It's Bill, 11/23/25: Off Season Saturdays

The Lubecers Take Back Their Town

The Lubecers have successfully taken back their town from wayward tourists. It’s our town now! With the departure of our seasonal guests, several tourism-related businesses have closed until May 2026. Dearly missed are our local restaurants. From now until New Year's, only Water St. Tavern is open Thursday–Saturday, 5–8. The Lubec Brewing Company is open year-round, presenting an excellent variety of their beers, Thursday through Sunday until 5 PM—no food.

Bill enjoying dinner and conversation with friends at Water Street Tavern, one of the few spots still open during the quiet season.

Behind the bar at Lubec Brewing Company, still pouring even after tourist season wraps up.

Locals packed into Lubec Brewing Company for live music, conversation, and the comfort of a familiar

What’s Cooking in Machias

Machias, Washington County’s Shire Town, is only 35–40 minutes from Lubec, the easternmost town in the continental USA. A favorite restaurant is Helen’s, famous for its pies and baked goods—best beef in town on Friday night. Get there before 5! Across the street is Mason’s Brewing Company with a full bar and menu. Close by is The Anchor, a sports bar with pool tables and live music on weekends. The Public House at West Branch Farm, in a cozy, country location, offers fine dining for everyday and special occasions. A real treat, The Public House is also known for its beef. There are other restaurants and pizzerias in Machias. Eastport, over an hour away from Lubec, has some restaurants and bars.

The real reason Helen’s is always worth the drive—don’t leave without a slice (or two).

Locals catching up over lunch at Helen’s in Machias—a cozy spot to escape the off-season quiet in Lu

A Saturday to Remember

A week ago, we got together with friends for a Saturday night dinner in Machias. Helen’s was our undisputed choice. A good part of the evening is driving [at night!] to and from Machias, talking, chatting, gossiping with each other. A lot of fun. On this Saturday night, the wait at the door was about 45 minutes for our table of six. Service was timely for a busy Saturday night. Helen’s dinner options are varied and well balanced. Many seafood choices include fish and chips, broiled haddock or salmon, fried clams, shrimp, and crab cakes. Several pasta dishes as well as chicken or beef. Traditional pot roast and meatloaf are always popular meals. Our meals were tasty and priced well, cocktail service was prompt with a smile. Our conversations tended toward “Do you know so and so,” and so on, each of us sharing our viewpoints and involvement in the evolving subject going around the table. Not surprisingly, we all had something to add to the subject. And yes, we did share some of Helen’s famous desserts. On our drive back to Lubec, we talked about what we were going to do Sunday.

Local Vibes, Local Faces

Last Saturday, we participated in some local Lubec entertainment. At 2 PM, in the Lubec Memorial Library, we enjoyed Chris Farr on his piano playing some of his favorite American composers for two hours while viewing on-screen his local photos as the music moved us along. At 4, I went to the Lubec Brewing Company to find out what folks were saying about me. Later, I went to the Lubec American Legion, Post 65. A lot of friends at the bar, I was joined by Patricia and Teri. Then back to Teri’s for a light dinner and more talk.

Locals catching up over drinks at the Legion bar—always a relaxed, welcoming hangout.

Live music night at Legion Post 65, always drawing a loyal crowd.