Some of my favorite pasta recipes were inspired by the ingredients at Scarlett's. After all these years, it makes me super happy still to know future generations of Bowdoinites will continue to be well fed. You can't go wrong with the classic Scarlet Harlot, spicy Hugh's Attitude or everything but the kitchen sink Stephen's Dilemma washed down with a big chunk of garlic bread. They'll all leave you in carb coma Heaven and scrounging for a toothbrush or a minty fresh piece of peppermint after.
(4)
Alex A.
I've been a fan of Scarlet's for years...great pasta and pizza, good wine list, and interesting specials (crab cakes!). The Margarite Pizza, with blended cheese, marinara sauce, fresh herbs & tomato slices is a favorite. I usually have that and the Spinach & Mushroom Salad, with bacon, tomato, onion, sprouts, feta cheese. Have the salad with the house Balsamic, and ask your server to toss the salad beforehand. The dressing is usually served on the side, and separates in its' container. Tossed, the whole salad is flavored beautifully, and doesn't taste oily. Scarlets' is always busy on the week-ends, so go early. -- TIP: sit in the bar! The red walls and cozy atmosphere encourage great conversation, and a good time!
(4)
Jess L.
Best burger in Brunswick by a long shot, if a little pricey. Local beef, fresh ingredients, and a good beer selection. The pizza is (obviously) also delicious, but holy cow do they go crazy on the garlic. Pasta was meh. I like the new(ish) location - setup is not great but at least less old and stodgy than most of the competition. Service was nothing to write home about, but no complaints. Seriously though - if you are looking for a good burger that isn't Five Guys, go here.
(4)
Will P.
Scarlet B's is simply good Italian food. Nothing here is extravagant. They don't make their own pasta like some of the other places in town. But for a decent price you can get some extremely tasty pasta and pizza dishes. If you don't like garlic, though, this place is not for you. It is in everything and it is plentiful. If you go, make sure someone at your table orders Cedric's Pie. Something about the combination of garlic, corn, and bacon is heavenly. As others have said, the new location does not have the same charm as before. I'm willing to make that sacrifice for a bar and no longer having to wait an hour just to get a table. Scarlet B's is a Bowdoin tradition, and it will not disappoint.
(4)
Caitlin M.
As a Bowdoin aluma, I will have a fondness for Scarlet B's until the day I die. Here are some of the reasons why it's the gem of Brunswick restaurants: - Cute, intimate, quirky atmosphere that has its own charm - Friendly service (they definitely recognize regular patrons) - Best date restaurant/birthday celebration restaurant in Brunswick - BYOB - Garlic in everything - Underrated specials And the number one reason why I still get homesick for Scarlet B's years after leaving Brunswick.... ROSE BEGONIA.
(5)
Kim V.
Noel Knows. The best sandwich on the menu, possibly the world. When I was working in Brunswick last summer I had at least one of these a week.
(4)
Lennie B.
You will never be a stranger at Scarlet Begonia. Great food. Great staff Best prices around for good wine.
(5)
J S.
Bring your own wine (they supply the glasses and cork screw). Small number of tables. Order at the front and then get seated. Once you learn to navigate this unusual, but very friendly system, bingo. Fantastic made to order Italian food. A treat for those that refuse to hit a chain restaurant when the hunger pangs kick in. Great specials.
(4)
Kaylee S.
this place is a tiny hole in the wall which i'm sure is legend among bowdoin kids, but which as a local i never bothered to go into until high school. apparently i was missing out for years! delicious (HUGE) pasta dishes with cute names and nice ambiance. last time i went i had some pasta with a pesto sauce and pine nuts that i forget the name of, but know that i thoroughly enjoyed! i feel like i'm eating somewhere that no one else knows about here (except i know they do) - it's small, intimate-feeling and prettily decorated. one of the many nice options on maine street!
(5)
Paul M.
This place is a local favorite. Menu is varied, innovative Italian. Food and service are excellent. Excellent value: Salads range from $9.75 to $11.75, Sandwiches $4.95 to $9.50, Pasta specialties $12.95 to $13.95, 10 inch Personal Pizza $9.95 to $14.50. You can get 1/2 servings of sandwiches and salads. Pasta dishes are generous size. Full bar. Now located in a new building which has hard floors, walls, and ceilings. Every sound echoes and amplifies; we were there when about half of the tables were in use. Customers were shouting to speak to the person sitting next to them. The "background music" just added to the din. Food, service and value rate 4 stars downgraded to 3 because of noise. We'll probably do take out next time.
(3)
Paul S.
aka Garlic Begonias. Delicious but do not go there if you do not like garlic or you plan to be in close proximity with anyone who does not like garlic. My favorite dish is Chicken and Spinach but do not let the name deceive you it has garlic in there too! Pizza regularly is rated the best in the region. BYOB. Cash and check only. Order your food up front an they will bing it to you.
(5)
J C.
Few restaurants seem to be as controversial as Scarlet B's after its move- some people swear that it's undergone a serious drop in quality while other's are as committed fans as ever. I honestly can't say I'm in either camp; while I do think there has been a drop in quality I still think Scarlet B's has great Italian that is, honestly, pretty rare for the area. As a native-Jerseyan used to all things Italian I am a bit of a snob about pasta dishes and the like but think Scarlet B's does an awesome job (the sauces they use for dishes like the Rose Begonia are unbelievably flavorful). Plus, the menu does an excellent job of being both creative enough so that it's more then just lasagna but not eccentric (Italian doesn't need fancy gimmicks to be awesome, just a cook who knows what he's doing). Anyway, Scarlet B's is definitely worth a visit for dinner if you're in Brunswick but be aware that service can be spotty at times, the bar small and, for as much a fan of it as I am, even I can't explain the strange surcharges (plate fees, substitution charges, three-dollar sodas, etc.).
(4)
Helen P.
Its food is still just as good, maybe even better. I was just at a luncheon where I sampled, basically, every type of pizza they offer and the simon says blew my mind. Definitely will keep going, but the new location is much more open, less cozy. The BYOB policy is gone, replaced by a liquor license and expensive bar. The change in environment is really the biggest drawback. No longer will this be the go to college hangout for Bowdoin students to drink bottles and bottles of cheap wine. There are also some new modernizations. They have a full wait and bar staff now. They also accept credit cards and cash. Its more and more like a typical Maine restaurant and less like the cozy little family run place it used to be.
(4)
Sarah W.
A lovely, slightly more classy new location makes Scarlet Begonias the best place for italian cuisine in Brunswick. The menu offers casual lunch items along with varied dinner selections. The service is friendly and the food is quite good. The Rose Begonia was honestly the best pasta dish I've ever eaten. I will say their new location is certainly nicer, but the metal ceilings make for a noisy dinner.
(4)
Gloria S.
What was I doing in Brunswick, Maine of all places during spring break? Visiting my BFF at Bowdoin College of course! (I know, such a good friend.. jk) I yelped Scarlet Begonias before I went to Maine & I wanted to try the Rose Begonia that all the reviewers were raving about and my friend said that we were going to go eat dinner at Scarlet Begonias! I was super excited and the pasta dish was amazing... I don't exactly recall what was in it - chicken, tomato goodness, and other yummy stuff but it was GOOD! It really is a tiny hole in the wall and it has a cozy, homey feel to it...So, if you ever have a chance to visit Brunswick, ME... Scarlet Begonias' is a MUST! Helpful pointers: they only accept CASH! So make sure you have some! And... when you go in, you order at the counter and then sit down.. :)
(4)
Purvi R.
I don't even remember what I got at this place because I was overwhelmed by how good the bf's Rose Begonia was. He's a Bowdoin alum and had been talking about this dish the entire weekend we were visiting Brunswick. I can now see why. The wait was totally worth it (but it could be long, so bring an extra bottle of wine just in case!) the place is family run too; extra charm.
(5)
Audrey C.
Love this place! Weekend nights are always filled with Bowdoin kids...especially parents weekend, graduation, etc. As mentioned in the reviews below...bring your own wine or beer. You'll always see people coming in with a bottle wine. Very small restaurant, intimate atmosphere. They often decorate the place during holidays (July 4th, Valentines day, etc). I've always enjoyed this place because I get a nice buzz going on before eating my dinner. Great place to go with a group of your girlfriends. The -only- thing I order (I know, I know...not a big fan of tomato sauces) is their creamy pesto pasta w/ walnuts. SO delicious!!!! It's not super creamy, the perfect amount of pesto, and all their pasta dishes come with garlic bread. Mmm. That dish is one of the things I miss most. Sad.
(5)
Lg M.
Loved the pizza, thick chunks of real bacon and delicious crust (see pic). Great grilled sandwiches with fresh veggies. Very good homemade salad dressing on fresh side salad!
(4)
Sarah C.
I dream about this place. Everything they do here is wonderful. Sandwiches, pasta, salad. You must try it all.
A big THANKS to fellow Yelp'er LC H for pointing out this fine BYOB establishment. See my full Yelp list for other fine ( and not so fine) BYOB restaurants throughtout New England.
(5)
Chuck A.
Yes, it's that good, plus w/in walking distance of most everything. Try the spinach-turkey-basil mayo on sour dough. Of course, everyone loves the rose begonia. In the summer, be sure to have an ice cream at Cody's (next door) for dessert. SB has a great vibe....very low key w/seating for about 20. The owner is a fixture in Brunswick, but trained in Providence. Oh....don't forget to try the pizza - great for call in - take out.
(5)
Average J.
Scarlet B's is pretty damn good. Pizza is thin without being greasy, good toppings lots of garlic and quality ingredients. A tip for the broke and thirsty, every weeknight till 4-630 they do $10 for two PBR drafts and a maragarite pizza (aka cheese pizza) . It'd plenty for one and will fill you up. Delicious and one of best deals in town. Other favorite pasta is rose begonia, just creamy chicken bacon chunks, awesome. Worth checking this place out if you want something casual that's better than a pizza joint, also has burgers and sandwiches and is priced reasonably. Definitely a step above a pizza joint.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Cha Cha W.
Some of my favorite pasta recipes were inspired by the ingredients at Scarlett's. After all these years, it makes me super happy still to know future generations of Bowdoinites will continue to be well fed. You can't go wrong with the classic Scarlet Harlot, spicy Hugh's Attitude or everything but the kitchen sink Stephen's Dilemma washed down with a big chunk of garlic bread. They'll all leave you in carb coma Heaven and scrounging for a toothbrush or a minty fresh piece of peppermint after.
(4)Alex A.
I've been a fan of Scarlet's for years...great pasta and pizza, good wine list, and interesting specials (crab cakes!). The Margarite Pizza, with blended cheese, marinara sauce, fresh herbs & tomato slices is a favorite. I usually have that and the Spinach & Mushroom Salad, with bacon, tomato, onion, sprouts, feta cheese. Have the salad with the house Balsamic, and ask your server to toss the salad beforehand. The dressing is usually served on the side, and separates in its' container. Tossed, the whole salad is flavored beautifully, and doesn't taste oily. Scarlets' is always busy on the week-ends, so go early. -- TIP: sit in the bar! The red walls and cozy atmosphere encourage great conversation, and a good time!
(4)Jess L.
Best burger in Brunswick by a long shot, if a little pricey. Local beef, fresh ingredients, and a good beer selection. The pizza is (obviously) also delicious, but holy cow do they go crazy on the garlic. Pasta was meh. I like the new(ish) location - setup is not great but at least less old and stodgy than most of the competition. Service was nothing to write home about, but no complaints. Seriously though - if you are looking for a good burger that isn't Five Guys, go here.
(4)Will P.
Scarlet B's is simply good Italian food. Nothing here is extravagant. They don't make their own pasta like some of the other places in town. But for a decent price you can get some extremely tasty pasta and pizza dishes. If you don't like garlic, though, this place is not for you. It is in everything and it is plentiful. If you go, make sure someone at your table orders Cedric's Pie. Something about the combination of garlic, corn, and bacon is heavenly. As others have said, the new location does not have the same charm as before. I'm willing to make that sacrifice for a bar and no longer having to wait an hour just to get a table. Scarlet B's is a Bowdoin tradition, and it will not disappoint.
(4)Caitlin M.
As a Bowdoin aluma, I will have a fondness for Scarlet B's until the day I die. Here are some of the reasons why it's the gem of Brunswick restaurants: - Cute, intimate, quirky atmosphere that has its own charm - Friendly service (they definitely recognize regular patrons) - Best date restaurant/birthday celebration restaurant in Brunswick - BYOB - Garlic in everything - Underrated specials And the number one reason why I still get homesick for Scarlet B's years after leaving Brunswick.... ROSE BEGONIA.
(5)Kim V.
Noel Knows. The best sandwich on the menu, possibly the world. When I was working in Brunswick last summer I had at least one of these a week.
(4)Lennie B.
You will never be a stranger at Scarlet Begonia. Great food. Great staff Best prices around for good wine.
(5)J S.
Bring your own wine (they supply the glasses and cork screw). Small number of tables. Order at the front and then get seated. Once you learn to navigate this unusual, but very friendly system, bingo. Fantastic made to order Italian food. A treat for those that refuse to hit a chain restaurant when the hunger pangs kick in. Great specials.
(4)Kaylee S.
this place is a tiny hole in the wall which i'm sure is legend among bowdoin kids, but which as a local i never bothered to go into until high school. apparently i was missing out for years! delicious (HUGE) pasta dishes with cute names and nice ambiance. last time i went i had some pasta with a pesto sauce and pine nuts that i forget the name of, but know that i thoroughly enjoyed! i feel like i'm eating somewhere that no one else knows about here (except i know they do) - it's small, intimate-feeling and prettily decorated. one of the many nice options on maine street!
(5)Paul M.
This place is a local favorite. Menu is varied, innovative Italian. Food and service are excellent. Excellent value: Salads range from $9.75 to $11.75, Sandwiches $4.95 to $9.50, Pasta specialties $12.95 to $13.95, 10 inch Personal Pizza $9.95 to $14.50. You can get 1/2 servings of sandwiches and salads. Pasta dishes are generous size. Full bar. Now located in a new building which has hard floors, walls, and ceilings. Every sound echoes and amplifies; we were there when about half of the tables were in use. Customers were shouting to speak to the person sitting next to them. The "background music" just added to the din. Food, service and value rate 4 stars downgraded to 3 because of noise. We'll probably do take out next time.
(3)Paul S.
aka Garlic Begonias. Delicious but do not go there if you do not like garlic or you plan to be in close proximity with anyone who does not like garlic. My favorite dish is Chicken and Spinach but do not let the name deceive you it has garlic in there too! Pizza regularly is rated the best in the region. BYOB. Cash and check only. Order your food up front an they will bing it to you.
(5)J C.
Few restaurants seem to be as controversial as Scarlet B's after its move- some people swear that it's undergone a serious drop in quality while other's are as committed fans as ever. I honestly can't say I'm in either camp; while I do think there has been a drop in quality I still think Scarlet B's has great Italian that is, honestly, pretty rare for the area. As a native-Jerseyan used to all things Italian I am a bit of a snob about pasta dishes and the like but think Scarlet B's does an awesome job (the sauces they use for dishes like the Rose Begonia are unbelievably flavorful). Plus, the menu does an excellent job of being both creative enough so that it's more then just lasagna but not eccentric (Italian doesn't need fancy gimmicks to be awesome, just a cook who knows what he's doing). Anyway, Scarlet B's is definitely worth a visit for dinner if you're in Brunswick but be aware that service can be spotty at times, the bar small and, for as much a fan of it as I am, even I can't explain the strange surcharges (plate fees, substitution charges, three-dollar sodas, etc.).
(4)Helen P.
Its food is still just as good, maybe even better. I was just at a luncheon where I sampled, basically, every type of pizza they offer and the simon says blew my mind. Definitely will keep going, but the new location is much more open, less cozy. The BYOB policy is gone, replaced by a liquor license and expensive bar. The change in environment is really the biggest drawback. No longer will this be the go to college hangout for Bowdoin students to drink bottles and bottles of cheap wine. There are also some new modernizations. They have a full wait and bar staff now. They also accept credit cards and cash. Its more and more like a typical Maine restaurant and less like the cozy little family run place it used to be.
(4)Sarah W.
A lovely, slightly more classy new location makes Scarlet Begonias the best place for italian cuisine in Brunswick. The menu offers casual lunch items along with varied dinner selections. The service is friendly and the food is quite good. The Rose Begonia was honestly the best pasta dish I've ever eaten. I will say their new location is certainly nicer, but the metal ceilings make for a noisy dinner.
(4)Gloria S.
What was I doing in Brunswick, Maine of all places during spring break? Visiting my BFF at Bowdoin College of course! (I know, such a good friend.. jk) I yelped Scarlet Begonias before I went to Maine & I wanted to try the Rose Begonia that all the reviewers were raving about and my friend said that we were going to go eat dinner at Scarlet Begonias! I was super excited and the pasta dish was amazing... I don't exactly recall what was in it - chicken, tomato goodness, and other yummy stuff but it was GOOD! It really is a tiny hole in the wall and it has a cozy, homey feel to it...So, if you ever have a chance to visit Brunswick, ME... Scarlet Begonias' is a MUST! Helpful pointers: they only accept CASH! So make sure you have some! And... when you go in, you order at the counter and then sit down.. :)
(4)Purvi R.
I don't even remember what I got at this place because I was overwhelmed by how good the bf's Rose Begonia was. He's a Bowdoin alum and had been talking about this dish the entire weekend we were visiting Brunswick. I can now see why. The wait was totally worth it (but it could be long, so bring an extra bottle of wine just in case!) the place is family run too; extra charm.
(5)Audrey C.
Love this place! Weekend nights are always filled with Bowdoin kids...especially parents weekend, graduation, etc. As mentioned in the reviews below...bring your own wine or beer. You'll always see people coming in with a bottle wine. Very small restaurant, intimate atmosphere. They often decorate the place during holidays (July 4th, Valentines day, etc). I've always enjoyed this place because I get a nice buzz going on before eating my dinner. Great place to go with a group of your girlfriends. The -only- thing I order (I know, I know...not a big fan of tomato sauces) is their creamy pesto pasta w/ walnuts. SO delicious!!!! It's not super creamy, the perfect amount of pesto, and all their pasta dishes come with garlic bread. Mmm. That dish is one of the things I miss most. Sad.
(5)Lg M.
Loved the pizza, thick chunks of real bacon and delicious crust (see pic). Great grilled sandwiches with fresh veggies. Very good homemade salad dressing on fresh side salad!
(4)Sarah C.
I dream about this place. Everything they do here is wonderful. Sandwiches, pasta, salad. You must try it all.
(5)Lindsey J.
Better than the prices would suggest. And don't be fooled by the décor or the fact it's in a strip mall. The portions are generous and the food combinations are slightly exotic. I've had their soups, sandwiches, and pasta. All very good and worth the price. And they serve coffee all day long. It's best to make reservations and the alcohol service is BYOB. My only gripe? They are only open from noon to nine...but they do take-out....
(4)Matthew A.
A big THANKS to fellow Yelp'er LC H for pointing out this fine BYOB establishment. See my full Yelp list for other fine ( and not so fine) BYOB restaurants throughtout New England.
(5)Chuck A.
Yes, it's that good, plus w/in walking distance of most everything. Try the spinach-turkey-basil mayo on sour dough. Of course, everyone loves the rose begonia. In the summer, be sure to have an ice cream at Cody's (next door) for dessert. SB has a great vibe....very low key w/seating for about 20. The owner is a fixture in Brunswick, but trained in Providence. Oh....don't forget to try the pizza - great for call in - take out.
(5)Average J.
Scarlet B's is pretty damn good. Pizza is thin without being greasy, good toppings lots of garlic and quality ingredients. A tip for the broke and thirsty, every weeknight till 4-630 they do $10 for two PBR drafts and a maragarite pizza (aka cheese pizza) . It'd plenty for one and will fill you up. Delicious and one of best deals in town. Other favorite pasta is rose begonia, just creamy chicken bacon chunks, awesome. Worth checking this place out if you want something casual that's better than a pizza joint, also has burgers and sandwiches and is priced reasonably. Definitely a step above a pizza joint.
(4)