Darby’s - Belfast, ME

A Taste of History and Heart

This was a big day for Munchies in Maine- we were meeting Kay Stevens, a reporter for Penobscot Bay Pilot for an interview about munchies, and we were honestly a tad nervous. So in true munchies fashion, we needed a pregame meeting at our favorite watering hole, CUZZY'S Restaurant & taverny’s, in order to organize what we wanted to say. We decided to do what we always do, throw caution to the wind, and just be ourselves so KStephensAuthor could see what it's like to be out with the Munchies duo.

With a custom playlist blasting, we hopped into Billy Baru (rest in peace to a real one) and made the mini road trip up to Belfast, Maine. We burst into Darby's Restaurant with a full head of steam and were immediately met with that unmistakable "so many people have had fun here" vibe. We knew it was our destiny to be the next on that list.

The Interview & The Vibe

We settled into a perfect booth—and for those who know, a good booth is the backbone of a great meal and great conversation. Kay pulled out her recorder and we were live, however the discussion was so hilarious, we may of had to turn off the recording a few times. The pure munchies experience was flowing.

The Menu: Classic Meets Bold

Darby’s has that iconic Americana look, but the menu isn't afraid to take a left turn into global flavors. While we ordered our "ho-hos n soda," we spent some time perusing a list that balances pub classics with unexpected risks.

The Big Buddha Bowl: This was a total knockout. It had incredible flavor, featuring juicy, rough-cut chicken chunks and perfectly cooked rice noodles tossed with bok choy and sprouts.

The Pad Thai: Ali’s choice, and she was thrilled with the nontraditional find. It was perfectly balanced with that signature satay sauce and crushed peanuts—exactly what you want when you're stepping outside the traditional pub-fare box.

Standout Appetizers: If you're looking to share, the Baked Jarlsburg (bubbling with caramelized onions) and the Darby’s Fried Pickle Chips with chipotle ranch are legendary local favorites.

Classic Comfort: For those craving the "Americana" side of the menu, their Pub Burger with smoked cheddar and the Crab Melt on homemade bread are high on the list of must-tries.

The Soul of Darby's Restaurant

What truly made the day special was the hospitality. We were joined by the owner and a long-time server who gave us the full low-down on the building's history, which we absolutely adored. The staff even let us go behind the bar, treating us like family from the moment we walked in.

The history of the building is one of its coolest features!

According to the current owners and historical records, the building at 155 High Street was built in 1865 and has existed as a bar or restaurant ever since. While many historic buildings in Belfast shifted between being pharmacies, grocery stores, or dry goods shops, this particular spot has essentially remained a continuous "watering hole" for the community for over 150 years.

The History Deep Dive:

The Early Years (1865–1910): It started as a Civil War-era pub. The original tin ceilings, the hardwood floors, and the antique bar you saw are all from this era.

The Darby Era (1910–1940): The Darby family took over and ran it for three decades, which is where the modern name eventually came from.

The Savitz Restoration (1985–2016): Jerry and Gail Savitz bought the building in 1985 when downtown Belfast was in a different place. Jerry was a local legend (his father actually owned Penobscot Poultry, one of the big chicken plants in town). They restored the historic details and officially named it Darby’s, turning it into the "swanky" but relaxed institution it is today.

Present Day: The current owners took the reins in June 2016, keeping the "from-scratch" tradition and that unique mix of Americana and world cuisine alive.

You can definitely feel those "decades of laughs" when you’re sitting in those booths. It’s one of the few places in Maine where the walls haven't just seen history—they've been part of the same party since the 1800s!

The Munchies Verdict

If you want to be welcomed warmly, eat from a menu that successfully takes risks, and settle into a piece of Belfast history with friends, Darby’s is the spot.

Hornitos Tequila: YES

Booths: A resounding YES. Yay for Bill!

Address: 155 High St, Belfast, ME

Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

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