Hi gang, I'll be spending a few days in Bangor soon. I'm not sure where I'm staying yet, but it's likely it'll be somewhere near the Bangor Arena (which I'm honestly not even sure of, as that doesn't seem to exist on Google Maps). Anywho...yes, I'm well aware of how to use the "places" feature here, but I thought I'd solicit some opinions on the current state of the area and find out where the best places would be to check out for either dinner, drinks, and/or bottles to take back to the hotel. Thanks!
Cross Auditorium is the new arena. Or Darlings Waterfront Pavillon. But for mapping purposes just use Hollywood Slots. All the same general place. Bangor is simple: Beer bar: Nocturnem. Only game in town. Often has a good to great draft selection. A night like tonight, god help you. But really, good people who know beer. Big bottle selection but always a few things on draft worth trying. I'm not a big Novare Res guy, so this might be the best game in the state. They also serve fresh Stone, which is nice. Brewery: Geaghans. Only game in town. Great beer. Get some growlers or eat there. But, for beer to take back to the room that is probably your go to. Growlers & growlerettes. Andy Gaeghan is the type of guy you hoped owned every company. Fantastic. Some solid ipas & the smiling irish bastard is a great hoppy pale. Stear clear of Sea Dog unless you like shipyard banana & butter. If you feel up to it Marshall Wharf is 45 minutes away. Also closer but not as good is Black Bear brewing in Orono. Great people, good beer. Do not go to Penobscott Bay. Bottle shops: nothing worth writing home about. Bangor Wine & Cheese is right there. Old stock & high prices. Also the owner doesn't seem to know or care much about beer. The female employee is nice and helpful. Hogan Road Deli is a few miles away & has a better selection & prices. But, unless you get lucky, for beer where freshness is paramount, you're out of luck. The beer kid at HRD knows his stuff and is passionate about it. So talking to him is a good time, unlike Eric at BWC The central street farmhouse is also right there & they are the local homebrew store. These dudes are THE best. Just awesome. Nicest guys & the kid with curly long hair (Asa) knows everything & is beyond helpful. Type of kid if you owned a business you wish you could clone & have a hundred of. Can't say enough great things about them. That's the bangor beer scene in a nutshell. There is essentially one of everything. Any more specifics, ask & I'll give my opinions.
I second Geaghan's. Had their Refueler American wheath the other week and a Smiling Irish Bastard. Both very good. Also, unless I'm mistaken, the Bangor Arena is the brand new event center. It is literally a stones thrown from Geaghans and about a mile out of the downtown area.
