I'm headed up North in just over a week to do some Maine tourism with friends. We're flying into Bangor on the 14th and going straight to Bar Harbor, and we'll have 3 nights there, then 2 nights in Rockland, and then 3 nights in Portland. I've been stalking the forum for a while and gotten lots of great information about Portland and that area, but less about the other two spots. We'll be doing a lot of the national park while in Bar Harbor, but I would like have something nice on draft at the end of the day, so any information about cool pubs there would be welcome. So far, I know the Fog Bar & Cafe in Rockland is supposed be good, but that's about it. We're also doing dinner one night at Primo's. We're probably doing a day-sail while there that allows you to BYOB, so a decent shop to pick up some bottles at would be great too. Given the other stuff we'll be doing, I'm just not gonna have much time for side-trips, like up to Oxbow Brewing (regretfully!), so I'm mainly looking for good spots near BH or Rockland, or along Route 1. For Portland, I've put together a map of breweries, bars and restaurants that I've had recommended. Austin, Bissell, and Foundation aren't on there cause we're in town Tues & Wed while they're not open, but at least the Hop & Go shuttle will be running those days. Also, I'd love to bring some North Carolina beer to share with folks, so if you're in the area let me know and we'll try and get together!
That map is great! Thanks for some good insight. Gonna be visiting Boston and Portland in early September so that has been very helpful. Cheers!
3 Crow (3crow.com) in Rockland has been recommended to me. Haven't had a chance to visit yet, but the online tap list looks good. In Bar Harbor, I think the best spot for beer that I have visited was McKay's.
In Bar Harbor, Mainely Meat is good to grab a pulled pork sandwich or other barbecue, and also serves as the tap room for Atlantic Brewing Company. In town, Blaze is the craft beer spot I've been wanting to try. It's just across the street from McKays so you can hop if you want to check them out too, but McKays is nothing special IMHO.
Thanks, Blaze and 3Crow both look like cool spots, I'll definitely be checking them out. Are any Maine breweries canning? And fairly available? Need some hiking/sailing beers.
Bissell Brothers, Marshall Wharf, & Baxter all can their beers - BBB & MW are highly recommended, but may be tough to find until you head for the mid-coast and Portland. Swing into Marshall Wharf (and their restaurant 3Tides) in Belfast on your drive from MDI to Rockland and see if the tasting room has some fresh Cant Dog or Ace Hole cans. Baxter should be easier to find, and depending on your style preferences might make for some solid hiking/sailing options.
