Portland is great if you're a beer lover. Or a craft spirits lover. But as a cider lover? It's been…read moreunderwhelming over the years, with sugar-forward options created "from away" (Woodchuck, Angry Orchard, Downeast, etc.), being the primary options. Finally, Freedom's Edge has found its way to the city and, if you love real, authentic cider, it's a destination spot (in what's quickly become a trendy, destination neighborhood). Better apples make better cider. That's their saying. And their knowledge of cider history in Maine, and the apple varietals (bittersweet and bittersharp) that grow best here, is impressive, encouraging, and enlightening. The ciders you'll find here are full-bodied and full of interesting flavors. In the spring/summer? Icy cool apple cider slushies. In the fall/winter? Hot mulled cider with spices. All year round? Cider cocktails. What more could you want? Oh, good cider? Sweet or semi-sweet or dry or tart or funky? They've got it all. The tasting room is clean and spacious with plenty of seating options (high tops, tables, couches, etc.) and big, big windows that let the sun just pooooour right in. I do wish the outdoor space was bigger/more inviting (or that there was a rooftop deck), but you can only work with what you have and Freedom's Edge certainly has. The staff here is friendly and patient with questions and suggestions. The bathrooms always, always, always smell good (IYKYK).

Definitely a go-to place if you enjoy cider. There are quite a few different styles used to produce…read morethe variety of cider, with a unique taste to each. I had the opportunity to try most everything on the menu over a couple of visits and I found all to be of superb quality. The service was excellent - they know their product and were very welcoming. The inside space has a good variety of seating options and games for inside and out (cornhole!). I keep meaning to check out upstairs but that'll have to be next trip. I love the inclusivity and spaciousness of the bathrooms too. It's the attention to detail that makes all the difference - to the cider, to the space, and how staff treats customers. Love this biz!

Stopped by today after a hike. Three of us got flights. It was fun. The flavors are strong and…read morevery distinct. We felt comfortably enough to sit and chat for a while. It was a Sunday afternoon so we were one of only two tables. My favorite is the Maniac Gold with Cranberry, followed by Maniac Max Blueberry and then Caramel Apple.

Satisfied every single time I come here. Organic food, great donuts, allows work for teens for many…read moreopportunities, and people working there are always kind and nice. Great place to go for a pitstop. That being said, they had a breakfast morning one day, so my family went and spent $70 DOLLARS on 4 sets on scrambled eggs, 2 sausages, and pancakes. Crazy prices

We love it here! The…read moreatmosphere is very cool a big garage filled with beautiful plants a lovely fire pit lots of games and comfy alcove seating. The seltzers are not my favorite, but they do accommodate the non-Beer drinking crowd. The two times we have been there. I have opted for slushies as well, which have been fun and beautiful. The service is always great. It is counter service, which at times can get busy, but we have gone early in the day during both of our visits which has been steady but not too busy. Although I prefer my bars to be adult only locations, this spot does tend to have families come out to it.

Always a delightful experience. They rotate seltzers (and now ciders) regularly and they are…read more(almost) always very good and refreshing. Great atmosphere and very spacious for large gatherings with friends; they also have board games to help pass the time. There's always at least one food truck and it seems to rotate. Bartenders are always courteous and helpful. Plenty of parking around the back.

Came here to try out their new food menu. I heard from coworkers that they used to have a food…read moretruck but now they are making their own food and it is pretty good. I came around 7:30 on a weeknight and it was not super busy. The cribbage group just finished and was heading out-they have lots of social event here which I hope to attend now. I had chicken tenders+fries and a blackberry mule. I thought it was super tasty! I made conversation with the bartender and other people at the bar. Everyone was very friendly and I can't wait to come back. Additionally, they have great holiday decor! Also a couch, books, games, etc. Seems like a great place to meet with friends. Especially since they also do coffee here. Overall super impressed. I wish I came here sooner!

SXE has been one of my favorite locations to visit ever since moving back to Maine. I've been able…read moreto experience many of their transitions, from brewery and coffee shop, to the roasting of their own coffee beans, to making and serving their own food. My daughter met Santa for the first time here two years ago. I've taken all my guests visiting from out of town here. I've celebrated Father's Day with my dad here and date nights with my husband. I've enjoyed jazz brunch with my kids and girl's days with my friends and sister. When I'm craving a delicious coffee beverage, Side By Each is the first place I think of. Whether I am taking my drink to go or having it at the brewery, it is always well crafted. I most recently had a salted caramel latte and it was splendid along with their cinnamon rolls. I actually visited SXE twice yesterday and on my second visit tried their fried pickles and pretzel appetizer. Both were delicious and the dipping sauce and beer cheese both packed in a great amount of flavor. They also hand cut their fries which adds another level of deliciousness. I always love seeing the same individuals behind the bar serving me and the owner has always been so friendly anytime I interacted with him. When I recently heard that this fantastic location would be closing the first of the year, I would be lying if I said I didn't shed some tears-- this spot will be greatly missed by many and I certainly hope to see SXE out in the community in some capacity in the future or through the continuation of beer brewing and coffee bean roasting. Thanks for everything Side By Each Brewing, you really did it all and you did it all well!

Great ambiance, and beer. The cocktails looked so pretty but we didn't try those. There were…read moreboard games and soda for kids too.

Our second time coming to this establishment. First time was during the beginning of the year so a…read morelittle colder and we sat indoors. Today, we were able to sit outside at one of the picnic tables and enjoy a beautiful mid-September afternoon. My husband + I each enjoyed a drink (beer of his choice and a cider for me) and shared the chicken tenders + fries with our kids. Though we just ordered the chicken + fries, food and drink were great. Service was friendly and quick. Definitely a place we'll keep coming back to!

Maine Beer Company, probably my favourite brewery and all of the country as of right now…read more From their deep belief in giving 1% back to the Earth of their profits, to encasing all of their beer and glass bottles for sustainability, how clean every beer tastes. I knew I had to visit the brewery before moving back to Los Angeles later in the summer and it was a highlight of my Maine trip. What an incredible job they have done with this brewery set up. From the ways in which great service is seamless, to the woodfired pizza oven, to how easy it was to order beers. I absolutely loved this place. If you want a specific beer to try, dinner is my clear favourite.

Bucket List achieved! This place has been on my list of breweries to get to for years! I'm a huge…read morefan of Lunch and wanted to get it at the source. Location- phenomenal spot. Beautifully decorated in the interior and the giant whale skeleton is awesome. Beer is so good which I knew but having it at the source made it even more special. Cons: hard to not spend your life savings at the gift shop. Not really Maine Beers fault, more like my issue :) Service was quick and efficient. Tables were spotless. Really felt like an upscale experience but not in a pretentious way

Nice place with so many draft cider options on draft..19 on tap. Original dry is their flagship …read more. very nice crisp drink. Enjoyed their apple fritter cider made with maple syrup ginger spices and vanilla. My friends really liked their berries ciders. Nice open area to sample drinks have snacks and meet new people. Loved their dog rhat greets you as you enter.

We decided to have a little date. North Country Cider was a great place to relax, play a game and…read moreshare cheese and crackers we brought with us. We tried four ciders each and really enjoyed the quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Our Cidermaid was attentive and friendly as well as very knowledgeable about the flavors. They have a great little checklist which they return with your ciders and the sample board is numbered with coordinated flavors you chose.

Ever since our first trip to Maine Craft Distilling, we've been frequent returners for their happy…read morehour! One of the best in Portland!

Popped into here after having lunch just next door. We weren't planning on buying anything but we…read moresay they sold seltzers so we grabbed a few to try out. After chatting about the flavors we were easily talked into trying their tasters which can be given in 3, 6, or 9 portions. For the seltzers, I really enjoyed the rhubarb & lime as well as the elderflower. We found the mule to be a bit too sweet for what we like. In terms of hard liquor, I would rank from most to least favorites to be the whiskey, gin, rum, apple brandy, and one that tasted like cough syrup. Overall, we had fun even during our brief visit. The staff are sweet and it's a very comfortable and casual environment you can easily spend hours in. Would come again!

Fantastic late lunch at the one of our favorite restaurants in the MWV. Jaime was an absolute…read morepleasure as our server and was creative in addressing a too sweet canned beverage. The brisket, pulled pork, and Cajun burger were perfectly cooked and the flavor was amazing. The Moat has the best brisket we've ever had, extremely lean and flavorful. The pulled pork was smoky and tender, so delicious. The Cajun burger was delectable and incredibly tasty. Highly recommend the Moat, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu and they have one of the best breweries anywhere.

We have been coming to Moat for years and this past visit was disappointing. The menu change really…read morethrew us for a loop, HOWEVER the food was really good but our service was not. We had come in for lunch after a hike and we were really looking forward to having dessert after our meal and our server came over once we had finished our meals and just handed us the check. No questions asked if we had enjoyed it or if we had any thoughts on dessert. We felt rushed and not like a valued customer at all which really made our view of the business sour. We ended up not even mentioning dessert and paid the check and left it didn't seem like there would be any point of asking because of server seemed like she would much rather be anywhere else. We have had really good service in the past but given this visit it really has us questioning if we would come back.

I have been on brewery tours in the past, but this by far has been an exceptional experience with…read moreHunter as our tour guide! She was extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer all our questions about the brewery process. She went above and beyond with Customer Service. Allagash is very fortunate to have such an employee that is passionate about the business. I have to also commend the rest of your staff who we were lucky enough to interact with on our visit...they truly know the meaning of Customer Service and love their work! thank you all for an awesome experience!

The Bungalow, tucked away in The Downs in Scarborough is a wonderful little gem of a spot. When…read moreyou get off I-95 exit 42, you're about 3 minutes away from the best brewery and experience in Scarborough. It's cozy, inviting, very family friendly, has a lovely patio space, full food menu, a dozen beers on tap as well as n/a, cider and wine, as well as cans for takeaway. There's a reason why Allagash became, and remains, Maine's brewery gold standard. Many breweries make good beer, many breweries have fun spaces, but nobody has it perfected like Allagash. Remember "Cheers?" You'll have that feeling at The Bungalow in Scarborough. Oh, and trivia on Thursdays.