Young people want a place that has good music, cheap drinks and a dance floor. Asylum meets that criteria, and has a fun-loving and professional staff to boot (they know what to do with rowdy drunks). The joint boasts a music venue, a dance club (well, basement) and a sports bar.
Gritty’s Portland location is in the heart of the primest of prime nightlife real estate. It’s a no-frills place with a few TVs showing sports, but it’s not a sports bar. However, there are some cool views of both Wharf and Free Streets, good for people watching.
Old Port Tavern covers a lot of bases, and it does them in a great location. The decor or the dance parties might not be for everyone, but the tavern’s character is unique. The fact the bar is one of the pioneers in what is now the raucous Old Port only only adds to its appeal.
Dock Fore is a “neighborhood bar in the nicest neighborhood.” The bar is small. Not cramped, but it maxes out at around 50 people. It is not constructed for dance parties or death metal bands. It is a place to chill, watch the Celtics (lose to the Bobcats) and enjoy a relatively quiet night out. Besides occasional free appetizers, there is no food.
The Ogunquit area has its fair share of beach-themed establishments, ranging from hotels and retail stores to mini-golf courses. But only one of them has a stoic stone fire pit blazing warm and welcoming and beckoning visitors to warm their hands and stay a while. This hearth is the namesake of BeachFire Bar & Grille.
Bentley’s is a biker bar – but folks not riding in on two wheels are still welcome to loiter on the huge deck or climb on the table-mounted pig. Out back there’s sand volleyball and and outdoor bar, but Thur night karaoke here is one of the true draws. Oh, and the pig roasts.
The Portland location is huge, open and airy, located right next to the Casco Bay Ferry terminal and Ri Ra Irish pub. The deck has eight large picnic style tables – perfect for those summer drinkin’ days.
The crowd is for the most part straight off work, and unlike many post-workday bars, Andy’s lacks any noticeable filth factor. It is well-lit, clean and carries a warm atmosphere that immediately induces comfort. The kitchen serves up a wide menu, including a new batch of specials daily.
While Schlitz and PBR Bottles hold down the prices ($2), this is really a place to enjoy things of quality: cocktails, wines, beer, tapas and entrees. Even the view is upper-class; you look east to the triumphant Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the square he rules with an iron first.
This is more of a restaurant than Bleachers was, and appeals to an earlier crowd than most bars. The usual pub food is available, but DiMillo’s also brings its gourmet Italian heritage along for the ride.
