Ram and Bull Tavern - Brunswick, ME

A.K.A. The old Joshua's Tavern

Ram&Bull, located at 123 Maine Street in Brunswick, has quickly become a staple for locals and visitors looking for a refined yet approachable tavern experience. Housed in one of the most storied buildings in downtown Brunswick, it masterfully blends historical character with modern Midcoast hospitality.

The Building’s History & Past Owners

The building itself dates back to approximately 1863 and features distinct architectural elements, most notably a wide brick arch that separates the cozy front dining room from the bar area, which we love!

For over 30 years, this location was home to the legendary Joshua's Restaurant & Tavern, owned by Harpswell residents T.J. and Cheri Siatras. Before Joshua's, the family-owned space operated under several different names, maintaining a long-standing reputation as one of the oldest dining sites in the town.

While the new renovations are impressive, it’s hard not to think of the previous owner, TJ Siatras, when walking through those doors.

As he was my father’s neighbor on Great Island, I learned early on that TJ wasn't just a great restaurateur—he was an incredibly patient neighbor. My father lived right next to him, and let’s just say my younger years involved a fair share of loud, late-night parties. Most neighbors would have been calling the authorities (and the nerds across the way would, Pshh), but TJ was always the cool head next door, showing a level of grace and patience that I probably didn't deserve at the time. That same neighborhood spirit was exactly what made Joshua’s feel like home for three decades.

After Joshua’s closed in September 2024, the space underwent extensive renovations. Current owners Zac and Khristine Leeman signed a lease with building owner Katahdin Property Management and performed a top-to-bottom overhaul. This included addressing structural issues in the bar, installing new flooring, and adding a custom-stained wooden bar to revitalize the historic interior.

Ownership: The Leeman Legacy

Zac and Khristine Leeman are well-known figures in the Midcoast dining scene. Ram & Bull is their third venture in three years, joining their other popular establishments:

- Sundrenched: A casual "seafood shack" on Bailey Island.

- Linden + Front: An upscale, "garden-to-table" inspired restaurant in Bath.

Zac, a Harpswell native, brings a wealth of experience from kitchens across South Carolina, St. Thomas, and Colorado, while Khristine’s background in management ensures a seamless service experience.

The Munchies Crew Verdict

We recently stopped in to see how the new kitchen was handling the tavern legacy.

The food definitely lived up to the hype:

The Smash Burger: Juicy, perfectly seared, and exactly what you want when you’re looking for elevated comfort food.

The French Dip: The au jus was rich and savory, and the bread held up beautifully—a solid win.

The Cluck Bang Chicken Sandwich: Our crew member, K, opted for this one. It’s got a great kick and a satisfying crunch that earned a big "delicious" from the table.

The cocktail list is creative and well-rounded, though we did notice a glaring absence of Hornitos behind the bar. For those who have a specific tequila preference, you might have to pivot, but the other options are solid.

Menu Highlights from neighboring bar patrons & Specials:

The menu leans into elevated American tavern fare, focusing on hearty proteins and thoughtful starters.

Starters: Recent favorites include the Duck Rillette with beet relish and Honey Glazed Spiced Carrots served over whipped feta. For something more classic, the Tomato Bisque with grilled cheese croutons is a crowd favorite.

Entrees: The kitchen excels at comfort classics like the Short Rib Grilled Cheese (on buttery brioche with horseradish aioli) and Butternut Squash Ravioli. Seafood lovers often gravitate toward the Seared Salmon with citrus beurre blanc.

Weekly Specials: They also maintain a robust draft list featuring local Maine staples like Allagash Brewing Company and Maine Beer Company's Lunch, often featured during their popular Happy Hour.

The Service Experience

Service can be a bit of a mixed bag. Our bartender wasn't the warmest or most attentive person in the room, which can usually dampen the mood. However, the owner completely turned the experience around. They were constantly on the floor, checking in on tables, chatting us up, and making sure everyone felt welcome. That hands-on ownership makes a massive difference and ensures the "local tavern" vibe stays intact.

Hornitos: Nah

Location: 123 Maine Street, Brunswick. Hey, that’s easy to remember!

Hours of Operation

Monday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Tuesday: CLOSED

Wednesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Whether you’re sitting on the second-level outdoor deck or tucked behind the brick archway in the tavern, Ram & Bull offers a perfect nod to Brunswick’s past while serving some of the best contemporary food in the area.

Have you ever been to this new Tavern yet?!?