Mason's Brewing Company, Brewer in Brewer, Maine

Mason's is a sprawling beerhall right on the Kenduskeag Stream where locals and travelers alike come for house-made IPAs, sours, and cream ales. The kitchen turns out hefty burgers, pizzas, and pub sides that hold their own against the beer list. It's the kind of place you stumble into on a road trip and end up coming back for.

• Pork cracklings that'll make you drive back.
• Patty melts and specialty burgers with house sauces.
• House-made IPAs and sour ales on tap.
• River views from inside or the outdoor deck.

The Glorius 40's Patty Melt keeps regulars coming back for a reason, though the Don't Go Bacon my Heart (bacon burger with beer cheese sauce) and Butter Burger both shine. Grab a pepperoni pizza if you're splitting, and order the pork cracklings as a side no matter what else you get. For beer, ask your server about the sours and cream ales, which rotate regularly.

Wide open and relaxed, with two main dining areas and a sprawling deck facing the river. Noise level is moderate for a beerhall, nothing loud or chaotic.

It draws everyone from families grabbing lunch to couples stopping by on the way to Acadia. Service moves fast, and staff like Presley know the beer menu inside and out. The vibe is rustic and spacious without feeling pretentious, which works when you're ordering a Butter Burger and a sour ale.

Guests rave about the genuine, knowledgeable service and the view. One recent visitor said the cracklings were "something to write home about" and actually brought them back as a snack. Repeat customers swear by specific burgers and keep coming back, while first-timers consistently walk out impressed with both the food and the experience.