13 Oak - Rockland, ME
- Ali Farrell
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
Wood-Fired lovin’ in the Heart of Rockland
13 Oak has been at the top of our "must-visit" list for months, fueled by whispers of incredible wood-fired cooking and a vibe that’s taking Rockland by storm.
After a quick text to the owner of 13 Oak from regular, Tim Savard, while grabbing drinks, I mean, making business plans at Myrt, we got the green light: "You’re in at 7:00 PM."
We gathered the crew—Ali (running late from a kid-Snow Bowl pick up because the kid can't ever remember his dang coat), Bill, Tim, Stacy Fulea (the legendary bartender from Ada’s and one of the first people we both met when coming to the area), Rachel Williams, and Edward Cotter—and headed in.
The interior is intimate—it feels less like a commercial dining room and more like an exclusive, hip dinner party. With Arcade Fire setting a solid indie-folk backdrop and tables spaced for private conversation yet close enough to feel like a big Thanksgiving dinner, the vibe is quintessentially Maine: effortless, cool, and welcoming.
The Munchies Experience
Checking in, it felt like the word was out: "Munchies is here." Even though Ali was still en route, she was already firing off texts for Espresso Martinis, which were waiting for her the moment she burst through the door.
The Drinks:
The cocktail program is inventive. I had a creation called The Lonely Boy that was smooth, flavorful, and crisp—one of the most unique drinks I’ve had in a while. Stacy and I found ourselves toasting to it multiple times.
They also have a thoughtfully curated list that perfectly complements the smokiness of the wood fire. We paired our dinners with a beautiful bottle of Valpolicella that held up beautifully against the meal.
The Apps:
Roasted Feta: A masterclass in flavor combinations. The pan-roasted tomatoes melting into the feta is a dish worth a return trip alone.
Lamb Shanklets: If a menu says "shanklet," you order it. No questions asked. These were a total highlight—tender, flavorful, and a must-order.
The Mains:
The Kale Salad: Now, we aren’t usually "salad people," but Stacy ordered the kale salad and it was incredible. It actually changed our minds—we’ll be ordering this for the table on every visit from now on.
Rigatoni alla Vodka: We split this based on Tim and Stacy’s "multiple-times-a-week" expertise. It features chunks of sweet sausage—a brilliant addition that elevated the classic vodka sauce to a new level.
NY Strip: 13 Oak is famous for its wood-fired grill. Three of us went for the strip. My steak and Stacy’s were expert-level: a solid medium-rare with a beautiful char. However, one cut at the table was a bit of a "miss"—a tough piece of meat that even Chef Kyle's skill couldn't save. Aside from that single hiccup, the meal was outstanding. Also, we are very sorry to 13 Oak that a few “spit out” pieces of steak fell out of our napkin onto the floor. We tried to rescue it for you without being too awkward but... Can’t take us anywhere.
The History & The Space
The building at 13 Oak Street in Rockland, Maine, has a deep-rooted history in the city's downtown, evolving from a private social club to a legendary culinary landmark over more than a century.
The Owls Club: In its early years, the building served as the home of the Owls Club, a historic gathering place and social club for the Rockland community.
Address Superstition: Local history suggests that the building’s original street number was different. It was reportedly changed to 13 Oak Street years ago, specifically to challenge or honor superstitions surrounding the number thirteen.
The Cafe Miranda Era (1993–2022)
For nearly three decades, the building became synonymous with Rockland's burgeoning food scene under the ownership of chef Kerry Altiero.
Culinary Institution: Cafe Miranda occupied the space for 29 years, becoming one of the most famous and beloved "funky" dining destinations in Midcoast Maine.
Signature Brick Oven: The interior is characterized by a large, classic wood-fired brick oven, which remained a focal point of the open-concept kitchen and the restaurant's identity throughout its tenure.
Modern Transformation
Following the closure of Cafe Miranda in 2022, the building underwent significant renovations to modernize its interior while preserving its historic charm.
13 Oak : The current restaurant opened in 2024, launched by the team behind Camden's Fresh & Co. The owners stripped away the previous dark decor to create a brighter, more open atmosphere.
Architectural Upgrades: Recent updates to the 1,620-square-foot building include new windows, siding, and trim, ensuring the 120-year-old "ship" continues to serve as a vital part of Rockland's downtown.
The Verdict
The hospitality here is top-tier. Chef Kyle even stepped out of the kitchen to say hello and surprise us with a round of wings—a gesture that truly made us feel like part of the family.
Our server was a pro, patiently handling our "Legs for Days" wine-filming antics with grace. Again, sorry we asked you to take photos of us - we know that’s not your job!
13 Oak is on the higher end of the price scale, but it isn’t pretentious. You are paying for quality, atmosphere, and a wood-fired soul you won't find anywhere else in town. Whether you’re grabbing a solo seat at the bar or bringing a full crew like we did, this place is a Rockland gem.
Pro Tip: Reservations are highly recommended- especially for larger groups
Hornitos: Undetermined - we were simply smitten with the specialty cocktail options!
Booths: No- surprisingly they had square outdoor patio style tables, but could line us up to handle 6 properly.
Hours: 5pm-9pm Monday - Friday
Location: 13 Oak St, Rockland, ME
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