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Home >> Bars & Restaurants >> Bars, Taverns & Cocktail Lounges >> Food, Drink, and Celebration - Taverns

Food, Drink, and Celebration - Taverns

Taverns

Taverns were, at one point, the cornerstone of any town. Townsfolk gathered to socialize with food and drink, to celebrate, to mourn, to share. Taverns were the place to go to do everything from voting to reading the local paper. Tavern owners themselves were well respected, influential members of the town. The traditional tavern shaped and defined life in Britain and Colonial America.

The True Tavern

Today’s taverns are still popular. By the 19th Century, Britain had replaced the term, preferring to call these establishments public houses, or pubs, a term that still persists. A true tavern is a place which is licensed to serve alcoholic beverages and provide lodging. There are more than 14,000 taverns (pubs) in the United Kingdom alone today, all specializing in serving local favorites, as well as beer, wine, and other spirits, as well as an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages as well. These taverns still occupy significant place in British society. They are found in nearly every town, in every village or town. They exist as a social outlet, much like the club and bar scene in America. And, of course, the most consumed drink is beer and ale.

American taverns offer a nod to the tradition of pub life by continuing to offer wine, spirits and a good time for all who drop in. Regulars and newbies alike can enjoy an atmosphere that includes food, live entertainment and games such as pool, darts, or, more recently, trivia. The modern tavern has become a popular place to unwind after work, and a place to meet and hang out on the weekends.

Microbrew Hangouts

Microbrew taverns offer a unique spin on traditional tavern business. Made popular in Britain, many microbreweries in America are catching on to the craze of the traditional brewpub. In addition to brewing small amounts of their own brand of lager or ale, small breweries make a considerable profit by offering a cozy atmosphere in which their products can be enjoyed. While tourists do make up a large portion of their business, microbrew taverns have found their niche, and have many local patrons as well. As of 2007, there were more that 1,400 microbreweries and microbrew taverns in the United States.

Today’s tavern is still very much a part of the social tapestry of America and the United Kingdom. While many have diversified in terms of their offerings, the traditional tavern is still loved and sought for its warm welcoming environment, and for the camaraderie that exists among patrons. Taverns have made an indelible mark on our culture, one that will persist well into the future.

Local Results for Bars, Taverns & Cocktail Lounges in and around Portland, ME

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0.01 miles
Asylum
121 Center St - Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-8274
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0.28 miles
Bubba's Sulky Lounge
92 Portland St - Portland, ME 04101
(207) 828-0549
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0.34 miles
Styxx
3 Spring St - Portland, ME 04101
(207) 828-0822
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0.36 miles
Big Easy The
55 Market St - Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-2266
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0.38 miles
White Heart The
551 Congress St - Portland, ME 04101
(207) 828-1900
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0.41 miles
Sangillos
18 Hampshire St - Portland, ME 04101
(207) 879-2810
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0.42 miles
Armory Lounge The
20 Milk St - Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-4200
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0.42 miles
Prost International Tap House
446 Fore St - Portland, ME 04101
(207) 772-6241
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0.44 miles
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0.44 miles