38 College Towns with Food Scenes So Good, You'll Want To Extend Your Stay

33. Portland, Maine – Hyper-Local Seafood & Innovative East Coast Eats

This charming New England port city, a hub for several colleges and a discerning young populace, has exploded onto the national food scene with its fanatical devotion to hyper-local ingredients and fiercely innovative chefs. Beyond legendary lobster rolls (though you must try one from Eventide Oyster Co. or J's Oyster), Portland boasts an incredible array of James Beard-recognized restaurants serving everything from inventive small plates (Central Provisions) to world-class oysters and artisanal baked goods (hello, Holy Donut's potato donuts!). Coupled with a thriving craft brewery scene, Portland offers a compact, walkable, and utterly delicious foodie pilgrimage.