"So Cronk, What's the best deal in Portland?"

So the people at college have been asking me about bars in town. When they find out about this site they almost always ask me about the best deals in the Old Port. While I do not have one solid answer, (Not being political, I really don’t) I can tell you where I like to go and why.

As far as price goes, it will be difficult to find a better deal than Dock Fore. They have a $1.95 draft special every day. And that is a 20oz beer…amazing. Pair that with the fact that you can usually get in to watch football on a Sunday and you have a sure winner.

Sometimes I feel like going out to find a PBR and some live music. The Empire is an ideal spot. I recommend Tuesday night when they do the battle of the bands. In this regard the cover charge is a fine cost to me because the money goes to musicians who earn my six bucks with fun music. I don’t care to pay a cover to listen to looped beats on a base heavy system. I can also do without black lights. The Empire offers fair prices and a hell of a fine special. For five dollars you can get a Beer, a burger and a shot of bourbon. Brilliant.

I also enjoy heading up the hill to invade Caleb’s stomping grounds. The Snug is a great place because their bartenders are all incredible people. Michelle was voted as the top bartender in Portland by The Phoenix. Match her with the venerable Sully (just ask him to tell you some barroom stories and you won’t be disappointed) and the ever engaging Rachel and you have yourself an All star bar tending lineup. These people make the bar experience which is what a great bartender should do. In fact, Rachel needs more love on Sunday nights so go see her and tell her Cronk sent you.

So those are my favorite places right now. Give a new place a try and go in to one of these great establishments. You will not be disappointed.

Cronk says: I remember when we would go to Gritty’s on Thursday night as a matter of principle. The $8 pitcher called to most of USM and it was a blast. Sadly, the pitcher no longer carries the same price. Someone should do a 6-8 dollar pitcher on Thursday night again. Bring it back…..Thursday is the new Friday after all.