The Ogunquit area has its fair share of beach-themed establishments, ranging from hotels and retail stores to mini-golf courses. But only one of them has a stoic stone fire pit blazing warm and welcoming and beckoning visitors to warm their hands and stay a while. This hearth is the namesake of BeachFire Bar & Grille.
Sure, there are plenty of bars to visit while you’re in Ogunquit, and sure, they’ll all probably be able to provide you with the beer or cocktail of your choice. But can they give you a brilliant outdoor fire encircled by relaxation-worthy chairs? Can they deliver you a beer and a plate of nachos by that fire while you prop your feet up against the warm stones? Or can they ease you into the perfect beach-side cocktail while you chat and mill about the well-manicured grounds?
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I don’t think so.
During my visit, my fire experience was, unfortunately, cut short because the Stanley Cup-winning Bruins were on TV (a truly worthy reason for limited fire time if there ever was one). But I was glad I arrived early, because the other game-watching, bar-going folks were already claiming their spots at the bar and readying themselves for an evening of beers, booze, Bs and shouting at the flatscreen TVs.
But what happens when there’s no game on? That same crowd can be found just outside the front door, gathered around the fire, catching up about previous games or simply hanging out for the joy of it. BeachFire makes this type of recreating easy to do, especially if you arrive in time for the happy hour specials. From 5 to 6 p.m. (daily), score $2 beers (the selection rotates), $3 well drinks, $3 house wines and $4.99 martinis from the “Martini Madness” menu.
And what’s a beach fire without snacks? If you’re going to have the real experience, you should have the food to match. Crispy calamari ($9.99), lobster nachos ($17.99) or BeachFire smoked wings ($7.99) will get you going in the right direction, warming the belly as the fire warms the body.
BeachFire has crafted its menu to cater to the crowd that enjoys the feel of a party and the sweetness of summertime cocktails. Names such as “Beach Party Lemonade,” “Nice ‘N Naughty Iced Tea” and “Tropitini” skip across the pages of the cocktail menu, with flavors of coconut rum, sweet tea vodka and fresh citrus splashed throughout. It’s reminiscent of a barefoot summer night at a beach-side clambake … in a martini glass.
If you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, tone it down with a local brew on tap (Peak Organic, Shipyard or Gritty’s, to name a few) or a glass of wine. Or order a whole bottle. With nothing on the menu above $26, you really should consider treating yourself.
BeachFire neatly captures the backyard/beach/fire/BBQ feel, without all the do-it-yourself workout. All you have to do is show up, order yourself a drink and enjoy the fire.
Johanna Sorrell is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.
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