bread. Just like the Chicken Finger Dinner, the Grilled Cheese Sandwich comes with a side of crispy french fries and coleslaw. The contrast of the warm, cheesy sandwich with the crunchy fries and the refreshing coleslaw creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures.

Hamburger

Shain’s takes the classic hamburger to a whole new level. The hamburger is a culinary masterpiece made from the finest ingredients. The patty is carefully crafted to be juicy and flavorful, ensuring a satisfying burger experience. The perfect balance of meat, seasoning, and grilling technique results in a mouthwatering burger that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Alongside the hamburger, you’ll find a generous portion of crispy french fries and a side of coleslaw. The fries are cooked to perfection, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. The coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast, making this meal a well-rounded and complete dining experience.

A Frozen Delight Haven

Shain’s of Maine has been at the forefront of the menu ice cream industry, offering a wide variety of ice cream flavors that cater to diverse tastes. With a selection of over 50 different flavors, including traditional ice cream, frozen yogurt, no fat/no sugar options, sorbets, sherbets, and seasonal specialties, the American restaurant takes pride in providing a delightful frozen treat for everyone. One of the most renowned and beloved ice cream creations at the restaurant is the “Tornado Pie.” This extraordinary dessert stands out with its impressive presentation and delectable combination of flavors and textures. The Tornado Pie features an 8″ graham cracker crust that is generously filled with a half gallon of creamy vanilla ice cream. What sets this pie apart are the delicious inclusions that make every bite an indulgent experience.

Within the thick vanilla ice cream, you’ll discover a delightful assortment of coated chocolate candies, heathbar pieces, chocolate cookies, and chocolate chip cookies. These additions provide a rich and diverse flavor profile, from the satisfying crunch of cookies to the sweet, smoothness of the ice cream. The Tornado Pie is a dessert that marries the best elements of ice cream and pie, offering a delightful contrast between the crunchy and the creamy. The restaurant is committed to continually expanding its menu ice cream offerings, allowing guests to explore a world of frozen delights. The Tornado Pie, with its extraordinary combination of flavors and generous portions, exemplifies the dedication to providing a memorable and indulgent ice cream experience. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or enjoy trying seasonal specialties, you’re sure to find a frozen treat that tantalizes your taste buds at Shain’s of Maine.

Multiple Payment Options

The restaurant offers a wide range of payment methods to ensure a seamless and convenient dining experience. With a commitment to accommodating various preferences, Shain’s of Maine accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. Credit cards, a popular and widely used payment option, are accepted at Shain’s. Whether you prefer the convenience and security of major credit card providers, you can confidently use your card for payment.

Debit cards, another favored choice for many patrons, are also welcome at Shain’s. You can easily settle your bill using your debit card, making it a hassle-free and efficient way to enjoy your dining experience. In addition to traditional card-based payments, the American restaurant embraces modern technology with open arms by offering NFC (Near Field Communication) mobile payments. This means that you can use your smartphone or other compatible mobile devices to make payments swiftly and securely, adding a touch of modern convenience to your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, the restaurant does not have an official Facebook page.



You can purchase ice cream at the restaurant or from various retailers.

The restaurant is still in operation and thriving.



You can use Google Maps to check the distance from your location to Shain’s of Maine.

Customer Reviews

Excellent value for the lobster roll and chowder.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 23, 2023

Excellent value for the lobster roll and chowder. The portion of lobster meat is generous, and the chowder is absolutely delightful.

Avatar for Cindy Carreau
Cindy Carreau

The clam chowder and lobster roll were outstanding.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 22, 2023

The clam chowder and lobster roll were outstanding. I couldn’t resist the temptation of their delicious banana split. Plus, their homemade ice cream is a daily treat.

Avatar for David Broadway
David Broadway

The food arrived quickly, piping hot, and incredibly delicious.

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 15, 2023

We had the lobster roll, chowder, and fries combo for only $13.99, which felt like a steal! The food arrived quickly, piping hot, and incredibly delicious. While waiting, we enjoyed the quirky antiques around the place. And don’t even get me started on their homemade ice cream; it exceeded all expectations. We brought home the tornado and apple crumble ice cream, which is seasonal, so grab it while you can!

Avatar for Ashleigh Kirks
Ashleigh Kirks

The lobster roll was a standou

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 12, 2023

The lobster roll was a standout, with everything tasting incredibly fresh. Their milkshakes were delightful, and the prices were quite reasonable. Everything about this place was spot on.

Avatar for Samuel Dias
Samuel Dias

If you live in the vicinity, this place should be your regular haunt

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 5, 2023

If you live in the vicinity, this place should be your regular haunt. Even with a 13-mile drive, it’s worth it, especially when you can beat the summer crowds. I don’t mind waiting in line during the busy season because the food here is consistently good and reasonably priced. I recently tried the haddock sandwich and the Wednesday special, pulled pork sandwich, and, of course, the lobster rolls – they are fantastic.

Avatar for Brad Wulf
Brad Wulf

See more reviews on Tripadvisor and Yelp!

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