This is Why Amigo’s is Still Portland, Maine’s Best Dive Bar

If you clicked on this article, there’s a good chance you’re a fan of dive bars. Cool, so am I. Let's "dive" in...

While they usually lack the glitz and glamour of many of Portland’s establishments, they often offer a laid-back atmosphere with character and offer an unpretentious experience where customers can relax, play a game of pool, darts, or an arcade game, and sip on their favorite beverages.

Before we continue, let's identify a dive bar. The definition can vary depending on who you ask, but if you’ve visited Amigo’s, it checks off all the boxes.

An Old Port staple since 1972, Amigo’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar was bought by current owner Bruce Mills in 1998. They are celebrating their 52nd anniversary this year, and still offering the ultimate dive bar experience. The old wooden interior, pool tables, old neon beer signs, happy hour specials, and a wooden beer cooler door that has photos of old regulars, past and present, some of which have kids who are now regulars themselves.

They also have one of the only working “Dumb Waiters” in the Old Port. A dumb waiter is not an insult to an under-qualified person serving you your food. Instead, it's an actual elevator-type device where the upstairs kitchen will lower food orders down to the bar to be served to customers.

Finally, they are #27 in the nation for PBR sales. Need I say more?

Amigo’s also has a large outdoor patio that is great in the summertime, as it’s one of the few bars in town that offer open-air, where you can enjoy your drink and get some sunshine. They also have a separate seasonal patio near the entrance, where they serve food.

Walking into Amigo’s may not initially hit you as the place you want to have lunch or dinner, but their tasty Mexican menu selections are actually quite delicious.

They also offer free chili every Monday (until it's gone), $2 Tacos on Taco Tuesday, Burlesque Bingo on Wednesdays, and Trivia Night on Thursdays.

You will likely feel right at home when visiting Amigo’s. The vintage dive bar charm is in full effect, not to mention their hard-working and personable bar staff adding to the experience, with several of them being Amigo's fixtures for the last 10-25 years.