Perhaps an ice-cold craft beer or cocktail while kibitzing with the friendly face behind a bar is in order?
Bartenders always seem to be in the know about all things local—what better way to plan tomorrow’s adventures than to pull up a barstool, order your favorite libation, and pick their brain?
Whether you’re staying right in the city or one of the delightful neighboring towns, here is a list of establishments for you to do just that; distances from downtown Bath are noted for spots located in other towns.
Map of Bath Bars
This map includes all of the amazing Bath bars we mention in this post, perfect for your next pub crawl!
Byrne’s Irish Pub
Any maritime city worth its salt (see what I did there?) has an Irish bar—and Bath is no exception.
This family-run spot also has a pub in neighboring Brunswick…and neither location takes reservations, which means seats at the bar are at a premium, so get there early to claim a spot.
You’ll encounter a lively atmosphere, an Irish-centric pub menu, and a full bar to belly up to, complete with Guinness, Smithwick’s, and Murphy’s on draft.
There’s live Irish music on Wednesdays, Trivia Night on Thursdays, and live “regular” music on weekends…there’s always something fun going on at Byrne’s.
Location: 38 Centre Street, Bath
Website: Byrne’s Irish Pub
Bath Brewing Company
If local craft beer, delicious local food, and beautiful river views are your jam, you’re in luck.
Featuring a seasonally rotating tap list of American, English, and German-style pale ales, stouts, and other unique brews, BBC has a tasting room and bar on the first floor and a more traditional dining area/lounge on the second story—so whether you prefer a bar atmosphere or would rather gather around a table with friends, you have options.
Location: 141 Front Street, Bath
Website: Bath Brewing Company
J.R. Maxwell & Company
With its old-world, shipbuilding décor and plenty of bar seating, J.R. Maxwell’s has been serving up grog and grub to thirsty sailors, iron workers, and tourists since 1979. (Actually, no grub is served here—the menu is spectacular. I just liked how “grog and grub” sounded together.)
To go along with the full complement of food, there are local craft beers, domestic drafts, wine, and every ingredient needed to concoct all manner of creative mixed drinks; the mixologists here are wizards at their craft, so you get to sit back and watch the show as they make your cocktail of choice.
Location: 122 Front Street, Bath
Website: J.R. Maxwell & Company
Kennebec Tavern Restaurant
Another nautically-themed bar and restaurant, this spot invites you to “kick back on the Kennebec” whilst enjoying a glass of wine, beer, or cocktail.
Pull up a stool at the L-shaped bar, or opt to sit out on the deck and soak in the gorgeous views—either way, it’s the epitome of vacation relaxation, even if the extent of your time off is until you go back to work tomorrow morning.
Keep your eye out for bar specials, like the daily happy hour(s) from 3:30-5:30, Margarita Mondays ($6 house margaritas), Thirsty Thursdays ($2 off drafts), or $6 mimosas and Bloody Marys on Sundays.
Location: 119 Commercial Street, Bath
Website: Kennebec Tavern Restaurant
Burano’s Wood-Fired Pizzeria
The rustic-chic bar at Burano’s is the place to be for camaraderie, cold beer, and hand-crafted cuisine. Casual, comfortable, and friendly, the atmosphere at Burano’s (formerly Bruno’s) invites you to pull up a stool and just hang out.
Sit at the bar or take your drink outside to the patio to enjoy live music when the weather is accommodating—and of course, order up some of Burano’s fabulous pizza.
Location: 128 Front Street, Bath
Website: Burano’s Wood-Fired Pizzeria
Trinken Brewing Company
“German-inspired, locally honed and crafted” is how the beers are described at Trinken (“to drink” in German). With diverse, rotating tap offerings that reflect not only German-centric influence (like the Hanau Bavarian Hefeweizen) but also any interesting tap-worthy flavors that catch the beermeister’s attention.
A Japanese rice lager? Why not? A raspberry and kiwi milkshake IPA? Sure! Note that, while Trinken does not have a kitchen, there is almost always at least one food truck on site to help soak up all that tasty craft beer in your system.
Location: 144 State Street, West Bath
Website: Trinken Brewing Company
Taste of Maine Restaurant
If you came from the north on U.S. Route 1 to reach the Bath area, then you undoubtedly saw this establishment (it’s the one with the giant lobster on the roof).
Featuring a large, U-shaped bar and an outdoor deck overlooking beautiful Pleasant Cove in neighboring Woolwich, Taste of Maine is a local fixture, keeping locals and visitors alike fed and watered year-round since 1978.
With an enormous drink menu of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails to go with the equally huge food offerings (including TOM’s “World’s Largest Lobster Roll”), everyone can find something to sip here—whether you’re a white zinfandel, white Russian, or a Belgian white sort of person.
Location: 161 Main Street, Woolwich (4 minutes)
Website: Taste of Maine Restaurant
Winner’s Sports Grill
If you’ve had it up to here with bougie wines, microbrews, and craft cocktails, head to Winner’s Sports Grill & Off-Track Betting for some good old domestic beer, house wines, and cocktail classics.
With weekly specials like $.50 Wings Wednesdays, Tequila Tuesdays ($2 margaritas), and Sunday Fundays ($4 mimosas and $3 Bloody Marys), there’s always a deal to be had when visiting WSG.
Closed only on Mondays, this is the place to be if you’re into off-track betting—and even if you’re not, you’ll still enjoy friendly service and affordable drinks.
Location: 20 Farley Road, Brunswick (10 minutes)
Website: Winner’s Sports Grill
Montsweag Restaurant
Established in 1939, the historic, year-round Montsweag has a lively pub area (separate from the traditional dining room) featuring a full bar and live music every Friday and Saturday night as well as during Sunday Brunch (when the Montsweag serves their famous Bloody Marys—a meal unto themselves, complete with bacon).
With an elevated, tavern-style menu on offer in both the bar and restaurant, you can partake of a meal that’s just as good as whatever your cocktail of choice is. Great drinks, friendly service, yummy food, and entertainment…what more could you ask for?
Location: 942 U.S. Route 1, Woolwich (11 minutes)
Website: Montsweag Restaurant
Barnhouse Grill & Pub
Having opened in the midst of the pandemic in 2021, it’s would seem amazing at first blush that Barnhouse Grill & Pub survived. But once you’ve been there, it’s easy to understand how they weathered the Covid storm.
Warm, rustic vibe…local beers, craft cocktails, and curated wine list…welcoming service…fantastic fare…happy hour…live music…need I say more?
Location: 690 Bath Road, Wiscasset (13 minutes)
Website: Barnhouse Grill & Pub
Vessel & Vine
This tasting room—well, tasting porch, actually—is a unique experience. Enjoy a glass of beer, cider, wine, or a craft cocktail on the porch in-season, and keep an eye out for special events, like the “Hot Grill Summer Night” dinners every week.
And while you’re at Vessel & Vine enjoying your libation, be sure to browse through the specialty foods shop—perfect for a housewarming or hostess gift.
Location: 4 Pleasant Street, 1st Floor, Brunswick (13 minutes)
Website: Vessel & Vine
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