Footbridge Brewery & BBQ in Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Footbridge Brewery & BBQ sits near the scenic footbridge in Boothbay Harbor with easy parking and a dog-friendly patio. They smoke their own meat, pour house ciders and beers, and serve everything from burnt ends to steak pizza. The owner works the room, staff remembers your name, and the vibe is loud enough to be fun but not so loud you can't talk.

• Burnt ends that live up to the hype, juicy brisket sandwich
• House ciders and pale ales on flight, not oversweetened
• Dog-friendly patio with water views and free activities inside
• Generous portions at fair prices for the area

Start with the burnt ends. The steak pizza has the right amount of garlic and cheese without overshadowing the meat. The brisket sandwich is thick and smoky. Salt potatoes are a must if they're available. Try the cider flight even if you usually skip cider. The jalapeño cheddar pretzel with beer cheese and garlic parmesan aïoli was a rotating special worth asking about.

Loud enough to feel lively but you can still have a conversation. The outdoor patio is the draw on nice days, with views of the water and room to bring your dog. Inside reads brewpub: casual wood, games at the bar, a neighborhood cat that may greet you.

The kitchen does real low and slow barbecue, not the greasy kind. They reworked the menu recently and portions are honest. Prices don't feel like the inflated coastal markup you get elsewhere in Boothbay. Most nights you're in and out in under two hours unless you're lingering over another cider.

Guests rave about the burnt ends and brisket sandwich, especially visitors from Texas and the South comparing it favorably to what they make at home. The owner's warmth and the staff's genuine care come up in almost every review. One recent visitor called it 'like being wrapped in a warm hug from the moment you are greeted.' The ciders and local beers, served on flights, earn praise for quality and balance.