One of America’s Best Vegetarian Restaurants is Right in Belfast, Maine

I might be a certified meat-eater, but I do enjoy putting down the drumstick and pulled pork from time to time, especially since it's a much healthier way of living. I also just gave up meat for Lent, so I have become very interested in Maine's vegetarian restaurant community.

Fortunately, there are a wealth of options statewide, including one of Maine's most iconic spots that can be found in the coastal town of Belfast. And it just so happens that restaurant has been named one of the best in country.

The folks over at Food Network recently put out a list of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurant in every state. The site's choice for Maine was Chase's Daily in Belfast.

Chase's Daily is a popular joint for both locals and tourists alike. The restaurant's history dates all the way back to the late 1960s, when the Chase family first moved to Maine and started farming. The younger generations would continue this, but also start baking. It only made sense for the family to take a run at a restaurant, which originally opened in 2000.

The food there is exquisite. I should know, I have been there. I even walked in not knowing it was vegetarian. I remember hammering a pizza and tacos, not leaving one crumb. It was so fresh and absolutely delicious. It's a true and local farm-to-table experience that we all dream about.

Chase's Daily is located right in the heart of Belfast, making it one of the town's centerpieces. It still has fresh produce and a bakery, along with a full brunch menu to enjoy. You can even pre-order pizza to pick up on Friday nights. Every town deserves a Chase's Daily.

Don't just take my word for it. Here's a little of why Food Network chose them as Maine's best vegetarian spot.

You won't miss the lobster for a second at this tiny, family-run eatery and bakery, which sources the lion's share of ingredients from its very own farm. That means the menu is entirely dependent on the seasons; you might find hearty minestrone with sage pesto in winter, shelled soldier beans scattered with Parmigiano-Reggiano in spring, an heirloom-tomato tart in summer or roasted fennel pizza in fall.

It's great to see such a unique Maine family-run business get the recognition it deserves. One that achieved success through hard work and a dream. And one that has lasted generations.

Congrats to Chase's Daily on this recognition. I can't recommend a trip there enough, especially since it's in one of Maine's most underrated towns. So forget about the meat for a meal, and simply enjoy what this wonderful Earth can provide us.