Hi there! Me again! As always – if you have suggestions for the future I’d love to hear them – shoot me a line at courtney@1019por.com or message my Instagram page: Courtney Ross (@justcourtneyblog) • Instagram photos and videos.
Clearly, I enjoy patios & porches. I also thoroughly enjoy an alcoholic (or not!) bevvy whilst sitting in the sunshine on aforementioned patio.
It’s JUNE and officially time to get outside. Who doesn’t love drinking in the sunshine? Perhaps the perpetually cold and those that are allergic to the sun.. but I digress.
I spent last week visiting some fabulous outdoor drinking & dining spots – some I’d been to before, some I was trying for the first time. Portland always gets the credit for having the big sexy outdoor eating & drinking scene… but what about the Non-Portlands of Maine? I needed to investigate.
It was the perfect week for it weather-wise (besides that gross & steamy-as-hell Wednesday) and after being cooped up for the winter my body was more than ready to grab some sunshine and taste some locality.
First up is one of my personal favorites and frequent haunts: Run of the Mill. If you haven’t been here then you are really, truly missing out. I tell everyone to go because literally everything I’ve tasted at ROTM is fabulous… especially the alcoholic beverages.
I’ve never seen a nice-weather day without a packed ROTM patio. Their outdoor seating has one of the best views in Saco – the river! The River Walk (more info here: https://www.biddefordmaine.org/2202/Biddeford-RiverWalk) is also very close by for a pre or post drink walk.
To me, the patio at Run of the Mill just screams spring/summer. I think it’s because every year since I turned 21 my friends & I have come to the patio here before walking down to the La Kermesse fireworks(if you don’t know what this is- I’m disappointed in you, but here’s a link for the latest anyway: https://wgme.com/news/local/biddefords-la-kermesse-festival-postponed-until-2022-due-to-pandemic).
Of course you need to try the beers here – it’s a brewery! The best way to do that is The Paddle:
This flight of beers is the perfect way to check out everything on tap – which changes day to day. Personally I recommend any stout they’ve got available when you’re there – it’s soooo decadent. Also for cocktail lovers – they make a mean martini as well.
When you think of a place to head for a sunny day drink – Cowbell might not be the first place that comes to mind. I’m not going to lie – I lived within 50 feet of this place for a year and rarely thought to go there for anything besides tasty burgers.
It took me googling “outdoor drinks, maine” for me to even realize that they have a porch! Insane. I immediately met my friends there for a few beverages in the sunshine.
The outdoor space at Cowbell is smaller than others, but that makes it even more special. I ordered a blueberry cider (on tap-yum!) and enjoyed the atmosphere. The cocktails came in jars – if you don’t find this charming, I don’t want to be your friend. It’s adorable!
Personally, I’d love to come here at night. The string lights & big outdoor heater must add to the ambience that this area of the city just ~naturally~ has. I’d also like to point out that you can take the above-mentioned River Walk from Cowbell over to Run of the Mill. How convenient.
Every single time I’ve mentioned Sea Salt to someone they’ve been like… Where’s that? This great seafood spot is super easy to drive by without even noticing it. You know that part of Route 1 in Saco that goes uphill towards the “fast food alley”, and the speed limit is 35 but everyone goes about 50? Sea Salt is located right there. You’ve most likely flown right past it.
If you don’t think “drinks with friends” when you think of delicious seafood, I don’t blame you… but Sea Salt’s drink menu is extensive. Plus, what says summer more than a grapefruit spritzer drunk inside your own private cabana?
Although your view will mainly be of Route 1, the fun outdoor space here cannot be denied. If you’re not into the cabanas – Sea Salt’s got a nautical-themed porch area as well. Yes, of course there are buoys!
I highly recommend hitting this spot before the tourists catch wind, or, Pro Tip: go in between the lunch & dinner rush like I did. Boom.
Grand Central Wine Bar, Gorham
Last but certainly not least is the Grand Central Wine Bar above Junction Bowl in Gorham. During the winter I got a chance to check out the porch at this cozy spot but the freezing cold winds and darkness really didn’t do it for me. I decided to give it a summertime try and was not disappointed.
Obviously, the view is spectacular. It’s like what I’d imagine Jack & Rose felt standing at the very tip of the Titanic in that one scene. You feel the wind in your hair, feel the sunshine… it’s lovely.
Unfortunately, I came to Grand Central Wine Bar on Friday night which meant less SUMMER temps and more “Spring in Maine” temps. Needless to say the winds were a bit more windy than I liked, so I ended up coming inside for my drink.
If you’re in the mood to be up very, very high when you drink – this is definitely the spot for you. Also, don’t let the name fool you- the Grand Central Wine Bar has a full cocktail & beer menu as well.
Well, there you have it! I spent a week drinking for my blog. My work here is done.
If you check out any of these spots I’d love to see the photos & hear what you thought! Tag me (Courtney Ross) in your photos on Facebook or Instagram (@justcourtneyblog) and let me know how you liked it.
Next week I’ll be checking out as many AWESOME trails in Southern Maine as possible! Shoot me a line & let me know what some of your favorite spots are at courtney@1019por.com or send me a DM on Instagram here: Courtney Ross (@justcourtneyblog) • Instagram photos and videos.
BYE!
