This story was originally published in February 2025.
It can be hard to drag yourself out of your home during the winter months. But when you’re just transferring yourself to a cozy, warm restaurant or pub, well, the choice isn’t that hard to make.
Here are eight eateries and bars around the state with vibes that are so inviting, comfortable and homey that you’ll be forgiven for feeling like you’re a regular, even if you’ve never been there before.
Paddy Murphy’s, Bangor
After trudging down the sidewalk on a frigid, snowy day in the Queen City, it’s awfully nice to come through the doors of Paddy Murphy’s into a warm, welcoming Irish pub and snug into a cozy wooden booth. Top-notch fried food and other pub grub, Guinness, friendly staff and good cheer can be found here. Whether it’s a bustling Saturday packed with people, or a quiet weekday evening, it always feels homey.
Barliman’s, Bangor
One of the newest addition to downtown Bangor’s dining scene capitalizes on the speakeasy aesthetic, with the low lighting and ceilings giving it a chic, clandestine vibe. And yet, the little nooks and crannies for seating, the table games and quirky decor placed throughout and the eclectic but accessible menu of cocktails and mocktails is all designed to make you feel like you’re in a cool, laid-back club that you — and everyone else — are invited to.
Pottle’s, Liberty
This eatery and pub offers comfort food and local beers on tap, a roaring fireplace and family pictures on the walls, all within the walls of a pale yellow 1850s house. The chef and owner uses some of his mom and grandma’s recipes. There’s a big corporate restaurant chain that says, “When you’re here, you’re family.” For Pottle’s, that’s actually true.
King Eider’s Pub, Damariscotta
This mainstay of the southern midcoast has been successful for decades for a good reason: it’s a classic American tavern. King Eider’s prides itself on showcasing things like its amazing whiskey and Scotch list, fresh local oysters and crabcakes, and prime rib on Thursdays. Inside, it’s all warm wood and exposed brick and good-humored bartenders.
Barncastle, Blue Hill
There are lots of restaurants in cool old buildings in Maine, but none quite like Barncastle, which is in a structure on the National Historic Register with connections to presidents, oil tycoons, Spanish royalty and rock stars. Even with those highfalutin credentials, however, the restaurant at Barncastle retains its simple Yankee charm: a simple but elegant menu cooked in a wood-fired oven, antique Maine timber surroundings and year-round coziness.
Leary’s Landing Irish Pub, Bar Harbor
It’s hard to beat a fireplace for cozy vibes. A fireplace in an Irish pub, however? One hundred out of 10 on the cozy scale. Leary’s Landing in Bar Harbor is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the iconic tourist town in the summer, and a warm, easygoing gathering place for locals in the off season, in search of a beer, a meal and some camaraderie.
Northern Maine Brewing Company, Caribou
This microbrewery is a magnet for folks in Aroostook County — not just for the great beer and food but for the community. For nearly a decade Northern Maine Brewing has offered a place for people to gather, featuring rustic decor like farm equipment and vintage maps, a cool bar area with atmospheric lighting and exposed brick, and incredible food. Try the onion rings.
Fore Street, Portland
It may not be on trendy lists from food magazines as much these days, but Fore Street in Portland continues to be one of the best restaurants in New England. It led the way in transforming Portland into a nationally recognized food destination, and it’s still just as good now as it was more than two decades ago. It combines high-quality food and service with a warm, inviting atmosphere, plus the crackle of the massive wood-fired cooking hearth adding roasty, toasty appeal. It’s not cheap, but man, it’s worth it.
