The Liberal Cup
115 Water St, Hallowell, ME, 04347
The Liberal Cup Menu
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Address :
115 Water St
Hallowell, ME, 04347 - Phone (207) 623-2739
- Website https://www.theliberalcup.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 1:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Nat S.
Great little oasis for a cask conditioned pint and pub fare. Live music occurs frequently in the bar area. I had a "paddle" sampler of beer and the pot roast. Great beer selections on the paddle a solid showing on the pot roast. I tried my sister's shepherds pie and will get that next time. Portions are very big, so watch the apps if you are going to order an entree. The pub has a handsome storefront on the main drag in Hallowell. The interior is classic New England pub- not too dark, not to bright with lots of wood and brick. It is a very relaxing place. I shall return!
(4)todd s.
great beer, nice place, great pub food. Go.
(4)Bonnie L.
This is our go to place for well crafted micro brews. We love the Alewife and the Tented Kilt Scottish Ale. I recommend the clam appetizer, it's so soft and mouthwatering. We have had the fish platter which had home made French fries. There's nothing I don't like about this place. If you're looking to experience an old English style pub this is the place and the music just adds that special ambiance!
(5)Georgia F.
Came here on a rainy Sunday, and it was very busy. We were seated right away, but waited a while before seeing a waitstaff. Tried a beer sampler, and all the beers were so-so, nothing I loved or would rave about (I am a craft beer enthusiast). Their menu is large with lots of selection. I wasn't too hungry. So I got the beer cheese soup and a side. Soup was good, other food just okay. Service remained very slow for our whole visit. Cute place, in a cute town, but don't go out of your way to try it.
(3)Joe H.
Lively! We arrived here on a lively Saturday night around 8 or 9 pm. We came on the strong recommendation of some patrons of Baxter Brewery. The atmosphere was alive with scores of conversations garrulously chattering over the live band. The band was enjoyable, they covered recognizable tunes of from the late 50s through early 80s. Things you could identify and tap along to if you weren't talking to anyone, and if you are carrying on a conversation you didn't have to shout to hear yourself. I had a summer wheat and my wife got the porter. The vastly dissimilar styles were both well-executed, kudos to the brewers. I can only assume the other selections were equally good, and hope to experience them next time I'm in the area. I wish there were a brewpub like this within walking distance from me. Perhaps I need to move to Maine?
(5)Chris C.
Love the Liberal Cup, one of our favorite spots in Augusta area. Pretty awesome and eclectic menu, make their own beer, and pretty casual and friendly place to hang out
(4)Mike B.
We got seated fairly quickly and the food was reasonably good, but I felt we were rushed through the meal. Overall, the beer the was good, the food was average pub fare, the atmosphere loud.
(3)Andy S.
They brew lots of beers but have 6 on tap at any one time. I had their summer ipa on cask and then on draft. Both were awesome. My wife had the bug lager. Also a great beer. We both had small chicken salads served on their garden salad with dijon balsamic. Freaking delicious after a vacation week of fried seafood and lobster. 530pm, late august, weekday. Mostly a local crowd after work. Manager brought my second beer and asked me my opinion on the beer--a very nice gesture. Server was super nice and responsive. Didn't remember their names. She had a bunch of tattoos. Thanks again for great beers and dinner!
(5)Boogaboo K.
Best restaurant and bar around. The beer cheese soup is excellent with pretzels. The beer cheese soup changes daily with the combination of beer and cheese. It is always good and I always get it. The veggie burger is also great and homemade. It comes with fries which are also extraordinary. The meatloaf is also good, wrapped in bacon with two sides. The selection of homemade beer is always vast and changes daily. I go here every time I am in Hallowell. They also have live music all the time too at nite. It is situated in a quaint old building in downtown Hallowell. It is a wonderful restaurant and I truly recommend it to anyone.
(5)Kris G.
Cute place. Awesome fried pickles. Fried haddock was o.k. All and all the "pub" food was good. Wine extremely limited: house and Kendell Jackson for chards...yikes... but it's a beer and fry joint so go for that. We were a party of four...spent over 200 on dinner.... and the staff **completely** rushed us out to free up the table for their 9PM Tuesday trivia night...wowza, haven't experienced that, well, like, never. That alone will keep me from ever going back. Totally unprofessional.
(3)Heidi C.
This is a must stop! Amazing comfort food. Homestyle Turkey Dinner was better than my Thanksgiving Dinner. Veg soup AWESOME. Atmosphere is as if you went back to 1762.
(5)Michelle M.
My parents and I stayed one night in Augusta as part of our road trip around Maine. By the time we were settled in the hotel, it was already 8 PM, which worried me a bit since a lot of the restaurants listed on my trusty Yelp app would be closing by 8:30 or 9. Luckily, The Liberal Cup satisfied the following requirements: 1) Open past 8:30 PM. 2) Short distance from our hotel, only a 6 minute drive. 3) Served local beer. 4) Had an unusual item on the menu: beer cheese soup! Intrigued, I knew I had to check it out. For a Wednesday evening, TLC was hoppin' (literally and figuratively!) There were so many locals enjoying their brews that we had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. We decided to order some beer while we waited, which did help pass the time. Since I wasn't too hungry, I ordered the fabled beer cheese soup and a Caesar salad. What's cool about the soup is that it changes daily; they do different combinations of beer and cheese each time. That day, I was able to correctly identify blue cheese; the beer they mixed with it was their flagship alewife ale, which is an amber beer that's bitter and sweet. I thought the consistency was perfect; not too thick or too runny. I also liked how it came with salty pretzels so the heavier blue cheese wouldn't be so overpowering. The Caesar salad ended up being a good ol' American sized portion (read: a lot more than I expected!) The only problem was that I ordered grilled chicken but instead they gave me the spicier Cajun grilled chicken. I believe they were the same price, though, so I chose not to return it. My only feedback was that I thought it was a bit too salty and over-grilled. With witty beer names like "State Budget Red Ale", "Ex-wife Extra Bitter", and "For Richer or Poorter*) The Liberal Cup is my type of joint. Definitely stop by if you're passing through Augusta! *I would've loved to serve that at my wedding.
(4)Jim D.
Awesome hidden gem. Hit this up on the way back from Acadia trip. It was exactly what we were looking for. Great food, excellent service and amazing atmosphere. Also on a great street to walk around. In our opinion beer cheese soup, Reuben and veggie quesadilla were unbelievable.
(5)Tracy Q.
One of my favorite places to eat in Hallowell. The beer-cheese soup is my favorite (the beer and cheese combination changes daily), but there is such a variety of really cool menu items and creative specials that I like to try something different every time I go. Liberal Cup is also a great member of the Hallowell community - trivia nights, live music and an overall friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Great place to meet for awesome food, great beer and terrific company.
(5)Carrie E.
First time. Found fabulous food here! Waiter Mike was full of awesome recommendations. Best turkey we have ever had. All four of loved the food. If we didn't live over 1000 miles away, it would be our go to!!
(5)Kueen K.
I am traveling from Indy and stopped in to try the brew and grub. 4 thumbs up! Love the atmosphere and live music..... they had me at Hello :) I got the Veggie Burger and the Gold lager , yez zur!
(4)Lauren M.
I am a huge fan of the Liberal Cup. The beer was great and the bartender was helpful without being overbearing. I ordered the portobello sandwich and it was DELICIOUS! The people next to me commented that it smelled really good. The mushroom was topped with red peppers that really complemented the 'shroom. The bun didn't fall apart, either, which is always a great thing. My only comment was that it was a little oily. The fries were good, although they got a little soggy because of the drip-off from the portobello. At 4 pm on a Thursday, I was clearly the only out-of-towner sitting at the bar--and the only female. I was surrounded by regulars, all of whom had their own mug at the bar. You know it's a good place when the locals keep their mugs there! Despite it not yet being quitting time, there were still multiple people sitting at the bar and at tables eating. I sat at the very back of the bar and it was like being in a caver. I could see how this would be a great spot for a snowy winter's day!
(4)Jennifer F.
Great food and service. The only downside is the noise, but it was packed and people waiting in line out the door. Well worth the wait.
(5)H.B. ..
I love the bug beer, thingy ... Good food, always busy, can't complain :)
(4)Beth W.
I love love love this place. My friends and I have started calling it "our haunt". I know it's going to be a good weekend when we agree to get together at the Cup. The food is unique and always good. I love their specials. They use local ingredients in generous portions. Their regular menu is also good. I've had it all. My absolute fav is a very simple thing... beer battered clams and dill aioli. I DON"T EVEN LIKE AIOLI but I like theirs. Now for the beer. I like beer so that makes this place extra special for me. They brew their own. They have a good selection, though typically many are IPAs (I'm not a fan, but apparently the only IPA hater). What you don't like IPA either?? then go for the Alewife. I like mine with a generous wedge of lemon. It's my signature so that they know I'm there.
(5)Zip Z.
This place is one of contrasts. On the occasions we've eaten there after 5pm, the place is noisy, crowded with great food and service to match. Late morning or around lunch time with a lowered noise level and more open seats, the food is still excellent and the service puzzling. On one such occasion the waitress was more attentive to her significant other and her child than certainly our table. (I know this because she announced it loudly to co-workers and then proceeded to dote on them) The last being this weekend, again not many patrons but with plenty of staff to stand around and loudly ignore us. Won't be rushing back
(3)C.M. A.
We love this place! It always has a festive atmosphere, and people have a great time there. I don't drink beer, but the food is excellent -- not just your typical pub grub, but some excellent and creative dishes that are not greasy or fried. We've enjoyed the Boxty (kind of a potato pancake stuffed with butternut squash), the salmon on foccacia, and the massive veggie burgers. The desserts are fantastic, too! It's simply a fun place to go on any night of the week.
(5)Rachel R.
Amazing music. Food generally delicious, though going for the classic menu vs. specials if you're hungry as heck is recommended. Mostly decent clientele, except when college kids/hipsters show up to be ironic and sneer at locals. Staff=awesome, prompt, and tolerant. Echo and noise hurt; bad acoustics are over the top. Expect to shout in order to hear anyone at your table, even in the backroom. For local anything? This is the best/least pretentious you'll find, and you'll leave in a good mood! Beer soup=phenom.
(4)Sam S.
This is a good place for beers and appetizers. The beer list is small on any given day, but the selection tends to be excellent. The apps are very good. Entrees are good, but in my opinion not quite worth the cost. I have brought kids here, and it works out if you get a corner table. However, it's a loud, sometimes crowded place, and in the evening is more geared towards adults.
(4)Mr. M.
Driving down from northern Maine, needed to stop and grab a bite. Found this place by chance and happy we did! On a rainy day, hot soup (French Onion) for starters hit the spot, followed by Grilled Ruben for me & Fishwich for the Mrs. - both were done right. Try a paddle for starters & pick your pint from there. Overall: Good service & above average pub grub.
(4)Brad L.
The Liberal Cup is our new favorite restaurant in Hallowell Maine. The menu is always varied and with so many of the choices you want to try. The Cup is great for the tourist and the local. A fun bar to hang out in whether there is music or not. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Our favorite server Angela is worth the wait when trying for a table. Along with the craft and local beers the food is exceptional. The prices are moderate and there are terrific value items. Even if a little pricier item is on special I have found it worth it. A different Cheese and beer soup every day served with crunchy pretzels is a must have. I would have it every time I go but then I wouldn't have the room for all the other choices. The standard menu items: the quesadia, wings and fried shrimp are very good. However there was a special menu item recently that won my heart: Poutine - A French Canadian specialty usually French Fries topped with cheese curds and brown gravy. At The Cup they added shredded Duck Confit. They called it an appetizer. I call it a meal. Lunch or dinner give it a try.
(5)Rebecca W.
Extensive beer list with something for everyone. Great pub food including English favorites such as bangers and mash and wild favorites like the cubano sandwhich.
(4)David H.
A year and a half later, I am back updating my review. I've gotten over Trivia-gate (see previous review) and am back to being a regular at the Cup. When friends from out of town come to visit, the sure bet for lunch or dinner is The Liberal Cup. I can even bribe my brother-in-law to drive more than an hour just by casually mentioning the Cup. The beer cheese soup continues to be a winner and something I order every time I visit. The combos of beer and cheese change regularly, so be sure to ask your server what you're getting. Those who are sensitive to salt might want to take a pass, but I'd be more than happy to have your share. I don't know if something has changed in the kitchen definitively, but the quality and flavor of the food has seemed to improve since the last time I reviewed. The specials are always unique and flavorful, and I am now expanding my horizons by trying something different on the menu every time I visit. With the amount of times I visit the Cup, I don't have much menu to go. If you're reading this review, do yourself a favor and head down to Hallowell and become the newest regular of The Liberal Cup!
(4)Rachel R.
Kind service, tasty food, great music, rustic atmosphere.
(4)Melissa B.
Consistent great service, time after time. We're greeted by name and treated wonderfully. AMAZING specials (I almost exclusively order off the daily specials now). The beer and cheese soup is a different recipe every day and is always delicious. Their house-made beers are amazing, and there's something for everyone.
(5)Jessica K.
Another great Yelp result! From 2 kind of hard cider we've never tried before to French Onion Soup, Haddock Chowder, Buffalo wings, chicken sandwich, Shepherd's Pie, & Bangers & Smash [sic] to Greek salad, everything was very good. Cozy booth, live music, & great atmosphere. Great waiter! Add in shared slices of coconut cream pie & chocolate cream pie.
(5)Anubha B.
awesome food...I loved the meatloaf, shrimps and shepherd pie...good ambience with live music! Must visit when in Maine!
(5)George M.
Hey it's the Cup! Best food and beer in central Maine. That is unusual for a brew pub, of course, but really the food is creative, often local and delicious. And the place is a real raw wood pub atmosphere with friendly folk. Can't say much more.
(5)Jen F.
The Liberal Cup is a must-try if you're in town. The beers here are great. I ordered the sampler and really enjoyed their ales. And for $6, why not give it a whirl? The food is also awesome. The fish and chips is out of this world. It is the freshest chunks of haddock, perfectly breaded, with delicious fries. I don't know if there is a better fish and chips out there. The wait time here can be long since the place is small, but you can enjoy some beer at the bar while you wait. Tuesday night is trivia so it gets pretty packed and Thursday there is live music.
(4)Corbin B.
Nice restaurant. A good size to bring family and friends. However the seat yourself dining at times makes the wait sometimes longer than it should he. That being said the food is decent and they even have their own selection of beers. Definitely a great place to eat and relax!
(4)Don G.
I love a great beer variety (especially if it is brewed in house)... And the Liberal Cup was just the ticket for me .... Locally brewed choices available in a tasty "flight" of 3 oz samples..... And a tempting menu of pub fare and full entrees. I am a fan of Sheperds Pie so it was easy to make this my dinner choice and I was not disappointed .
(4)John M.
How could anyone not like it? The food is amazing, service is exceptional, and the atmosphere is even better. It is my normal hangout because the on house brewery and innovative specials keep me coming back. Also, the beer-cheese is different everyday but the combo never lets me down.
(5)Joel L.
Great place. The service was quick and very nice. The special menu showed the owners really take pride in doing something different, with awesome and fresh ingredients. The Beer Cheese Soup was interesting and worthy try. Live music was also a great experience.
(4)Jason B.
Great English Style ales and the best Full Monty Fish and Chips in the area. We find ourselves returning to the cup as our go to for good food, good beer, and good fun. The atmosphere is true Hallowell, with friendly regulars and an eclectic feel. Get a cask conditioned ale and a fish and chips and settle in for a great experience.
(5)Joy M.
Food is fine, beer is ok, clientele is loud (annoying laugh and shouting types), but the worst was the bartenders' attitudes: rude, rude, rude. Was there on a Friday evening- they ignored us, tried to take beverages before they were done, and never seemed to learn common courtesies like saying please. Not recommended.
(1)Abby A.
Delicious food, great service and drinks made with a healthy pour. Dinner at this place came as a suggestion by a friend and we will be going back again before our trip to Maine concludes.
(5)Thuy N.
Had the meatloaf, and it was good. It reminds me of Run of the Mill in Saco. I would come back.
(4)Shannon W.
i wish i could chose more stars. This place is the best place we have eaten at in maine since we moved here summer 2011 or anywhere probably. Its my daughters and i go to place when dad has training. Yes the wait is usually long especially during the summer...yes most of those cars parked in hallowell are for liberal cup cuz its just that good. the wait is totally worth it even if its a 30-45 minute wait. best bet to TRY to not go on a busy night is to check their website and facebook page for list of events such a trivia nights. If you dont try to eat here when in the area then you are missing out. There is no favorite but my oldest loves their shepards pie
(5)Emma B.
Well, I have tried The Liberal Cup a few more times since my first awful experience, and it pretty much just keeps getting worse. The wait staff has simply never been friendly (they don't even smile in this place), or speedy, or efficient... The straw that broke the camel's back came on New Year's Eve. I had a friend visiting from England and we wanted to drink within walking distance of my apartment. So, I figured, it's New Year's Eve - The Liberal Cup has to be jollier than normal. Well, I was wrong. The place was nearly empty - there was no live music and the atmosphere was just dead. There were even plenty of empty stools at the bar. So my friend and I grad a seat at the bar. We're immediately ID'd - which is fine, we are both in our mid-twenties. I hand over my driver's license and so does my friend. Granted, hers is a UK license, but still has her birthdate on it very clearly, etc. The bartender stares at her ID for what is at least a good minute, and then says "I'm going to need your passport." This was frustrating for several reasons - 1) We had been out to multiple drinking establishments since she had arrived and had never been asked for her passport; 2) Carrying around your passport to a bar on NYE just doesn't sound like a smart idea. Luckily, I live just up the street, so we walk back and grab her passport. We come back, retake our seats at the bar, and hand over my friend's passport. The bartender sneers, yes, literally sneers at us, and says "well that wasn't very hard was it?" No, thank you for coming back or anything like that. Anyways, we start getting our drink and on and try to have a good time. At one point we ordered tequila shots, which were promptly forgotten about. It took fifteen minutes before we finally reminded her. I would also like to point out that at NO point during the entire evening did this bartender even pretend to be friendly, she didn't even crack a smile once. So, when we are ready to leave, my friend wanted to pay for our drinks. They came to $37ish dollars, so my friend paid with two $20s. When we got the change back my friend left it on the bar as a tip. Now, we are both getting out our purses to finish off the tip, and I am trying to explain to my friend that unlike in the UK, we fully tip our bartenders here, when the bartender comes over, looks down at the change left on the bar, and says "Thaaanks!" in this super sarcastic manner. We were very clearly pulling out cash from our purses to finish the tip when this happened. It was like the bartender was was doing everything possible to spoil the holiday mood of the patrons. Simply put, I will never, ever go back.
(1)Doug A.
Good beer, good food, great experience
(4)Brandon M.
Awesome small town pub! I had shepard's pie and a few Alewife Ales and that was fantastic. I probably would've spent all day there drinking their amazing beer but had to drive about an hour home (yes, I drove an hour up to Hallowell just for the Liberal Cup). Being from Maine I really miss the small town pubs like this one. So, if you're headed on I-95 towards or from Augusta then stop here for lunch and beers. Make sure you grab a drinking glass, it's probably the best souvenir glass in my collection!
(5)Sunita S.
We love this place! We love it so much that we had a little wedding reception dinner there. I'm vegetarian and there's always some great options for me and for those who aren't I heard nothing but good reviews of their dishes.
(5)Scott K.
I walked into this place expecting the beer to be incredible with so so food. I walked out thinking the food was good, with so so beer. The tips on the place were true...Get the Beer Cheese Soup. The menu itself is pretty creative. I had some meatloaf stuffed with spinach, some type of cheese I can't remember, and wrapped in bacon. Yeah, it was yummy. The portions were huge, the prices were good, and I would totally go to this place again if I was a local. The beer is so so. I tried one of the flights and none of them really grabbed me. It wasn't bad, I just think my expectations on the beer were too high. The volume level wasn't terrible, there was free wi-fi, and the service started out a little rocky but worked out in the end. The bartender griped and rolled her eyes that an older member of my group used one of the bar stools at the table since it had a back and the stools at the table didn't. I don't even know what that was about. She ended up being our server and was really good, kept the water glass full, the beer coming, and was very knowledgeable about the food.
(4)Bob B.
I have been coming here for over a year now. I get to enjoy the cup about once a week. Great beer, great food. I have never had anything I didn't love. The daily specials are always excellent.
(5)Seiji N.
I'm in the area for work and my clients treated me to the cup. Parking wasn't too difficult to find on the street, but I could see how it could be a problem at busier times, especially since its right off the highway. Even at 5:30pm on a Wed, it was packed and I'm glad we called ahead to reserve a table for our large party. The Liberal Cup brews their own beer and will have different kinds on tap. I tried the Bug Lager and found it very light. It was a little bit on the flat side, but maybe that's how its supposed to be... As for the food, I tried their Beer Cheese Soup. I found that the soup was extremely unique and I've never tasted anything like it before. The soup is more on the lighter side and goes really well with the mini pretzels (this is coming from a person that never eats pretzels). I also had the Fish and Chips per fellow Yelper's reviews. I got greedy and went for the full size... Since I had the soup, I think I would have been fine with the half size. BUT the fish was extremely fresh and full of taste that I finished the entire thing X_x I would definitely recommend this place if you're an out of town visitor. It seems like a good local place to hit up.
(4)Devon D.
What a treat - awesome beer and excellent food. Their Summer Bitter Summer Not cask beer is excellent as well as many of their other options. They have great appetizers perfect for sharing - including the spinach dip and the garlic Parmesan tenders. The beer cheese soup is a treat every night and it is always fun to see which beer and cheese they combine on a given night. For the entrees, you cannot go wrong from sandwiches to full meals as well as a wide variety of specials. If you are up for a fun time on a Tuesday night, the trivia is great to join in on with some friends.
(5)Jim C.
The atmosphere is great - definitely a local tavern that treats tourists as if they were "one of their own." The atmosphere is unique in that it provides a perfect setting for after work cocktails or the fun atmosphere to help calm first date jitters. I have been a regular customer for years and I have never had a bad experience here. The menu is diverse and the beer selection is wonderful. The taps are constantly changing and most are brewed on site. If you are looking for several taps of "name-brand" beers you may need to look elsewhere. However, the beer brewed here is amazing and definitely worth a try. Who knows, maybe you will even enter the running to get your mug! One of the best bar restaurants in the area! *Warning - the owner may be sitting next to you and is more than willing to strike up a conversation. He blends in well and is very approachable. It's refreshing to see an owner treat everyone as if they are the only patron in the bar.
(5)Jessica S.
I go here pretty regularly with some family members. Yes, the place is usually packed and loud. I consider it part of the ambiance of the place, so if you're not into that, this isn't your place. Generally, when we go, there's a wait of at least 30 minutes, so we get our names on the list, order a couple of drinks and hang out around the bar. We're usually destined to run into someone we know, and most of the waitstaff know us by now. We've never had an issue with any of them being rude; they're always all very friendly, funny, and helpful. Mixed drinks are not skimped on here. Always delicious and strong. I find the regular menu to be a bit boring, but the food on it is good. However, the specials can be INCREDIBLE. The best thing hands down that I've had is the 21 day dry aged NY strip. It may be a little pricey, but it's the most delicious cut of meat I've ever had. My mother will always order the salmon when it's on special, and she says it's also the best salmon she's ever had. (Though the flavors vary) If you want a fun place to hit that's a bar scene that isn't full of drunken 20-year olds, then this is your spot. If you want some really delicious, creative dishes and don't mind paying a little more, then this is it as well.
(5)Alissa S.
I go to Liberal Cup at least once every time I visit my parents' summer place in Maine. Great hard cider, last time I went there was a great band playing all kinds of music, always friendly service, I usually order a special which never fails to be delicious. They've waaay expanded their dessert menu- last time we ended up all splitting strawberry margarita cheesecake and chocolate tornado cake. I'd never waited longer than 15 minutes before, but last time we went on a Thursday night we waited about 30 minutes- probably a combo of a crowded bar due to the band playing and there was some kind of retirement party. I never mind since I like wandering the nearby used bookshops (I do find that the bar side where you wait for a table is really loud and I feel like I'm in the way no matter where I stand, so I don't wait in there).
(4)Christine C.
I love the Liberal Cup! The Cobb Salad is excellent.
(5)Mike D.
Alewife Ale:9 AWESOME home brews, excellent fish and chips, black and blue wrap is excellent. Any of the special dishes they offer are excellent. Prime rib special was good, Nice home cut fries. It gets crowded on the weekend but its one of the best places to eat in kennebec county!
(5)Kristen M.
Great Irish pub serving up their own brews. It's a fun place to hang out and knock back a couple cold ones, but the food is just OK (in my humble opinion.) My Dad loves the meatloaf dish. I thought it was alright, but nothing to write home about. There was a pork chop special which was not very good at all. A mess of bland potato and pea mush atop what could have been tasty pork chops (if not drowned and smothered in the tasteless potato mixture.) The atmosphere is nice, and the service is great. I'm sure I'll be back here. For drinking: 4.5 stars For dining: 3 stars
(3)Brian M.
Great food and atmosphere. Busy, laid back. I enjoyed the haddock dish. I recommend it. When I go back to Augusta, I'll be sure to hit this place up again!
(5)B P.
Went in for a snack and a pint on a Wednesday. Great beer selection and service even during a rush. Had the creole quesadilla which was reasonably priced and tasted amazing. Can't wait to head back to the area and sample more drink and amazing food. Don't miss this place.
(5)Elizabeth D.
The beer cheese soup was pretty interesting. the other night it was brown beer with cheddar and served with pretzels. I really enjoyed my fish and chips with sweet potato fries substituted for the hand cut fries. The regular fries didn't look all that appealing but the sweet potato fries were great- loved the seasoning. The fish was absolutely delicious. It was panko breaded and perfectly crispy. I would highly recommend it. The cole slaw was pretty standard. I also enjoyed the bug lager and appreciated that they let me sample a different beer befor deciding what t order
(4)Ethan L.
Situated in the antique district in Hallowell, right alongside the Kennebec is the Liberal Cup. Inside you are welcomed to a very warm pub. The building seems to hark back to an older time, there is lots of exposed wood. Ceramic tankards hang above the bar for the regular patrons. Wooden benches, oblong tables, and warm corners abound. The focus here is on simple but better than average pub food, and of course, beer. It delivers on all fronts. Lots of the food items are beer centric, from Chicken in Ale, a break apart pot roast that was devine, to beer cheese soup which is real velvety, and plenty of beer battered and fried items (shrimp, clams, chips, you name it). Sandwiches here were a big hit with my group, and the chowder was fish based and fairly tasty. The beers are also real solid and inviting, and can take you away to a different place. They really picked the right beers to make here for the atmosphere, it suits everything perfectly. They only offer their own, with perhaps one guest tap, and maybe one cask, but who's complaining? A great place to check out, keep in mind it is VERY popular. I tried in the summer with no luck, and even on a sleepy Saturday in November after Thanksgiving, the place was still quite busy, but managed to get in. The lunch rush seemed to die off at around 3 PM. Give it a shot, but get there early.
(4)A Z.
Wow great atmosphere and amazing mussels. Beer cheese soup was great. Oh, and the Bug lager was tasty too.
(4)Virginia D.
clearly a local favorite- loved to see the waiters greet so many folks by name. I'm no beer person, but the locally brewed hard apple cider I had was awesome (cinnamon & vanilla). food was great- housemade veggie burger was delish & of course had to get sweet potato fries.
(4)Liz E.
Have not eaten here, but many times at their sister pub -- Run of the Mill in Saco Maine. The menu is the same -- food has always been good so we decided to try the Hallowell location. Walked through the door to have lunch. It smelled so bad -- like someone had used the front doorway for a urinal. The place was dark, damp and so smelly we walked out!!! Beer cheese soup is my favorite in Saco, and I was looking forward to it!!! Sorry!!
(1)Michael w.
Friendly staff....even when busy.....I had quail which was wonderful....my girlfriend had roast chicken...which was outstanding. What can I say....not cheap but quality is inexpensive here.....will return.
(4)Bethany M.
I love The Liberal Cup! It's absolutely one of my favorite places to go. The French Onion Soup is fabulous, the Beer Cheese soup is ALWAYS great, the Haddock Napoleon is to DIE for, and the mussels are divine. The beer is also GREAT. Even though it's a bit of a drive for me, I frequent this place. The atmosphere coupled with the great food and beer, and frequent live music is all around excellent
(5)Daisy C.
So I went to he Liberal Cup on Saturday night with a friend and we got there after 7pm so we knew we would have a wait. After 2 drinks we were still 7 people down on the list. Luckily we snagged two seats at the bar and finished our meals before our names were even called. Drinks were good, not as strong as I would of liked but my friend enjoyed hers. I had the grilled chicken sandwich and mashed garlic potatoes. So yummy. My friend had the French onion soup and sweet potato fries and liked it as well. Definitely will go back there so my boyfriend and son can try it. By the way, they have a kids menu on request but I wouldn't take a small child there on a super crazy weekend night. They might get trampled lol.
(4)Elizabeth G.
We needed a place north of Portland to eat dinner on our way even further north for a rafting trip the following day. Enter the Liberal Cup (props to Eunice E. for scouting out this gem on Yelp!) There weren't a lot of places open on a Sunday night in Augusta or neighboring Hallowell. The Liberal Cup was rockin' with live music (right next to our table!) and their very own beer in several varieties (IPA, lager, Porter, to name a few) on tap. They have your standard pub food (fish & chips, burgers) plus slight twists (Cuban and other sandwiches; beer battered haddock served with spinach, bacon, and potatoes) and lighter fare (salads, wraps, quesadillas). Truly something for everyone. This might be a three-star review, were it not for the location -- AND for the life-changing beer cheese soup. I repeat: DO NOT LEAVE without ordering the beer cheese soup!
(4)Wes D.
I think this place is amazing. Every-time you go it is different. New bands which make the night fun. Sometimes loud but it is a pub. The place has great food and drinks along with pleasant staff.
(5)Charles G.
This is the best restaurant north of Portland. The regular menu is good. The turkey dinner can't be beat if you're looking for comfort food. It is the nightly specials that are fabulous. The beer battered clams are the best anywhere. Yes, you might have to wait a while but that's because its worth the wait, and I'g go for the Porter myself.
(5)Skip B.
Great beer and a wicked good reuben sandwich what more do you need to know? Busy place in the summer walked in at 1:30pm or so midweek and got the one empty table in the place went back in Oct. not so bad still busy but not packed all the people from away are gone. One thing that needs to be said is on there yelp page it states that is wheelchair accessible we found out the hard way that it is if you have three large men to pick up said wheelchair. Great food, beer, and service but not wheelchair friendly.
(5)Eunice E.
Really good food... definite five stars for the beer cheese soup. Nice beer on tap (had the Bug Lager--lightest beer on the draught menu; I thought it was great). Decent service. Really cute atmosphere, and amazing live music (the bassist ROCKED). Worth the trek from Portland, for sure.
(4)Michelle M.
I didn't eat here, but my boyfriend did. Got food poisoning and was sick all day. He said it tasted good on the way down, but definitely not on the way back up.
(1)Jenna C.
Great beer, great food, great atmosphere! The beer is brewed right there, so we decided to try a paddle..every beer was very good ( and we are kind of picky about our beer!) We had the lunch specials of wraps and soup...the smoked haddock chowder was exceptional. Also, great Bloody Mary !
(5)Laura B.
Frequent because my husband enjoys the brew pub beer and the food is good. Those areas get a 4-star. However, 3-stars were given because service is not always the best and can be rude with large parties. Friday and Saturday nights are very busy and you feel rushed to hurry up and leave because the wait area is between the tables people are eating at. If you want a good meal and want to enjoy a night out with friends, go on any night other than Friday or Saturday.
(3)Padric G.
Traditional American pub and brewery in downtown Hallowell, Maine. Tuesday nights (trivia night) is the best time to go, but get there early. If you arrive before 6:30, you can compete while eating dinner. The food is filling and tasty. The beer selection is pretty good. I recommend: a local brew.
(4)Bob M.
Good local ambience and craft beers with well prepared pub style comfort food. Better service at the bar than with the dining room waitstaff. I wish I knew why having just one beer gives me a hangover, though. Too much carbonation?
(3)John S.
The Liberal Cup is amazing! They have the best food, best beer and prettiest waitresses.
(5)Mark B.
This is the type of place I love. A true local place. The beer was amazing- I had the oatmeal stout which was one of the best I have ever had. For dinner I ordered the pot roast. Came with garlic mashed and squash. The meat was fork tender and flavorful. You could taste the beer that it was cooked in. Very good and an amazing value for 10 bucks. My friend got shepherds pie which he loved. Very good looking menu. Good mix of Yankee home cooking, pub grub and healthy stuff. Amazing atmosphere. Full of locals. Great vibe. Live music. I was swaying and I do not even really like country music. Waitress wasn't too friendly, so that's why this place doesn't get the full five stars. I am here for the week on business and will definitely be back!
(4)Alex A.
Went in for a late lunch with my hubby. Cute, cozy spot. We sat at the bar. The bartender was friendly, and very knowledgeable about the beer list. We ordered -- Downeast Reuben for him, Veggie Quesadilla for me. The Reuben was REALLY good -- battered haddock w/ coleslaw on marble rye, served with fries. The haddock was light and flaky, with a crispy crust -- not greasy in the least. Fries were very tasty! My quesadilla was -meh. The tortillas were slightly burnt, and the Sundried Tomato flavor didn't match the other flavors (Pepperjack cheese, onions, peppers and cilantro-lime sour cream). It also came with remoulade on the side, which seemed an odd choice. In fact, the whole combination was just plain WEIRD. I ended up with a bad case of lunch envy. I'll go back and try the Rueben.
(3)James S.
I was coming up to Maine to pick up my daughter from camp and was going to stay in Augusta as my half way point. A friend told me about the Liberal Cup in Hallowell and claimed it to be the best meal in the area. I called a few days before the trip and tried to get a reservation. The young lady who answered told me that I would not need a reservation as it was a week night and to just show up. Her exact words were "plenty of room". I showed up at 6:30pm to mass confusion. It was very crowded and it was not clear who or where the hostess was. One of the servers was all giddy and said "It's trivia night!" OK, that sounds great, but I really just want a good meal as I had been driving all day. I finally got the hostess and she was in a state of panic and told me they are not seating anyone else all night. The place was too full and this was trivia night after all! I tried to tell her how I called and she said okay if I found a place at the bar I could sit there. The bar was full and the regulars all had coats and purses on the open chairs. Finally I found an empty stool against the wall and squeezed it into the bar. I ordered mussels. I waited about a half hour. I asked twice and was told both time that they would be coming. Then finally it turned out the order was never delivered to the kitchen! So I ordered again. I waited another 20 minutes and was not served. I finally paid for my beer and left. I had an excellent meal down the street at Slate's. There was mass confusion here. The staff seems overwhelmed and as we use to call it - "in the weeds". Nobody was friendly and it was just chaotic and very loud. I did not get a good vibe from this place. Maybe the food is good. I don't know, I sure tried to get some! My tip is to go to Slate's, my meal there was excellent!
(1)Sam D.
The Liberal Cup seems emblematic of the quaint, throwback street it sits on. Located on the main street of Hallowell, this cozy brew pub delivers on atmosphere and novelty. I had the sampler paddle, which was a good value and allowed me to try the five beers they had on tap that night. A couple of the beers were a little flat, like it was the end of the batch. It's a small brewery operation, so I'm not surprised that they don't have kegs upon kegs to cycle through. The food was all very enticing, but I wasn't very adventurous - opting for a grilled reuben and buffalo wings. They were decent, but I'm no authority on the food. Some friends were extremely satiated - although not undone - by the pot roast and the sweet potato fries. Above all else, this place is worth it for the locals. Its as crowded with locals as a pub in Ireland, except its chock full of Maine folk - less irascible and belligerent, more gregarious and lighthearted.
(4)Doug J.
(score 1-100) - 89. Ok this really deserves 5 stars but I am going to stick with the 4 for now. This is a great dinner and lunch place that makes true homemade level food. Think comfort food meets live pub atmosphere. I always get together with family members here and I can't seem to remember anyone complaining about their food. The food is 90+ level and comparable to places that are considered 5 star in the Back Bay of Boston. The dishes are reasonable 12-14 dollars and very very delicious! You can't go wrong with the Liberal Cup!
(4)stef c.
Went for lunch while on a vacation and it was fabulous. Generous portion of mussels, buttermilk chicken sandwich, burger all delicious and reasonably priced. Enjoyed the atmosphere as well. And they have organic hard apple cider!
(5)Alexander W.
The best pub in Central Maine, bar none. Best food. Best people. Best ambiance. Best decor. Best beer.
(5)Meghan B.
I went to the liberal cup because of the reviews. It was a very disappointing experience. The service was something to be desired. The server was to busy talking about himself and was not paying attention to our order. This was apparent when we got our food and things were not as we ordered. The chicken was not cooked- pink inside and cold. When we sent it back it came back a little less pink and a little warmer.....not edible. DO NOT order the chicken dish. The Greek salad was okay although I asked for the dressing on the side and it came with dressing and a little salad--I hate a soggy salad. To top it all off the server lost our check and debt card and it took him about 10 minutes to find them---ugh!!! Overall the experience was not to my standard and I would not recommend eating here.
(2)Mike C.
What a great place! No frills here, but this place has its own charm for sure. The food was good and the beer was unique...I went three times during my two week business trip and wouldn't hesitate to go back.
(4)Shaina P.
Home-brewed beer from Bug Light to cask conditioned booze, the Liberal Cup is my favorite local hangout (even though I'm from a few towns over) when I'm home for a visit. You're guaranteed to recognize a face or two the minute you step through the front door. You will always ask for more beer as every production is as delicious as the first, stuff yourself with nostalgic meals, play trivia (win money unless the Vellani's are in the house), move to the beat of live music on weathered wood flooring, toss some darts, and squeeze your way to the bathroom. And then, you will stumble over to the Wharf. Hallowell is a MUST SEE small, historic downtown whether you're in Augusta, Gardiner, or need a break from the interstate. It's home to many locally-owned shops: antiques, art, jewelery, coffee, and other Maine classics, and will hopefully never change! Plus, you have access to the newly constructed, paved rail trail which contours the Kennebec River all the way into Gardiner. Oh, and the food offerings are some of the best in the area.
(5)Justin F.
I can't believe this place has only 4 stars. I reject that notion and wish I could give it 6. This beer is simply unbelievable, the staff is wicked friendly, and the food is the best pub grub I have EVER eaten...EVER. I live out of state and every time I go home I need to go to "The Cup." It's Augusta/Hallowell/Gardiner's Cheers and one of the only cultural and respectable places in the area. The place can get crowded there, but I like it like that. No one likes the snotty college kids in the summer.
(5)Dave L.
Had a great tasting Meal at the Liberal Cup with a glass of Bug Lager but the beel did not agree with me later on in the evening.
(3)Joel S.
Charming brew pub on Water Street. Cute decor. Had a house IPA, which was good. It had a fruity finish that I had never tasted in an IPA before. The beer is served warmer than usual, in the English style. They have a good lunch special consisting of half of the wrap of the day and a cup of soup. Today's wrap was chicken, bacon, tomatoes and greens. It tasted better than it sounded and was very good. The home made potato chips are amazing. The waitresses were perky. A very pleasant meal.
(4)Alan G.
Just had a beer, but thoroughly enjoyed "Bug" Lager - that's right, I said "Bug", not "Bud". It's their most popular brew. Lots of character at this central Maine bar in the historic town of Hallowell right outside the state capital, Augusta. Great memorabilia, helpful bartenders - definite repeat; maybe should have eaten there too; next time!
(4)Rob S.
Excellent chowder and not a lot of cream, so top notch. I had the turkey club that had nice thick turkey pieces, and perfect sweet potato fries. Buddy had a blackened bleu chicken wrap that he said was great. We'll definitely be coming back.
(5)Angelina K.
Service was good, husband had the beer & enjoyed it. Got the bacon wrapped scallops & those are yummy. For dinner, husband had the bangers & smash. I had the cubano sandwich w/out the bread. No gluten free menu but they were able to put the insides of the sandwich on a bed of greens. Left feeling VERY full. High caloric evening.
(3)Kate G.
I'm in the Augusta area six or seven weekends a year, keeping my boyfriend company while he's working. We usually don't get beyond the Western Ave "strip", but the woman at the Quality Inn recommended we check out Hallowell, and highly recommended The Liberal Cup. When we got down there, the first thing I noticed was the crowd. We had to park a couple streets away from the place because there was no parking, and the quick walk was full of slightly inebriated people smoking. I was starting to have Old Port flashbacks, and that didn't stop when we went inside. The bar was very crowded, with an interesting range of people, from middle aged to young - there were even a couple of kids. The bar area was mobbed, the wait was an hour, but something about the place convinced us to stay. We shared a Porter while we waited, and it was really good. Rich flavors, not too strong, with a chocolaty finish. Once we were seated at our table, our waiter was quick to get us a water and a Bug Ale. This was light, in my opinion, not as good as the Porter, but then again I prefer dark beers. My boyfriend got the Shepard's Pie, I got the Turkey Club with coleslaw. The Shepard's Pie came steaming hot, with a side of white bread and butter. It was really good - the potatoes on top were well seasoned, and the meat was high quality and not too greasy. I would have liked to see this served with some sort of vegetable, but the crusty bread was decent. My Turkey club came with wheat bread, a mayo that was rich and almost buttery, and avocado slices that put it over the top. The turkey was actual sliced turkey breast, not any sort of deli meat, and complemented the other flavors. The coleslaw was the only disappointment to the night - it had no color to it, just green cabbage and white dressing, and a lemony taste that seemed out of place. Maybe it would have gone better with fish. Overall we thought that the food was worth the wait, but were surprised to find a place as busy as any in Portland all the way up here. This was the best pub food I've had in at least a year and I hope to be back!
(4)Bob S.
I think this is the best bar in Hallowell. A terrific brew pub with a passion for beer. Very friendly atmosphere. Family friendly for lunch or dinner. Watch out though; the portions are very generous.
(5)Linda E.
Good service and we were quickly seated. I would have rather sat in the bar because the table area is an older crowd. I had the Bug Lager which was light and crisp! I ate the sweet potato fries and my friend had the portabello mushroom burger, both were great and very hot from the kitchen. I would like to return to try the 5 sampled beers.
(4)Jessica M.
Best watering hole in Maine. ;-) My family lives nearby so I may be partial, but every time I'm in the area I look forward to visiting this little local gem that seems to always be packed with great people. Love the beer on tap.
(5)Taluka K.
LOVE this place. Food is excellent, never had anything bad. Beer is even better. Even have cask conditioned. I can envision patriot types like George Washington coming here back in the 1700's, where they would have discussions on the unfairness of the home rule and plotting a revolution LOL...just kidding, but it's quaint and cozy that way. The fish is fantastic, and the pumpkin cheesecake-OMG! Skip the fish and just get the whole cheesecake.
(5)Frank G.
This is the second time I find myself in the Capitol area of Maine on business. I chose this place for two reasons. 1. It's a brewery. 2. It received high marks on Yelp. If you are a fan of a rustic atmosphere and handcrafted beer, this is the place for you. There's always 6 fresh brewed beers on tap. They have a beer sampler on the menu that lets you try all 6. I highly reccomend this. I ordered a pint of Hallow Ale IPA and a cup of beer cheese soup to start. The soup was made from the same IPA I was drinking and a fine cheddar. Served with a handful of pretzels with one floating in the center of the bowl. Delicious. Nice consistency. For my entree, I selected The Haddock Napoleon. Beer battered haddock served over garlic smashed potatoes and strips of smoked apple wood bacon. The batter was light and had a pleasant crispiness to it. The haddock was juicy and tender. The garlic smashed potatoes were fantastic. The wait staff is cordial and prompt. Can't wait to go back the next time I'm in town for business. I love this place.
(4)Emily H.
Stumbled into this place for lunch one afternoon while in Augusta for work. After checking Yelp, it seemed like the pickings in the area would be slim and perhaps the good reviews for this spot were due as much to lowered expectations as to the food and beer. I was totally happily surprised. I had a hard time choosing from the menu. Everything sounded delicious. Ended up with a cup of amazing minestrone and a meatloaf sandwich to give my mom a run for the money (don't tell). Love the atmosphere and best of all -- the beer! Had the alewife ale in a proper pint glass and it was fantastic. I will definitely be back when I'm in the area.
(4)Linda M.
It is a typical busy pub type place...yes, other reivews are correct...it is noisey and lots of people ( lines were long to be seated) and the food is AMAZING! The beer is so awesome......best brews ever. When we went, we had a group of 7 so they did hold a table, I can imagine waiting is frustrating....but here is the thing: If it sucked, no one would be in there and one wouldn't want to eat there. The good news is it is worth the wait and they are very nice...the food is excellent, no complaints from the seven of us (ranging in age from 19 to 57 years young). Some had burgers, some had fish and chips...even a steak special (scary good). They did seat us in the bar area and it was a live band night, so it was a bit loud and we did need to "speak up" to hear each other...so in our case, a table in the back would be better. BUT, all said, this is a great place to have a beer and some great pub food....
(4)Jacob P.
As far as food in this area the liberal can't be beat. As far as bars with "chill" locals cant be beat. Good home brews check. Killer pub food. No Joke this is the best fish & chips I have had in this country, not battered they're breaded. Malt vinegar on the fries and your all set.
(5)Chester O.
Again, you have to be one of the locals to enjoy this place. Hallowell has this thing where you have to be from around town to fit in... anyway, the food was ok but they were in a hurry to get us out the door. I went there to see someone play and they must have moved us twice before we left.
(2)James D.
Probably the best pub in central maine. GREAT BREW. GREAT FOOD. and better atmosphere. Little pricey. But worth it! gotta love new england irish pubs!
(5)Dana B.
This place was great both the Bug Lager and For Richer or Poorter were very good. I had the turkey bacon avocado sandwich was delicious. My buddy had the bangers and Mash and was good enough he chose eating over speaking. My dad had the Reuben which was also good but he said it wasnt the best hes had at all. I just wasnt a fan of the seating and it was really loud the night we were there.
(4)Tate K.
A perfect place to come for a low-key lunch or dinner with pub-style food and excellent beer. I'd give the beer five stars, but the food just gets three because I've never really been wowed by anything. Sandwiches are usually pretty good, but most of the seafood items are just mediocre. As for the beers...WOW! They usually have five of their own brews on tap and a variety of others that are bottled to choose from. The IPAs and cream stouts are always good choices. Live music on Thursdays and Sundays (5-8pm, I believe), which is fun and exciting but definitely not for a nice, quiet evening. Wait staff is pretty friendly and prices are not too bad (under $10 for sandwiches, $15-20 for bigger entrees and specials). I would definitely recommend coming here, even if it's only for a beer or two!
(4)Tina D.
The Liberal Cup gets knocked down a star. I tried to go to Trivia tonight and there was a line out the door. I am not going to wait in line to hang out in a bar in Augusta... I guess all the local drunks come back in the summer for some trivia.
(3)Randy H.
Incredible atmosphere with great beer. Love the Sampler Paddle. The beer cheese soup is sensational.
(5)Christine N.
Beer is ok. Best calamari in the area.
(4)Joe H.
The perfect pub in a great town. They serve great beer brewed on the premises. The menu that mixes classic pub fare with some truly unique options. The atmosphere is warm and the service was as friendly and helpful as anywhere I've been. I went for lunch and will probably go back tonight to try more food and beer and to hear the live music. I wish I lived next door.
(5)Claire R.
Very nice cozy atmosphere, great selection of home brewed beer, fantastic trivia night on Tuesdays and delicious New England pub food! (Yummy burgers and Shepard's pie) I love everything about this place and think you should make the trek if you are anywhere near by. They also just opened a sister restaurant in Saco, ME called Run of the Mill (it's in an old mill) same menu, beers and wooden charm but much bigger and they are thinking of using the space to make more of their beers to sell there and in stores!
(5)Mike H.
This place is great! Ate there yesterday, I had the haddock chowder and the El Cubano sandwich. Both were out of this world. If your in the area give it a try. I almost forgot to mention the beer which was wonderful!
(5)Graham C.
A friend of mine, upon hearing that I was travelling to Augusta, ME for business, told me there was nowhere to eat up there. Thank God a friend of mine is the fire chief in Hallowell. He steered me to this incredibly cozy brew-pub. It's a brick interior, with this great gnarled wood bar. They brew their own beer, and it was quite good. The Stout was the only thing I had. They have a Mug Club that allows you entry after 150 beers in a year. You get to keep your mug behind the bar. I tried the quesadillas with some sort of remoulade and pepperjack cheese and the fish and chips. Both were terrific. This is the kind of place where everyone knows your name. Probably has to do with the fact that the City of Hallowell only has 2300 people. Good food, good beer, and great company. It's the only thing that makes me wish I lived outside of Augusta.
(4)Lori B.
They have great beer, got a sampler and enjoyed it greatly. They had music which was nice as well. I had fantastic shepherd's pie here. It definitely had a pub atmosphere so if that's not your thing, you won't like it but I found it comfy.
(4)Jennifer S.
Best bet in the Augusta area. Lived here for two years and this was always our main place to go. Beer selection is good. The restaurants brews are good. I wouldn't say they were great, but they had some flavor and were drinkable. The nightly specials are usually spot on. We did have a few visits were I think maybe the back up chef was on. I nearly always had fried clam appetizer when available and some nights they were to die for and then some nights it seemed like they came out of the freezer. Good burgers, great fish and chips. Try one of the quesadillas, they were excellent also. Service was terrible. We had nick names for the staff. We were there often enough. We knew how the night would go depending on who our server was. One of them was so slow and seemed so uninterested that she dragged her shoes all over the hard wood floor. We called her McSlumberson. I also had a waiter argue with me about how hoppy the home IPA was. We had just relocated from the Pacific Northwest, home of the best US Hops. Needless to say, the first time drinking the home IPA was a bit of a disappoinment. That said, we continued to return because it really is a cool restaurant and your best option around town for beers.
(3)David M.
I am a local that goes to the Liberal Cup often! One of my favorite places to go out to eat. I love the beer they brew, and the menu is fantastic. My wife and I love the Haddock Napoleon.
(5)Frank P.
This place was recommended by the girl working at the Econo Lodge in town. I went for lunch and thought it was pretty good. They have the normal menu items, but add a little something to make each one unique. I had a sampler of the 6 beers they had on tap that day. I think all of them were home-brewed and they were pretty tasty. It definitely has an old bar feel to it and the locals seem to love it. The people in Augusta are extemely nice too... almost Mayberry-ish.
(4)Mike P.
The true gem of Hallowell. The 'Cup has excellent brews (Alewife Ale & Bug Lager are my favorites) and great food. Being a meat eater, I'm not down with some of the veggie stuff they have but the Fish & Chips are awesome and the Burger w/Applewood smoked Bacon is superb. Mike
(4)