The town seems to cater more toward the year-round folks when it comes to bars—places you go to see familiar faces and hear the buzz about town.
But that doesn’t mean visitors aren’t welcome—not by a long shot. Wells is “the friendliest town in Maine,” after all, and every one of these fine businesses will make you feel right at home when you belly up to the bar for a pint and a nibble.
Map of Wells Bars
Here are all of the bars we’ve mentioned in this article, so you can plan out your next drink:
Bitter End
Despite its diminutive size, the bar at Bitter End packs a wallop with amazing craft cocktails and a fantastic collection of wines and local brews (not to mention the amazing fare).
Everywhere you look—walls and ceiling—you’ll find fascinating sports memorabilia displayed; even the restaurant’s name is a sports reference (a mistaken headline for the result of the Pats-Falcons Super Bowl back in 2017).
The bartenders are friendly and helpful, and it’s fun to watch them expertly concoct your potion of choice; I’m a huge fan of the B.E. Spicy: House jalapeño-infused tequila, agave, a fresh orange slice, and fresh lime juice, on the rocks.
Location: 2118 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Bitter End
Féile Restaurant & Pub
This family-run pub features a laid-back lounge area as well as a full bar with HDTVs and live music on the weekends. The owner hails from Limerick—he owned a pub there, actually—so Féile feels like the real deal.
You’ll find a huge array of bottled beers from around the globe along with 16 drafts on offer; Féile also boasts the most extensive list of Irish Whiskeys in the entire state. And, to help soak up some of that whiskey, there’s plenty of Irish fare available on the menu.
There are also karaoke nights and Irish sing-alongs if you’re feeling a wee bit lively.
Location: 1619 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Féile Restaurant & Pub
The New England House Seafood & Sports Bar
You have bar options when you stop in at The New England House; if the weather is kind, you can sit at the outdoor bar and patio; if not, there’s always the inside version.
With enough TVs that you can watch several different games at the same time, this casual, comfortable spot is a great option for grabbing some fresh seafood and a couple of beers while keeping an eye on the score.
The fare is fresh and affordable, and the full bars have plenty of beer, wine, and spirits to choose from.
Location: 124 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: The New England House Seafood & Sports Bar
Litchfield’s Bar & Grill
Year-round since 2012, Litchfield has been welcoming tourists and locals alike for delicious pub-style fare, sports on tv, and cheerful faces behind the bar.
Open until 11:00 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, Litchfield features an enormous full menu as well as one with more limited, late-night offerings—and the bar is fully stocked, so whether you’re there for a local IPA, a glass of chardonnay, or a Negroni, you won’t leave disappointed.
Location: 2135 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Litchfield’s Bar & Grill
Joshua’s
For a refined, upscale bar experience, head to Joshua’s…just know ahead of time that, if you don’t get there early, you won’t get a seat at the bar.
The cocktails here are all made with fresh-squeezed juice, and many of the simple syrups, herbs, and shrubs are made from ingredients grown in the owner’s gardens. The wine list is impressively expansive as are the beer offerings, and the bartenders here are both friendly and knowledgeable.
And when it’s time to soften the blow of those potent libations, the ever-changing menu here is amazing.
Location: 1637 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Joshua’s
Stutesy’s
This cozy tavern offers line-of-sight to at least one flat-screen TV from pretty much every seat in the house—not just at the bar. Kind of a requirement for a New England sports bar—where there could be two or three different home team games on at once.
Located near the Wells-Ogunquit border on Route One, Stutesy’s is always reliable for good food, friendly service, and a few libations with a couple of buddies at the bar. You can also show up with your favorite someone and ask for the house cribbage board that’s kept behind the bar; while away a few hours with cards and cocktails.
Location: 52 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Stutesy’s
Hobbs Harborside
Find a seat at the horseshoe-shaped bar and enjoy cocktails with gorgeous views of Wells Harbor at Hobbs Harborside. Extremely popular come summertime (especially since this is a seasonal spot), you have to be an early bird to nab a couple of bar stools, though—and Hobbs Harborside doesn’t take reservations.
But the wait is worth it—and with lots of talented bartenders, a full complement of liquor, beer, and wine, and a huge, seafood-centric menu, once your backside is planted at the bar, you’re not going to want to go anywhere anytime soon.
Location: 352 Harbor Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Hobbs Harborside
Billy’s Chowder House
Established in 1979, Billy’s Chowder House is situated smack in the middle of the Rachel Carson Wildlife Preserve salt marsh, accessible via Mile Road from Route One. The bar features plenty of seating and a full menu of fantastic pub fare and fresh seafood.
The bartenders at Billy’s are also well-known for their signature cocktails—especially Billy’s Rum Punch, which you can order by the glass, or by the bucket, to supposedly serve two. Other utterly worthy house libations: Billy’s Spiked Lemonade, Bellini, or Red Sangria.
Location: 216 Mile Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Billy’s Chowder House
East Restaurant & Lounge
Featuring several TVs, an elegant atmosphere, and fabulous Polynesian drinks, the lounge at East Restaurant is a fun spot to meet up with a few friends over drinks and dinner.
Whether you’re craving a Scorpion Bowl and a Pu Pu Platter, or an ice-cold beer and Pad Thai, East has it all: Fresh, authentic Chinese, Japanese, and Thai fare on the food menu, and a huge selection of beer, wine, and all manner of cocktails to go along with your meal.
Be sure to ask what the daily happy hour special is—because some of the best drink creations only crop up then.
Location: 636 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: East Restaurant & Lounge
Mike’s Clam Shack
In addition to a full-service sports bar and high-top tables, Mike’s also has a separate, family-friendly dining room, outdoor seating, a fish market, and a gift shop on-site.
Open all year (except for a short, two-week break in February), Mike’s is popular with locals and visitors alike; the servings are large, the prices are fair, the bartenders are gregarious, and the food is delicious.
There are several TVs in the lively bar area, and there are plenty of local, domestic, and imported beers on draft to choose from, as well as bottles and cans; also, the food menus for the bar and dining room are the same.
Location: 1150 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Website: Mike’s Clam Shack
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