Geaghan's Pub & Craft Brewery in Bangor, Maine

Geaghan's is a Bangor institution that does both the casual drinks crowd and the sit-down dinner thing. They brew their own beer on site, pour a solid Guinness, and the menu runs the full pub gamut from pancakes at breakfast to ribs and wings. The bar area draws regulars and tourists heading to the casino; the restaurant side is quieter and a bit worn, which some guests read as part of the charm.

• House-brewed ciders and locally made beer selection.
• Boneless wings and homemade pub cheese are standouts.
• Grilled shrimp in apps and salads is consistently good.
• Friendly staff and a real neighborhood vibe.

Start with the boneless wings or grilled shrimp appetizers. The homemade pub cheese comes recommended. Caesar salad with grilled shrimp is solid, ask for dressing on the side and grab one of their rolls if offered. The ham club comes with Zippidy-Do-Dah fries, a house specialty. Onion rings are crisp. Skip overthinking it; order what sounds good and pair it with a house cider or local ale.

The bar side is busy, loud, and social. The dining room is quieter and more subdued, with a dated but clean feel. Both fill up before the casino opens.

This is the kind of place where you can get eggs and toast in the morning, wings and beer at lunch, or a full dinner without anyone making a fuss. It's not trying to be trendy. Some dishes land perfectly; others can miss the mark depending on the day and who's working the line.

Guests praise the boneless wings and the ciders, and note that staff are friendly and attentive. One recent visitor called the grilled shrimp "nice and plump" and came back specifically for the rolls. The bar keeps regulars, though some say the food quality varies and portions can be inconsistent.