There probably won’t be many more days left when I can drive into Dock Square and score a parking spot right in front of Alisson’s.

As May rolls on, communities like Kennebunkport are gearing up for the busy summer season, when they will cater not only to locals but tourists. As those tourists start to flock to Dock Square for good eats and some shopping, parking will definitely become a premium.

Luckily though on a recent rainy Friday night, my friend and I pulled right up and walked in around 6:30 p.m.

The pub was already busy, and many tables in the restaurant were full. It was clear that many locals were trying to soak up some time at Alisson’s before the tourists invade.

While we scored a great parking spot, finding a spot at the bar wasn’t going to happen. We were able, however, to score a quiet pub table in the back corner by a large flat-screen television.

The waitress handling the pub tables brought us some menus, and I spotted the night’s “Featured Cocktail” right away. The Caribbean Rum Punch — 16 ounces of drink made with Cruzan Mango, Pineapple and Banana rum, orange and pineapple juice and a splash of Grenadine — was on special for $5.95.

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This featured beverage launched us into a discussion of where the word “cocktail” came from. It is a pretty funny word to describe a drink, if you think about it.

It sounded like a tasty concoction, as did the rest of the cocktails on the menu ranging from $6.95 to $8.50, but I decided on a beer for a change of pace. The pub offers bottled and draft beers in 16- and 22-ounce glasses with prices ranging from $2 to $6.75. I decided to order a Black and Tan, something I hadn’t had in a while.

My friend Katie ordered a glass of wine to pair with her baked haddock dinner. A large selection of red, white and sparkling wines range from $5.50 to $10.25 a glass.

Alisson’s is one of those places I’ve gone to a lot, even when I was younger, for meals with family and friends. It’s got that neighborhood vibe even though it also features your typical Maine fare for the visitors who frequent there as well.

Because Alisson’s has been around for more than 30 years, it has become a local watering hole for many. As we sat, ate and drank, it noticeably got busier in the pub area. All the stools along the bar were occupied, and people gathered behind those who sat. They watched televisions that were tuned in to sports stations and caught up with friends and family.

By the time we left, we could barely squeeze through to get outside.

Emma Bouthillette is a freelance writer who lives in Biddeford.

 


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