Orono Brewing Company - Orono, ME
Rockin’ Atmosphere and the Best Brews
There is truly nothing quite like sitting through four quarters of middle school football in a relentless Maine downpour. By the final whistle of that hard-fought game, the boys were exhausted, our boots were soaked, and I was shivering so hard I was pretty sure I was vibrating on a different frequency.
Naturally, the only reasonable recovery plan was to pile the entire soggy squad into the cars and head straight to Orono Brewing Company on Margin Street to warm up and refuel.
The second we walked inside, the cozy and colorful, industrial-chic space felt like a warm embrace. Seeing me in my hypothermic, drowned-rat state, my guy immediately stepped up and bought me a magnificent, hockey-style Orono Brewing hoodie. I threw it on over my wet clothes and was finally able to shift my focus to the food, bevies, and super cool atmosphere.
A Little OBC Backstory & Big Stats
Started back in late 2014 by four friends in a tiny basement setup down the road, Orono Brewing has grown into an absolute powerhouse Maine staple. Their flagship location on Margin Street is built inside a massive, refurbished concrete manufacturing plant—complete with a giant brew system, towering ceilings, a great vibe, a huge beer garden, and a full kitchen.
They've grown into one of the largest craft breweries in the state, pumping out over 10,000 barrels of beer a year (and over 15,000 barrels when you count their seltzers!). Even with that impressive footprint, they stay true to their roots—selling roughly 95% of all their beer right here in Maine.
The Food: Exactly What the Team Needed
We ordered a mountain of food for the table, but the absolute star of the show was their Classic Smashburger. Crispy, lacy edges, perfectly melted American cheese, caramelized onions, local Tubular IPA pickles, and smash sauce tucked into a toasted Ace Bakery bun with a huge side of fresh-cut Maine fries. Watching a room full of tired, hungry football players devour their meals in record time was a spectacle in itself.
Tatertots are ALWAYS a yes in my book, and their fries were on-point as well.
The kids who got the pulled pork sandos weren’t huge fans of it, but the food isn’t the highlight of this joint- it’s the carefully cultivated atmosphere paired with their award-winning brews they’re slinging.
The Drinks: Something for Everyone
OBC’s tap list is top-tier. The beer lovers at the table naturally gravitated toward their legendary lineup:
Tubular IPA: Their iconic flagship New England IPA—juicy, tropical, triple dry-hopped with Citra, El Dorado, Topaz, and Galaxy, and basically the gold standard around here.
The Way Life Should Be IPA: A super crisp, grain-forward juicy IPA brewed with Maine-grown grains—a literal love letter to the state.
Wicked Maine Blueberry Ale: Brewed with real wild blueberries from Wyman's for those who like a lighter, fruit-forward pour.
And for those of us who don't crush heavy craft IPAs daily, they get major bonus points for keeping champagne and bubbly options on deck (cheap Mimosas on Sundays!) A cold glass of bubbles paired with a hot smashburger while swaddled in a giant brewery hoodie is a high-low dining combination I didn't know I needed, but now highly recommend.
By the time we left, the boys were full, everyone was warm, and my new favorite hockey hoodie saved the day. If you find yourself in the Orono area, Orono Brewing is a must-visit. The vibrant graffiti-painted walls are worth it alone!
Locations & Hours
Orono Flagship (Kitchen, Taproom & Production Brewery): 61 Margin St, Orono, ME
Hours: Monday–Tuesday: Closed | Wednesday–Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Bangor Location (Draught Room): 26 State St, Downtown Bangor, ME (A cozy, historic spot with a copper bar where you can bring in local takeout!)
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