A quintessential New England seaside town, York includes the villages of York Beach, York Harbor, and Cape Neddick.
Drawing thousands of vacationers every year, York is like a scene from a postcard—classic, colonial architecture and adorable shops, eateries, and cottages.
But York also has its share of nightlife, especially in the summer months, offering all manner of atmospheres and entertainment.
Whether you’re in York with family, friends, or a loved one, you’ll find the perfect spot to enjoy your favorite drink—and there just might be a spectacular view to accompany it, too.
Map of York Bars
This map of York bars will help you hunt out the next stop on your Maine bar crawl:
The Central Restaurant and Bar
This warm and welcoming bistro sports a rustic vibe, elevated fare, and a fantastic bar menu, including some amazing craft cocktails.
Typically closed for 6 weeks in January-February, The Central is a great spot to cozy up to the bar on a cold winter’s night for one of their sinfully delicious dessert drinks, like the White Chocolate, Nuts & Berries: Chambord, Frangelico, and white chocolate Godiva cordial.
Location: 127 Long Sands Rd, York, ME 03909
Website: The Central Restaurant and Bar
Union Bluff Grill & Pub
You have two options for enjoying libations when you come to the iconic Union Bluff: The Bluff Pub and the Union Grill, and which one you choose depends on what kind of mood you’re in.
The Pub is casual, come-as-you-are, and usually full of convivial chatter and laughter; the Union Grill is a bit more intimate and cozier, with a more formal, scaled-down menu and even some fireside seating.
Both feature their own well-stocked bar, offering craft beer on tap, wine, and cocktails; the Grill also has Happy Hour from 5-6 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Location: 8 Beach St, York, ME 03909
Website: Union Bluff Grill & Pub
Inn on the Blues
Calling themselves “York Beach’s Top Gathering Spot,” the seasonal Inn on the Blues wears many hats: Lodging, restaurant, bar, and music venue.
You pretty much can’t miss this place on summer nights; with the indoor-outdoor seating full to capacity, a bar full of laughing, sipping patrons, and live music pouring out into the street, Inn on the Blues draws you in before you even know what it’s all about.
Location: 7 Ocean Ave, York, ME 03909
Website: Inn on the Blues
Ruby’s Wood Grill
A brick-oven restaurant and sports bar all in one, Ruby’s is always busy. Offering Happy Hour on weeknights from 4-6, a Mug Club, and a full-service bar (as well as a dining room and tavern-style area), Ruby’s has plenty of coverage for local sports—and plenty of food and drink to fill your belly while you watch.
Location: 433 US-1, York, ME 03909
Website: Ruby’s Wood Grill
York Harbor Inn
This is another spot that has options when it comes to where you pull up a barstool.
If you’re looking for a casual, cozy vibe with live entertainment and a lively atmosphere, head down to the Ship’s Cellar Pub.
And if you’re staying at their Chapman Cottage just up the road, then get your drink at the Tavern at Chapman Cottage, which features a huge, fieldstone fireplace, warm wood walls and furniture, and a full-service bar.
Location: 480 York St, York Harbor, ME 03911
Website: York Harbor Inn
The Deck at Dockside
This seasonal, outdoor, tiki-style bar is a happening place come summertime. Surrounded by breathtaking views of York Harbor, this is a quintessential summer experience.
With a full menu on offer—both food and libations—you can enjoy dinner, drinks, and a show (the sunset, of course) right on the dock.
Order the Voodoo Rum Punch to lend even more of a tropical flavor to your evening.
Location: 22 Harris Island Rd, York, ME 03909
Website: The Deck at Dockside
York River Landing
Perched on the banks of the York River, this local favorite features a large bar along with several dining areas—many with expansive views of the river.
Their craft beer menu is impressive, and there are also plenty of house cocktails and a fair few wines on offer to go along with York River Landing’s extensive dining menus.
Open seven days a week all year long, YRL is a reliable option for when you just want to belly up to a well-stocked bar, order dinner and drinks, and have at it—no reservation necessary.
Location: 150 US-1, York, ME 03909
Website: York River Landing
The Shearwater
This upscale lounge and restaurant (at the Stage Neck Inn) features an urban-chic bar and an elevated drink menu.
Their extensive wine list and spirits selection is impressive, and the Shearwater’s craft cocktails are not to be missed.
For a real kick in the pants (albeit a classy kick), order a York Harbor Lemonade.
Location: 8 Stage Neck Rd, York, ME 03909
Website: The Shearwater
Walkers Maine
Another next-level establishment, the bar at Walkers manages to feel upscale, rustic, high-end, and casual, all at the same time.
It’s perfect for date night—even if you can’t score a seat at their generously-sized bar—and the food is just as good as their curated wine list and craft cocktails.
Location: 1273 US-1, Cape Neddick, ME 03902
Website: Walkers Maine
Odd by Nature Brewing
It seems that microbreweries are popping up everywhere these days—but this one stands out because, not only do they offer their own brews (duh), but this taproom also features cocktails, wines, and food.
Kind of a game-changer, don’t you think?
Location: 1400 US-1, Cape Neddick, ME 03902
Website: Odd by Nature Brewing
Wiggly Bridge Distillery Barn
As rustic as it gets—it is a barn, after all—Wiggly Bridge’s bar features a menu of drinks made with their own spirits: Whisky, bourbon, rum, vodka, gin, and tequila.
And if you’ve never had a Wiggly Bloody made with their white whisky? Then you’ve never had a Bloody Mary, my friend.
Location: 441 US-1, York, ME 03909
Website: Wiggly Bridge Distillery Barn
Sand Dollar Bar and Grill
The bar on the second-floor porch of this seasonal favorite overlooks the bustling center at Short Sands; sitting out there with a glass of wine, some delicious seafood, and listening to live music is pretty much all I could ask for.
But don’t worry if you can’t get a seat out there, because their bar inside is a great option as well. The Sand Dollar also has a game room—pool, Foosball, and shuffleboard—as well as local sports on big-screen TVs.
Location: 2 Beach St, York, ME 03909
Website: Sand Dollar Bar and Grill
Stones Throw Bar and Restaurant
This seasonal eatery and bar overlooks Long Sands beach—a view that can make any cocktail taste better…which is hard to do here because their signature libations are already rave-worthy.
Step into your flip-flops, head on down to Stones Throw, and order one of their Painkillers to slowly sip as you watch the waves roll in.
Location: 123 Long Beach Ave, York, ME 03909
Website: Stones Throw Bar and Restaurant
Guac ‘n Roll
The food at this cantina is deliciously authentic…but it’s the drinks at the bar we’re here to discuss.
In the winter, Guac ‘n Roll shifts operations over to Inn on the Blues (their seasonal sister property) next door—much to the joy of their faithful customers (and me—to be able to get on of their Spicy Sunset cocktails while it’s snowing outside is pure magic).
Location: 9 Ocean Ave, York, ME 03909
Website: Guac ‘n Roll
Before I sign off, here are a few more mention-worthy spots to get yourself a drink in York, depending on what kind of atmosphere you’re looking for.
Dive bar? Head to The Broken Elbo.
In the mood for sushi and a Polynesian-style drink? Green Leaves Sushi Bar and Lounge is the spot for you.
And for two more craft-brew options, check out SoMe Brewing Company or York Beach Beer Company.
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