close
close

This bar in Maine was named the best pub in the state

It's no secret that there are plenty of great places to relax and have a drink in our Pine Tree State, but this one seems to be the best!

Dive bars often get a bad rap because of their name alone, but in reality they are popular with many. Unlike fancy restaurants or upscale breweries, dive bars are generally more down-to-earth.

Image credit: Canva / Getty Stock

Image credit: Canva / Getty Stock

But first: What is a dive bar anyway?

According to a Wikipedia article – and we all know that this is the be-all and end-all when it comes to trustworthy sources on the Internet— a dive bar is typically a small, unglamorous, old-style eclectic pub with inexpensive drinks.

Image credit: Canva / Getty Stock

Image credit: Canva / Getty Stock

There may be dim lighting, shabby or outdated decor, neon beer signs, packaged beer sales, cash service, and locals. Maybe you didn't initially think your favorite establishment was a “dive'but after this description you may think about a few things.

How do you even find out which are the best bars?

Image credit: Canva / Getty Stock

Image credit: Canva / Getty Stock

24/7 Wall St. magazine published an article highlighting the “best dive bars in every state.” To make these selections, 24/7 Wall St. analyzed Yelp ratings and reviews for establishments that described themselves as dive bars.

They excluded those that were primarily restaurants, sports bars, or chains, or that lacked the typical characteristics of a dive bar. They also reviewed dive bar summaries from various sources, such as Thrillist, Eater, Tasting Table, and The Daily Meal, as well as local and regional websites and the online presence of the bars themselves.

Image credit: Canva / Getty Stock

Image credit: Canva / Getty Stock

So what is 24/7 Wall St.'s pick for the best bar in Maine?

24/7 Wall St. chose Ruski's Tavern in Portland and had this to say:

Unusual for a dive bar, Ruski's serves what many reviewers praise as excellent food – including hearty breakfasts. Yelpers describe the place as “unpretentious, casual and… a great mix of locals of all ages and backgrounds,” noting, “The drinks are strong, the service is warm and the music will have you dancing.”

Credit: Google Maps

Credit: Google Maps

What do you think is the best pub in Maine? Have you ever been to Ruski's Tavern in Portland?

The 10 Drunkest Cities in Maine

There's no doubt that Maine loves to drink, but where in the Pine Tree State do Mainers like to drink the most? RoadSnacks did the math and we've compiled the 10 “drunkest” towns in Maine!

Gallery credit: Jordan Verge

Bars and restaurants with patios and decks in Maine

Who doesn't enjoy a beer and a burger on a patio (or deck) on a warm summer evening? Since we're still dealing with the pandemic, you may want to reach out to each of these establishments to make sure they haven't made any temporary COVID-related changes to their business.

Maine residents are advised NOT to visit these 9 places

The U.S. Department of State regularly issues travel alerts for Americans to help them stay safe while on vacation. There are four levels of alerts: take usual precautions, use increased caution, reconsider travel, and do not travel. These are nine of the 19 destinations with a Level 4 alert: DO NOT TRAVEL.

The 5 Best Places to Retire in Maine

In a recent publication, personal finance website Insider Monkey identified the best places in America to retire. In addition, Insider Monkey also broke the places down by state, including our own Pine Tree State.

Gallery credit: Jordan Verge

Anna Harden

Learn More →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *