A Smooth Landing at the Flight Deck

Microbreweries are becoming more and more common, with Maine hosting an assortment of breweries throughout the state.   In my time here in Maine, I’ve heard people frequently talk about Flight Deck Brewing, so I made my way out to Brunswick to see what the buzz was all about.  Flight Deck Brewing is located in a converted small arms range at the Brunswick Naval Air Station.  Driving through the compound was a pleasant experience, as there wasn’t a lot of traffic, and I drove past a couple of decommissioned planes.  While the brewery is housed in a grey building, there are plenty of signs pointing to Flight Deck.  Furthermore, if you miss the first entrance, don’t despair, a second entrance isn’t much further down the road.

As it was Saturday, Flight Deck was packed by the time I arrived.  Additionally, the brewery was celebrating their two-year anniversary, which definitely brought in the extra clientele.  There are two seating sections within the brewery, with the larger area hosting seats at the bar, high tops, and picnic tables.  The smaller seating area has a couple of leather couches, along with picnic tables and a small counter.  Its in this area where brewing equipment can be viewed, each named after a “Top Gun” characters.  Furthermore, Flight Deck is decorated with model planes, along with flying equipment like helmet and goggles.  Flight Deck even provides a TV tuned to the day’s sporting event.

Flight Deck brews their beer in house, and their passion for their beers is evident.  According to their website, they are closed every Monday to dedicate the day to brewing plenty of beer.  They have an assortment of beers, and each drink is described on their menus.  Like many other drinking establishments, patrons can purchase a flight of beers, or a singular beer in an array of sizes.  Flight Deck has even bottled some of their beer, so folks can bring some beer home with them.

Flight Deck Brewing is a great place to bring you kids, as there are child friendly drinks available as well. If your kids happen to have four legs, a tail, and an affinity for milk bones, you can bring them along too. There are treats at the bar if your dog needs a snack.  The lawn provides a great space for kids, dogs, and grownups to sit and enjoy the day as well.  Picnic tables and benches are scattered around the space, with corn hole available for guests.  There’s even a fire pit that provides warmth during the colder months, and illumination at night

Since I had yet to eat lunch, I made my way to a food truck called Cooks Lobster and Ale House.  With seafood and pub fare, there’s something for everyone.  Both the food truck and Flight Deck accept both cash and plastic, so paying is convenient on all fronts.  Furthermore, one of the decommissioned planes is close by, providing a photo opportunity for guests.  Flight Deck host a whole slew of events as well, which can be found on their website.

As I continue to travel to different microbreweries, I’ve begun to notice to a certain pattern. Each brewery I’ve visited has done something to make it wholly unique.  Flight Deck Brewing works to embrace their roots, in their décor, as well as the “Top Gun” references.  The fire pit and the food truck were nice touches that added to the atmosphere at Flight Deck.  More information about Flight Deck can be found here, while their event schedule can be found here.  As I wrap up this post, the ever-eternal question leaps to mind, where should I go to next?

From Preble Street to High Street

I recently had an interesting question posed to me by a tourist from the New York area.  He was in town for a family obligation, and wanted to know about the Portland nightlife.  I provided him with the information that he was looking for, and as he left, I found myself inspired.

As I started to plan my next excursion out, I decided that a “double feature” of sorts was in order. Therefore, I settled on Arcadia National Bar and Top of the East.  Both are located in Downtown Portland, and both are very much worth a visit. Arcadia (not to be confused with Acadia National Park) is great experience, whether you just turned twenty-one or forty-one.  Arcadia sets itself apart for having an impressive collection of games.  Arcade cabinets are scattered around the bar for those who want to relive their arcade days.  Classic games like Tetris can be found, along with modern classics like The Simpson’s game and Tekken.  If pinball is more your speed, don’t despair, as pinball machines can be found as well. There are even a couple of skee ball machines at the back of the bar!  While the arcade games and the pinball machines are not free to play, Arcadia provides an ATM, a change machine, and Tupperware’s so patrons can carry their quarters around with them.

Arcadia even has a number of different consoles available.  These gaming systems are free to play, and are quite popular. Customers can find a Super Nintendo, a Nintendo 64, a Wii U, an X-Box One, and a PlayStation 4.  Most of the games available are multiplayer games, so friends don’t have to be left out.  Arcadia also offers a selection of board games, like Settlers of Catan and Battleships. While playing these games at the bar can pose a problem, there are tables where patrons can eat, drink, and play their chosen board games.  Arcadia even provides a couple of picnic tables for larger groups of people.

Arcadia National Bar has a wide selection of craft beers available on draft, in a can, as well as in bottles.  It’s quite an impressive selection, and I quickly discovered, to my delight, that there were quite a few beers that were brewed in Maine.  Cocktails are made here as well, and their names reference different characters from “nerd-culture,” such names as Falcon Punch, Doctor Manhattan, and Pickle Rick.  If you’re craving a late night snack, Arcadia has you covered.  The kitchen closes at 12:30 am, which provides ample time for patrons to get their fill of food.

With my trip to Arcadia concluded, my excursion to the Top of the East started.  The Top of the East sits atop of The Westin and provides a great view of the city of Portland.  I entered the lounge around 6 pm, and since it was mid-October, the sun was setting, lighting the sky up in beautiful colors.  From my table, I saw the city of Portland sprawl out before me, while airplanes came into to the nearby airport.  The ocean was also visible from my table, which added to an already beautiful sight.

There were plenty of seating options when entering the Top of the East.  There are tables in the middle of the restaurant, while other tables line the perimeter.  Patrons can also sit at the bar if they prefer, and depending on where you sit, you can still catch a glimpse of the city of Portland.  For a much more intimate setting, couches are provided along one of the walls.  The Top of the East even provides a TV, and a small party was gathered around watching the football game.

When my Caser Salad arrived, I dug in and was extremely happy with what I was eating.  Mixed greens sat on top of my salad, and it definitely added to the already flavorful meal.  The cocktails were masterfully made, and quite delicious.  I even ordered a cheesecake, which was made in a mason jar.

All in all, both experiences are fine examples of the nightlife in this extraordinary state. While each experience was vastly different, there is still a lot of fun and good times to be had regardless of where you go.  If you’re looking for more information on Arcadia you can find it here, and for information on the Top of the East, you can find it here.  Now that these two adventures are over, I ask myself the ever-present question in my life, where do I go next?