Comments on: Welcome to Portland, Maine, the Best Beer Drinking City in New England…

By: John

John — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:05:24 +0000

I’ll agree 100% with Portland! For me, nothing beats the quartet of the GLB, Sabago brewpub, Three Dollar Dewey’s and Gritty McDuffs.

I’ll start at the Bear, get a good meal and fresh Maine Micro then move on to the muscle of the Old Port.

When in the Old Port area, It doesn’t matter where I begin or end my pubcrawl. I guess Dewey’s is the perfect place to end. Street level – no stairs, wide open, great selection and lots of friendly fun.

Oh man, haven’t done that crawl in a while. I know my old pal Benny remembers the night we ruled the town. Nothing got in our way, not even locked doors!

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 07:48:12 +0000

Guys, There are two other serious contenders in PVD they are La Laterie in Wayland Square where Dave will alwyas have something fresh and interesting on tap and bottle. Then there is the old East Ave Cafe – right off the highway in Pawtucket. Probably 40 beers on tap and 100+ bottles, very fresh lines and tey have a great way of updating you what is just in and what is on way out…check it out. Brian

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:49:51 +0000

I completely agree with this assessment. I have spent a lot of time in both Portland and Burlington. Both places have other redeeming qualities besides beer- can that be said for New Haven? (I’m wondering, I’ve never been.) Portland and Burlington have great pedestrian areas and mom-and-pop shop-filled streets, excellent restaurants and a cool vibe to boot.

Boston could be a lot better for beer, that is for sure. I get really annoyed if I can’t at least get a Harpoon IPA, my local standby if there is no Smutty.

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:58:07 +0000

I think my assessment of New Haven was correct, but that was of my last visit in February. Prime 16 appears to have only recently opened but it certainly looks promising. I enjoy NEBC and think Delaney’s is a solid spot. I would say it is at least on par with Providence, with the inclusion of Track 84 as you note. As to Providence, I’d say your assessment has some truth. Julian’s is not on my radar, has no beerfly reviews, and it’s tap/beer list online doesn’t look like anything to rave about. But I’ll give it a shot when in town.

By: Jim Rizzo

Jim Rizzo — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 02:46:06 +0000

While I have yet to visit Portland (though you make me want to visit with perhaps a pit stop in Lovell), I have a couple comments.

First, don’t simply dismiss New Haven’s beer scene. With New England Brewing in Woodbridge, Bar/Bru Room, Delaney’s, and the newest addition, Prime 16, it’s getting better. With a little work, Prime 16 could be something special, though I’m not sure downtown New Haven is really ready for a good beer bar (seems to have the same issues as Boston).

I’m actually surprised Providence was considered a real contender. Union Station is mediocre at best and Trinity, while they can be awesome on occasion, is often nothing special (though always better than Union Station). However, you did forget to mention the enthusiastic beer community here and the growing number of good beer bars. If you haven’t been to Providence lately, check BeerFly and hit up a bunch of the places there, especially Julian’s, Track 84, and Nikki’s Liquors.

And Burlington… oh Burlington, how I love thee. It’s easily by far my favorite city and the beer scene is just the icing.

Anyway, great writeup! I’ll have to put Portland into my “next place to visit”.