(Area Code 207)

On-mountain pickings are slim, but Rangeley has a number of choices. Reservations are wise on weekends.

Moosely Bagels (864-5955, $) sells, up, all kinds of bagels and bagel-concoctions. Consider picking up bagelwiches to go for lunch. Big breakfast eaters should head to the B.M.C. Diner (864-5844; $) for hearty, inexpensive breakfasts ranging from waffles to eggs benie.

Local family favorite is The Red Onion (864-5022, $-$$), with a wide array of choices from damn fine chili to—get this—German pizza, made with sauerkraut, bacon and onions!

Just west of downtown is Hugs (864-3336; $$-$$$), the younger sibling of the very popular Sugarloaf restaurant. The decor is less campy, but the northern Italian fare is equally good, and it, too, serves betcha-can’t-eat-just-one pesto breadsticks.

A bona fide hero owns Thai Blossom Express (864-9035; $-$$), downtown Rangeley’s excellent Thai restaurant. Note: this is mostly a to-go place. There are a few tables, but no restrooms, and winter hours can be sporadic. Call first.

Tavern fare and a few fancier choices are served at the Rangeley Inn Tavern (864-3341, $--$$$). Try to score a seat by the fireplace. For good pub grub—including hand-cut fries--head across the street to Sarge’s Sports Pub & Grub (864-5616; $-$$), where a few more substantial entrees are served after 5 p.m. While Parkside & Main (864-3774; $-$$$) serves more substantial fare, the best choices are the homemade soups and salads. The Hungry Trout (864-3434; $--$$$) is a local favorite, thanks to its reasonable, wide-ranging menu. Dine either in the casual tavern or the fancier dining room; the menu’s the same for both.

It’s worth the drive for the fancier fare found at The Gingerbread House (864-3602, $$), a restaurant housed in an updated Victorian in Oquossoc. The fare ranges from homestyle favorites such as turkey pot pie to fancy preparations, such as beef Wellington. Ask for a fireside table.

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