The capital city of Maine, Augusta has been designated a Main Street USA community and is in the process of a steady revitalization.
Divided in two by the mighty Kennebec River and rich in history, the city is slowly redefining itself from a defunct mill town to a lively tourist destination, full of attractions, lodging, and dining options.
Following in the footsteps of many other Maine mill town revivals, Augusta is also the proud host of a popular microbrewery (the first of many to come, I’m sure)—and of course, there are a fair few old-school taverns, watering holes, and pubs to choose from for a tipple or two.
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Map of Augusta Bars
Here is a useful map of all of the bars mentioned in this article to help you when your list of things to do for adults in Augusta Maine includes a bar crawl:
John Sullivan’s The Black & Tan
Every city should have a good Irish pub, in my opinion—and Augusta has one that fits the bill nicely.
Since 2016, The Black & Tan has been ticking all the right boxes—live music, friendly service, and Irish comfort food to go with your beer.
But don’t worry if Bangers & Mash aren’t your cup of tea; there are plenty of state-side-centric fare options, as well, like Chicken Parmesan, burgers, and pizza.
And of course, there is a full bar at The Black & Tan—so if you’d rather have a Negroni or a glass of red wine instead of a Smithwick’s or Guinness, there’s no shame in that.
Location: 18 Bridge St, Augusta, ME 04330
Website: John Sullivan’s The Black & Tan
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The Gin Mill
Despite the name, The Gin Mill makes all manner of delightful craft cocktails—not just ones utilizing gin as the main spirit.
Known as “Augusta’s listening room,” The Gin Mill is located upstairs from the Riverfront BBQ and Grill, and is a low-key, upscale spot to enjoy an intimate evening without the louder, more invasive atmosphere of a dance club or local hangout. Featuring understated, nightly live music, delicious fare, and a gorgeous, 35-foot bar, The Gin Mill offers happy hour every day from 3-6 and has over 100 beers to choose from as well as single malt scotch and small-batch bourbon.
Location: 302 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330
Website: The Gin Mill
The Whiskey Kitchen
Serving up “American cowboy fare” in Augusta, The Whiskey Kitchen is a rustic-chic, family-friendly spot with a large bar to belly up to, as well as plenty of tables in the dining room.
With live music, karaoke, Ladies’ Night, and DJ nights, there is always something fun going on here once the sun goes down.
With plenty of elevated pub fare options on offer alongside specialty cocktails, local and domestic beer, and whiskey specials, The Whiskey Kitchen is a lively, comfortable spot to meet up with friends for a fun night out.
Location: 228 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330
Website: The Whiskey Kitchen
Cushnoc Brewing Company
This is Cushnoc’s restaurant—but this local favorite also has an Annex and Tasting Room for you to add to your list of must-try destinations when looking for local beer in Augusta.
Each location features a different rotating tap list, so you can make the rounds and try something different at every stop.
The menu at the restaurant features snacks, salads, and pizza—and as for the beer, I’d recommend Cushnoc’s Bourbon Sidamo Nitro Stout.
Location: 243 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330
Website: Cushnoc Brewing Company
The Oak Table & Bar
The folks at this cozy gastropub are just as passionate about their craft cocktails as they are about their locally-sourced food.
Menus are updated daily, so you never know what to expect when you sit down…but one thing is always a sure bet: The seasonal cocktails here will knock your socks off.
There is also a large offering of local and craft beers of every ilk, as well as scotch and wine.
My favorite spring season cocktail here is the Smokey Negroni: Mezcal, sweet vermouth, Campari, scorched orange, and smoke (watching them infuse this cocktail with smoke is almost as fun as drinking it).
Location: 233 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330
Website: The Oak Table & Bar
Oyster Bar Lounge
Located at the Senator Inn and Spa, this upscale, intimate spot has a bit of an old-world feel to it.
With its warm lighting and comfortable bar (or table) seating, the Oyster Bar Lounge is open to the public and features spectacular fare alongside the full bar menu.
I suggest trying The Oyster Bar’s Godfather cocktail (Black Fig vodka, bourbon, amaretto, and orange peel) alongside an order of the Senator Nachos with seasoned beef.
Location: 284 Western Ave, Augusta, ME 04330
Website: Oyster Bar Lounge
The Hydeout at the Wharf
This live music/dive bar venue is new to Augusta in 2022 (having spent the last 40 years in neighboring Hallowell) and brings a faithful following along with it.
If you are on the hunt for a come-as-you-are, no-frills-no-fuss kind of spot with great local tunes and affordable drinks, The Hydeout is the place for you.
With a modest, tavern-style menu on offer along with full bar service, a night out at the Hydeout is ridiculously easy on the wallet.
There are pool tables, as well, and you can bank on having plenty of company here, especially if you’re looking to sit at the bar—seats are at a premium.
Location: 71 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330
Website: Hydeout at the Wharf
Otto’s on the River
With great river views, indoor/outdoor seating, expansive menus, and amazing cocktails, Otto’s offers a next-level bar experience.
With its quirky, colorful décor (including a disco ball, overstuffed red leather lounge furniture, and a funky, abstract bar) and creative fare/craft cocktails to match, Otto’s is the type of place that makes you smile as soon as you walk in the door.
And to make that smile even bigger, I recommend you order Otto’s 1820 after taking a seat at that uber-cool bar: Stroudwater Distillery rye, lemon juice, and chili syrup.
Location: 287 Water St, Augusta, ME 04330
Website: Otto’s on the River
Lisa’s Restaurant & Lounge
This local favorite is popular for its affordability, friendly staff, and casual, unpretentious atmosphere.
The comfort food menus here are perfect for accompanying a beer or cocktail with friends, and outdoor seating is also available.
Order up your favorite brew alongside Lisa’s famous homemade Fried Mac & Cheese Bites—a surefire way to cure the hangries.
Location: 15 Bangor St, Augusta, ME 04330
Website: Lisa’s Restaurant & Lounge
Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant
Open until midnight and featuring a rotating Margarita Flight of the Month (genius, I say!), Margaritas offers an authentic taste of Mexico’s feisty flavors and culture.
With 26 different margaritas on offer, you’ll have to pace yourself as you work your way through this extensive menu of tequila magic: Originals, flavored, specialty, “naked” (no mix—lime juice only), and infused tequila creations.
And of course, all of the food here pairs perfectly with any one of the aforementioned cocktails.
Location: 390 Western Ave, Augusta, ME 04330
Website: Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant
Splitters Sports Bar & Grill
Whether or not you enjoy bowling, this sports bar is another great spot in Augusta for an inexpensive night out.
With nearly a dozen draft beers on offer, a full-service bar, and an extensive menu full of pub fare, you can sit back and watch sports on TV, or watch the live-action bowling excitement unfold right before your eyes—just don’t count on a quiet evening of intimate conversation.
Bowling’s kind of loud.
Location: 2246 N Belfast Ave, Augusta, ME 04330
Website: Splitters Sports Bar & Grill
And if you’re just passing through Augusta and want to stick with the tried and true, there are several franchise options to choose from as well, like the 99 Restaurant, Applebee’s Grill & Bar, and Texas Roadhouse.
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