Picture this: You’re nestled in a cozy corner of a Maine pub, a steaming bowl of clam chowder in front of you, and the sweet sounds of live music filling the air.
Sound like heaven?
Well, grab your appetite and let’s dive into the Pine Tree State’s pub scene!
1. Andy’s Old Port Pub (Portland)
Tucked away in the heart of Portland’s Old Port, Andy’s is the kind of place where the locals go to escape the tourists… and then begrudgingly tell the tourists about because it’s just too good to keep secret.
With its weathered brick exterior and green awning, it’s like stepping into a postcard of coastal Maine.
Inside, the pub is a delightful mishmash of nautical knick-knacks and local art.
But let’s be honest, you’re not here for the decor – you’re here for the chowder and the tunes.
The clam chowder here is so creamy and packed with clams, you might be tempted to ask if they’ve got a secret underwater farm supplying them.
And when it comes to live music, Andy’s doesn’t disappoint.
From folk to blues, the small stage hosts a rotating cast of local talent that’ll have you tapping your foot and forgetting all about that fancy lobster roll you were planning to hunt down.
2. Gritty McDuff’s (Portland)
If Gritty McDuff’s were a person, it’d be that lovable, slightly gruff uncle who always has the best stories at family gatherings.
This brew pub has been a Portland institution since 1988, long before craft beer was cool.
With its brick walls, wooden beams, and long bar, it’s like stepping into a time machine set to “cozy pub.”
The clam chowder here is a hearty affair, perfect for soaking up one (or three) of Gritty’s famous house-brewed beers.
And speaking of soaking things up, the live music scene at Gritty’s is as varied as their beer selection.
From acoustic singer-songwriters to rowdy Irish bands, there’s always something to keep your ears as happy as your taste buds.
3. The Liberal Cup (Hallowell)
Don’t let the name fool you – The Liberal Cup is generous with both its portions and its charm.
Nestled in the picturesque town of Hallowell, this pub feels like it was plucked straight out of an English village and dropped in the heart of Maine.
The clam chowder here is a local legend, rumored to have the power to cure everything from a bad day to a mild case of scurvy.
Pair it with one of their house-brewed ales, and you’ve got yourself a meal that would make Neptune himself jealous.
The live music tends towards the folksy side, perfect for those nights when you want to pretend you’re in a cozy Irish pub… in Maine… which, come to think of it, is exactly where you are.
4. Finn’s Irish Pub (Ellsworth)
Finn’s is the kind of place where “Top o’ the morning” meets “Ayuh, bub.”
This Irish pub in the heart of Ellsworth manages to blend the best of the Emerald Isle with the charm of Downeast Maine.
The result?
A pub that feels like home, even if you’re neither Irish nor a Mainer.
Their clam chowder is a creamy delight that’ll have you considering a move to Ellsworth just to be closer to it.
And when it comes to live music, Finn’s brings the heat.
From traditional Irish sessions to local rock bands, the stage here is always hopping.
Just be careful not to spill your Guinness when you start dancing – those dark stains are harder to explain than a lobster bib at a fancy restaurant.
5. The Thirsty Pig (Portland)
The Thirsty Pig is what happens when a hot dog joint and a craft beer bar have a beautiful, pork-loving baby.
Nestled in the Old Port, this place is a sausage lover’s dream come true.
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But don’t worry, they haven’t forgotten about the seafood lovers among us.
Their clam chowder is a surprising standout in a menu dominated by encased meats.
It’s like they decided to prove they could do seafood just as well as they do sausages, and boy, did they succeed.
The live music here tends towards the indie and alternative scene, providing the perfect soundtrack for your craft beer and chowder adventure.
It’s the kind of place where you come for a quick bite and end up staying for hours, tapping your foot to the music and wondering if it’s socially acceptable to order a third bowl of chowder.
6. Sea Dog Brewing Company (Bangor)
Perched on the banks of the Penobscot River, Sea Dog Brewing Company is like the golden retriever of pubs – friendly, reliable, and always happy to see you.
With its spacious deck and river views, it’s the perfect spot to while away a summer evening.
Their clam chowder is a creamy, briny delight that pairs perfectly with their house-brewed beers.
And when it comes to live music, Sea Dog doesn’t dog it (sorry, couldn’t resist).
From local cover bands to up-and-coming singer-songwriters, there’s always something to keep your toes tapping.
Just be careful not to tap too hard – we wouldn’t want you falling into the river.
Though if you did, at least you’d be pre-salted for the chowder.
7. The Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery (Saco)
Housed in a former textile mill, The Run of the Mill is the kind of place that makes you say, “Now this is what a pub should be!”
With its high ceilings, exposed brick, and gleaming brewing tanks, it’s like a cathedral dedicated to the holy trinity of beer, food, and music.
Their clam chowder is a stick-to-your-ribs affair that’ll have you considering a nap by the time you’re done.
But don’t doze off just yet – the live music here is worth staying awake for.
From bluegrass to rock, the mill’s old walls have seen it all.
And with the house-brewed beers flowing, you might just find yourself inspired to start that band you’ve been talking about since college.
Air guitar skills optional.
8. Nocturnem Draft Haus (Bangor)
Nocturnem Draft Haus is the kind of place that makes beer nerds weak in the knees and music lovers weak in the ears (in a good way, of course).
With its impressive tap list and cozy, dimly lit interior, it’s like a speak-easy for hop heads.
While beer is the star here, their clam chowder holds its own.
It’s the perfect comfort food to soak up all that craft beer goodness.
The live music at Nocturnem leans towards the eclectic side – jazz, blues, folk, you name it.
It’s the kind of place where you might come in planning to have one quick beer and end up staying until closing time, swaying to the music and debating the merits of IPAs versus stouts with your new best friends.
9. The Front Porch (Ogunquit)
The Front Porch is exactly what it sounds like – a pub that feels like you’re hanging out on your (very musical) neighbor’s porch.
Perched above the bustle of Ogunquit’s main drag, it’s the perfect spot to escape the crowds and pretend you’re a local.
Their clam chowder is a creamy dream that’ll have you considering a permanent move to the coast.
But the real draw here is the nightly piano bar.
That’s right – live music every night, often with sing-alongs encouraged.
It’s like karaoke, but with actual talent involved.
Just be warned: after a few drinks and bowls of chowder, you might find yourself belting out “Sweet Caroline” with more enthusiasm than skill.
10. Sebago Brewing Company (Gorham)
Sebago Brewing Company is like that overachieving friend who’s good at everything – great beer, delicious food, and yes, toe-tapping live music.
With multiple locations across southern Maine, we’re focusing on the Gorham brewpub, because why not?
Their clam chowder is a hearty affair that pairs perfectly with their house-brewed beers.
And when it comes to live music, Sebago doesn’t disappoint.
From acoustic sets to full bands, there’s always something to keep your ears happy while your taste buds do a happy dance.
It’s the kind of place where you can start with a civilized dinner and end up dancing between the tables by the end of the night.
Just try not to spill your chowder – those stains are harder to explain than a lobster bib at a black-tie event.
So there you have it, folks – ten pubs where you can get your fill of clams, tunes, and good times.
Now get out there and start pub-crawling… I mean, cultural exploring.
Maine’s waiting!