Camden may seem like a buttoned-up seaside community custom-made for vacationers sporting button-down oxfords and khaki shorts. But there is a slice of Camden for everyone—including those of us rocking our jorts, tank tops, and flip-flops.
So, whether you’re looking for high-end fancy or dive-bar dancy, peruse my little writeup below to see which establishment catches your eye; chances are you’ll be able to hit a few of them in one night if you so desire—most are within a block or two of each other…and two even share the same building.
Map of the Best Camden Bars
This map is sure to be a godsend for your next Camden bar crawl:
Cuzzy’s Restaurant
Offering customers “good food and good fun,” Cuzzy’s is a local favorite…and not just for the delicious pub fare.
Upstairs from the dining room, you’ll find the lively bar—which could also just as accurately be called a game room. Featuring pool tables, ping-pong, darts, and even a ring-toss game, there’s plenty to do while sipping your favorite libation.
Cuzzy’s has a full bar and also boasts a spectacular daily happy hour from 3-6, featuring free pool, $5 food specials, and $1 off all well drinks, beer, and pitchers.
Location: 21 Bay View St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: Cuzzy’s Restaurant
The View
Just across the street from Cuzzy’s is 16 Bay View, one of the most popular boutique hotels in town…which also happens to be the home of an amazing rooftop bar.
Featuring over 2,000 square feet of breathtaking mountain and harbor views, this aptly-named bar is THE place to go for craft cocktails and small plates on a beautiful summer evening.
Pull up a seat at the bar, snug up to the gas fire table, or relax in a lounge chair…and say, “Ahhhhhhh” as you take it all in.
There are plenty of red, white, and sparkling wines to choose from, as well as beer and signature cocktails.
I always lean toward the latter—like the Just Merpe: Mezcal, sweet vermouth, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Location: 16 Bay View St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: The View
The Vintage Room
If the weather isn’t accommodating enough to enjoy a rooftop cocktail at 16 Bay View, head on downstairs to The Vintage Room.
Chic, refined, and never ostentatious, this stylish, pup-friendly spot offers the same menu as The View, but in a different environment.
Take a seat at the bar, enjoy your drink at one of the elegant, marble-topped tables, or settle into one of the soft leather couches by the fire.
Drop by during happy hour from 5-7 for a rotating offering of small-plate and drink specials.
Location: 16 Bay View Street
Website: The Vintage Room
40 Paper Bistro & Bar
Featuring a cozy little bar as well as indoor and outdoor (in season) seating, 40 Paper feels cosmopolitan—without all the big city pretentiousness.
Friendly service, an ample beer and wine selection, and an amazing, ever-changing slate of creative craft cocktails mean it’s tough to snag a seat at the bar here—so arrive early (happy hour is from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. when all drinks are 40% off).
If you like a bit of vim and vigor in your cocktail, like me, try the Ranchito: tequila, cilantro, pineapple, and jalapeño—on the rocks, of course.
Location: 40 Washington St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: 40 Paper
The Jack
Whether you feel like just sitting for a couple of hours to enjoy made-from-scratch street food with your craft cocktail, or playing a rousing round of bocce or cornhole as you sip to your heart’s content, The Jack can make it happen.
Offering a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails (choose from “Built & Smashed” or “Shaken & Stirred”), The Jack also features a hearty pub menu full of homemade fare to accompany your drink.
Perhaps a Spicy Paloma (tequila, lime, grapefruit soda, and jalapeño) to accompany your Fish Tacos?
Location: 43 Mechanic St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: The Jack
Fresh & Co.
The bartenders at Fresh & Co. pride themselves in their eclectic, international wine and canned/bottled beer lists, a draft beer line featuring Maine brews only, and a curated signature craft cocktail rotation that’ll knock your socks off.
Snag a seat at the bar if you can—but this place is always busy, so be patient.
The service is stellar and the bartenders are true mixologist geniuses, concocting signature creations on-the-fly to brilliant results. Ask for the Mango-Cinnamon Margarita for a singular sipping sensation.
Location: 1 Bay View St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: Fresh & Co.
Lucky Betty’s
Lucky Betty’s is kind of like an out-of-body experience. Located in a repurposed automotive repair shop, it’s all about the retro-gas station vibe. And the amazing drinks. And the cornhole. And the live music. And…well, you should just check the place out to really get the whole picture.
I’ve heard these ladies make the best margaritas in town—strong, on the rocks, and made right before your eyes in an entertaining fashion.
Location: 46 Elm St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: Lucky Betty’s
Blaze Brewing Company
For those of you that crave local craft beer, Blaze Brewing is one of two solid, reliable options in Camden.
Offering a respectable list of house-brewed beer that changes with the seasons, Blaze has long been established as a microbrewery worth watching.
Ales, stouts, pilsners, IPAs, Belgian pale ales, porters, saisons…the list goes on and on, meaning there’s a beer for every palate here.
I’m a big fan of Ripple—a chocolate and coffee milk stout that’s really both dessert and drink all in one.
Location: 5 Bay Vw Lndg, Camden, ME 04843
Website: Blaze
Sea Dog Brewing Company
The second Camden brewing company on this list, Sea Dog is a familiar sight to folks that frequent these streets.
Located on the corner of Main and Bay View right in the center of town, Sea Dog is a great spot to enjoy a locally-crafted beer and a bite with harbor views.
This company has locations in Maine, New Hampshire, and Florida—and each spot features its own, signature brews alongside the other locations’ beers, so be sure to ask for a Camden Sea Dog beer.
The Camden Hazelnut Porter is a real treat if you’re a fan of the heavier beers as I am—and if not, they have several fruit-forward Maine brews, as well.
Location: 1 Main St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: Sea Dog Brewing Company
Natalie’s Restaurant
For a truly elevated bar experience, head to the world-renowned Natalie’s Restaurant at the Camden Harbour Inn.
With an expansive, Wine Spectator-award-winning, Europe-centric wine menu and a much-accoladed food menu to match, you’ll absolutely need reservations to get a seat at the posh, luxe bar here.
In other words, don’t show up in your beach attire, and don’t expect to be able to order a PBR and pizza.
Location: 83 Bay View St, Camden, ME 04843
Website: Natalie’s Restaurant
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