Imagine a place where the beer flows like poetry and the seafood sings sea shanties.
Welcome to Maine’s hidden pub scene, where every pint tells a story and every bite is an oceanic adventure.
1. Andy’s Old Port Pub (Portland)
Nestled in the heart of Portland’s waterfront, Andy’s Old Port Pub is like that cool uncle who always has the best stories.
The pub’s weathered brick exterior and green awning beckon you in like a lighthouse guiding ships to shore.
Once inside, you’re greeted by a warm, wood-paneled interior that feels like a salty sea captain’s living room.
The chalkboard menu boasts “Great Food” and “Cold Beer,” and boy, do they deliver on that promise.
Their craft beer selection is as varied as Maine’s coastline, featuring local brews that’ll make your taste buds do a jig.
And let’s not forget the seafood – it’s so fresh, you might catch it winking at you from the plate.
But what really sets Andy’s apart is its live music scene.
On any given night, you might find yourself tapping your foot to some “wicked good” tunes while sipping on a pint of local ale.
It’s the kind of place where you come for a quick drink and end up staying until closing time, swapping tales with the locals and feeling like you’ve just joined a secret maritime society.
2. Gritty McDuff’s (Portland)
If Gritty McDuff’s were a person, it’d be that rugged, bearded fellow who can build you a boat, brew you a beer, and tell you the entire history of Portland – all before lunchtime.
This brew pub is a Portland institution, as iconic as a lighthouse and twice as illuminating (especially after a few pints).
Step inside, and you’re transported to a world where exposed brick walls tell stories of bygone eras, and the aroma of hops and barley mingles with the scent of hearty pub grub.
The wooden picnic tables outside are perfect for soaking up some rare Maine sunshine while you soak up some equally rare craft brews.
Gritty’s isn’t just about the beer, though.
Their menu is a love letter to pub food, elevated to an art form.
The seafood chowder is so creamy and full of oceanic treasures, you might be tempted to dive right in.
And don’t even get me started on their burgers – they’re the kind of meal that makes you want to hug the chef (but don’t, because that would be weird).
But the real star of the show is, of course, the beer.
Brewed on-site, Gritty’s ales are like liquid poems dedicated to the art of fermentation.
From the crisp Vacationland Summer Ale to the robust Black Fly Stout, there’s a brew for every mood and season.
It’s the kind of place where you can taste the passion in every sip, and where every pint comes with a side of Maine pride.
3. The Liberal Cup (Hallowell)
Tucked away in the charming town of Hallowell, The Liberal Cup is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a beer rainbow.
This public house and brewery is housed in a stately white building that looks like it could tell you a thing or two about Maine’s history – if buildings could talk, that is.
Inside, it’s all warm wood tones and cozy nooks, like your favorite cardigan in pub form.
The atmosphere is as inviting as a warm lobster roll on a chilly day, with locals and visitors alike mingling over pints and plates of comfort food.
Their beer selection is a celebration of Maine’s brewing prowess, with names that’ll make you chuckle as much as the brews will make you smile.
Try the Bug Lager if you’re feeling adventurous, or the Alewife Ale if you want to feel like you’re drinking a little piece of Maine history.
But let’s not forget the food.
The Liberal Cup’s menu is like a greatest hits album of pub fare, with each dish singing a delicious tune.
Their fish and chips are so good, you might start speaking with a British accent after a few bites.
And the seafood stew?
It’s like a warm hug from the Atlantic Ocean itself.
4. Finn’s Irish Pub (Ellsworth)
Finn’s Irish Pub in Ellsworth is like finding a little piece of the Emerald Isle nestled in the heart of Maine.
With its bright red exterior and proudly waving Irish flags, it’s as if a leprechaun decided to open a pub and serve seafood instead of hiding gold.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by an atmosphere warmer than an Irish wool sweater.
The dark wood bar and cozy booths invite you to settle in for a pint or three, while the walls adorned with Irish memorabilia make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a Dublin pub that took a wrong turn and ended up in Maine.
Their beer selection is a beautiful marriage of Irish classics and Maine craft brews.
You can sip on a perfectly poured Guinness while your friend enjoys a local IPA, creating a kind of international beer summit right at your table.
But the real magic happens when the Irish pub atmosphere collides with Maine’s seafood bounty.
Their fish and chips are so good, you’ll be tempted to start speaking with an Irish brogue.
And don’t even get me started on their seafood chowder – it’s like the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea had a delicious baby.
5. The Thirsty Pig (Portland)
The Thirsty Pig in Portland is like that friend who’s always introducing you to cool new bands, except instead of music, it’s all about craft beer and gourmet sausages.
With its unassuming storefront and neon pig sign, you might think you’ve stumbled upon a secret society for pork and beer enthusiasts.
Inside, the vibe is as laid-back as a Sunday afternoon, with a bar that practically begs you to pull up a stool and stay awhile.
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The decor is a quirky mix of pig-themed art and beer memorabilia, creating an atmosphere that’s part farmhouse, part craft beer haven.
Their tap list reads like a who’s who of Maine’s craft beer scene, with enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest of hop heads.
From crisp lagers to robust stouts, they’ve got a brew for every palate and every sausage on the menu.
Speaking of sausages, The Thirsty Pig takes this humble food to new heights.
Their house-made links come in flavors that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Try the blueberry sausage for a true taste of Maine, or go for the spicy Italian if you’re feeling adventurous.
Pair it with a local IPA, and you’ve got a match made in culinary heaven.
6. Sea Dog Brewing Company (Bangor)
Sea Dog Brewing Company in Bangor is like the cool older sibling of Maine’s craft beer scene – it’s been around the block a few times, but it’s still got plenty of tricks up its sleeve.
Perched on the banks of the Penobscot River, this brewery and pub offers views as refreshing as their beers.
The exterior, with its classic New England architecture and cheery Sea Dog sign, invites you in like a lighthouse guiding thirsty sailors to shore.
Inside, it’s all warm woods and nautical charm, with enough maritime decor to make you feel like you’re dining in the captain’s quarters of a particularly cozy ship.
Their beer lineup is a liquid love letter to Maine, with names that pay homage to the state’s seafaring heritage.
The Bluepaw Wild Blueberry Wheat Ale is like summer in a glass, while the Deep Stowage IPA will have you contemplating a life at sea (or at least another round).
But Sea Dog isn’t just about the suds.
Their menu is a delightful mix of pub favorites and seafood specialties that’ll have you saying “ayuh” in no time.
The lobster mac and cheese is so decadent, it should come with its own warning label.
And their fish tacos? They’re like a fiesta in your mouth, Maine style.
7. The Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery (Saco)
The Run of the Mill in Saco is like that overachieving friend who’s good at everything – brewing beer, cooking up a storm, and creating an atmosphere so welcoming you’ll want to move in.
Housed in a historic mill building, it’s a place where Maine’s industrial past meets its craft beer present.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by soaring ceilings, exposed brick, and enough wood to make a lumberjack feel right at home.
The sprawling space is dotted with long communal tables that practically beg you to make new friends over a pint or two.
Their beer selection is brewed on-site and changes with the seasons, much like Maine’s famously fickle weather.
From light summer ales to robust winter stouts, there’s always something new to tickle your taste buds.
And if you can’t decide, their beer flights are like a Choose Your Own Adventure book, but with more hops and less peril.
The food menu is a greatest hits album of pub fare, with each dish singing a delicious tune.
Their nachos are a mountain of deliciousness that requires a team effort to conquer.
And the seafood?
It’s so fresh, you might catch it trying to swim back to the ocean.
8. Nocturnem Draft Haus (Bangor)
Nocturnem Draft Haus in Bangor is like that mysterious, slightly gothic friend who always knows about the coolest underground bands – except in this case, it’s all about underground beers.
With its dark exterior and elegant signage, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel cooler just by walking in.
Inside, the vibe is part European beer hall, part cozy Maine pub.
The long bar, adorned with an impressive array of tap handles, is like a shrine to the gods of fermentation.
The dim lighting and dark wood create an atmosphere that’s perfect for deep conversations about hop profiles or the meaning of life – or both, after a few pints.
Their beer list is a globe-trotting adventure that would make Marco Polo jealous.
From obscure Belgian ales to hop-heavy American IPAs, each pour is like a little liquid vacation.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choices, the knowledgeable staff are like beer sommeliers, guiding you to your perfect pint.
But Nocturnem isn’t just about the brews.
Their food menu, while compact, is a carefully curated selection of dishes designed to complement their extensive beer list.
The cheese and charcuterie boards are like edible works of art, perfect for sharing (or not, we won’t judge).
9. The Front Porch (Ogunquit)
The Front Porch in Ogunquit is like that fabulous friend who throws the best parties – always lively, always fun, and always with a great soundtrack.
Perched in the heart of this charming coastal town, it’s a pub that’s as colorful and vibrant as a Maine sunset.
The exterior, with its cheery white siding and rainbow-hued crosswalk leading to the entrance, is like a beacon of good times.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a space that’s part piano bar, part pub, and 100% fun.
The decor is an eclectic mix that somehow works, much like that one friend who can pull off any fashion trend.
While they may not brew their own beer, their selection of local and craft brews is impressive enough to make any beer snob nod in approval.
From crisp lagers to robust porters, there’s a brew for every mood and every song on the piano.
Speaking of which, the nightly piano entertainment is the heart and soul of The Front Porch.
It’s the kind of place where you might come in for a quiet drink and end up belting out show tunes with a room full of new best friends.
Their food menu is a crowd-pleasing mix of pub favorites and seafood specialties.
The lobster quesadilla is like a fiesta in your mouth, Maine-style.
10. Sebago Brewing Company (Gorham)
Sebago Brewing Company in Gorham is like that friend who left the big city to start a farm, but instead of crops, they’re cultivating some of the finest craft beers in Maine.
With its modern, airy space, it’s a brewery that’s as refreshing as the beers it serves.
The exterior, with its clean lines and large windows, gives you a peek into the beer magic happening inside.
Step through the doors, and you’re greeted by a space that’s part industrial chic, part cozy pub.
The gleaming brewing equipment visible from the dining area is like a promise of good things to come in your glass.
Their beer lineup is a liquid tour of Maine’s flavors.
From the crisp Frye’s Leap IPA to the robust Slick Nick Winter Ale, each brew tells a story of Maine’s changing seasons and rich brewing tradition.
And if you can’t decide, their beer flights are like a Choose Your Own Adventure book, but with more hops and less peril.
But Sebago isn’t just about the suds.
Their food menu is a delightful mix of pub favorites and more upscale offerings.
The beer-battered fish and chips are so good, you might start speaking with a British accent.
And their lobster mac and cheese?
It’s like a warm, cheesy hug from the Atlantic Ocean.
So there you have it, folks – ten hidden gems in Maine’s pub scene.
Remember, in Maine, the best things come in pints… and on plates!