I see no reason why I wouldn’t be sent to check out a place whose motto is “the most fun you can have with your pants on.” But just so you know, I planned on keeping all my clothes on for this trip.

The only other time I’ve been to Buxton Tavern, I witnessed a wet T-shirt contest and a high school reunion all in the same night. I planned on a much more low-key outing this time around.

My husband and I showed up in the afternoon and sidled up to the bar. The bartender was very sweet, and got us a round right after she met the needs of a large group out on the deck.

The roar of bikes was heard, and a group of motorcycles pulled in. (What is it with me and biker bars lately?) This group, all females, had a quick drink and hit the road. So much for my “Sons of Anarchy” fix.

Tavern owner Bob Shepard and his daughter/manager, April, must know what they are doing, because Buxton Tavern has been a town staple for a very long time.

It’s not nearly as rowdy as you may think, and it wouldn’t be uncommon for a 21-year-old to be sitting at the bar next to a 70-year-old man. Everyone who walks in is here to have a good time.

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On this day, the games were on TV, and the large deck was open. The pool tables were empty, but there is free pool on Sundays. Staff members were setting up for the free sandwich buffet, which goes nicely with the 16-ounce Budweiser and Bud Light drafts that are only $1.75 on Sundays.

The tavern features a horseshoe-shaped bar, plenty of tables and a dance area. Happy-hour specials run 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. There also are plenty of weekly specials, including Men’s Night on Mondays and Ladies’ Night on Wednesdays, both with stellar deals.

It’s hard to believe they need to have specials, because everything is so cheap to begin with. Drafts of Budweiser, Bud Light and Miller Lite are all $2; pitchers run $7.25. Gritty’s Pub Style, Stella Artois, Sam Adams, Heineken and Shock Top are $2.75 a bottle and $8.25 a pitcher. With a ton of bottled beers, a full bar and wine selections available, where else can you find prices this cheap?

Entertainment includes bands and DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, and free jukebox use on Thursdays. The tavern is busiest on those three nights, and I recommend grabbing a small posse and checking it out. It’s a good place to hang out, catch the ball games, watch people and drink within a budget.

I got one weird look (most likely because I was sitting in a regular’s seat), and only saw two girls I went to high school with, so it probably doesn’t matter how often you pop in to the tavern. It’s timeless. 

Amber Olesen is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.


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