Maine Made • Coastal Cuisine • Vegan Options • Now serving fresh local Lobster, Lobster Rolls, Lobster Grilled Cheese, & Lobster Mac & Cheese • Chowder house, soupery, and casual comfort food featuring locally sourced, grown, and foraged ingredients. Come visit us across the street from Reds Eats for a hot cup of clam chowder, a bowl of soup, a delicious grilled cheese, and more in the heart of downtown Wiscasset, the prettiest village in Maine.
Johnny Rybicki
Panacea is one of the best little places I’ve been to in years. A local shop owner sent us here saying how great it is. Top notch all around. Why wait in a long line nearby? 5 Stars all around!
… moreClaudine R.
Was craving clam chowder and Panacea delivered. The place has a homey, eclectic, and unique vibe. Service is pleasant and welcoming. Now, I’m not a fan of gluten-free food, but I was pleasantly surprised. The clam chowder was incredibly good despite being gluten-free, and so is the grilled cheese sandwich with bacon. This place also had vegan options. I’m definitely coming back for more and for the clam chowder!
… moreAinsley Wallace
Lucky accident: stopped in at Panacea while passing through Wiscasset, looking for gf food (my sweetie has celiac)—and discovered a new Midcoast fave! Seriously, adore this place.
Best chowder of my life maybe? Including corn nuts as a thoughtful GF topper as a replacement for oyster crackers. Delicious gingerbread whoopie pie (also surprisingly GF) and my daughter devoured her red hot dog with gluteny bun.
Everything in Panacea is thoughtfully curated: the thematic decor (which I love as a designer), the menu of food and bevs, even their assortment of upcycled, screenprinted clothes (my kiddo was devastated this jean jacket was not in her size). They even host a weekly cribbage league, which I would absolutely join if I lived any closer. It’s just that kind of place that makes you want to hang out.
Can’t wait to come back a zillion times.
… moreSamantha Dickhut
Best meal I had while in Maine? I think yes! So grateful to have wandered into this special little shop, filled with immaculate sailor decor and an even better staff — they are attentive, engaging & happy to give a rec (plus they play the best tunes)! First time I had a grilled cheese in 5+ years, so many thanks for all of the vegan options! A super high vibe lunch
… moreTree Dietrich
Great sandwiches. We had a vegan and vegetarian one, and they were both superb. Pickles are also delicious. Owner is super friendly. We will be back next week for sure
… moreBear L
Owner of the restaurant was at the front and super friendly, clam chowder is the best I’ve literally ever had, and my boyfriend practically ascended to another plane while eating the knotty buoy sandwich. Atmosphere is amazing, super cute place, amazing food and staff, I’d give more stars if I could! Thank you!
… moreHeather Bolint
Thank you for having vegan options!! The sandwiches can be made vegan by subbing with vegan cheese, and the vegan chowder option is phenomenal. Very grateful for the inclusivity, and being able to find healthy, tasty veg options in midcoast Maine.
… moreNick Y.
Lovely experience all around. Stopped in on a whim for some lunch while visiting for the holidays. Great soup and grilled cheese. Staff/owner were super friendly and they have a great vibe going. Cozy space. They also had some nice locally sourced products for sale and we grabbed some hot sauce and fish sauce as gifts to bring home to the west coast. Brokedown Palace lyrics on the wall earned some bonus points with me too. Can’t wait to go back next time we visit Maine!
… moreLauren Columbare
A warm and friendly gem in Wiscasset! From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed with genuine hospitality. The bread bowl was comforting and satisfying, the grilled cheese on a perfectly golden, airy-yet-crispy bread was packed with flavor, and the fresh, locally sourced salad was crisp and delicious. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared with high-quality ingredients. The owner, Chauncey, brings kindness and warmth that makes the experience even more special. A must-visit spot—highly recommended!
… moreDamien Austin
One of the homiest, coziest, stops for a quick, delicious bite to eat. Walking in the door you are greeted by a very coastal vibe. Sea captains big and small everywhere!
Let’s got one thing straight. I’m not a huge soup guy. I like the basics mostly: Tomato, Chicken Noodle, basic chowder. I have now tried at least 4-6 different soups here and have been impressed every time. I tried a squash soup that I thought I wouldn’t like, and it blew my mind. Panacea has allowed me to step outside my soup / chowder comfort zone and enjoy the experience.
It’s all hand made. There are no “out of a can” textures or flavors to be had here. Bread is delicious, and deluxe grilled cheese sandwiches add that extra substance if you’d like it.
The owner, Chauncey, is a welcoming character. You can see he takes pride in what he does and is truly happy to see you walk in the door.
If you’re looking for fast comfort food, Panacea is a great place to try.
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