Helen’s Restaurant
Helen’s, located at 111 Main Street, in Machias is a quaint restaurant perfect for families and friends to gather. Helen’s was established in 1950 by Helen and Larry Mugnai with the goal of building a reputation for great homemade food and outstanding pies! Bob and Joan Carter, customers of Helen’s, bought the restaurant in 1983 and moved it to its current location. The Carters later sold to Judy and Gary Hanscom, who then sold it to their operating manager Melanie Omlor-Fox.
In 2014, a fire (cause unknown) destroyed the restaurant. However, it was such a deep-rooted part of the community, that there was no question that it would be rebuilt. The new restaurant opened in 2015 with more space, a more efficient kitchen, but the same sense of community. The slogan “Death by Pie” can be found on t-shirts and signifies the phenomenal home-made pies that Helen’s is known for, especially the blueberry pie made from local berries. Similarly, Helen’s was using the farm to table and conservation (using composting) approach well before they were popular, with much of the food from local farms and fishermen.
The atmosphere of Helen’s immediately made me feel at home, between the friendly waitstaff and the delicious homemade pies on display at the entrance. The menu offers a variety of options from seafood to burgers to pasta and salads! I chose to order the pesto grilled cheese, which was superb! The service at Helen’s went above and beyond our expectations and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. I would highly recommend the Helen’s Restaurant experience! Click here for more information on Helen’s!