Boynton-McKay Food Co
30 Main St, Camden, ME, 04843
Boynton-McKay Food Co Menu
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Address :
30 Main St
Camden, ME, 04843 - Phone (207) 236-2465
- Website https://boynton-mckay.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Walter H.
Our favorite place for breakfast on weekends. I am sure its good the rest of the week too. Phil and his wife know how to knock it out! Awesome baked goods and great meals. Its kinda tight in there on sunday morning unless you get there before 9;30. Coffee is good and the barristas are usually pleasant and helpful. Great seats at a high bar counter in the front window to catch some sun and watch the traffic and people.
(5)Shakeology Lisa D.
This is a great place to go if you are looking for a great meal or some good coffee. I appreciate the variety of food and the comfortable atmosphere. Being a fitness coach, there are often very few choices I can make that fit into my nutrition plan, but at Boyton-McKay, I have lots of options! I especially like the Green Goddess wrap. So yummy!!! They even have Odwalla drinks. Of course, there are also lots of beautiful fresh pastries available right at the counter. The service is friendly and efficient too. My only disappointment is the hours of operation. They close too early!!
(4)Liz S.
Hustle bustle, cozy brunch with an eclectic twist. Traditional, hearty and fresh breakfast fare but also tasty lunch options like Asian stir fry and quesadillas. Can be hard to find seating; we eventually snagged two window seats then headed to the very back to order at the counter. They will bring the food to you. Don't be put off by the gruff New England manner of the counter cooks; they are hard working, kind and great chefs. Wandering waitresses are more overtly friendly... We also sampled their baked goods - the pecan sticky upside down bun was very good. Abundant coffee and hot chocolate selection, also very good. Prices are quite reasonable.
(5)Todd K.
Food = fabulous Service = fast and friendly Atmosphere = very cute A+ The high rating is well deserved.
(5)Ollie L.
Not terribly sure what the fuss of this place is all about. Food all a bit heavy and greasy. You also have to clear your own table. Am not precious, but in a small joint in a holiday town, not too hard to allow the customer to be the customer. Found myself in the kitchen putting plates in trays. Turned around and some woman handed me hers to put in there too. Charming.
(2)John G.
Had to be the best pork tacos I've ever had. Also highly recommend the hummus wrap. Second trip here...breakfast the first time which was also fantastic. You need to eat here.
(5)Karen S.
Really good breakfast option in Camden. This place gets packed though, so get there early or late. You order at the counter and then take a seat in the cool booths or along the bar looking out the window. We both got the breakfast burritos. Get the salsa added. I didn't and after tasting my husband's wrap, I regret it. The coffee was good and they also sell it by the pound to enjoy at home, which we did. We'll be back the next time we are in Camden.
(4)Jeremy G.
Great lunch stop in Camden. Nice open design. A few good veggie friendly option. The gazpacho was perfect.
(5)Nathen S.
Changed around since last time I was here, order and pay in the back. I had a skillet with eggs, cheese, home fries, and chourico....awesome. The granola and yogurt looked excellent and I was told by my wife it was her favorite.
(5)Anna C.
The food was four star but the service was five star. This seems to be the brunch spot every time I come to Maine in the summer for vacation. As a New Yorker, I don't have a high expectation for customer service because most of the time, waiters are too busy to give their fullest damn about you. Of course anywhere out of New York City, everyone seems exponentially friendlier but this place has exceeded that. I was with my party of eight (so we were a pretty big group for a small place) and everyone's delicious egg dishes came out except for my wheat waffles with fruits. I was getting antsy because everyone was half way into their food. In between time, a staff member came to tell me something is wrong with the waffle iron and they'll be out soon. My food finally came when everyone was 80% done and on my plates were pancakes, not waffles. I didn't care. But the guy who made my pancakes kept apologizing to me and told me his iron is dead. Then he offered that if I liked his pancakes, I can ask for more on the house (didn't seem to have limits to that offer). I thought it was nice of him but I really didn't think that was necessary. After my family and I were done cleaning up our table and on our way out, another waitress stopped me and asked "are you the customer that waited way too long for her waffles?" I was surprised they were still on this topic! And I said "yea, what's wrong?" (Because in New York, you just always assume something is wrong). She told me that since I didn't take the extra pancake offer, the restaurant offered I can take whatever goody (singular!) I wanted from the front. I was ecstatic because I was eyeing that goat cheese cake bar. I was just so surprised they are so adamant about giving me something to go beyond their verbal apology! In New York, getting a "Sorry!" was already more than enough! These people here are serious about making their customers happy, not just with food but with the experience as well.
(5)Gerry N.
counter service pricing with fine dining quality. Very skilled kitchen staff serves up expertly prepared sandwiches and salads at lunch. The beef brisket was one of the better lunch items I've ever had. Tacos on Monday nite is a BYOB affair and very popular for good reason. Don't let a line concern you in the busy months, this is an efficient operation. We drive up from Rockland any time we visit the Farnsworth. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Sarah X.
This cafe was just what we needed on a Friday morning. We walked in and was greeted by one of the employees. It is a types of cafe where you walked up to the counter and placed your order and then take a seat and they bring you your food. They have an open kitchen so you can see who's cooking. I had an order of eggs and bacon with home fries and English muffin. Nothing too fancy but the eggs where nice and fluffy, the bacon was perfectly cooked and the home fries with just the right amount of crispness and seasonings. We'll be back next time we drive through on our way to Acadia!
(5)Meredith A.
Came here for breakfast with my Mum who is a seasoned veteran. The rye toast was amazing, if my taste buds served me correctly, it had flecks of rosemary and roasted red onions in it. Just delicious. The eggs and homefries were good too, pretty run of the mill, but good. The coffee was very good, full bodied, not watered down like some breakfast spots. The décor was very charming, lots of good photo opportunities. We got there early, luckily, because after 8:30am it started to get VERY busy and there didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to seat assignment, situations like that can get cut throat sometimes. People were hovering over our booth waiting for us to finish and leave...a bit odd. Overall, the breakfast was great, the place was super cute, and I would absolutely come back. I need to know where the bread for their rye toast is made!
(5)Jonathan L.
Had a super breakfast here. Very, very busy little place though and noise level through the roof. If you don't mind that, you'll love it here!
(4)Helen M.
Huevos rancheros are fantastic with enormous thick and chewy and lightly blackened flour tortilla. A breakfast like this will power you through all day. Don't miss the Yoda napkin holder by the cash register.
(5)Shauna C.
This place was awesome! Great service and food! Came for breakfast on a Saturday morning, I got skillet breakfast #1 and my boyfriend got wavos rancheros skillet. Lots of food! Made fresh and delicious. We waited about 15 mins for a table but enjoyed our lattes while we waited. I got the turtle latte and my boyfriend got a cappuccino, they were also amazing and hit the spot on a chilly morning. Very cute place, not traditional and that is what we loved about it... You clear your own plates and order you food at the kitchen.
(5)Yih Biow Y.
Stop by Cadmen from Bar Harbor, get in to get some lunch. Get the breakfast # 1 and 2, great potion. Very nice decor. The coffee selection was great. They also have some special coffee and home made tea, didn't try the tea.
(4)Se L.
Great selection of fresh meals to choose from. We had the oatmeal, buckwheat waffle and the low carb and it was all amazing. Coffee selection is very good as well! Small place so find your seat first then order. More expensive than what yelp says. More like $$.
(5)Glenn K.
Great local flavors (food and people). We had very fresh quinoa salad and a vegan soup. Both were great. Place filled up with locals at lunchtime.
(5)Diane H.
Nice spot to grab a coffee and a fresh breakfast. A friend and I both have the veggie skillets for breakfast. Portions were good size and ingredients were fresh.
(4)Charlotte M.
One of my friend's used to live in Camden and brought me here right before here wedding. Great little place and the food is awesome. I got the vegetarian foccacia/pizza and my husband got the gazpacho. Both were great. Then, I stood in front of the dessert counter and drooled....finally picking the chocolate macaroon and was not disappointed. I was happy this place wasn't totally packed, even when I was here over the 4th of July--everything else was crazy-- and this was a nice slice of calm. The people were super friendly, the service was quick, the prices very reasonable, and I will be back. Highly Rec'd.
(5)Bob M.
So yummy. Great old-time apothecary atmosphere. I could stay all day.
(5)Virginia C.
Good breakfast, very flavorful egg wrap. Tried the desserts also, yum. The system of ordering, seating, coffee etc was a bit confusing, but we figured it out. Busy on the weekends, but friendly staff.
(4)Robert H.
We had breakfast at Boynton, and it was very good. I had two fried eggs, sunny side up, home fries and toast. Everything was good, although not amazing. The place is located inside an old pharmacy, so there were interesting antique elixirs and tonics on what I presume were the original birds eye maple shelves. I liked the self-serve atmosphere and the honor system-esque checkout. I would definitely go here again.
(4)Tom W.
We were traveling through New England by trailer and had to have breakfast here based upon the reviews. We were not disappointed. My wife had the "Wavos Rancheros" and probably would fly back to Camden to have this again. Although I generally do not eat "grains" I had both the donut holes and blueberry pancakes. Wow! Great atmosphere and better food.
(5)margaret b.
Boynton-McKay is a favorite downtown destination for thoughtfully cooked breakfast food and good lunches. Breakfast ranges from hearty huevos rancheros to veggie skillet breakfasts and a delicious mix of baked goods from local kitchens. Lunch includes healthy salads, gyros, you name it. Cozy bench-seating nooks line both sides - expect a wait on a weekend morning. When you enter, walk to the back and order from the blackboard menu. Chances are the owner & cook will be taking your order! Good food, good company.
(5)Susie W.
If you're in New England and love great brunch and lunch food make sure to come to Boynton-McKay in camden. I don't mean if you're in Maine I mean if you're in New England. I love it that much! Great soups, salads and sandwiches made with quality ingredients (perfect Thai chicken salad and great chili for example). Big old fashioned booths with wooden seats, amazing cookies, bars and breakfast pastries. Equal Exchange coffee. Wireless. A nice breeze. One of those great cafes that I wish were more common.
(5)Turbo Smurf X.
Once upon a time this was a real drug store. Before it got sold and retained its look through some of the old drugstore artifacts and became a restaurant only place. I liked it when it was a drugstore because you could get ice cream and fountain drinks and get a prescription filled by a real pharmacist and not some chain store hack. But that was more than a decade ago. Since then,this place has been slining some pretty good breakfast food. You step in and move right to the order counter in front of the kitchen. Make sure one or your crew grabs a booth. Place your order, get your coffee and sit down and relax. Your order is brought out. The food is fresh, plentiful and filling. No one is going to push you out or staned over you for your table so you can read the paper, have a second cup of coffee and get your chill on.
(4)Marie-Anne S.
Awesome foam on the tasty soy cappuccino. Excellent crab bisque. Everything we ordered was great.
(4)Jon E.
Solid, no frills breakfast in an old pharmacy. Good service, really good food and great value. Family-frinedly and comfortable. Packed with tourists and locals alike.
(4)Christina P.
Boynton Mckay is the best!! I suggest getting the lo-carb breakfast with bacon (haha) or the wavos for those with more of an appetite. You could also try their award-winning blueberry pancakes! There is an array of freshly baked pastries on the front counter including: donuts, blueberry muffins, scones, cupcakes, cookies, bars, and cakes. For lunch go for a black bean and avocado quesadilla, The Goddess wrap, or the Thai Chicken Stirfry. Also, the baristas up front will make a variety of coffee drinks or you can select cooler drinks from the cooler in the back. Additionally, you can get your order to go and sometimes they have meals all ready to "grab and go". Whatever you decide, you can be sure it will be delicious. The honor-role style of payment is refreshing as well -when you're done eating you simply tell the cashier what you ate! Whenever I come home I go to Boynton Mckay on multiple occasions; it's a integral part of the community! Phil and Co. are always so friendly and know how to make me laugh. It can get extremely busy in the summer and they don't take reservations so be prepared to wait in advance!
(5)Alex C.
I adore Boynton-McKay. It's so cozy and quirky! I always order the wavos rancheros for breakfast (yes, they know they spell it wrong haha) and the black bean avocado quesadilla for lunch. Totally scrumptious! The pastries are great too. I'm a big fan of the macaroons! I also enjoy the white hot chocolate with an extra shot of espresso. This place is not to be missed!
(5)Charlotte M.
One of my friend's used to live in Camden and brought me here right before here wedding. Great little place and the food is awesome. I got the vegetarian foccacia/pizza and my husband got the gazpacho. Both were great. Then, I stood in front of the dessert counter and drooled....finally picking the chocolate macaroon and was not disappointed. I was happy this place wasn't totally packed, even when I was here over the 4th of July--everything else was crazy-- and this was a nice slice of calm. The people were super friendly, the service was quick, the prices very reasonable, and I will be back. Highly Rec'd.
(5)Bob M.
So yummy. Great old-time apothecary atmosphere. I could stay all day.
(5)Todd K.
Food = fabulous Service = fast and friendly Atmosphere = very cute A+ The high rating is well deserved.
(5)Ollie L.
Not terribly sure what the fuss of this place is all about. Food all a bit heavy and greasy. You also have to clear your own table. Am not precious, but in a small joint in a holiday town, not too hard to allow the customer to be the customer. Found myself in the kitchen putting plates in trays. Turned around and some woman handed me hers to put in there too. Charming.
(2)John G.
Had to be the best pork tacos I've ever had. Also highly recommend the hummus wrap. Second trip here...breakfast the first time which was also fantastic. You need to eat here.
(5)Karen S.
Really good breakfast option in Camden. This place gets packed though, so get there early or late. You order at the counter and then take a seat in the cool booths or along the bar looking out the window. We both got the breakfast burritos. Get the salsa added. I didn't and after tasting my husband's wrap, I regret it. The coffee was good and they also sell it by the pound to enjoy at home, which we did. We'll be back the next time we are in Camden.
(4)Jeremy G.
Great lunch stop in Camden. Nice open design. A few good veggie friendly option. The gazpacho was perfect.
(5)Nathen S.
Changed around since last time I was here, order and pay in the back. I had a skillet with eggs, cheese, home fries, and chourico....awesome. The granola and yogurt looked excellent and I was told by my wife it was her favorite.
(5)Anna C.
The food was four star but the service was five star. This seems to be the brunch spot every time I come to Maine in the summer for vacation. As a New Yorker, I don't have a high expectation for customer service because most of the time, waiters are too busy to give their fullest damn about you. Of course anywhere out of New York City, everyone seems exponentially friendlier but this place has exceeded that. I was with my party of eight (so we were a pretty big group for a small place) and everyone's delicious egg dishes came out except for my wheat waffles with fruits. I was getting antsy because everyone was half way into their food. In between time, a staff member came to tell me something is wrong with the waffle iron and they'll be out soon. My food finally came when everyone was 80% done and on my plates were pancakes, not waffles. I didn't care. But the guy who made my pancakes kept apologizing to me and told me his iron is dead. Then he offered that if I liked his pancakes, I can ask for more on the house (didn't seem to have limits to that offer). I thought it was nice of him but I really didn't think that was necessary. After my family and I were done cleaning up our table and on our way out, another waitress stopped me and asked "are you the customer that waited way too long for her waffles?" I was surprised they were still on this topic! And I said "yea, what's wrong?" (Because in New York, you just always assume something is wrong). She told me that since I didn't take the extra pancake offer, the restaurant offered I can take whatever goody (singular!) I wanted from the front. I was ecstatic because I was eyeing that goat cheese cake bar. I was just so surprised they are so adamant about giving me something to go beyond their verbal apology! In New York, getting a "Sorry!" was already more than enough! These people here are serious about making their customers happy, not just with food but with the experience as well.
(5)Gerry N.
counter service pricing with fine dining quality. Very skilled kitchen staff serves up expertly prepared sandwiches and salads at lunch. The beef brisket was one of the better lunch items I've ever had. Tacos on Monday nite is a BYOB affair and very popular for good reason. Don't let a line concern you in the busy months, this is an efficient operation. We drive up from Rockland any time we visit the Farnsworth. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Sarah X.
This cafe was just what we needed on a Friday morning. We walked in and was greeted by one of the employees. It is a types of cafe where you walked up to the counter and placed your order and then take a seat and they bring you your food. They have an open kitchen so you can see who's cooking. I had an order of eggs and bacon with home fries and English muffin. Nothing too fancy but the eggs where nice and fluffy, the bacon was perfectly cooked and the home fries with just the right amount of crispness and seasonings. We'll be back next time we drive through on our way to Acadia!
(5)Meredith A.
Came here for breakfast with my Mum who is a seasoned veteran. The rye toast was amazing, if my taste buds served me correctly, it had flecks of rosemary and roasted red onions in it. Just delicious. The eggs and homefries were good too, pretty run of the mill, but good. The coffee was very good, full bodied, not watered down like some breakfast spots. The décor was very charming, lots of good photo opportunities. We got there early, luckily, because after 8:30am it started to get VERY busy and there didn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to seat assignment, situations like that can get cut throat sometimes. People were hovering over our booth waiting for us to finish and leave...a bit odd. Overall, the breakfast was great, the place was super cute, and I would absolutely come back. I need to know where the bread for their rye toast is made!
(5)Jonathan L.
Had a super breakfast here. Very, very busy little place though and noise level through the roof. If you don't mind that, you'll love it here!
(4)Helen M.
Huevos rancheros are fantastic with enormous thick and chewy and lightly blackened flour tortilla. A breakfast like this will power you through all day. Don't miss the Yoda napkin holder by the cash register.
(5)Shauna C.
This place was awesome! Great service and food! Came for breakfast on a Saturday morning, I got skillet breakfast #1 and my boyfriend got wavos rancheros skillet. Lots of food! Made fresh and delicious. We waited about 15 mins for a table but enjoyed our lattes while we waited. I got the turtle latte and my boyfriend got a cappuccino, they were also amazing and hit the spot on a chilly morning. Very cute place, not traditional and that is what we loved about it... You clear your own plates and order you food at the kitchen.
(5)Yih Biow Y.
Stop by Cadmen from Bar Harbor, get in to get some lunch. Get the breakfast # 1 and 2, great potion. Very nice decor. The coffee selection was great. They also have some special coffee and home made tea, didn't try the tea.
(4)Se L.
Great selection of fresh meals to choose from. We had the oatmeal, buckwheat waffle and the low carb and it was all amazing. Coffee selection is very good as well! Small place so find your seat first then order. More expensive than what yelp says. More like $$.
(5)Glenn K.
Great local flavors (food and people). We had very fresh quinoa salad and a vegan soup. Both were great. Place filled up with locals at lunchtime.
(5)Diane H.
Nice spot to grab a coffee and a fresh breakfast. A friend and I both have the veggie skillets for breakfast. Portions were good size and ingredients were fresh.
(4)Jeff K.
This place certainly has atmosphere. It started as a pharmacy over a hundred years ago. One side of the restaurant still displays many of the old apothecary items from ages past. A huge photograph of a lion has hung above the counter in front longer than anyone can remember. Exactly how the pharmacy came to acquire it remains a mystery, but there is a theory that a traveling salesman may have brought it there in the early 20th century. The restaurant is popular at lunch time. We had to wait about 20 minutes to be seated. I had one of the daily specials, the egg scramble with shrimp. (Several breakfast dishes are still available for lunch.) It was tasty and filling. My friend had a large salad with a variety of good quality greens. We both had the the squash and caramelized onion soup. It was undersalted to my taste, but that could be corrected. Neither of us felt that the onions enhanced the soup. It was impossible to tell that they were caramelized. On the contrary, they were rather tasteless lumps in an otherwise smoothly pureed soup. The food merited three stars, but the interesting decor contributed to my kicking up the rating a notch.
(4)Betsy B.
I've been coming to Camden for years and somehow have missed this gem. Thanks to Yelp, we tried this today for a very late breakfast. They serve breakfast all day, which is sometimes hard to find. They also have plenty of lunch options and specials. I had the Migas, one of my favorite Southwestern breakfasts which you hardly ever find in the Northeast, and my husband had scrambled eggs with bacon and oat toast. The order of migas was HUGE and delicious - eggs, black beans, tomato, jalapeno, cheese and strips of corn tortilla, all with a large grilled flour tortilla for wrapping and eating. My husband's bacon was perfectly done, the oat toast looked "homemade" and the eggs were a beautiful bright yellow/orange (free range maybe?) We were a little lost not knowing the rules here, so for newbies, this is how it works: Get your seat (if they are in short supply) and then head to the back where the kitchen is. Put in your order. They will bring it to your table. Coffee is self-service at the front by the register, and if you want fancy coffee drinks, you order them there. There are also cookies and sweet buns that you get there too. At the end, you bring your own plates to either the front or back, clean them off and stack them in one of the dishpans to be washed.
(4)Scott S.
You enter the restaurant and are welcomed by a delicious array of aromas setting high expectations. The food did not disappoint. Very laid back and fun - definitely worth a return visit.
(5)Riley B.
The 3 stars are not for the food. The food is 5 star quality. I had the skillet number 2 and it was incredible. My friends enjoyed their breakfast sandwiches and wraps. My only knock is the cleanliness. I understand trying to make the place seem casual but when there is still dirt and flies near all the tables it kills the mood. Get it to go.
(3)Michael O.
A former apothecary, this quaint eatery featured several varieties of rich coffees. Upon entering you find a booth and place your order at the grill in the back. All servings are BIG, so you might be able to share an order. I had a sticky cinnamon roll and it was delicious.
(5)Kelly A.
Love, love, love this place! Thank you, yelp, for leading me in its direction. We stopped in for breakfast over the weekend, and it was fantastic. I was very happy that they had so many vegetarian options, including vegetarian sausage. The mister and I split one of the skillet breakfasts (I actually meant to order the one with the veggies, but ordered the other one by accident - but with veggie sausage) and the blueberry pancakes. We had enough food to share it all with our toddler as well, and it was all delicious. We also picked up a couple of the mini pastries - I love it when places offer mini versions of things! So much less of a commitment, yet still a lovely indulgence, and a bargain at only 35 cents a piece! Iced tea was delicious. The following day we needed to pick up some lunch to go, so we ended up back here. I got an avocado/black bean quesadilla, he got a veggie fajita wrap, and we got a yogurt/fruit mix for our little one. I may have also picked up a fudge oat nut bar for dessert.... Once again, everything was fantastic. Service was friendly, atmosphere was nice, and prices were good. On top of delicious food, that makes for a great experience. If I lived in this 'hood, I'd be a regular.
(5)Douglas H.
Get the wavos rancheros, awesome! Don't worry they will find you a seat!. The girls working here do a great job with the customer service. I really like this place, ate here several time the time we visited Camden.
(5)Gary W.
Great place for a quick, tasty lunch in Camden. Very small, but cool interior...in what used to be a local, old school pharmacy. Order at the counter in the back, get served and pay on the way out. Very good food, great value. We tried a few of the wraps, as well as the quesadilla, and all were excellent. Very family friendly, and seems to also have excellent breakfast options and amazing desserts/treats.
(4)jena b.
The lunch we had here was fantastic!! From the egg McKay sandwich to the chicken salad sandwich to the french toast to the eggs/bacon/homefries, all were delicious. The treats we took to go (chocolate chip cookies and banana brulee blondie) were also very good. Lastly the mocha and kombucha were also great. Will definitely be back next time we're in Camden.
(5)Luke L.
The food was great. Got the wavos rancheros and an fried egg sandwich to-go. Took them down to the harbor and ate while we watched the boats. The wavos were great, with lots of sour cream and fresh salsa. The confusing part was going to the back to order and then coming back up front to pay. They asked me about three times if I was sure that I didn't want any coffee and were confused why I didn't want a drink. Service was just okay.
(4)Sara L.
Love this place! Coffee, scones, huevos rancheros, pancakes! Great atmosphere downtown too!
(5)Jessica T.
I've been going to Boynton McKay since I was a kid and it was a pharmacy with a soda fountain. I enjoyed it as a deli spot too, but it's really gone downhill in customer service and after my last experience I won't be returning. Went in a bit before 2 with two very hungry and tired young kids and 4 adults. Was told by the person behind the front counter that they were open for another hour. Then the guy cooking informed us we had 3 minutes to order because they were closing the kitchen. When my sister said she didn't think we could get an order from the kids that quickly, he told us that our uncle (who had just stepped away) should order a side of sassy with sassy sauce. This was not said with a smile or in any jovial manner. When we decided to go somewhere else, rather than impose a late order on them (which they clearly did not want) I politely explained to the two folks behind the front counter that it would be best to tell people that the kitchen closes at 2 when they ask how late you are open, and got not the slightest bit of "sorry" or "have a nice day." I understand being burned out during tourist season, but I would rather go across the street to Camden deli and get a smile and harbor view with my $8 sandwiches.
(1)Cindy O.
Enjoyed breakfast here on a beautiful autumn day driving down the coast from Belfast, ME to Boston. Loved Camden and found this place on Yelp. It was very busy but service was quick and the service staff were pleasant. While waiting for a table you can get your own coffee and then order your food at the counter; seat yourself and they bring you the food. I had scrambled eggs with egg whites and poblanos. It was good but I hate to say not the best breakfast I have had. I do not see my menu choice on the posted menu or on their website so maybe it was a one off. Good coffee and trendy, casual place. Parking can be difficult on the street but I got lucky.
(4)Katherine L.
Seriously great food. Best pancakes I've ever eaten. Bacon that is delicious and perfectly crisp. The chicken fajita wrap was really good too. We came to Camden for 5 days and so far have eaten breakfast everyday here. Why mess with an obvious good thing!
(5)Virginia C.
Good breakfast, very flavorful egg wrap. Tried the desserts also, yum. The system of ordering, seating, coffee etc was a bit confusing, but we figured it out. Busy on the weekends, but friendly staff.
(4)Chris C.
Just had one of the best coffees I've ever had from here. I saw a lot of other things that look really good. I want to come back to this place again. I'm giving it an inexpensive rating since my coffee was cheap...not sure about the other selections. A future updated review will be coming.
(4)Sarah C.
I walked into this place the other day to grab an iced coffee, and it was really good! That was my first time there and I was just running in and out, but the atmosphere seemed really nice and relaxed. At the register they had these amazing looking desserts that looked delicious. Next time I am in the area and have more time, I would love to spend more time there and actually sit down and relax. The coffee was PERFECT and reasonably cheap!
(4)Rachel D.
Best breakfast in the Midcoast, hands down. Phil, the owner and chef of Boynton's is a trained and talented chef, he knows his stuff. My boyfriend and I have had almost everything on their breakfast menu but our standard go to is an order of the basic breakfast with bacon and either the skillet #1 or the Huevos Rancheros. The only reason I get the basic breakfast so much is because it's not too much food, keeps me satisfied, and includes an order of their delicious home-made oatmeal toast (all their bread is made in house, where else can you find that?). If you're feeling mighty hungry I highly recommend the pancakes or the french toast. I don't even think he has this one the menu, but one time Phil made me banana and walnut pancakes and it was one of the most memorable breakfasts I've ever had. On the other hand, their lunch is pretty tasty too. The Thai chicken skewers, or the thai noodle salad to eat there or on the go, are delicious and note-worthy. As well as their carrot cake whoopie pies (which i don't think you can find anywhere else). Little tip though, don't order breakfast after noon, or else they'll hate you openly. Out of towners are generally confused because their kitchen closes at 3 but the restaurant stays open to serve coffee and snacks out of the front half of the establishment. This usually leads to angry out of towners.. The history of the place is really interesting considering it used to be an old pharmacy and ice cream shop back in the early 1900's. If you're lucky enough to eat there during Christmas you'll get to experience the magic of their adorably hand crafted Christmas-food decorations that are strung up throughout the restaurant.
(5)Heather G.
Extremely friendly people and delicious breakfast without breaking the bank. Just what these two weary travelers needed. The hot chocolate was rich and delectable and their cappuccino was very good. Charming old pharmacy. You have to walk through the food pantry to get to the bathroom which I thought was neat. The tables are pretty and there are cool antique decorations all around. We were extremely happy with our experience and can't wait to visit again someday. This is one place that I really hope stands the test of time.
(5)Abi C.
This is by far one of our favorite breakfast spots. We love the fast, friendly chefs. The local ingredients are just an added bonus! The tall booths give you privacy to enjoy your morning coffee or you can grab a paper and sit by the windows at the old high top counters. Best Saturday morning bacon!!!
(5)Melanie L.
The Wavos Rancheros were amazing! It was something totally different from what I typically get for breakfast and I thought I would be disappointed but I wasn't. They were amazing! My husband had the Basic breakfast (eggs over hard, homefries, ham and toast). It was good but the combo of foods were fairly dry. Coffee was really good too, but didn't wake us up. We had two and were still sleepy, was it decaf? Anyway, we would both go again and recommend.
(4)Allison K.
Upon moving to Camden and being gifted a $50 voucher for this place by friends back home, it was our first meal out in our "new" hometown and - holy sh*t. SO delicious. Skillet 2 and Maine Shrimp Hash (the special) were both eagerly consumed. Things I noted and loved about this place: -It was packed but did not feel stressful -Our food still came fast, and we got a table -Susan with the long braid was ADORABLE and chatted us up -The portions are just right. You don't leave hungry but you don't leave stuffed. A healthy rarity you don't see too often in restaurants these days -The local specials on the menu looked incredible.. fun option for out of towners to quickly get to know local fare -Coffee kicked *ss I could go on and on, but the place is perfect and by far the best breakfast joint in town... currently writing this review while seated and waiting for lunch here. That will make next review. :)
(5)Sean M.
Erp, yes. Yes. Yes. First off, you might be confused when first walking into Boynton-McKay, and rightfully so, but don't let that discourage you. Walk to the back near the kitchen, this is where you order. You don't have to be too fickle, go with your gut instinct you won't be disappointed with anything you decide on. Secondly, coffee. It's near the front, next to the register, so grab a cup and pick your favorite amongst the selection. If you want espresso, that's available too, just ask. Wait, you didn't pay? Yeah, that's the weirdest part. It's honor system. After you've enjoyed yourself, just walk up to the register and tell them what you had. It's that simple. After one visit you'll wonder why all places aren't more like Boynton-McKay.
(5)Donald B.
Please do yourself a favor and visit here. Very good menu selections combined with extremely tasty food. I have been here a dozen times and NEVER have I been disappointed! A must while in Camden. You know it's good when the owner is a vital part of the business.
(5)Matt M.
Definitely stop here for lunch while in Camden. Great sandwiches made with amazing home made bread. Simple and delicious. Also has a really great old-timey soda fountain vibe. Definitely stands out on a strip of touristy places.
(5)Tory w.
You can't go wrong with Boynton McKay - it just got Food Network Magazine's award for best breakfast in the entire state of Maine. That's saying a lot because there are a lot of great diners out there! Everything here is great, whether you're in for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or an afternoon snack. Great coffee and yummy sweet treats, especially the hazelnut chocolate chip biscotti. Awesome French toast on homemade bread, wavos rancheros (spelling mistake intended, it's how they spell it!) are to die for, and they serve pancakes with fresh blueberries year-round. The ambiance is great as well - an old fashioned original soda fountain counter, and funky decor including antique pieces from old apothecaries. Throw in friendly service to boot and you've got the perfect spot! Kudos to Phil and Susan, the owners.
(5)James N.
I'm going with three stars because the food was good. Not outstanding, mind you, but in Camden, where mediocrity appears to be the order of the day, it was definitely better than your average fair. I got a blueberry pancake for my son, and the wavos rancheros, which is their take on huevos rancheros. Like I said, the food was good. I would have went for four stars if the check out experience wasn't so bad. You order at the back of the restaurant, where there is a sign the says order here pay here- not so. You order there and pay at the front. I was behind one person and when they payed, the girl walked away as if I was not there- to clean a table I think. As people began stacking up around the counter to pay, she finally came back- none too quick. I began telling her what I ordered, and she just looked at me with a dull stare and said "Name?". Not, " sir, if you give me name I can pull up your order for you", just " Name?", (you idiot). The last was not said, but clearly implied. I don't know if the joint is too hip for itself, or doesn't like outsiders, but there you have it. In general Camden is a bust- go to Belfast, which is admittedly more rundown, but the people are real and glad to have you.
(3)Shakeology Lisa D.
This is a great place to go if you are looking for a great meal or some good coffee. I appreciate the variety of food and the comfortable atmosphere. Being a fitness coach, there are often very few choices I can make that fit into my nutrition plan, but at Boyton-McKay, I have lots of options! I especially like the Green Goddess wrap. So yummy!!! They even have Odwalla drinks. Of course, there are also lots of beautiful fresh pastries available right at the counter. The service is friendly and efficient too. My only disappointment is the hours of operation. They close too early!!
(4)Vincent L.
This is the real stuff. The antique pharmacy artifacts in the place are not simply decor. You can imagine what it might have been like in the "old days" of this touristy town. But the locals clearly love this place, and I'd eat breakfast there once or twice a week myself if I lived in Camden. I am still glowing from the memory of the "Wavos Rancheros" and I've even attempted to create my own recipe for it based on the experience of having it there. (Hint: Use whole beans instead of refried for best results.) So if you're headed for Camden, be sure to plan at least one lazy morning breakfast/brunch in the little cafe made out of an old school pharmacy.
(4)Danielle G.
I feel odd giving this place one star after reading everyone's glowing reviews, but I guess I just wish that my experiences at this place were as great as everyone else's seemed to be. I've been to Camden a number of times, and stopped into this establishment three times and then the very last. Got a coffee there once, and it was good, but the boy at the register was impatient and rude. Went in the next two times for lunch, a little after noon, more around 1:30 - 2. Was casually told both times that they were out of whatever I wanted at the time (and I went to second and third choices with no avail). I got fed up and thought that I'd never eat there not only for the rude service, but for the fact that they just didn't have any food. I got some rave reviews about this place from a friend of a friend. I was in town for the film festival, so my friend and I decided to give it another shot. Went in to order, it was around 1:30 yet again. Again, casually told by the kid behind the counter that they were out of 1.) the chowder 2.) the meat for the sandwich I wanted, and for some reason were also unable to make another item that I ordered. I finally settled on the flatbread pizza. I decided on this because I saw what I thought was a model of it in a basket on the ordering counter, on which was cheese, tomatoes, onions, and a few other vegetables. My friend got a taco salad. Flatbread pizza: I watched as they took the flatbread pizza out of the basket that was sitting out on the counter, heated it up, and then delivered it to my table. I had no idea how long that cheese had been sitting out there. It was dry, and I was honestly worried about eating it, so my friend let me have some of his salad. Taco salad: This, apparently, is a regular salad with two skewers of chicken on it and a side of salsa. Buried under the lettuce were what looked like a few frito chips. No sour cream and no dressing of any sort. I've heard many good things about this business and hope for their sake that I'm the only one who had a bad experience four times in a row.
(1)Alex P.
I absolutely love the breakfast here. I get the veggie sausage breakfast burrito and it leaves me wanting more.
(5)Liz S.
Hustle bustle, cozy brunch with an eclectic twist. Traditional, hearty and fresh breakfast fare but also tasty lunch options like Asian stir fry and quesadillas. Can be hard to find seating; we eventually snagged two window seats then headed to the very back to order at the counter. They will bring the food to you. Don't be put off by the gruff New England manner of the counter cooks; they are hard working, kind and great chefs. Wandering waitresses are more overtly friendly... We also sampled their baked goods - the pecan sticky upside down bun was very good. Abundant coffee and hot chocolate selection, also very good. Prices are quite reasonable.
(5)Walter H.
Our favorite place for breakfast on weekends. I am sure its good the rest of the week too. Phil and his wife know how to knock it out! Awesome baked goods and great meals. Its kinda tight in there on sunday morning unless you get there before 9;30. Coffee is good and the barristas are usually pleasant and helpful. Great seats at a high bar counter in the front window to catch some sun and watch the traffic and people.
(5)Lara G.
Love Love Love this place for the food, atmosphere, and goodies! Phil and the staff never miss a beat. Go for breakfast or lunch as everything is fresh and served to your liking. Don't be afraid to ask for special requests :-) This is a family run business, even their adorable daughter helps out! I visit at least once a week when I am in town!
(5)Nathan K.
This place rocks. We visited here while we are in Maine for poptech. The food was excellent all around. I had the chicken quesadillas. But the people that own/run the place stand out as exceptional people. First they make an effort to remember everyones name. Of course, I'm wearing a name tag for the conference, but they ask for people's name. And when the food is ready they don't start yelling out names; they walk around the place doing their best to put face to name. It was just such a nice touch. And beyond that, this was awesome... So we got these passes to eat lunch at different places in Camden for the conference. Well, I am at the conference with my wife and my partner's wife. So we only have 2 lunch passes included with our conference cost, and were going to buy lunch for our wives. The lady running the place however went our of her way to actually locate 2 lunch passes some other folks weren't using and applied them to our lunch! And this was like 30 minutes after we had met her and we had just finished eating. I mean, I know she's going to get money for these passes, but she's going out of her way to save us some money by making sure people aren't wasting the lunch they paid for through the conference. She was going to get paid the same either way. Helping us would have been far from most other hosts mind. And this is a busy place. The folks here are making an incredible effort to make their customers happy. And we are! I can't wait to come back here when we come back to Maine one day. Thank you Boynton-McKay!
(5)R.J. R.
Interesting breakfast. Local institution. Order at the counter in the back, get served and pay on the way out. Good food, good value.
(4)Toni M.
We had breakfast here this morning, another recommendation from the comment book in our condo. The place is on Main Street, across from Maine Gathering and The Smiling Cow, a cute store full of great bumper stickers, T-shirts and assorted tchotchkes. It is an experience unlike any other I can remember. We walked in and were greeted by the young man at the register who determined we were there for breakfast and sent us to the back counter to order. I cracked up at the presence of "Wavos Rancheros" on the menu board. Our orders were taken by the cook (and probably owner), a slim man in his 40s/50s. Nothing on the menu looked like what I wanted, but Alan pointed out that they made omelets. I asked what kind of omelets they made. He asked what I wanted, then suggested I name a few things and he'd tell me if they had them. Mushrooms...yep. Spinach...yep. Bacon...yep. Cheese? Cheddar, jack, Swiss, feta. Feta. Home fries or toast? Toast. White, wheat, rye, oatmeal. Oatmeal. Alan ordered the veggie skillet breakfast, also w/ oatmeal toast. We were directed back to the front for our drinks. I made a little pot of tea and Alan ordered a large latte. We gathered our silverware and organized ourselves in a large, comfortable booth. The seats were benches. The ceiling is embossed tin, the walls on our side have cool wooden cabinets displaying apothecary supplies. The cabinets look new, the supplies look antique. They had homemade donuts. I wanted to taste one, even though I generally dislike donuts. I was curious because they were home made. I didn't want a whole one, so I went up and saw they had donut holes, so I got one. It was a cake type, about the only kind I like. It tasted like a donut. Our breakfasts were brought to us and they were GOOD. My omelet was tasty and the toast was too. Alan's was excellent too, w/ lots of veggies. As we were finishing, the song "Young Girl" comes on overhead and suddenly this not quite operatic tenor swells from the back, "Better run, girl! You're much too young, girl!" We finished our breakfast and paid at the front. Nothing had been written down, it was all on the honor system. All that came to less than $20. Pretty much everyone in the booths looked local. Five stars for total coolth.
(5)Sheryl L.
Very casual dining with about 10 booths which looks to be part of a renovated old pharmacy. Ordered breakfast at one counter, our coffee at another. My english muffin with egg, cheddar, and ham was delicious and filling. They also offered gf English mufins. Various coffee blends to choose from, refills at half price. Desserts look yummy. Am buying a hazelnut chocolate chip biscotti to have with tomorrow morning's coffee!
(5)Jeanie R.
A unique and delicious adventure! The setting is delightful -- kudos to the owners for keeping the historic interior and artifacts of the old 1890s Pharmacy it once was. The coffee was outstanding -- Equal Exchange -- good for them! -- I even brought a pound home. The granola: ditto. A delicious breakfast in a charming setting with friendly, hardworking staff. Next time: Lunch!
(5)Mark R.
Great atmosphere and food. My granola was awesome. Homemade doughnuts good too. My wife had a scrumptious scramble, but her blueberry coffee cake was not great. Peppermint hot chocolate was also too sweet.
(4)Matt W.
Delectable pastries; try the banana bread and the scones. Egg sandwiches were okay and well priced. Lots of locals hang out here, so stop in for coffee and a copy of the New York Times.
(4)Jeff K.
This place certainly has atmosphere. It started as a pharmacy over a hundred years ago. One side of the restaurant still displays many of the old apothecary items from ages past. A huge photograph of a lion has hung above the counter in front longer than anyone can remember. Exactly how the pharmacy came to acquire it remains a mystery, but there is a theory that a traveling salesman may have brought it there in the early 20th century. The restaurant is popular at lunch time. We had to wait about 20 minutes to be seated. I had one of the daily specials, the egg scramble with shrimp. (Several breakfast dishes are still available for lunch.) It was tasty and filling. My friend had a large salad with a variety of good quality greens. We both had the the squash and caramelized onion soup. It was undersalted to my taste, but that could be corrected. Neither of us felt that the onions enhanced the soup. It was impossible to tell that they were caramelized. On the contrary, they were rather tasteless lumps in an otherwise smoothly pureed soup. The food merited three stars, but the interesting decor contributed to my kicking up the rating a notch.
(4)Betsy B.
I've been coming to Camden for years and somehow have missed this gem. Thanks to Yelp, we tried this today for a very late breakfast. They serve breakfast all day, which is sometimes hard to find. They also have plenty of lunch options and specials. I had the Migas, one of my favorite Southwestern breakfasts which you hardly ever find in the Northeast, and my husband had scrambled eggs with bacon and oat toast. The order of migas was HUGE and delicious - eggs, black beans, tomato, jalapeno, cheese and strips of corn tortilla, all with a large grilled flour tortilla for wrapping and eating. My husband's bacon was perfectly done, the oat toast looked "homemade" and the eggs were a beautiful bright yellow/orange (free range maybe?) We were a little lost not knowing the rules here, so for newbies, this is how it works: Get your seat (if they are in short supply) and then head to the back where the kitchen is. Put in your order. They will bring it to your table. Coffee is self-service at the front by the register, and if you want fancy coffee drinks, you order them there. There are also cookies and sweet buns that you get there too. At the end, you bring your own plates to either the front or back, clean them off and stack them in one of the dishpans to be washed.
(4)Scott S.
You enter the restaurant and are welcomed by a delicious array of aromas setting high expectations. The food did not disappoint. Very laid back and fun - definitely worth a return visit.
(5)Riley B.
The 3 stars are not for the food. The food is 5 star quality. I had the skillet number 2 and it was incredible. My friends enjoyed their breakfast sandwiches and wraps. My only knock is the cleanliness. I understand trying to make the place seem casual but when there is still dirt and flies near all the tables it kills the mood. Get it to go.
(3)Michael O.
A former apothecary, this quaint eatery featured several varieties of rich coffees. Upon entering you find a booth and place your order at the grill in the back. All servings are BIG, so you might be able to share an order. I had a sticky cinnamon roll and it was delicious.
(5)Kelly A.
Love, love, love this place! Thank you, yelp, for leading me in its direction. We stopped in for breakfast over the weekend, and it was fantastic. I was very happy that they had so many vegetarian options, including vegetarian sausage. The mister and I split one of the skillet breakfasts (I actually meant to order the one with the veggies, but ordered the other one by accident - but with veggie sausage) and the blueberry pancakes. We had enough food to share it all with our toddler as well, and it was all delicious. We also picked up a couple of the mini pastries - I love it when places offer mini versions of things! So much less of a commitment, yet still a lovely indulgence, and a bargain at only 35 cents a piece! Iced tea was delicious. The following day we needed to pick up some lunch to go, so we ended up back here. I got an avocado/black bean quesadilla, he got a veggie fajita wrap, and we got a yogurt/fruit mix for our little one. I may have also picked up a fudge oat nut bar for dessert.... Once again, everything was fantastic. Service was friendly, atmosphere was nice, and prices were good. On top of delicious food, that makes for a great experience. If I lived in this 'hood, I'd be a regular.
(5)Douglas H.
Get the wavos rancheros, awesome! Don't worry they will find you a seat!. The girls working here do a great job with the customer service. I really like this place, ate here several time the time we visited Camden.
(5)Gary W.
Great place for a quick, tasty lunch in Camden. Very small, but cool interior...in what used to be a local, old school pharmacy. Order at the counter in the back, get served and pay on the way out. Very good food, great value. We tried a few of the wraps, as well as the quesadilla, and all were excellent. Very family friendly, and seems to also have excellent breakfast options and amazing desserts/treats.
(4)jena b.
The lunch we had here was fantastic!! From the egg McKay sandwich to the chicken salad sandwich to the french toast to the eggs/bacon/homefries, all were delicious. The treats we took to go (chocolate chip cookies and banana brulee blondie) were also very good. Lastly the mocha and kombucha were also great. Will definitely be back next time we're in Camden.
(5)Luke L.
The food was great. Got the wavos rancheros and an fried egg sandwich to-go. Took them down to the harbor and ate while we watched the boats. The wavos were great, with lots of sour cream and fresh salsa. The confusing part was going to the back to order and then coming back up front to pay. They asked me about three times if I was sure that I didn't want any coffee and were confused why I didn't want a drink. Service was just okay.
(4)Sara L.
Love this place! Coffee, scones, huevos rancheros, pancakes! Great atmosphere downtown too!
(5)Jessica T.
I've been going to Boynton McKay since I was a kid and it was a pharmacy with a soda fountain. I enjoyed it as a deli spot too, but it's really gone downhill in customer service and after my last experience I won't be returning. Went in a bit before 2 with two very hungry and tired young kids and 4 adults. Was told by the person behind the front counter that they were open for another hour. Then the guy cooking informed us we had 3 minutes to order because they were closing the kitchen. When my sister said she didn't think we could get an order from the kids that quickly, he told us that our uncle (who had just stepped away) should order a side of sassy with sassy sauce. This was not said with a smile or in any jovial manner. When we decided to go somewhere else, rather than impose a late order on them (which they clearly did not want) I politely explained to the two folks behind the front counter that it would be best to tell people that the kitchen closes at 2 when they ask how late you are open, and got not the slightest bit of "sorry" or "have a nice day." I understand being burned out during tourist season, but I would rather go across the street to Camden deli and get a smile and harbor view with my $8 sandwiches.
(1)Cindy O.
Enjoyed breakfast here on a beautiful autumn day driving down the coast from Belfast, ME to Boston. Loved Camden and found this place on Yelp. It was very busy but service was quick and the service staff were pleasant. While waiting for a table you can get your own coffee and then order your food at the counter; seat yourself and they bring you the food. I had scrambled eggs with egg whites and poblanos. It was good but I hate to say not the best breakfast I have had. I do not see my menu choice on the posted menu or on their website so maybe it was a one off. Good coffee and trendy, casual place. Parking can be difficult on the street but I got lucky.
(4)Katherine L.
Seriously great food. Best pancakes I've ever eaten. Bacon that is delicious and perfectly crisp. The chicken fajita wrap was really good too. We came to Camden for 5 days and so far have eaten breakfast everyday here. Why mess with an obvious good thing!
(5)Chris C.
Just had one of the best coffees I've ever had from here. I saw a lot of other things that look really good. I want to come back to this place again. I'm giving it an inexpensive rating since my coffee was cheap...not sure about the other selections. A future updated review will be coming.
(4)Sarah C.
I walked into this place the other day to grab an iced coffee, and it was really good! That was my first time there and I was just running in and out, but the atmosphere seemed really nice and relaxed. At the register they had these amazing looking desserts that looked delicious. Next time I am in the area and have more time, I would love to spend more time there and actually sit down and relax. The coffee was PERFECT and reasonably cheap!
(4)Alex P.
I absolutely love the breakfast here. I get the veggie sausage breakfast burrito and it leaves me wanting more.
(5)Rachel D.
Best breakfast in the Midcoast, hands down. Phil, the owner and chef of Boynton's is a trained and talented chef, he knows his stuff. My boyfriend and I have had almost everything on their breakfast menu but our standard go to is an order of the basic breakfast with bacon and either the skillet #1 or the Huevos Rancheros. The only reason I get the basic breakfast so much is because it's not too much food, keeps me satisfied, and includes an order of their delicious home-made oatmeal toast (all their bread is made in house, where else can you find that?). If you're feeling mighty hungry I highly recommend the pancakes or the french toast. I don't even think he has this one the menu, but one time Phil made me banana and walnut pancakes and it was one of the most memorable breakfasts I've ever had. On the other hand, their lunch is pretty tasty too. The Thai chicken skewers, or the thai noodle salad to eat there or on the go, are delicious and note-worthy. As well as their carrot cake whoopie pies (which i don't think you can find anywhere else). Little tip though, don't order breakfast after noon, or else they'll hate you openly. Out of towners are generally confused because their kitchen closes at 3 but the restaurant stays open to serve coffee and snacks out of the front half of the establishment. This usually leads to angry out of towners.. The history of the place is really interesting considering it used to be an old pharmacy and ice cream shop back in the early 1900's. If you're lucky enough to eat there during Christmas you'll get to experience the magic of their adorably hand crafted Christmas-food decorations that are strung up throughout the restaurant.
(5)Heather G.
Extremely friendly people and delicious breakfast without breaking the bank. Just what these two weary travelers needed. The hot chocolate was rich and delectable and their cappuccino was very good. Charming old pharmacy. You have to walk through the food pantry to get to the bathroom which I thought was neat. The tables are pretty and there are cool antique decorations all around. We were extremely happy with our experience and can't wait to visit again someday. This is one place that I really hope stands the test of time.
(5)Abi C.
This is by far one of our favorite breakfast spots. We love the fast, friendly chefs. The local ingredients are just an added bonus! The tall booths give you privacy to enjoy your morning coffee or you can grab a paper and sit by the windows at the old high top counters. Best Saturday morning bacon!!!
(5)Susie W.
If you're in New England and love great brunch and lunch food make sure to come to Boynton-McKay in camden. I don't mean if you're in Maine I mean if you're in New England. I love it that much! Great soups, salads and sandwiches made with quality ingredients (perfect Thai chicken salad and great chili for example). Big old fashioned booths with wooden seats, amazing cookies, bars and breakfast pastries. Equal Exchange coffee. Wireless. A nice breeze. One of those great cafes that I wish were more common.
(5)Turbo Smurf X.
Once upon a time this was a real drug store. Before it got sold and retained its look through some of the old drugstore artifacts and became a restaurant only place. I liked it when it was a drugstore because you could get ice cream and fountain drinks and get a prescription filled by a real pharmacist and not some chain store hack. But that was more than a decade ago. Since then,this place has been slining some pretty good breakfast food. You step in and move right to the order counter in front of the kitchen. Make sure one or your crew grabs a booth. Place your order, get your coffee and sit down and relax. Your order is brought out. The food is fresh, plentiful and filling. No one is going to push you out or staned over you for your table so you can read the paper, have a second cup of coffee and get your chill on.
(4)Marie-Anne S.
Awesome foam on the tasty soy cappuccino. Excellent crab bisque. Everything we ordered was great.
(4)Jon E.
Solid, no frills breakfast in an old pharmacy. Good service, really good food and great value. Family-frinedly and comfortable. Packed with tourists and locals alike.
(4)Christina P.
Boynton Mckay is the best!! I suggest getting the lo-carb breakfast with bacon (haha) or the wavos for those with more of an appetite. You could also try their award-winning blueberry pancakes! There is an array of freshly baked pastries on the front counter including: donuts, blueberry muffins, scones, cupcakes, cookies, bars, and cakes. For lunch go for a black bean and avocado quesadilla, The Goddess wrap, or the Thai Chicken Stirfry. Also, the baristas up front will make a variety of coffee drinks or you can select cooler drinks from the cooler in the back. Additionally, you can get your order to go and sometimes they have meals all ready to "grab and go". Whatever you decide, you can be sure it will be delicious. The honor-role style of payment is refreshing as well -when you're done eating you simply tell the cashier what you ate! Whenever I come home I go to Boynton Mckay on multiple occasions; it's a integral part of the community! Phil and Co. are always so friendly and know how to make me laugh. It can get extremely busy in the summer and they don't take reservations so be prepared to wait in advance!
(5)Alex C.
I adore Boynton-McKay. It's so cozy and quirky! I always order the wavos rancheros for breakfast (yes, they know they spell it wrong haha) and the black bean avocado quesadilla for lunch. Totally scrumptious! The pastries are great too. I'm a big fan of the macaroons! I also enjoy the white hot chocolate with an extra shot of espresso. This place is not to be missed!
(5)Melanie L.
The Wavos Rancheros were amazing! It was something totally different from what I typically get for breakfast and I thought I would be disappointed but I wasn't. They were amazing! My husband had the Basic breakfast (eggs over hard, homefries, ham and toast). It was good but the combo of foods were fairly dry. Coffee was really good too, but didn't wake us up. We had two and were still sleepy, was it decaf? Anyway, we would both go again and recommend.
(4)Allison K.
Upon moving to Camden and being gifted a $50 voucher for this place by friends back home, it was our first meal out in our "new" hometown and - holy sh*t. SO delicious. Skillet 2 and Maine Shrimp Hash (the special) were both eagerly consumed. Things I noted and loved about this place: -It was packed but did not feel stressful -Our food still came fast, and we got a table -Susan with the long braid was ADORABLE and chatted us up -The portions are just right. You don't leave hungry but you don't leave stuffed. A healthy rarity you don't see too often in restaurants these days -The local specials on the menu looked incredible.. fun option for out of towners to quickly get to know local fare -Coffee kicked *ss I could go on and on, but the place is perfect and by far the best breakfast joint in town... currently writing this review while seated and waiting for lunch here. That will make next review. :)
(5)Sean M.
Erp, yes. Yes. Yes. First off, you might be confused when first walking into Boynton-McKay, and rightfully so, but don't let that discourage you. Walk to the back near the kitchen, this is where you order. You don't have to be too fickle, go with your gut instinct you won't be disappointed with anything you decide on. Secondly, coffee. It's near the front, next to the register, so grab a cup and pick your favorite amongst the selection. If you want espresso, that's available too, just ask. Wait, you didn't pay? Yeah, that's the weirdest part. It's honor system. After you've enjoyed yourself, just walk up to the register and tell them what you had. It's that simple. After one visit you'll wonder why all places aren't more like Boynton-McKay.
(5)Donald B.
Please do yourself a favor and visit here. Very good menu selections combined with extremely tasty food. I have been here a dozen times and NEVER have I been disappointed! A must while in Camden. You know it's good when the owner is a vital part of the business.
(5)Matt M.
Definitely stop here for lunch while in Camden. Great sandwiches made with amazing home made bread. Simple and delicious. Also has a really great old-timey soda fountain vibe. Definitely stands out on a strip of touristy places.
(5)Tory w.
You can't go wrong with Boynton McKay - it just got Food Network Magazine's award for best breakfast in the entire state of Maine. That's saying a lot because there are a lot of great diners out there! Everything here is great, whether you're in for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or an afternoon snack. Great coffee and yummy sweet treats, especially the hazelnut chocolate chip biscotti. Awesome French toast on homemade bread, wavos rancheros (spelling mistake intended, it's how they spell it!) are to die for, and they serve pancakes with fresh blueberries year-round. The ambiance is great as well - an old fashioned original soda fountain counter, and funky decor including antique pieces from old apothecaries. Throw in friendly service to boot and you've got the perfect spot! Kudos to Phil and Susan, the owners.
(5)James N.
I'm going with three stars because the food was good. Not outstanding, mind you, but in Camden, where mediocrity appears to be the order of the day, it was definitely better than your average fair. I got a blueberry pancake for my son, and the wavos rancheros, which is their take on huevos rancheros. Like I said, the food was good. I would have went for four stars if the check out experience wasn't so bad. You order at the back of the restaurant, where there is a sign the says order here pay here- not so. You order there and pay at the front. I was behind one person and when they payed, the girl walked away as if I was not there- to clean a table I think. As people began stacking up around the counter to pay, she finally came back- none too quick. I began telling her what I ordered, and she just looked at me with a dull stare and said "Name?". Not, " sir, if you give me name I can pull up your order for you", just " Name?", (you idiot). The last was not said, but clearly implied. I don't know if the joint is too hip for itself, or doesn't like outsiders, but there you have it. In general Camden is a bust- go to Belfast, which is admittedly more rundown, but the people are real and glad to have you.
(3)Danielle G.
I feel odd giving this place one star after reading everyone's glowing reviews, but I guess I just wish that my experiences at this place were as great as everyone else's seemed to be. I've been to Camden a number of times, and stopped into this establishment three times and then the very last. Got a coffee there once, and it was good, but the boy at the register was impatient and rude. Went in the next two times for lunch, a little after noon, more around 1:30 - 2. Was casually told both times that they were out of whatever I wanted at the time (and I went to second and third choices with no avail). I got fed up and thought that I'd never eat there not only for the rude service, but for the fact that they just didn't have any food. I got some rave reviews about this place from a friend of a friend. I was in town for the film festival, so my friend and I decided to give it another shot. Went in to order, it was around 1:30 yet again. Again, casually told by the kid behind the counter that they were out of 1.) the chowder 2.) the meat for the sandwich I wanted, and for some reason were also unable to make another item that I ordered. I finally settled on the flatbread pizza. I decided on this because I saw what I thought was a model of it in a basket on the ordering counter, on which was cheese, tomatoes, onions, and a few other vegetables. My friend got a taco salad. Flatbread pizza: I watched as they took the flatbread pizza out of the basket that was sitting out on the counter, heated it up, and then delivered it to my table. I had no idea how long that cheese had been sitting out there. It was dry, and I was honestly worried about eating it, so my friend let me have some of his salad. Taco salad: This, apparently, is a regular salad with two skewers of chicken on it and a side of salsa. Buried under the lettuce were what looked like a few frito chips. No sour cream and no dressing of any sort. I've heard many good things about this business and hope for their sake that I'm the only one who had a bad experience four times in a row.
(1)Vincent L.
This is the real stuff. The antique pharmacy artifacts in the place are not simply decor. You can imagine what it might have been like in the "old days" of this touristy town. But the locals clearly love this place, and I'd eat breakfast there once or twice a week myself if I lived in Camden. I am still glowing from the memory of the "Wavos Rancheros" and I've even attempted to create my own recipe for it based on the experience of having it there. (Hint: Use whole beans instead of refried for best results.) So if you're headed for Camden, be sure to plan at least one lazy morning breakfast/brunch in the little cafe made out of an old school pharmacy.
(4)Lara G.
Love Love Love this place for the food, atmosphere, and goodies! Phil and the staff never miss a beat. Go for breakfast or lunch as everything is fresh and served to your liking. Don't be afraid to ask for special requests :-) This is a family run business, even their adorable daughter helps out! I visit at least once a week when I am in town!
(5)Jeanie R.
A unique and delicious adventure! The setting is delightful -- kudos to the owners for keeping the historic interior and artifacts of the old 1890s Pharmacy it once was. The coffee was outstanding -- Equal Exchange -- good for them! -- I even brought a pound home. The granola: ditto. A delicious breakfast in a charming setting with friendly, hardworking staff. Next time: Lunch!
(5)margaret b.
Boynton-McKay is a favorite downtown destination for thoughtfully cooked breakfast food and good lunches. Breakfast ranges from hearty huevos rancheros to veggie skillet breakfasts and a delicious mix of baked goods from local kitchens. Lunch includes healthy salads, gyros, you name it. Cozy bench-seating nooks line both sides - expect a wait on a weekend morning. When you enter, walk to the back and order from the blackboard menu. Chances are the owner & cook will be taking your order! Good food, good company.
(5)Toni M.
We had breakfast here this morning, another recommendation from the comment book in our condo. The place is on Main Street, across from Maine Gathering and The Smiling Cow, a cute store full of great bumper stickers, T-shirts and assorted tchotchkes. It is an experience unlike any other I can remember. We walked in and were greeted by the young man at the register who determined we were there for breakfast and sent us to the back counter to order. I cracked up at the presence of "Wavos Rancheros" on the menu board. Our orders were taken by the cook (and probably owner), a slim man in his 40s/50s. Nothing on the menu looked like what I wanted, but Alan pointed out that they made omelets. I asked what kind of omelets they made. He asked what I wanted, then suggested I name a few things and he'd tell me if they had them. Mushrooms...yep. Spinach...yep. Bacon...yep. Cheese? Cheddar, jack, Swiss, feta. Feta. Home fries or toast? Toast. White, wheat, rye, oatmeal. Oatmeal. Alan ordered the veggie skillet breakfast, also w/ oatmeal toast. We were directed back to the front for our drinks. I made a little pot of tea and Alan ordered a large latte. We gathered our silverware and organized ourselves in a large, comfortable booth. The seats were benches. The ceiling is embossed tin, the walls on our side have cool wooden cabinets displaying apothecary supplies. The cabinets look new, the supplies look antique. They had homemade donuts. I wanted to taste one, even though I generally dislike donuts. I was curious because they were home made. I didn't want a whole one, so I went up and saw they had donut holes, so I got one. It was a cake type, about the only kind I like. It tasted like a donut. Our breakfasts were brought to us and they were GOOD. My omelet was tasty and the toast was too. Alan's was excellent too, w/ lots of veggies. As we were finishing, the song "Young Girl" comes on overhead and suddenly this not quite operatic tenor swells from the back, "Better run, girl! You're much too young, girl!" We finished our breakfast and paid at the front. Nothing had been written down, it was all on the honor system. All that came to less than $20. Pretty much everyone in the booths looked local. Five stars for total coolth.
(5)Sheryl L.
Very casual dining with about 10 booths which looks to be part of a renovated old pharmacy. Ordered breakfast at one counter, our coffee at another. My english muffin with egg, cheddar, and ham was delicious and filling. They also offered gf English mufins. Various coffee blends to choose from, refills at half price. Desserts look yummy. Am buying a hazelnut chocolate chip biscotti to have with tomorrow morning's coffee!
(5)Nathan K.
This place rocks. We visited here while we are in Maine for poptech. The food was excellent all around. I had the chicken quesadillas. But the people that own/run the place stand out as exceptional people. First they make an effort to remember everyones name. Of course, I'm wearing a name tag for the conference, but they ask for people's name. And when the food is ready they don't start yelling out names; they walk around the place doing their best to put face to name. It was just such a nice touch. And beyond that, this was awesome... So we got these passes to eat lunch at different places in Camden for the conference. Well, I am at the conference with my wife and my partner's wife. So we only have 2 lunch passes included with our conference cost, and were going to buy lunch for our wives. The lady running the place however went our of her way to actually locate 2 lunch passes some other folks weren't using and applied them to our lunch! And this was like 30 minutes after we had met her and we had just finished eating. I mean, I know she's going to get money for these passes, but she's going out of her way to save us some money by making sure people aren't wasting the lunch they paid for through the conference. She was going to get paid the same either way. Helping us would have been far from most other hosts mind. And this is a busy place. The folks here are making an incredible effort to make their customers happy. And we are! I can't wait to come back here when we come back to Maine one day. Thank you Boynton-McKay!
(5)R.J. R.
Interesting breakfast. Local institution. Order at the counter in the back, get served and pay on the way out. Good food, good value.
(4)Mark R.
Great atmosphere and food. My granola was awesome. Homemade doughnuts good too. My wife had a scrumptious scramble, but her blueberry coffee cake was not great. Peppermint hot chocolate was also too sweet.
(4)Matt W.
Delectable pastries; try the banana bread and the scones. Egg sandwiches were okay and well priced. Lots of locals hang out here, so stop in for coffee and a copy of the New York Times.
(4)Robert H.
We had breakfast at Boynton, and it was very good. I had two fried eggs, sunny side up, home fries and toast. Everything was good, although not amazing. The place is located inside an old pharmacy, so there were interesting antique elixirs and tonics on what I presume were the original birds eye maple shelves. I liked the self-serve atmosphere and the honor system-esque checkout. I would definitely go here again.
(4)Tom W.
We were traveling through New England by trailer and had to have breakfast here based upon the reviews. We were not disappointed. My wife had the "Wavos Rancheros" and probably would fly back to Camden to have this again. Although I generally do not eat "grains" I had both the donut holes and blueberry pancakes. Wow! Great atmosphere and better food.
(5)