Guide to Midcoast Happy Hour
We’ve updated every notable Happy Hour offering in the Midcoast (and yes, it was hard work doing all of that sampling) into a guide that is easily accessible for the person who instantly wants to know, “where should we go today?” From upscale chic inns to hotspots with an urban feel to the local neighborhood taverns, every establishment in our list “Guide to Midcoast’s Happy Hours” has a list of their specials, days, and times offered and even notes on the mood of each space.
Due to changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, certain bars/restaurants previously listed are no longer offering Happy Hour and some bars/restaurants have altered their menus. Best to call ahead to confirm.
Restaurant/Bar owners, contact Kay Stephens for any changes/additions at news@penbaypilot.com
Happy Hour Highlight
Rio’s Spiked Café over the bridge in Searsport, has made it a point to continue Happy Hour despite many restaurants and bars discontinuing the afternoon ritual due to rising costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. bars and restaurants generate 60.5 percent of their average weekly sales during happy hour, according to a 2018 Nielsen study.
Rio’s Manager John Sullivan said, “I’ve always done Happy Hour with every restaurant I’ve ever worked at and not just limiting it to domestic beer. The reason why we haven’t stopped Happy Hour during COVID-19 is because people’s pockets books had a lot less money in them. Why not come in, have some discounted drinks, some small plates, and not break the bank?”
Rio’s offers Happy Hour all night long in the Lounge on Wednesdays. “Anything you see behind the bar is $2 off, whether it’s a glass of wine or speciality cocktail.”
Location: 357 West Main Street, Searsport
Days & Time: Wednesdays 4:30 to close.
Specials: Drinks: $2 off any drink on the menu.
Mood: Beautiful bars, fireplaces, lighting—elegant and yet cozy.
Darby’s Restaurant and Pub
Location: 155 High Street, Belfast
Days & Time: Seven days a week. 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Specials: Drinks: $3.00 Drafts; $4.00 Well Drinks; $5.00 House Wines: $3.00 Down East Cider. Food: Daily changing menu.
Mood: This is a spacious, casual restaurant, a perennial favorite of the locals and family-friendly, with a comfortable bar vibe and plenty of window seating. They always have good local brews on tap, an inventive martini menu and the food specials are not only great “comfort food,” but also plentiful. This is one of those places that shouldn’t be overlooked for happy hour.
Rollie’s Bar and Grill
Location: 37 Main Street, Belfast
Days & Time: Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m.
Specials: Drinks: $2.25 Domestic and $2.75 Craft/Imports, half-price wine by the glass, half-price well drinks Food: Monday: $1.50 sliders; Tuesday: $1.50 tacos; Wednesday: $1.50 three boneless wings; Thursday: daily specials.
Mood: This is a local’s favorite watering hole and sports bar. The booths are usually crowded but quickly served by a hardworking staff. They have an epic beer selection, from PBR to Allagash Saison. Outside deck in the back is mostly used by people who smoke.
Whale’s Tooth Pub
Location: 2531 Atlantic Highway, Lincolnville
Days & Time: Wed, Thurs, and Fri 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Specials: $2.00 off all beer, draft, Bottle, and cans. $7.00 well drinks. $7.00 house margaritas. $6.00 house red & white wine. Food offerings will change daily
Mood: A warm, English-style pub, complete with its original 1777 fireplace, right on the Maine oceanfront with sprawling views. This spot serves delicious pub fare and cocktails, with warm hospitality.
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
Location: 1 Main Street, Camden
Days & Time: All week 3-6 p.m.
Specials: Drinks: $5 draft pints along with $5 pours of our house Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon with a rotating monthly beverage special for $5. Food: An appetizer special for $7.
Mood: The Sea Dog Brewing Co. got its start in Camden in 1993 and now has come full circle reopening in 2016. With a completely renovated bar and two decks overlooking the harbor, and spacious second floor with a second bar, this iconic Maine bar always feels like home for both tourists and locals alike.
Contact:
Cuzzy’s Restaurant and Bar
Location: 21 Bayview Street, Camden
Days & Time: Weekdays 3-6 p.m.
Specials: Drinks: $2 PBRs, $1 off all drafts, $4 house wines and well drinks; Food: $5 specials every day on pizza, calamari, quesadillas, stuffed mushrooms.
Mood: Cuzzy’s has a local, working guy flavor with a comfortable U-shaped bar and TV on in the corner, as well as board games on the bar. Upstairs has an area overlooking Bayview Street with a glimpse of the harbor and a back deck that accommodates smokers. Darts and a pool table upstairs.
Vintage Room
Location: 16 Bayview Street, Camden
Days & Time: Nightly 5-7 p.m.
Specials: Drinks: half off Maine draft beers ($4), a $2 beer bucket grab bag, $4 off specialty cocktails, and a free popcorn bar.
Mood: This cocktail lounge with decor reminiscent of the 1920s to 1940s leans on the swanky side with a cozy fireplace. It’s located on the ground floor of 16 Bayview Hotel. This glamorous, gilded space balances its history with modern touches like bourbon flights, hand-crafted signature cocktails, local craft beers and small plates.
Hartstone Inn and Hideaway
Location: 41 Elm Street, Camden
Days & Time: Seven days a week. 4:00 TO 5:30 p.m.
Specials: $7.99 signature cocktails with Chef’s complimentary hors d’oeuvre of the day.
Mood: This is a cozy inn, perfect for an intimate hangout by the fireplace or fire pit on the patio or just when you feel like dressing up and enjoying an inn’s atmosphere for a few hours.
40 Paper Italian Bar and Bistro
Location: 40 Washington Street, Camden
Days & Time: Everyday from 4 to 6 p.m.
Specials: All drinks are 40% off including craft cocktails, well-drinks, top-shelf cocktails, glasses of wine, craft beer, single malt scotch, even Remy Martin XO.
Mood: This is a hip, posh eatery with modernist flair from the lighting to the decor. Always crowded at happy hour because their award-winning bartenders shake up some serious craft cocktails at half price, along with a half-price bar menu. Top-notch craft beer selection, many locally sourced. This is the scene to be seen.
Park Street Grille
Location: 1Park Street, Rockland
Days & Time: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 4-5:30 p.m.
Specials: Drinks: All house margaritas, house wines and draft beers half price. Food: Complimentary chips and salsa.
Mood: This expanded restaurant/bar has a Southwestern/ Mexican flavor profile/decor and friendly bar staff. Anyone going solo to happy hour will find this place very amenable and will find it easy to have a conversation with someone you’ve never met.
Archer’s on the Pier
Location: 58 Ocean Street, Rockland
Days & Time: Monday-Friday 2-6 p.m.
Specials: Drinks: $3 beers, $5 well drinks. Food: Half price on appetizer menu.
Mood: Two things this place has going for it that no other establishment has on this Happy Hour page is that the magic hour starts at 2 p.m. and that it boasts the only indoor/outdoor bar with a shaded deck overlooking the harbor. A great place to gaze off into the distance and savor a cocktail.
Ada’s Kitchen
Location: 449 Main Street, Rockland
Days & Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m. everyday (Tuesday - Saturday) at the bar
Specials: Drinks: $5 Lager drafts, House Red or White Wine, Campari/Aperol Soda; $1 off all beer & wine; $2 off cocktails. Food: Ada's pizza slices, meatballs, olives
Mood: With two floors and different atmospheres, you can choose your ambience and with some fine local brews on tap (as well as prosecco on tap!), this is a cheerful and lively place to meet people.
North Beacon Oyster
Location: 421 Main Street, Rockland
Days & Time: Tuesday through Saturday 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Specials: Drinks: $3 Select Draft Beer, $5 Wine, $8 Cocktails; Food: $1.50 Oysters and a new bar menu available.
Mood: Casual and inviting with great deals on the freshest seafood and oysters.
