This former mill town has been in the process of a methodical revitalization for the last decade or so—and thankfully, the powers that be had the foresight over the years to spare the old mill buildings from demolition.
Rehabbed and repurposed, these sturdy old industrial sentinels are now slowly filling up with residential spaces, small businesses, and restaurants…and where there are restaurants, you can safely bet there’ll be bars, as well.
Saco is also just a hop across the river from her sister city, Biddeford, which is now the youngest in the state (median age of 29), and there are plenty of places in Saco that cater to this Millennial crowd.
Map of Saco Bars
Looking to plan your next Saco bar crawl? This map shows off all the best bars in the area as listed in this article:
Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery
Housed in one of the aforementioned mills, Run of the Mill has all of the industrial-rustic appeal you’d expect from such a structure.
Now in the business of beer production, ROTM puts out 30 different brews throughout the year—and if beer isn’t your thing, there is also full bar service to accompany their made-from-scratch pub fare menu.
The atmosphere is lively and friendly, and there is plenty of patio seating—both covered and open—if you don’t get a seat at the bar.
Location: 100 Main St, Saco, ME 04072
Website: Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery
Pacifico
Located just up the hill from Run of the Mill in yet another rehabilitated mill building, this uber-cool bistro-lounge is like a breath of fresh, tropical air.
Serving spectacular, local fare and cocktails with a Latin spin, Pacifico’s vibe and atmosphere feel far more exotic than you’d expect from its industrial exterior.
Gem-toned walls, a gorgeous, glossy bar, cool lighting, oversized tropical plants…it’s like having a little bit of Havana right here in Saco. The cocktails here are creatively presented, full of authentic Latin flavors, and next-level delicious—as is the fare.
Try the Killing Me Softly cocktail: Pineapple rum, coconut gin, angostura bitters, orange juice, coconut cream, and lime.
Location: 120 Main St Suite 254, Saco, ME 04072
Website: Pacifico
Up & Up Cocktail Lounge
Located upstairs (hence the name) from Vic & Whit’s Market, this retro-cool bar is a not-to-be-missed Saco experience.
With its skiddle-di-wah kind of speakeasy atmosphere—dimly lit, leather couches, pinball games—Up & Up is downright fun.
While oft referred to as a dive bar (not that there’s anything wrong with that), I beg to differ.
Just because it’s of the no-muss-no-fuss variety doesn’t make it nasty, in my book (and let’s face it, folks—all dive bars must have a certain level of nastiness to them).
Fun ambiance, friendly service, and fantastic drinks—that’s what Up & Up is all about.
Location: 206 Main St 2nd floor, Saco, ME 04072
Website: Up & Up Cocktail Lounge
Unwind Cocktail Lounge
Formerly the Lady and the Mensch Bar, Unwind has been catching the eye of local bar scene reporters and making a splash in industry news with their creative twists on speakeasy-era libations.
The cocktails here are truly works of art and labors of love—and almost as fun to watch being made as they are to drink.
One of Unwind’s most popular signature cocktails—the Fortitude—features a funky twist on the Moscow Mule: Vodka with a house-made shrub (apple cider vinegar, pineapple, turmeric, and ginger), ginger beer, and a rosemary garnish.
Location: 172 Main St, Saco, ME 04072
Website: Unwind Cocktail Lounge
Golden Rooster
The cozy, diminutive bar at the Golden Rooster may only seat about a dozen or so patrons…but fear not.
If you can’t grab a bar stool, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor tables at which to enjoy a beer, glass of wine, or cocktail of choice.
Tuesday means Taco Night—and $5 margarita night—which is hugely popular here.
The Rooster is located in the heart of downtown Saco, where the on-street parking is still plentiful and free.
The food (delicious) and drinks (strong) are quite reasonably priced, and the service is fast and friendly.
Location: 236 Main St, Saco, ME 04072
Website: Golden Rooster
Ricetta’s
The lively, full-service bar is separate from the family-friendly restaurant area at Ricetta’s and features live music, trivia nights, and the full dining menu, much of which is Italian-fare-forward.
Formerly the longstanding Kerrymen Pub, the vibe at Ricetta’s is both rustic and fresh all at once.
There are plenty of seats at the long bar, daily happy hour specials, and the talented mixologists there can pretty much concoct any libation request you throw at them.
Location: 512 Main St, Saco, ME 04072
Website: Ricetta’s
Sea Salt Lobster
Located inland on Route One, Sea Salt looks pretty much like a pre-fabricated metal warehouse (well, probably because that’s exactly what it is).
But don’t be fooled by the austere exterior; the restaurant and bar are at the front of the building, and the interior is bright and welcoming.
The bar serves local draft brews and craft cocktails as well as domestic beer and wine options, and the fresh, seafood-forward menu is huge.
Location: 660 Main St, Saco, ME 04072
Website: Sea Salt Lobster
Barreled Souls Brewing
If you are a fan of locally-brewed beer—especially of the darker varieties—then be sure to make time in your bar crawl schedule to stop off here.
Also located out on Route One, Barreled Souls certainly isn’t on the Main Street circuit, but it is well worth the short drive.
Once there, you’ll find this funky tasting room on the basement level beneath some law offices.
The lounge area features amazing seating crafted from oak barrels, and there are also stools at the bar—which I recommend, in case you have questions about any of the amazing brews.
There are shuffleboard tables and cribbage boards available, as well.
Location: 743 Portland Rd, Saco, ME 04072
Website: Barreled Souls Brewing
Huot’s Seafood Restaurant
Huot’s is the only establishment on this list that is actually at the coast (at Camp Ellis Beach), which is probably why it is also the only seasonal spot.
A local favorite since 1935, Huot’s features indoor and outdoor dining, as well as seating at the full-service bar.
Casual and comfortable, Huot’s does not take reservations—and if you want to get one of those seats at the bar, be sure to arrive early.
The menu is about as seafood-centric as they come—but there are two or three landlubber options as well.
Location: Beach, 29 Eastern Ave, Saco, ME 04072
Website: Huot’s Seafood Restaurant
Traditions
For a more refined, mellow bar experience right in downtown Saco, pull up a stool at Traditions’ beautiful, softly-lit mahogany bar.
With a huge menu of authentic Italian fare and a full bar at your disposal, it’s easy to lose track of time here.
The drinks are strong, the food is plentiful and affordable, and the service is impeccable.
Location: 162 Main St, Saco, ME 04072
Website: Traditions
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