The Jack - Camden, ME

Street food, cocktails, and Bocce courts - Say no more.

The Jack is your casual (certainly not a dive, but also not stuffy and over-the-top) neighborhood bar... with a few perks. Scratch-made street food, four full-size indoor bocce lanes, an outdoor patio over the creek/waterfall (closed for now), and a full bar offering craft cocktails and 15 beers on tap.

My favorite part of this place is the creative menu that never disappoints. The fried rice topped with Mongolian beef is the thing dreams are made of. You just have to try it to believe. The pan noodles, Thai egg rolls, sliders, and tacos are also at the top of the list.

The husband-wife duo running the kitchen, combined with the owner’s extreme love and devotion for this place, makes it truly something special.

The Bocce lanes are free to use and a fun way to change up a night out. Beware of parents letting their gremlins mess around on them while they sip a cocktail, but a simple death stare to the child and parent typically scoots them off the lanes so your background music isn’t hard balls slamming off wood.

Lively trivia Thursdays year-round at 6pm offers another way to switch up and evening out. They have happy hours for food and beverages and are open Tuesday - Saturday, with food Served 4pm - 8pm. They also do catering and private events. What a cool location for a party!

Many visitors are familiar with Camden for its picturesque downtown, harbor, and shops; however, few are aware of its rich history that revolves around mills and mill workers. The falls visible while dining at The Jack produce a significant water flow, which powered the industry long before the advent of electricity. This area became a focal point during Camden's 18th–19th century industrial era. Much of the mill equipment remains intact and can be seen throughout your dining experience.

The round-up... The food here is better than most in Camden. If you’re passing through between 4-8pm, this is where you want to eat!