Saturday 18th of April 2009 06:46:59 PM

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An utterly unique and absolutely outstanding pub. To say it's off the beaten path would be a gross understatement, since if you're in the vicinity of Lovell, Maine, you are obviously on a pilgrimage to Ebenezer's Pub. Formerly an ordinary backwoods bar, it is currenly just about the best Belgian beer bar I've ever found. On my visit (April, 2009) there were 35 draught beers on tap, and 25 of them were Belgian. Things like Cantillon (5 different beers), Scaldis Noel, Val Dieu Tripel, Oude Beersel Framboise, etc. And the American taps were not that shabby, either: Both 90 and 120 Minute IPA, Old Rasputin, Old Crustacean, etc. Of course, things like London Pride and a few others for the less adventurous were on hand as well.

OK, an incredible tap list, but the bottle collection is far too big to even begin to mention. Not only a truly amazing range of beers, but vintages going back decades! If you've ever been to the Kulminator pub in Antwerp, this is the American counterpart, I guarantee you.

The food is also great. I contented myself with a blackened prime rib that was done to perfection and came with great sides. The service was outstanding -- my bartender was not only beautiful but extremely knowledgeable and friendly. and she took care of a fairly full house with ease.

Prices are somewhat higher than a normal pub, but quite reasonable for the quality and selection offered.

Ebenezer's Pub isn't open much during the winter, due to the snow and the relatively poor roads, but if you are anywhere nearby from April to October, this is definitely not to be missed.

Lovell is about a 1.5 hour drive northwest of Portland, Maine, or two hours north of Portsmouth, NH.