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.

Visited for the first time on a rainy Sunday and loved it here! Apres has a beautiful, relaxed…read morevibe, and the abundance of plants, and lights hanging from the ceiling really contributed to a warm atmosphere. Inside seating consists of tables, and beautifully cozy circular booths. Outside seating has a lovely fire pit as well as other seating areas away from the fire. Apres serves gluten-free small bites, and there was a Thai food truck. We weren't hungry so I can't comment on the food. There is also a back room that has cozy seating and is very quiet. Apres also has games on the tables that customers can feel free to play. My huband ordered a cider, which was delicious and not overly sweet. I got a seltzer which was very refreshing and had more flavor than your typical mass produced canned seltzer. Very friendly service here, and we appreciated being able to sample before making a decision. Great experience at Apres!

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 are staying here as part of the Harvest Host program. This is a wonderful restaurant/brewery…read more They have both indoor and outdoor seating and a play ground area for kids. The outdoor seating had large umbrellas and you could bring your dog. We sat outside & it was very nice even with a little rain! Our server John was great. He kept things moving but also took the time to answer our questions. We had the Muffelette and a Roasted Veggie Salad. Both were excellent. We went back later & got the bread pudding to go and it was delicious. We are really glad we chose this place!

We love Allagash!…read more It's definitely a go-to place especially when we have family in town. Friendly staff, kid-friendly, great vibe. Food truck on campus, kids area (a plus for our family!) and plenty of seating.

Rude service. The girl with the big round tattoo on the back of her left arm must have been having…read morea bad day since she was so short with us. The slushy is not drinkable. It tastes like watery cough syrup. The ice wasn't firm/fluffy/ready. Service was so rude, I didn't even want to tell them. My husband eventually swapped it out for the blueberry beer which came out warm. I guess they don't frost their glasses here?