Barker Bar in Newry, Maine

Barker Lodge sits at the base of the slopes in Newry and functions as a proper warming hut for skiers and snowboarders. The menu leans casual, burgers, pizza, hot chocolate, and the bar is staffed by bartenders who know regulars by name. It fills up fast on school trip days but stays manageable enough most other times.

• Bartenders Kristy and Kurt know regulars by name.
• Pizza and soup beat the burger value.
• Cozier, less crowded than nearby lodges.
• Good spot for a midday warmup and drink.

Get the pizza and hot chocolate if you're chilled through. The soup is a decent deal and often overlooked, ask where they keep it. A burger and fries will cost you, but if you're staying put for a drink with Kristy or Kurt behind the bar, it's a comfortable enough choice.

Wood-frame, cozy lodge interior with an older charm. Gets loud and crowded during lunch rush on ski school days; quieter at other times.

Pizza and house-made soup are the standouts. Hot chocolate is worth ordering if you're warming up between runs. Prices run high for what you get, though the soup lands on the value side of the menu.

Regulars praise the bartenders and the relaxed vibe. One recent visitor called it "one of the most chill places to have a warmup break," and guests consistently note the older, welcoming feel compared to slicker base lodges nearby.