I am in Maine about a half hour from Portland. Ebeneezers is about an hour and a half away. For those that have been there do you think the drive is worth it? Or should I stay close in Portland and hit Novares, RSVP, bier cellar, etc etc? Thank you !
I would say yes but then again, I don't mind driving that distance to experience something new. You could also just drive north to the sister bar, Lion's Pride in Brunswick.
Flip a coin... Eb's, Lion's Pride and Novare Res are all world class beer bars. Admittedly I am a bit partical to Eb's cause Chirs has been so good to me over the years, but Novare Res is a awesome too and you could hit up Duck Fat in Portland while you are there . You aren't gonna lose with any of these options.
Depends how much time you have. Eb's is a special place, but it really is out in the middle of nowhere on some very dark back roads. If you're up there for a week, definitely hit it up. For a short weekend trip? Eh - your call. Do be careful on that long drive back. As mentioned, you can probably hit Lion's Pride more easily - similar beer list, but without Chris' cellar and the charm of Eb's. Novare is probably comparable in selection, but it has an extremely different vibe, and also a rather obnoxious night time crowd as well. Novare is a must visit though if you are that close to Portland.
I have today dedicated to beer so I think we are going to hit eb's then if possible portland. Thanks for all the info thus far!
Yes! Yes!! Yes!!! You MUST do Eb's. Remember, it's Maine, anything worth doing is going to be an hour and a half drive.
Clively I'll see you there ! Anyone know if they allow bottle sharing and whatnot ? I have a few nice bottles I brought with me, it would be nice to share.
It better be something pretty stellar, or it goes on the Shelf of Meh in the cellar! Chris doesn't fool around, so bring your big guns.
of course eb's is worth it. its a great bar, not to mention it's located in one of the most beautiful regions in maine.
Whether or not you like beer (and obviously you do), the area at Ebenezer's doorstep is one of the most beautiful in Maine, and it is August, so go. Eb's is right by Kezar Lake, one of Maine's most beautiful (e.g., Stephen King lives there). They're about a mile from the Center Lovell town beach, which is at the end of Pleasant Point Road. Having tried a lot of town beaches in Maine, it is the most beautiful I've seen. The signs say "residents only" but you can freely ignore them. So plan for a Saturday when you can get some sun and water, and then have a good lunch and some great beers at Eb's. Eb's won't be what you expect - it's the best of Maine (i.e., charmingly informal/relaxing/no frills - and sits about 15 feet from a golf course fitting the same description - another option for you), and yet one of the best beer menus you'll ever see. It's a complete Maine experience and a great day. Make it even better by skipping Route 302 for the drive out. Instead, from Portland, take Brighton > 25 > 113 > 114/107 > Hancock Pond Road/Hio Ridge Road > Mountain Road (goes past Shawnee Peak) > 302 East (about 100 yards) > Knight's Hill Road > 5 > Eb's. Faster and gorgeous. It will be the best day of your summer.
