Next on the list is Gritty McDuff’s.  We stopped first at the Freeport location.  The atmosphere here reminded me of a crab house. I liked the long tables with minimal decoration and simplistic style.  However, I would really suggest the downtown location if you want to get a great atmosphere.

The downtown location is apparently the original. It sits in an older 1800’s rowhouse in on historic Fore St. in Portland. If you have read my blog, you know I am originally from the DC area.  This location reminded me of the pubs and restaurants in Old Town Alexandria, which gave me a nostalgic feeling.   It was also a Saturday night when we visited and it was packed with people and a local band.  This location felt more like part of the community than the Freeport location.

As for the beers at Gritty McDuff’s, they are adequate.  Nothing particular stood out to me. I enjoyed an IPA at the downtown location but was not overly impressed by the taste or amount of hoppiness.  The atmosphere really made this location for me. I would recommend that you stop by the downtown location on a busy night for the atmosphere and not necessarily the beer.