Frank's Bar and Grille in Newry, Maine

Frank's occupies the second floor of the Fall Line Condos near Sunday River, serving Italian pasta and bar-grill standards in a casual, convivial space. Owner Frank tends bar himself and seems to know regulars by name. Parking is free and plentiful. Fair warning: service has been inconsistent over the years, ranging from attentive to glacial.

• Owner Frank is genuinely engaged and sociable.
• Slope-side location with free parking.
• Italian and grilled fare done well on good nights.
• Fireplaces and pool table in one room.

The Italian pasta dishes are the draw here. One guest praised the overall cooking and noted it outperformed other slope-side spots at Sunday River. Chowder and salads round out the menu, though you'll want to confirm they have lettuce in stock before ordering. The bar also makes standards, though bartender skill may vary.

Cozy and lodge-like, with fireplaces and a casual bar vibe. Noise level depends on occupancy; it can feel quiet on a slow night or lively when skiers roll in.

Frank is hands-on and will chat you up if you sit at the bar. The kitchen turns out Italian pasta and grilled meats. When things run smoothly, guests say the food punches above its casual setting. When the kitchen falls behind, it shows.

Guests who've had smooth visits praise Frank's friendliness and the quality of the Italian cooking. One recent visitor called it 'far better than the Matterhorn' and 'best food in Sunday River.' But older reviews cite long waits and inconsistent kitchen execution, suggesting the place has had growing pains.