Finding a good bar in Maine isn’t hard, but the seats are more likely occupied by locals than tourists. In Portland, the Old Port area has several nice places to drink, but it is a bit on the touristy side. Instead, head uptown a few blocks to hot spots like the Great Lost Bear (540 Forest Ave, Portland) for New England’s biggest beer menu. Other popular towns like Bar Harbor and the Kennbunks also have decent bar scenes. Check out the Thirsty Whale Tavern (40 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor) or Pepper’s Pub (20 Water Street, Ellsworth) for evening entertainment.

Whenever possible, visit a local brewpub such as Atlantic Brewing Company (15 Knox Road, Bar Harbor) or Federal Jack’s (8 Western Ave, Kennebunk) because Maine has a solid craft brewing community. In fact, brewpubs are perhaps the best venues to hang with the locals, hear live music, and mix good beer with good food.

From Bangor’s Sea Dog Brewing (26 Front Street, Bangor) to Allagash Brewing Company (100 Industrial Way, Portland), brewpubs can be found in big cities and tiny towns alike. All bars in Maine are required by law to stop serving alcohol at 1:00 a.m., though they may stay open later. Smoking is prohibited in all bars and restaurants, even on outdoor terraces.