Ebenezer's Restaurant & Pub

lordofthewiens

Maine

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

When Beer Advocate listed the top 50 places to drink a beer, there was one glaring omission. Ebenezer's Pub should be in the top 10, if not Number 1.

Ebenezer's is located in tiny Lovell, Maine, on a back road off a golf course. If you weren't looking for it, you'd never find it, which would be a shame, because you'd be missing out on a truly mystical experience.

Out front of a house is a quaint sign of a Dickensian character. A flag announced that the pub was open. You're looking out over the golf course as you enter a screened porch. Nothing too exceptional there. As you enter the bar from the porch, you're transported to an Old World kind of place. Beautiful bar, some tables. Behind the bar are 15 taps, half of which are Belgians. To the right of the taps is a refrigerator with hundreds of different beers. In fact, Chris Lively, the owner, says he has over 500 different beers in bottles!

Since we were there with my sister and her grandkids, we sat on the porch on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and watched golfers take aim at us (the porch is right behind the 2nd green).Chris came out and introduced himself, and I put myself in his hands. I began with Abbaye Val Dieu trippel, which was wonderful. I then went to a sampler of some of the other drafts. Gulden Drak, Duchesse de Bourgnonne, St Bernardus Witte, and Leute Bok. All were served (including the Leute Bok) in the appropriate glassware. I finished the samples with 2004 Bigfoot. The final beer was a bottle of 1998 Bigfoot, a sublime experience. Chris had Bigfoot from 1997 on up, lots of Rogues, Unibroue, a zillion Belgians, and many, many more that I just couldn't take in.

Food was excellent, ranging from appetizers to pub fare to entrees. Fresh ingredients, well-prepared, and reasonably priced. While there's no kids' menu, our waitperson said the kitchen could make anything the kids wanted. Of course, they wanted hot dogs, but they could have had most anything. And, at least during the day, this is a place you could bring kids.

Chris is very knowledgeable and entertaining. He loves beer, and clearly wants his customers to feel at home and comfortable in his establishment. I can't rate Ebenezer's highly enough. It is a must stop if you're in the area, but I would also consider it a destination for any beer lover.

08-07-2006 12:01:29 | More by lordofthewiens

stmartinpale

Maine

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

The best beer bar in the free world. The selection is unsurpassed and the ambiance is beyond reprouch. Chris and Jen are the best hosts anywhere and their selection of beers is unbelievable. I can't say they are in the middle of nowhere because I live 15 miles from them, but how can anyone this far from anywhere have this kind of selection? I've collected beers for 35 years and this is the most beers i've seen in one place in all those years. We need to add two or three numbers for selection, quality. service and atmosphere. If you can get there, get there. My friends and I went three times this week and each time we were not disappointed. there were 19 beers available on tap and hundrerds more in bottles. We sampled Bernadus abt 12, Petrus triple, Kiezerburg, Bigfoot 2004,Houblen Chouffe, Nostradamus Brown, St Louis framboise, St Louis Peche, Phantome Gourmande, Phantome Noel, Maredsous 8, Ridgeway IPA, Old Engine Oil and more. Each was served in the proper glass and came with a proper discription and presentation.

Chris and Jen are the ultimate hosts. They treat each guest as is if they were the only ones in the bar and spend time with Bud light snowmobilers and belgian snobs equally. I love the place. I've travelled the world and found the best in my own back yard.

02-24-2007 04:27:23 | More by stmartinpale

MrRetardedMonkey

New Hampshire

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

I have lived in the Mt. Washington Valley for about eight years now, and I just recently discovered Ebenezer's thanks to this site. I always new it was there, but I had no idea that it had become such a mecca for incredible beer. I went for the second time last night and was delighted to find both Chris and Jeni working behind the bar (they had been at the Montreal Brewfest the previous week). They shook our hands as they introduced themselves to us when we sat down at the bar, and their enthusiasm, knowledge and service were second to none.
I believe they had about eighteen or so beers on tap. They even had a special Delirium Tremens tap, which is one of only three in existence in the whole world. I started off with a draft of St. Bernadus Apt 12, moved on to the Celebrator Doppelbock, and then sampled a bottle of Pannepot Old Fisherman's Ale with Chris. Everything was served in the appropriate glassware, which makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Words cannot desribe how amazing this experience was. In addition to what's on tap, there is a four door cooler that temps the eyes, and tastebuds, with the most incredible collection of bottles I have ever laid eyes on...Trappist, Belgian, German, English, American..bottles of all styles in various sizes. Too many to count, but I know that there is plenty to keep me satisfied every time I head up to Lovell, which will hopefully be fairly regularly now.

If you are ever in the area, don't hesitate to drive to Lovell to enjoy this truly one of a kind experience. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

06-08-2007 23:59:15 | More by MrRetardedMonkey

fourohstudent

Maine

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

Oh My! What a place. On the edge of a golf course in a remote part of Maine lives an establishment that I believed was solely the domain of fairy tales (Okay, maybe not the traditional type, but you can understand, I'm sure). So when you are spending your time around the beautiful White Mountain region of New Hampshire and the Foothills of Maine, make a special trip to this oasis, you won't be disappointed. If there is a beer that is hard to find, Chris will undoubtedly have it on hand. As I could go on forever about Eb's vitrues, I will cut this short and leave you with something to think about. What other beer related place on this whole comprehensive website can boast a rating of 99?

06-10-2007 19:42:02 | More by fourohstudent

Keiko

Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

I come up to Lovell with someone who has been going up there for the past 20 years (I have been there for the past 5)- to walk in upon this place, its amazing! I thought I had a hard time convincing my "city" friends in Boston in converting them to flemish beer etc. but this is my dream come true. I was elated enough to be able to go to a place where I do not have to comprimise to my friend drinking budlight but to have access to St. B (12%) and my old friend Brit ales, and other eye candies line dancing behind the glass case and the great conversations and food to go along with it. After being tended by the fabulous bar tenders at night (Jen- and the hard working blond gal whose name I am ignorant of...) it makes going to any other place a drag!
I love it- and even though I want it to remain a cozy, personal place that it is, I will recommend it to anyone who wants a genuine hoppy experience a welcome BILLAGBONG. yay.

07-07-2007 02:26:20 | More by Keiko

Rochefort10nh

New Hampshire

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

Recently my wife and I made our first trip up to this bastion of great beer for the annual Belgian Beer Fest, and though our expectations were sky high, they were exceeded in every way. It's safe to say we will be venturing up frequently now that we know that this place does indeed truly exist!

Set in the evergreens on the edge of the Lake Kezar Country Club, Ebenezer's is a beer oasis - only you travel through some stunning scenery that includes the Saco River and White Mountains, rather than cross a desert on a camel to reach your destination.

The first sense you get that you are in for something special and unique in this rural Maine environment is when you notice the Delerium Tremens umbrellas covering the outside tables and the St. Sixtus Banner hanging from the building.

Beer paraphernalia can be found throughout the cozy pub and the 10-12 seat bar is both inviting and a great place to take in all the action when things get hopping, as they did on the first Saturday of the fest when wall-to-wall beer lovers of all ages (ok, not under 21!) were enjoying the phenominal line-up and lively conversations.

Plastic checkered tablecloths cover the tables on the screened in porch and in the main dinning and drinking area, more seating can be found. It is certainly not an upscale joint but it seems perfect for the setting and the friendliness of the staff and owners, Chris and Jeni Lively. You're made to feel like family almost immediately and you can not help but relax and enjoy the fine beers and company.

Since this was the Belgian Beer Fest, the line-up of beers on tap was jaw dropping. Gouden Carolus Cuvee de Emperor, Gulden Draak, Unblended three-year-old Boon Gueuze, Stille Nacht, the only keg of Westmalle Tripel in the world! These were (are) just a few of the beers to be had on the new thirty-plus tap system. The bottle list is just as amazing and contains some truly rare gems including 1968 Thomas Hardy's, 1975 Gales Prized Old Ale and Westvleteren 12.

The food was excellent! Pomme frites were cooked to perfection with rosemary mayonaisse to dip them in. Flemish Carbonade, Witloof with ham, Waterzooi and a killer Belgian cheese plate were all outstanding.

But the thing that really sets Ebenezers apart from every other beer destination that I've been to is the passion of the people who run it on a day-to-day basis. Chris is truly a beer advocate of the highest order and he organized a fest the likes of which has never been seen. The lengths that he went to to bring together the beers and food for the fest is amazing and to top it all off he was busting his ass in the kitchen cooking, along with a belgian chef also brought in for the event, when he wasn't out entertaining his guests. His wife, Jeni, was tending bar for the multitudes and making sure everyone was happy with their beers.

Carlo and Urbain, two of the brewers from Struise (creators of Pannepot) who were in attendence throughout most of the week, were flown in just for the event and brought with them a beer (Black Albert) brewed just for the fest. They are true gentlemen and their knowledge of beer was humbling. I will never forget them blending 1977 George Gales Prized Ale, 27 and 26 year-old Westvleteren 12's along with fresh Westy 12 to make a drink that could only be considered revelatory -- a one-of-a kind treat that left all in attendence in awe.

In conclusion, I can not recommend Ebenezer's enough to anyone with an appreciation for fine beer, food and conversation in a comfortable, inviting setting.

Also, if you make the trip up to Lovell, make sure to stay at the Center Lovell Inn, located about three miles from the pub. It is a quaint old-fashioned B&B with great service and the best breakfast I have ever had. It's been featured in Bon Appetite, the New York Times and the Boston Globe. I also have to recommend golf at the Lake Kezar Country Club, with its Donald Ross designed front nine and new and exciting back layout. It's certainly a bargain at $66 for two with cart on a summer weekend!

08-21-2007 21:50:00 | More by Rochefort10nh

tendermorsel

Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

Words cannot express how truly good this bar is... I'll give it a shot though.

A couple of us drove up to Ebenezer's from Boston for the last two nights of the Belgian Beer fest after reading about it on the beer advocate.

The beer selection was truly unparalleled for Belgian beers. Beers that I had only read about they had and at a very reasonable price too. I had never had anything from De Stusie before and was in awe of the Black Albert, Panepont and the Panepont (danish import). Too bad I missed the brewers that were in earlier in the week. Seemingly every possible Belgian beer I was looking for on tap. Goulden Drak, De Ranke XXX Oerbier, Lou Pepe, Triple Karmalite, vintage Chimey Tripel multiple Fanteome kegs and on and on .... If it wasn't on tap than you could get in a bottle. Often not just a regular bottle or a 750ml but enormous magnums and methuselah were also available. Tons of vintage beers were also available.

The food was great. I had a wonderful fried fish plate one night and the all Belgian menu was interesting and innovative.

The thing that separates this bar from any other bar I've been to are the owners, Chris and Jen. Real down to earth. They were very excited that we had made the trip. From first stepping into the place to when we left on Sunday they went out of their way to make us feel comfortable. Both were a wealth of beer knowledge and passion. Chris especially was quick to discuss beers, brewers and the Belgian beer scene.

All in all one of the best weekends I've had in years.

Every true fan of Belgian beers should spend some time at this place. I know I plan on going up again soon. Do what it takes to make it to Lovell. You won't regret it.

08-27-2007 04:40:05 | More by tendermorsel

n0rmann

Massachusetts

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

I've never been to a place like this. You drive up and it's part of a house, but once you walk in and look in the cooler behind the bar, you know you're not in a back woods neighborhood watering hole.

The beer selection is incredible. If you're into Belgian ales, you will never want to leave. Get a bottle of Westy 12, or if you want to try something a little old, try a bottle of a 1968 Thomas Hardy Ale.

The service was fantastic. Chris the owner has a real passion for beer and knows what he is talking about. His wife and the other waitresses are also very friendly.

The food is also top-notch. I had a Ceasar Salad with lobster in it. And there was a lot of lobster. Wonderful.

The only negative I can really say about this place is it is too far from where I live to go more than occassionally. There isn't enough good things I can say about this bar.

Just go there.

09-11-2007 16:11:38 | More by n0rmann

fredandboboflo

New York

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

Wow. Wow wow wow. If you love beer, you'll love Ebenezer's, and you'll love Chris. The atmosphere is so surreal, I almost could not believe where I had been when I woke up the morning after my journey. What looks like a simple little pub attached to a home in the unabating snow of Maine country in January turns out to be Beer Mecca. Some come in for your everyday pub lunch seemingly unaware where they are, that lined up on the wall are 35 taps spewing out some of the world's best and relatively rare beers; that right next to them in the fridge are endless bottles of the same nature; that in the cellar are beers so rare that even the beer connaisseur could go a lifetime without ever seeing. Others of course do come for the beer and get all that and more from Chris, who will tell you everything you want, need, and didn't know you wanted to or needed to know about the beer you're drinking, the beers of the world, the beer community, good ol' water, barley, and hops. And while you're there, don't be fooled into thinking the simple-looking pub menu won't make you salivate over it as well, although of course best in conjunction with the world class beers. It's hard to say more than what others before me have already written (yes, I had the Black Albert, a Westvleteren, an amazing Cantillon Kriek on tap, Olfabrikken Porter, Mikkeller Big, Worse, Slaapmutske on tap (underrated!), and there is so much more), so there is my weak attempt at poetry in prose. Bottom line, stop reading about the darn place, get up, and go there.

01-20-2008 04:03:27 | More by fredandboboflo

vtbrewerpat

Vermont

5/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 5 | $$

Truly an experience like none other. I agree with all the great things said in past reviews. I am a professional brewer in Vermont originally from Maine but this was my first time at Ebenezer's. Our waitress, Ashley, who said she only works there one day a week, was knowledgeable about every beer ordered and or asked about by my friends and me. She made our visit fun right from the start. Owner, Chris was busy grilling all night but made plenty of time to willingly come out and talk to us about his beers with some generous sampling sessions. Chris's knowledge about each specific beer is astounding. A friendly and warming family atmosphere from the moment we arrived. Tap and bottle selection was far and away the most diverse and TASTY I've ever been able to enjoy. I gave Ebenezer's 5's across the board but above the ratings was the service and fun factor, both of which were off the charts. For real beer lovers Ebenezer's is very much worth the traveling no matter where you are coming from. I live in Vermont and I'm going back next week! This is the best beer bar in America!!!!

02-07-2008 19:39:58 | More by vtbrewerpat