Unfortunately, I can't judge the food, service or atmosphere. Came in here in the afternoon between 2 and 3 PM and it was busy. It must have been a Wednesday or a Thursday. This is a tiny place and they wanted me to sit at the bar but I didn't want to sit there. I ended up waiting about 10 minutes and this was enough for me and I left. I'm not sure if the dude wearing the costume was for real or not. I don't know why all the restaurants in town are closed Monday and Tuesday or is it Sunday and Monday?? McDonalds is always open.
Jessica Johncox
Amazing food! Great beer ?The portions were incredibly large. We will definitely go again as there are so many items on the menu we’d like to try.
I cannot give a better recommendation than to say that my dinner here was the true highlight of my trip to Maine! This is such a wonderful restaurant. Brother Donald explained that the lobster in our lobster roll, which had at least a pound of lobster and was in about an 18 inch freshly baked baguette, had been in the water 8 hours earlier. It was so delicious. The seafood chowder was filled with a variety of seafood and was not overly thickened, but was very creamy. I enjoyed every minute of my time here. I highly recommend the Friars' Brewhouse and Taproom.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Barb Drewis
What a wonderful find! Hot shrimp dip and New England Flatbread were delicious. Took some cherry and blueberry cobbler home. Cobbler was delicious.
We love Friars! Kim, Brother Don and the rest of the staff is amazing! The food is truly exceptional. Best lobster roll, soups, meatloaf, etc. Whatever you get you will not be disappointed. Mac and Cheese, flatbreads everything is home made and so so good. The beer they make is the absolute best! We cannot say enough about how amazing this place is. We have become friends over the years and so look forward to seeing every one and patronizing their business.
Recommended dishes: Shrimp in Garlic Butter, The Down East Lobster Roll Feast, Seafood Chowder, Classic Macaroni and Cheese, Lemon Crumble
Margaret Wilson
Worth the wait. Unfortunately our large group did not have a table option with a view, except of the front door; but food made up for that. Extremely large portions and food was so good we all stuffed ourselves. Did not need dinner later.Recommend saving appetizer plates to share with your companions.Really enjoyed the flight of beers, helped decide what each of us wanted for 2nd glass.Go in with patience and a friendly spirit and you will be glad you stopped in for food and or just a drink.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beer Flight, Seafood Chowder, Classic Macaroni and Cheese
Carl Stokley
If you are going around trying different places for lobster rolls, save this place for last, otherwise it will ruin your trip. It is the best in Maine hands down. The roll seems pricy, but it is enormous and can be shared by 2 or more people. Fresh baked bread for the roll you won't find at any other joint and brew their own beer. Incredible staff and atmosphere. If you are impatient, don't come here. They prepare the food with care and it takes some time, so need to relax and enjoy the experience as it much more than a meal. Amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eugene K.
This is the place to eat whenever you are within 50 miles of Bucksport. Food is delectable. Prepared and served by the most gracious of hosts. Beer is locally brewed and fantastic! If you don't stop in here it is your loss. Anytime I am anywhere near the area this is a mandatory stop and I am bringing friends and family. Thank you to the brothers (the chef is a friar) who prepare the food with love. It definitely comes through. Servers are extremely friendly and treat you like they are happy that you are there. And did I mention the craft brews? A whole other level. An incredible eatery that holds a special place in my heart! Eat here.
D9182FOmarkm
Unique atmosphere that was very enjoyable and fun. Portions are crazy big for the price. Lobster was perfect. Try their monastery brew. Service was fast and friendly. Not disappointed. We were recommended this place by the staff at Bucksport Inn just up the road. Which was a great old school type motel we loved. ?
Roseanne “Ro” V
Holy mackerel, you need to eat a meal here! Get on line by 11:30 AM and have a good, patient attitude - you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams! The beer is phenomenal, the food, divine! Absolutely delicious from appetizers to dessert! Take home homemade anadama bread, too!!!! YUMMO!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, Home Made Brew, Seafood Chowder, Bruschetta, Chicken Sandwich
TLDR: Beautiful food presentation, extremely busy, humorous, and NO PHONES!We recently visited Friars' Brewhouse and Taproom on the drive home from a trip to the fort and observatory. We were hungry, they were a local establishment, so we gave them a try. Upon entering the front door, we noticed numerous signs warning us to turn our phones off and to not use them. That was interesting, but not a problem. In fact, it was nice to see an establishment that values face-to-face time amongst the patrons and those within. We were given a wait time of thirty minutes, and we were allowed to sit at the bar while waiting for a table.The restaurant was at full capacity, so it was quite cramped inside the small space, but it smelled splendid. The restaurant was decorated nicely and felt homey. We got there at just the right time, because a line had formed in the small entryway. We surveyed the food being eaten around us and we watched one of the gentlemen cook in their kitchen/bar area. The food, bread, and brews looked fantastic as they came out. They advertise a giant lobster roll, and I can say with certainty that it appeared to be a feast for two people.We sat at the bar for approximately twenty-five minutes while waiting for a table. We wondered why we weren’t able to get food while sitting there, especially when it was early in the afternoon without anyone drinking at the bar, but no worries. We were eventually seated and a kind woman brought out drinks and took our orders. After I saw it from behind the bar, I settled on the mac and cheese. The menus had a page about the friars and a Q and A section. It was humorous, and it explained the establishment’s rules. Understandably, the rules boil down to basic respect for other humans. Apparently, some think it’s funny to make fun of those serving them. Don’t.When the food arrived, it looked brilliant. It had a thick, browned layer of baked cheese, a handful of breadcrumbs on the top, and white cheese sauce with elbows completely hidden underneath. I dug in with high hopes. The toppings tasted great, but I was a disappointed by the white cheese sauce below. The macaroni was fine, but the cheese sauce lacked cheese flavor. It just tasted like milk or cream. The food around us looked great, including the baked goods at the front register, and I had no doubt that it was. I think I hit the mac and cheese on an off day, though.I’m from Maine, but I’m not a local of Bucksport. If, and when, we make it back to that area, I’d certainly be willing to try Friars' again for some of their other food. Plenty of people seem to like it, tourists and locals alike. We recommend trying this local business if you’re in the area. Thank you, and keep up the good work!Best regards,M.R.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Timothy Greiwe (Bet ha_Khaiim)
Amazing food, you get a lot of food that is prepared by the local friars. They also have an ever changing variety of beers that are also prepared by the frairs. I had a refreshing red cream ale!And if you are brave, there is a huge lobster roll that has to be 2 feet long and weighing about 5 pounds!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Britney Patterson
What an incredible menu. It's always the "hole in the wall" places with the best food and drink. Get the baguette Bahn mi. Trust me.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bahn MI Sandwich
Hannah Wood
I just went to Friars for the first time. I was beyond disappointed. The food took 2 1/2 hours to come out, normally I just chalk up having to wait to busyness. However, there was only 9 tables and most of them were already eating. The friar brother spent 1 1/2 hours talking to his buddies at the bar instead of cooking. We waited almost 1 1/2 hours before flagging down our waitress to remind her that our table has not ordered. After ordering we stayed and waited for over an hour in a fly infested dining room. I had to pick 3 full sized house flys out of my beer in order to enjoy. 6:15 rolls around (the taproom closes at 6:30) just an hour and some change after ordering and we again remind our waitress we are still waiting and would like our food. DO NOT EAT HERE. Disgusting sanitary habits and service is a joke. I am shocked the Health Department hasn’t been involved due to the infestation of flies.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Beth W.
We stopped at Friar's on the way back from Acadia. While we were initially debating leaving given the 45-60 min wait and harried waitstaff, we're so glad we stayed and had lunch. Our dubbel was excellent. We ordered pate, the cottage pie and the tourtiere since the brewer and chef, Brother Donald, is French-trained. The food did not disappoint. The portions were generous and we both particularly loved the cottage pie. The piped mashed potatoes were creamy and delicious, the gravy was heavenly.Come hungry and expecting to spend time enjoying the company of your friends and loved ones drinking well-brewed beer. Tip your hat to the barmaid in Wales and her derriere.
Unfortunately, I can't judge the food, service or atmosphere. Came in here in the afternoon between 2 and 3 PM and it was busy. It must have been a Wednesday or a Thursday. This is a tiny place and they wanted me to sit at the bar but I didn't want to sit there. I ended up waiting about 10 minutes and this was enough for me and I left. I'm not sure if the dude wearing the costume was for real or not. I don't know why all the restaurants in town are closed Monday and Tuesday or is it Sunday and Monday?? McDonalds is always open.
Amazing food! Great beer ?The portions were incredibly large. We will definitely go again as there are so many items on the menu we’d like to try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beer Flight, Tomato Basil Soup
I cannot give a better recommendation than to say that my dinner here was the true highlight of my trip to Maine! This is such a wonderful restaurant. Brother Donald explained that the lobster in our lobster roll, which had at least a pound of lobster and was in about an 18 inch freshly baked baguette, had been in the water 8 hours earlier. It was so delicious. The seafood chowder was filled with a variety of seafood and was not overly thickened, but was very creamy. I enjoyed every minute of my time here. I highly recommend the Friars' Brewhouse and Taproom.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a wonderful find! Hot shrimp dip and New England Flatbread were delicious. Took some cherry and blueberry cobbler home. Cobbler was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Flatbread Pizza, Blueberry Cobbler
We love Friars! Kim, Brother Don and the rest of the staff is amazing! The food is truly exceptional. Best lobster roll, soups, meatloaf, etc. Whatever you get you will not be disappointed. Mac and Cheese, flatbreads everything is home made and so so good. The beer they make is the absolute best! We cannot say enough about how amazing this place is. We have become friends over the years and so look forward to seeing every one and patronizing their business.
Recommended dishes: Shrimp in Garlic Butter, The Down East Lobster Roll Feast, Seafood Chowder, Classic Macaroni and Cheese, Lemon Crumble
Worth the wait. Unfortunately our large group did not have a table option with a view, except of the front door; but food made up for that. Extremely large portions and food was so good we all stuffed ourselves. Did not need dinner later.Recommend saving appetizer plates to share with your companions.Really enjoyed the flight of beers, helped decide what each of us wanted for 2nd glass.Go in with patience and a friendly spirit and you will be glad you stopped in for food and or just a drink.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beer Flight, Seafood Chowder, Classic Macaroni and Cheese
If you are going around trying different places for lobster rolls, save this place for last, otherwise it will ruin your trip. It is the best in Maine hands down. The roll seems pricy, but it is enormous and can be shared by 2 or more people. Fresh baked bread for the roll you won't find at any other joint and brew their own beer. Incredible staff and atmosphere. If you are impatient, don't come here. They prepare the food with care and it takes some time, so need to relax and enjoy the experience as it much more than a meal. Amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is the place to eat whenever you are within 50 miles of Bucksport. Food is delectable. Prepared and served by the most gracious of hosts. Beer is locally brewed and fantastic! If you don't stop in here it is your loss. Anytime I am anywhere near the area this is a mandatory stop and I am bringing friends and family. Thank you to the brothers (the chef is a friar) who prepare the food with love. It definitely comes through. Servers are extremely friendly and treat you like they are happy that you are there. And did I mention the craft brews? A whole other level. An incredible eatery that holds a special place in my heart! Eat here.
Unique atmosphere that was very enjoyable and fun. Portions are crazy big for the price. Lobster was perfect. Try their monastery brew. Service was fast and friendly. Not disappointed. We were recommended this place by the staff at Bucksport Inn just up the road. Which was a great old school type motel we loved. ?
Holy mackerel, you need to eat a meal here! Get on line by 11:30 AM and have a good, patient attitude - you will be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams! The beer is phenomenal, the food, divine! Absolutely delicious from appetizers to dessert! Take home homemade anadama bread, too!!!! YUMMO!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, Home Made Brew, Seafood Chowder, Bruschetta, Chicken Sandwich
Restaurantji Recommends
TLDR: Beautiful food presentation, extremely busy, humorous, and NO PHONES!We recently visited Friars' Brewhouse and Taproom on the drive home from a trip to the fort and observatory. We were hungry, they were a local establishment, so we gave them a try. Upon entering the front door, we noticed numerous signs warning us to turn our phones off and to not use them. That was interesting, but not a problem. In fact, it was nice to see an establishment that values face-to-face time amongst the patrons and those within. We were given a wait time of thirty minutes, and we were allowed to sit at the bar while waiting for a table.The restaurant was at full capacity, so it was quite cramped inside the small space, but it smelled splendid. The restaurant was decorated nicely and felt homey. We got there at just the right time, because a line had formed in the small entryway. We surveyed the food being eaten around us and we watched one of the gentlemen cook in their kitchen/bar area. The food, bread, and brews looked fantastic as they came out. They advertise a giant lobster roll, and I can say with certainty that it appeared to be a feast for two people.We sat at the bar for approximately twenty-five minutes while waiting for a table. We wondered why we weren’t able to get food while sitting there, especially when it was early in the afternoon without anyone drinking at the bar, but no worries. We were eventually seated and a kind woman brought out drinks and took our orders. After I saw it from behind the bar, I settled on the mac and cheese. The menus had a page about the friars and a Q and A section. It was humorous, and it explained the establishment’s rules. Understandably, the rules boil down to basic respect for other humans. Apparently, some think it’s funny to make fun of those serving them. Don’t.When the food arrived, it looked brilliant. It had a thick, browned layer of baked cheese, a handful of breadcrumbs on the top, and white cheese sauce with elbows completely hidden underneath. I dug in with high hopes. The toppings tasted great, but I was a disappointed by the white cheese sauce below. The macaroni was fine, but the cheese sauce lacked cheese flavor. It just tasted like milk or cream. The food around us looked great, including the baked goods at the front register, and I had no doubt that it was. I think I hit the mac and cheese on an off day, though.I’m from Maine, but I’m not a local of Bucksport. If, and when, we make it back to that area, I’d certainly be willing to try Friars' again for some of their other food. Plenty of people seem to like it, tourists and locals alike. We recommend trying this local business if you’re in the area. Thank you, and keep up the good work!Best regards,M.R.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Amazing food, you get a lot of food that is prepared by the local friars. They also have an ever changing variety of beers that are also prepared by the frairs. I had a refreshing red cream ale!And if you are brave, there is a huge lobster roll that has to be 2 feet long and weighing about 5 pounds!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What an incredible menu. It's always the "hole in the wall" places with the best food and drink. Get the baguette Bahn mi. Trust me.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bahn MI Sandwich
I just went to Friars for the first time. I was beyond disappointed. The food took 2 1/2 hours to come out, normally I just chalk up having to wait to busyness. However, there was only 9 tables and most of them were already eating. The friar brother spent 1 1/2 hours talking to his buddies at the bar instead of cooking. We waited almost 1 1/2 hours before flagging down our waitress to remind her that our table has not ordered. After ordering we stayed and waited for over an hour in a fly infested dining room. I had to pick 3 full sized house flys out of my beer in order to enjoy. 6:15 rolls around (the taproom closes at 6:30) just an hour and some change after ordering and we again remind our waitress we are still waiting and would like our food. DO NOT EAT HERE. Disgusting sanitary habits and service is a joke. I am shocked the Health Department hasn’t been involved due to the infestation of flies.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
We stopped at Friar's on the way back from Acadia. While we were initially debating leaving given the 45-60 min wait and harried waitstaff, we're so glad we stayed and had lunch. Our dubbel was excellent. We ordered pate, the cottage pie and the tourtiere since the brewer and chef, Brother Donald, is French-trained. The food did not disappoint. The portions were generous and we both particularly loved the cottage pie. The piped mashed potatoes were creamy and delicious, the gravy was heavenly.Come hungry and expecting to spend time enjoying the company of your friends and loved ones drinking well-brewed beer. Tip your hat to the barmaid in Wales and her derriere.