Gritty McDuff's Brew Pub

We would give 2 1/2 stars if possible. Definitely bring a sweater. It's chilly in here. Our waiter forgot our mushroom appetizer. After our meals showed up & I inquired about the appetizer, the waiter said, "Oh, I'm so sorry. That's my bad. I guess you don't need it anymore. It's a moot point now, right?" To which we said, "No, we really do want our appetizer!" Our food took around 30 minutes to come & it wasn't terribly busy. My daughter's lamb gyro was moist but bland. My hamburger was cooked pretty close to medium rare (as requested) & was juicy, but very bland. Our fried mushroom appetizer was also in desperate need of flavor. We added salt to everything, but it only helped a little. The homemade chips absorbed a lot of the grease they were fried in & were also bland. We've heard good things about Gritty's, but we aren't impressed. We'd be content to never come back. Sadly, you're not missing much if you don't visit. I came in positively expecting to leave great reviews & I'm extremely disappointed I can't leave a glowing review of this local Maine business!

It's kind of dark but it was a gloomy, rainy day out when we went so that probably didn't help. Took a while for us to get any service and they weren't busy. Food came out quickly though. Bloody Mary is decent, it's a house mix. The table next to us had one so someone at my table ordered one and they looked completely different. The other tables looked well presented and delicious while ours looked slab together. The fried mushrooms are yummy. The taco special was good. The homemade salsa delicious. The fried clams and fried special was OK. A bit greasy and breaded a bit much. The beer is not the greatest, or at least the one I had for my taste. The atmosphere and the mediocre beer, I don't see myself going back but I like to check all the places out so see for yourself.

It's a very nice place! Great food and excellent local beers.

Great pub food at reasonable prices. Lobster ravioli was a special the day we were there and it was very good. Other dishes our group ordered were awesome as well - pub mac & cheese; brisket special. Nice selection of beer and hard ciders. Definitely recommend if you're in the area.

We stopped here looking for a quick bite to eat on a long road trip home . While the place has a bit of a dated feel to it I wanted good food not fancy atmosphere. We started with chicken tenders. Crispy on the outside with a flavorful batter . I got the steak and cheese with sweet potato fries. It was delicious. My hubby got the meatloaf and almost licked his plate clean . Great food with a fair price.

Decided to give this restaurant a try. Judging by how busy it was and the food I can understand why it is so popular. Staff was helpful in suggesting dishes to try. Lots of drink options to choose from for the beer lover.

Great local spot that did not fail to live up to its reputation. Awesome bartender took care of me right away and was personable and professional. Do not underestimate him when he tells you how big the portions are! Loaded nachos were massive but pretty good.

It brings me no joy to share negative experiences about restaurants. We tried Gritty McDuff's twice on the same night a few days ago. First time we were told to seat ourselves and we sat there unattended for over 15 minutes. The restaurant was very busy and we were patient as we saw how hard the staff was working. But the combination of that and the deafening crowd noise inside were too much, and I had to leave. The collective voice seemed to grow and echo around the building. After struggling to find another restaurant open that late, we tried again, thinking there would be fewer people. While that was true, it wasn't any quieter. There was no music playing, and the crowd noise echoed and became overwhelming. The burger was made to order and tasted ok. Sadly, had to leave before finishing. Service was good, and again I want to pay them proper respect as they were working with energy and determination. Just wish something could be done about the crowd noise via sound dampening and thought it'd be important to share this information so other people with sensory issues in their families can bring in a set of ear buds or something.

The pulled pork fries was a lovely starter and really enjoyed the maple sour cream. My partner was impressed with the chicken stacker. I wouldn't order the Mac n cheese again over something else on the menu. When I see a mac n cheese entree I am expecting something really cheesy and desirable. I wasn't overly impressed but the portion is huge and the cornbread is good. Would be even better with a cornbread crusted topping on the Mac instead The vibe is definitely beer tavern with long wooden shareable tables and benches. It was loud on a Friday night with live music but you can sit farther away from the band if you prefer

We have been to this place so many times over the years and have always loved getting beer and good food. My favorite dish has always been lobster Mac and cheese. Today was solid but just not the same as we remember. I got the lobster Mac and cheese but it wasn't the same as I remember the lobster was added on top but I think it used to be incorporated more. It also had amazing fried jalapeños but that wasn't part of the meal. Bummer. The chilli was also a disappointment. Flavors were good, but it had huge garlic cloves in it. Probably more garlic in the chilli than meat or beans. Staff is always friendly. On other thing we missed was the t- shirts. We loved the shirt but the selection was nonexistent. We have even been to the Portland restaurant but there too, not great selection of shirts. Just sad face here. Guess it's time to find something else somewhere else...

A nice Saturday for a road trip to Freeport. Before we began our retail therapy my hubby and I stopped for lunch. Easy parking, one spot from the front door! Then easy seating two seats at the bar! Boom! Amazing beginning to this meal. Bartender was a super nice man who was nice and patient with our questions. Hubby went with the classic BLT while I read Gyro and went straight to that. I LOVE a really fresh Gyro with a perfectly spiced land and Syrian wrap. For a drink we went for the Maine classic, Allen's and milk. Nope! WHAT!!? We are in MAINE how is it that you don't carry the Maine State liquor? Wow. Ok shifted gears to a chocolate martini and a beer lol! Lunch arrives and much to my disappointment this is a dead on arrival Gyro. Sad face. I begin to pull out the sautéed green peppers as they don't agree with my stomach, then red peppers and am left with three pieces of meat and sautéed onions that resembled hair, finely sliced which is a favorite but not with a gyro. The only fresh that came with was the slowly wilting spinach and tzatziki sauce. Literally took two bites and found nothing worth eating. A fail. Not on the establishment, but on me. I'm from another State where a Gyro means a GYRO. Not this. So if I would say anything to this, don't put a Gyro on your menu unless you really know what it is. BLT was very good just a lot of bread. Bartender took my meal off the bill and I ended up with a few fries and two bites. Definitely will be back just have to read the menu more closely and not assume.

While shopping at the outlets, we got hungry. Everything closer to the stores had a wait so we drove a little ways down and were able to walk right into Gritty's and get a seat. There was no hostess, just a sign to seat yourself. For this reason I feel like it took a little bit for anyone to realize that we had arrived. It wasn't too long, but longer than it would've been in a seated situation. Our waitress gave us menus and took our drink orders. It wasn't until another waitress walked by and realized we didn't have a children's menu that we were offered one for my six year old. I was so grateful that she picked up on that because they had one of the better kids menus I've seen! There were so many choices and prices ranged from only $4-7! My picky son decided on French toast sticks and was extremely happy with them. My daughter got a burrito that was on special. It was big, cheesy and flavorful. The fries tasted hand cut, not frozen. My Shepards Pie had real mashed potatoes (not instant) and a rich gravy base cooked into the beef, vixen and mushrooms. A side salad was also included. Some of the lettuce had seen better days and I was given ranch dressing without being asked, but that was my only criticism for all our dishes. The kids menu alone would bring me back here. It's so hard to eat out when you have a picky child. Thank you for making it that much easier!

I had not been to Gritty's for years, so we decided to stop in for a late lunch after some shopping in Freeport. Casual, laid back atmosphere with locals meeting up to enjoy some beer and conversation. I tried the Swifty lager draft and I did like it. The menu has a great variety and has something for everyone. They also have a great selection of specials. As an appetizer we ordered the smoked pork fries served with maple sour cream-- addictingly delicious and such a generous portion that it was more than enough for 2 to share. This could be a meal itself I had the onion ale soup and my dining partner had the fish and chips. My soup was warm, flavorful, and most filling. The large portion of fish and chips was fresh and tasty. Service was friendly and attentive, the restrooms were clean and well stocked, and there is a good sized parking lot. Prices were reasonable and the portions are large. If you live nearby you can join the "mug club" with discounts and specials on beers! That's what all the mugs (numbered) hanging above the bar are for. Merchandise and ales can be purchased at the adjacent Brewtique, and if it is not open, just ask the pub manager to open it.

Came in Friday night for dinner. Pro Tip to always check their specials located on the table in the plastic signs, great deals! That night we ordered: ale battered mushrooms: the breading was thin and looked oddly dry but were surprisingly addicting especially with their horseradish mayo that wasn't to spicy steak and lobster dinner: came with pumpkin risotto and steamed broccoli, SO MUCH FOOD for $22 it's a steal, my favorite part was the risotto that tasted like mac and cheese, very indulgent, the sirloin steak was a little tough but cooked as specified half sandwich and soup: this day was the tuna fish with great crunch and seafood chowder that was more of on the watery side Overall a great local spot to keep coming back to.

I like coming here and dining outside. It's nice on a sunny day and their yard area has things to keep little ones busy if they come along. The food is good, I've tried the chicken tenders and pulled pork fries. This time, I got the pulled pork sandwich. It's loaded with meat and really satisfying. Minus one star because the waitress incorrectly told us the fries could be made plain with no salt or seasoning added--we only discovered that was not the case when the meal arrived and my lunch partner had to order a different side and wait. Also the service isn't super speedy, so make sure to leave plenty of time to enjoy your meal when coming here.

We stopped at Gritty McDuff's for a quick dinner while driving from Boston to Ellsworth. Half of the restaurant was closed for a private event, but we were able to grab a table right away. The vibe was casual, with a huge map of Maine on the wall and a ton of mugs hanging above the bar. They were only serving their "last call for food" menu at this time, so our options were pretty limited. We ordered a Burger to share and added Smoked Gouda, Sauteed Onions, and Mushrooms to it. Service was lukewarm but quick and the portion size was generous. The burger was tasty and very fiilling. It came with a pile of fries, which were just okay - a little mushy. Overall though, not bad for dinner!

Great value, very good food, good service, great place for kids. More affordable than other eateries in Freeport in my opinion.

Beautiful day to enjoy the outside deck!! Onion soup and artichoke dip were quite tasty. Pale ale beer was good too. Service was very responsive.

A solid 4. Gritty's pioneered the brewpub in Maine in the 1980's, and they still stand out as the shining example of what a brewpub should be. Great beers on tap, a cask option, great pub food, good service, cozy atmosphere. I've been to dozens of brewpubs, and Gritty's is at the top of the list.

3 stars on food, 5 stars on service! Very friendly waitstaff, that were pleasant to be around. Food is just your typical bar food. I enjoyed the salt and vinegar dry rub wings the most!!

So, very very dissatisfied We have been here previously,and it was a nice place to visit, have a beer or two and the food was pretty good. Today... not so much. Service was slow. Tables dirty. Took us 40 minutes to even get a beer. Burgers looked like the patties were frozen. Definitely not cooked as we ordered. Wayyyy overdone. Will not be coming back. Unfortunate.

I was in the Freeport area last weekend and stopped in to Gritty's for some delicious food and microbrews. The food and beer were delicious, and we had the best service from a very attentive, polite, funny and personable waiter named Josh. My aunt had a lot of questions for him and he was extremely accommodating and friendly, despite being very busy as he had other tables to serve. Thank you, Gritty for offering not only local seafood but fresh vegan options as well.

We sat outside to enjoy the nice weather. Our server was very nice and efficient. Decent menu with fair prices.

Having just moved to the area, we were looking for a quick stop while unpacking. This place hit the spot perfectly! We split a burger - cooked perfectly at the requested medium rare - and a cup of chowder, both were excellent! This combined with friendly service made this a great choice and we will definitely be returning!

Good brews good atmosphere passable food. A local go to especially for big parties. If you're looking for a real local brewpub, look elsewhere. But if you are looking fur for good local pub food at a decent price, good choice.

We have been coming here for 10+ years every time we are in Freeport. Never 5 stars but good. Last night our meal came 2 minutes after our appetiser. Both were cold. Server didn't understand why this was a problem. Bartender came over and asked if we wanted to wrap it up? When we explained she didn't get it either and rolled her eyes like I have never seen before. We didn't bother to tell her the food was cold too. Apparently you need to tell them to delay starting your food order until the appetiser has been served.

We went to Gritty McDuff's for celebration dinner. Service was okay, thinking they were understaffed. We watched different tables get half an order at a time, so kitchen wasn't running efficiently. Food was just "eh", I've had better and worse. Nothing to make me want to go back. Could have used a second drink when dinner came. Again service wasn't good. We were most taken back by the 3% "operational service fee" charge. Not sure what or why this was. It was unnecessary. If your costs fluctuate or go up slightly and adjust your pricing. If you're charging for credit card cost- do that but "operational service fee" is WHAT? Is it so you can take the winter off?! So, again, there are better places to go in Freeport that don't change the "operational service fee" with better service/food.

The food was really good, we had a party of 6 and everyone got something different and we all liked our food. The ambiance is a little noisy, it's very open inside so it's just kind of loud. Service was a little slow, but the guy we had was busting it, I think they were a little shorthanded the evening we were there. Overall it was pretty good.

I am not sure how to start. It was nice to sit outside on the deck and I know everyone is struggling to re-group and open for the summer. We were seated at a plastic picnic table that was a bit challenging when some one moved we all moved and felt like if the person on the end got up we would all fly off. The whole time we reminded each other they were probably under staffed and it was probably busy inside, that said no one cleared any dishes from the table, or checked to see if we need anything, which we did, no ketchup no appetizer plates . The server was pleasant and was doing the best she could but if you are looking for something more you will probably not be so happy. The food was good enough if you were there for the beer it was fine . The crab cakes were very average, the pulled pork the same. The Shepard's pie and and the lamb gyro were pretty good . The Ruben was probably the best thing we ordered a tasty substantial sandwich. Shrimp tacos , fried mushrooms and wings all ok. The mushrooms came with a really good sauce. All and all it was ok. Probably will go back this was a moment in time and it can change , the location beer and the pleasant staff are a draw.

We enjoyed our time much more then what we expected today as we were headed out from shopping in Freeport. We started with an appetizer of pickle chips that were both crunchy and tart ... just the way that they should be. My family had tacos (veggie and fried chicken) that were delicious and tasty. I got the wings and they were also perfectly cooked. Service was a little slower but it was pretty busy so it was expected on a Sunday with limited staff. Restaurant was clean and COVID precautions were taken all around.

Fish and Chips : fries were barely warm and fish dry. Would not order again. Pulled pork, ok, lacked flavor, per daughter. Kids enjoyed burgers and little cheese pizza. Meal Just ok. The deck is still nice.

Waited over an hour for cold food and raw burger that had been ordered Well done. Waitress said our burger went to another customer! Had food poisoning issues for 2 days. AVOID this place! PS. Suspect they just microwaved the burger we sent back to the kitchen....

Rainy day in Freeport led us here for lunch. I ordered the gyro with fries. The tzatziki sauce was a lovely cool sauce offsetting the spicy lamb in a fresh warm pita. The fries were crispy and not over seasoned. My husband was satisfied with a burger, fries and a beer. The service was alright, slightly understaffed as more people arrived to get out of the rain and enjoy the food and quiet chatter among the patrons. They know how to cook what is on their menu...you can't go wrong

It had been over a year and a half since I was last at a Gritty's. After several very bad visits, I decided to take a break. Recently, a friend suggested Gritty's for a meeting. While the experience was not bad, it was mot good. Tried the Vacationland beer - described as a summer ale with a hint of wheat. Really, just a basic IPA. I orded the half sandwich and chowder: blt was the sandwich of the day. Chowder was cold. I think there might have been a slice of bacon. Fries were very good - so there was that. My friend ordered a grilled sandwich- again it was somehow cold. Cheese on the grilled sandwich was cold. How does that happen. Black fly stout was decent. Service was timely and friendly. Even if all the food had been right, it still would not be a good value.

Amazing service- very attentive. Drinks are tasty and cheap! Get the pork fries! Tons of seating.

Gritty's has always been a family favorite when we go to Freeport, last night however, we were very disappointed. For the cost of the food and what we got it was just not worth it. The chili on the nachos was cold, we got 6 tiny wings for $15.00 and the overpriced mac n cheese was flavorless. My son did enjoy his fish & chips and the waitstaff was pleasant but $100 for subpar food for 4 people is outrageous.

While I have never been a fan of gritty's beer, the food and service have always been great. This last Friday we went for a quick bite before a school function. We purposely ordered low key items that should be fast, deep fried mushrooms and a bowl of chili. Many people came in after us, all these people got their full blown meals before us. Waitress noticed we were looking hangry and said it's taking too long I will go check. She brings out luke warm mushrooms and a cup of chili. Chili wasn't served with cheese or chips nor was it a meal. I saw other people order chowder and a bowl of chowder was a BOWL. When I questioned the portion she seemed annoyed and brought out a little teeny cup of chips. All and all it was very disappointing.

I wanted to like it. But I couldn't. Ordered the Lobster special, a lobster roll that came with a cup of clam chowder. Lobster was previously frozen and absolutely tasteless. The clam chowder had 3 tiny squares of potato and not a clam was swimming in the milky clam juice. Very disappointing for the hefty price. I learned a very good lesson though, only get lobster at places that have the reputation for fresh off the boat lobster. Oh, and they overcharged us on the bill and had to get it fixed. One good thing, our waitress was very nice.

This time it was much better. We actually got the food we ordered, the waiter (Will) was efficient, and the food was very good

So the food is good. My wife and I definitely enjoyed the seafood we ordered, but their beer needs some work. Like A LOT of work. I don't know what their headbrewer thinks an IPA should taste like, but it's certainly not what I was drinking during our visit. It was a struggle to finish it. I can't say I'd come back when there is so much better beer in the area.

Smoked pork fries: Fantastic. Juicy pulled pork with just enough fat! Spinach artichoke dip: Very delicious and creamy, though it didn't really taste much like spinach or artichoke. Lobster bisque: I'd never had it before so I have nothing to compare it to, but I will say it tasted like melted lobster-flavored cheese. Lobster roll: Bun was great while still letting the lobster be the star. Too much mayo however! The chips and the slaw were both just ok. Mac and cheese with steak and chicken: Under-seasoned but otherwise fine. Large portion -- think main dish rather than side dish. Fries: Thick cut but not like steak fries; just chunky. Good crisp with fluffy insides. Cocktail with pear vodka: The name is some sort of pun (pear-fection something). Absolutely delicious. Service was wonderful.

Great ambiance & brew. Highly recommended! Berry delight was amazing. Staff is super friendly and helpful. Had a great time!

Nice relaxed hometown hangout. Good food and environment to enjoy a game. Desserts are yummy too.

We've been visiting Freeport every year for decades and never been to Gritty McDuff's Freeport until today. So glad our usual spots were so busy we looked elsewhere, and ended up at Gritty's! It was excellent! Party of 3 was seated in far less than the 30 minutes we were told, and even though they were very busy, our server Kerry was terrific and very attentive. We had a turkey club, reuben, and pulled pork sandwich. All 3 were terrific, and very reasonably priced. 3 sandwiches and 3 rounds of drinks for 3, and we went just a few dollars over 100. Far less than the tourist spots up by LL Bean. It's nothing fancy inside, but food and service were terrific. We will have to make a visit to Gritty's a regular part of our Freeport visits.

Driving from Portland to Bar Harbor, we decided to stop for lunch. Mid afternoon on a Saturday the place was busy enough that we opted to eat at the bar rather than wait for a table to open up. I ordered the Philly and my husband got the haddock sandwich. Food was really good. He love his sandwich, raved about it. Mine was good but the cheese seemed like a processed cheese not the gouda as indicated on the menu. Really melty and sticky. Maybe that is how gouda is melted, I honestly don't know but it reminded me of how Kraft swiss tastes. Not a fan. The meat was good, tender and flavorful. As far as the beer goes, I was not very impressed. My husband order a stout and I got the summer beer. Both were a little more hoppy and bitter than we like. I expected the summer brew to be light and crisp with some citrus hints but it was like a lighter IPA with some citrus. Bar tender was a nice guy, chatty and personable. Efficient and never quit working. Food came out quick and hot. For a quick lunch, it worked out really well, plus we scored some free stickers. I did not have any water.

All right, English style bitters are a difficult style and they absolutely nailed it, so five stars on that. Their fries are some of the best I've had. Bam. Lobster roll and sandwich were not fantastic, but still a great place to go, and one of the latest places open in Freeport if you need a meal. Really friendly staff and a great mural leading to the bathroom.

One of the worst meals we've had in a long time. Decomposing garnish in a drink. Fried whole-belly clams for $20 were a small pile of fryer remnants, with stringy bits of clam that seemed to have been torn apart randomly by the cook. French fries were ok until I took a bite that tasted like a rotten potato was used. A salad with chicken had greens that were very dodgy. Pizza from the children's menu was canned sauce on flatbread - edible but far from good. Bonus star because at least none of us has gotten sick from it yet.

I love Gritty's in Auburn so from time to time I'll frequent the one in Freeport when I'm there - though it doesn't quite capture the same 5-star rating I'd give in Auburn. Pros: *the selection is the same as the Auburn location (though there is a different specials menu appealing to tourists or Mainers alike looking for lobster in the summer) *The Gritty chips are always a win *The server was friendly Cons: *fruit flies are everywhere and unavoidable *they seem to refill their ketchup bottles and immerse under water. Upon shaking the bottle, I was given the gift of watered down ketchup flying all over the place (since the restaurant was empty, I checked about 5 other ketchups and they were all the same) I enjoyed the fish and chips that I had ordered.

Family friendly brewery/restaurant just off the exit in Freeport, Maine. Food took a while to come out, but thankfully the weather was nice and the kids enjoyed the playground, corn hole, and frisbee. The chowder and lobster roll was fresh and tasty but pricey. The lamb Shepard's pie was a good portion but not as flavorful as I hoped. The kids did not enjoy the pizza (cheese was cold) or chicken tenders (said it was chewy) but liked the french fries.

Such a disappointment. For $111 (included 4 warm beers) our lunch for 3 was way overpriced for mediocre food. In CT, lobster rolls are served with butter. Maine evidently does mayonnaise - which is fine. But there is no way it was fresh lobster meat. The chowder was bland. The hero of the meal was the oyster crackers. The server was sweet and great which is why I give 2 stars over 1.

Yes it's bar food, but I actually think Grittys bar food is better than most other bar food. The chicken stacker sandwich is one of my favorites. My favorite meal is probably the pub mac and cheese with grilled cornbread and kielbasa. It's pretty great! Not a huge fan of their beer, I never order it. I'm not a big beer fan, however. I usually go for a hard cider or cape cod. I wouldn't ask for anything fancy to be made for me here. Prices are reasonable. Service is lacking, just like the location in Portland. Must be a Grittys thing. It seems to take forever to put in a drink order, then to put in your food order, then to get your food, then to get the check. Not a quick sit and eat.

Great place to eat. Ruben is excellent as are the lobster tacos. This would be #1 restaurant in Freeport next time I return.

It was late and we were a family of 5 coming in around 10 at night. We were pleasantly surprised as there was great food (incredible fries), quick service, and kind staff. As it was late, we did have to order off of the late night menu, but I didn't see this as a disadvantage. There were plenty of options and the food was great l. Definitely would go back again!

Go for the brew. Stay for the backyard deck, picnic tables, the kid-friendly and dog-friendly green-space ... and that's about it. We weren't fully impressed with the food. The lobster mac and cheese failed to have any lobster, nor did the lobster cob salad. (Though the fried jalapeños on the mac was nice touch.) And at a rather expensive price, def pass on those menu items. They offer live music on select dates with no cover (schedule here http://grittys.com/pubs/freeport/) and seasonal food and beer specials.

A wonderful afternoon. Outside deck was perfect. Wait staff were taking great care of us all. Our person was Erica. She was outstanding. We shared a salad and a pizza. Salad was crisp and fresh. The pizza was done perfectly. Erica told us to expect the pizza to take 30 minutes but it came sooner. Effecency. We love to people watch and the food being delivered to other tables. We have a list for the next time. You have to check out the nachos... Great job you guys. Erica, you are the best

Cold, overpriced food after a 40 minute wait in the middle of the afternoon. I have no problem waiting for hot, fresh food but don't bring cold food. The "pile of whole belly clams" for $25 was a smattering of stringy clams on a pile of fries. We got more clams on a less expensive clam roll in Portland. The lobster bisque was overpriced potato soup.

My husband and I rarely, actually almost never send food back uneaten when we dine out. We have had several meals at Gritty's and had always been satisfied. Last night, we sent both meals back mostly uneaten. Fish and chips (which we have ordered and enjoyed on several occasions) was barely warm, limp/soggy fries, dry and tasteless fish. The fries clam dinner was similarily unappetizing. Our meal came quickly which seemed like a good thing at first. However, upon attempting to eat the food we realized that it had been sitting under a heat lamp for way too long. Very disappointing.