Trackside Station - Rockland, ME

A busy American pub set in a historic 1917 train station.

Upon entering Trackside on a frigid December day, I was instantly enveloped in tropical vibes, thanks to the warmth and vibrant chatter of genuine Maine locals relishing one of the final vacation days. Naturally, there was only one seat available at the bar; I like to think that this stroke of luck is karma rewarding me for past behaviors.

The bartending team here has always been outstanding during our visits. I particularly enjoy the horseshoe bar; it fosters a connection that simply can’t be achieved while just gazing at bottles. This venue provides a perfect atmosphere to unwind, enjoy a drink, and take your time with the menu choices.

The main menu here is your classic bar food, but with a twist of surprises! I'm head over heels for the wings—buffalo sauce is my kryptonite (don't pretend it's not yours too). Originally, I was going to stick to my usual, but work mode kicked in, so I ventured to the specials. And damn, they've got an A1 double smashburger that looks like a dream on a bun. I finally opted for the BBQ chicken wrap, soaking in the chill and happy vibes that always fill the place while I waited.

Catching sight of a tempting Bloody Mary at the bar, and with a confident thumbs up from its sipper, I took the leap and ordered a Bloody. No fancy frills or gimmicky rims, just pure, unadulterated deliciousness- and that’s coming from a seasoned connoisseur. Bravo!

On this bustling day as I was waiting for food, the universe kicked in again and sat me next to bar patrons, Kevin and Rachel. These two are like stumbling upon the ultimate bar chat with strangers you wish you'd met ages ago! They're a riot, genuine, and downright real. I sense a friendship brewing... sweet!

The BBQ chicken wrap was fantastic, particularly because Kevin and I shared it while waiting for our food delivery on a hectic day. It took some time, but when it arrived, it was hot and delicious—exactly the flavor profile I had in mind.

The burgers are always outstanding, the wings are top-notch, and my special BBQ wrap rates a solid 8, but there is definitely some room for improvement on that one. The egg rolls come with a delicious, sweet chili dipping sauce.

The steak tacos here are like a roulette game—prizes vary depending on the day! And hey, how about a splash of grapefruit juice at the bar? Just a dash, because why not spice things up? Don’t they know Bill’s cocktail of choice is Horintos, soda, grapefruit?!

Trackside is the ultimate spot for catching the game, with TVs plastered on every conceivable surface like wallpaper! No matter where you park your caboose, you're seeing your team. The only hitch? The TVs are all on mute, so we were hoping they'd crank the tunes up a notch or two. The live music on Fridays is where it's at.

We would be neglectful not to highlight the stunning, historic building that is home to Trackside Station.

Built in 1917, at its peak, the station saw three trains daily connecting Rockland to Portland and, from there, to major hubs like Boston and New York. Passenger service officially ended on April 4, 1959.

After passenger rail service ceased, the City of Rockland purchased the building. The interior was reconfigured to house the Rockland City Hall. For a portion of this era, the building also served as the headquarters for the Rockland Police Department. In 1978, while still serving as City Hall, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its architectural and historical importance to the Midcoast region.

The roundup: In Rockland’s bustling lunchtime scene, Trackside stands out by consistently providing great service and fostering an atmosphere that invites you to relax and savor your meal for a couple of hours—especially when you’re surrounded by wonderful new friends. Trackside is a YES for a no-frills, solid lunch or dinner.

Go for one of their BURGERS!!!

Live Music: YES, typically on Friday evenings

Hornitos: YES

Grapefruit: NO

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11am-8pm

Address: 4 Union Street, Rockland, ME