In Maine, there are two types of outdoor summer people: the folks who gravitate toward the sand and surf of our ocean beaches, and those who prefer the laid-back scenery of the lakes.
For those who fall in the second camp, Freedom Cafe and Pub in Naples is for you.
Additional Photos
Driving up Route 302, my GPS got a little confused about where I was going, and tried to have me turn into the woods before the causeway. Silly GPS. I was looking for summertime decks on a lake, not an off-roading adventure in the woods.
On the right side, just after the Naples causeway, Freedom Cafe and Pub fills a 200-year-old converted post-and-beam structure overlooking the edge of Long Lake.
In this large building, there are a few different places where you can pull up a chair and sip a cool summer drink. Inside to the right is the main bar, a huge wooden structure carved into the nook between two grand staircases leading to the second floor of the restaurant. Behind the bar is a lounge area of sorts, with a half-dozen tables placed around a two-story stone fireplace. When sitting in this front part of the building, decorated with wall lanterns and wagon wheel chandeliers, you will feel like you’re sitting in a turn-of-the-century public house.
Behind the pub is a more formal dining area with large windows showcasing the views of Long Lake from the back lawn. This is where the action is if the weather is a little less than Maine summer gorgeous, because you still get the benefits of the scenery.
When the weather is nice, the decks and back lawn are where you want to be. If you are there only for drinks during a busy dinnertime, the staff may ask you to sit at the picnic tables on the back lawn, which presents just as beautiful a view and is a fun way to spend a summer evening.
Beer at Freedom Cafe and Pub is pretty much split between domestic brews available by the bottle ($3) and mostly local microbrews available on tap ($4). With happy hour specials offering $1 off all beer from 4 to 6 p.m. every day, this is certainly a cost-efficient way to grab a couple of drinks with friends and family. The wine selection, available both by the glass ($6 to $10) and by the bottle ($24 to $40), leans a little heavier on the red side, including a delicious High Note Malbec ($8 glass/$27 bottle) and a Barefoot Moscato Blush ($6/$22).
Mixed drinks are a blend of classic well drinks and house cocktails, with a special emphasis on “escape” drinks that would normally be served with an umbrella. The most popular with the group of women seated next to me seemed to be the Lake Runner (Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, orange, pineapple and cranberry juices with a float of Malibu Coconut Rum, $8 ).
Entertainment is not lacking at this lakeside bar, with live music most Friday and Saturday nights. With Parrot Head weekend parties on the decks and themed dinners that have drinks to match, you can always find something fun going on.
A new addition is the “Singing for the Benjamins” karaoke challenge. Every Wednesday night at 9 p.m., amateur crooners can belt out their favorite Journey ballad, and that week’s winner receives a cool $100. After a couple of frosty beverages, anyone can lose their inhibitions and take home the weekly prize.
If you are looking for something to snack on while you watch the boats cruise around Long Lake, a sure bet is the Irish nacho appetizer, a Freedom Cafe specialty consisting of a heaping serving of fries topped with chili and cheese ($9). If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try the lobster cobb salad, a Maine twist on a California classic with bacon, avocado, blue cheese crumbles and chilled lobster meat ($18).
Freedom Cafe and Pub offers the drinks, atmosphere and view that most people imagine when they think “Maine,” and it’s a fantastic way to spend a nice day on one of the state’s most visited lakes.
Elisa Doucette is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
