Unearth The Voyage
Tucked away in the coastal town of Machias, Maine, Helen’s Restaurant has been winning hearts and taste buds for over seven decades. This unassuming diner is famous for one thing above all else: its award-winning wild blueberry pie, made with berries you simply can’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a pie lover or just curious about what makes this place so special, here’s everything you need to know before you make the trip.
1. A Humble Start in “Wild Blueberry Country”
Helen’s opened its doors back in 1950 in Machias, a tiny town nestled in Washington County among the famous wild-blueberry barrens of Downeast Maine. From day one, the founders had a clear mission: serve homemade food and bake unforgettable pies.
Over the decades, this commitment never wavered. The restaurant became a beloved community gathering spot where locals and travelers alike could enjoy authentic, made-from-scratch meals.
What started as a simple family diner has grown into a regional treasure, still honoring those original recipes and values that made Helen’s special from the very beginning.
2. The Star of the Show: Wild Maine Blueberries
What sets Helen’s pie apart from all others? It’s the wild Maine blueberries, also called lowbush blueberries, which are much smaller than the cultivated kind you see in grocery stores. During summer, the restaurant sources freshly picked wild berries from nearby farms.
These tiny berries pack intense flavor and a unique texture that’s impossible to replicate. Helen’s uses an original handwritten recipe that hasn’t changed since 1950, ensuring every pie tastes just as amazing as it did decades ago.
Food52 even featured this legendary pie, celebrating the Welch Farm berries that make each slice unforgettable.
3. One Look at That Pie and You Understand
Descriptions of Helen’s blueberry pie are almost poetic: a flaky, buttery crust piled impossibly high with wild blueberries, crowned with a generous dollop of whipped cream. One food reviewer noted that these buckshot-sized wild berries bear only a passing resemblance to the larger berries sold elsewhere.
The flavor is richer, more concentrated, and the texture is something you have to experience to believe. It’s the kind of pie that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.
People travel hundreds of miles just to get a slice, and once you see it in person, you’ll understand why it’s worth every mile.
4. Beyond Pie: A Full “Diner” Experience
While the pie steals the spotlight, Helen’s offers so much more than dessert. This is a full-service diner serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu packed with New England classics. Think fried clams, fresh haddock, lobster dinners, and even a unique blueberry-maple salmon.
You can settle in for a complete meal, enjoying the cozy atmosphere and friendly service that regulars rave about. After a hearty dinner, you’ve earned that famous pie for dessert.
It’s the perfect way to experience true Maine hospitality and cuisine all in one visit, making your road trip even more worthwhile and memorable.
5. Triumph Over Adversity & Local Roots
In July 2014, disaster struck when a fire completely destroyed the restaurant building. The community rallied, and thankfully, the owners rebuilt and reopened Helen’s in 2015. The rebuild preserved the warm, welcoming feel and kept the beloved menu intact.
Today, Helen’s continues to thrive and celebrate its incredible longevity. In 2025, the restaurant marked 75 years of serving the community and baking those iconic pies.
This resilience and dedication to tradition show just how much Helen’s means to Machias and to the countless visitors who return year after year for a taste of history.
6. Why It’s “Worth the Road Trip”
Wild blueberries like the ones used at Helen’s are nearly impossible to find fresh outside this region, and their flavor and texture are truly one-of-a-kind. The restaurant has earned national recognition, featured in major food publications and websites for its outstanding pie.
But it’s more than just the dessert. Visiting Helen’s means immersing yourself in wild blueberry country, supporting local farms, and experiencing a community staple diner that’s been loved for generations.
The reward of that perfect slice of pie at the end of your journey makes every mile of the drive absolutely worthwhile and memorable.
7. Quick Visit Info
Helen’s is located at 111 Main Street in Machias, Maine, making it easy to find right in the heart of town. The menu highlights include the award-winning baked wild blueberry pie, listed at market price and available seasonally.
You’ll also find a full range of dinner options, from seafood to comfort food classics. For the freshest wild berries, plan your visit during blueberry season in late summer.
This timing ensures you get the most flavorful pie possible, straight from the nearby farms. Don’t forget to bring your appetite and your camera for this unforgettable Maine experience!
