EASTPORT, MAINE – One of Merriam-Webster’s definitions for ‘liberty’ is the power of choice. If you visit Eastport, you need to exercise that power by eating at least once at the Liberty Cafe. Located across from the Peavey Library on the south end of Water Street in downtown Eastport, this little cafe is making quite a name for itself. If you don’t think you can get authentic Greek food Downeast, think again. Having only just opened in early summer 2011, there is already a loyal following among locals as well as becoming a favorite of visitors to this seaside city.
Tyra Baker, proprietor and chef, has done it right. She opened the cafe with a humble but strong menu of simply wonderful dishes. Classics, including souvlaki, spanikopita, gyros, and baklava, provided delicious alternatives to seafood and several options for vegetarians. As their following has grown, so has the menu and the hours. Now serving breakfasts including Greek yogurt pancakes or Eggs Benedict with a homemade hollandaise sauce that might make you want to move here. Not everything on the menu is Greek, but it is all fresh, sourced locally when possible, and made right here. On the regular menu you’ll find mouth-watering choices such as Tsatziki with pita bread triangles, true Greek Salad with chunks of feta cheese, or Dolmathes. Depending on when you visit, the daily special could be Fassolatha, or Greek Bean Soup, or Avgolemnon, a chicken and lemon soup, homemade Greek break, or locally-sourced lamb burgers. If you have room for dessert, you’ve got choices there, too, between Baklava, Galaktabouriko, or other specialties Laura has whipped up.
The atmosphere is clean, bright and cozy. The cafe is family-run and the service excellent and friendly, and the prices very reasonable and a superb value. You can even order a meal to go, so there isn’t a reason why you shouldn’t get your Greek on. Check the Liberty Cafe out on Facebook or give them a call at (207) 853-2080.
Written by Gail McGlamery