Local yokels on Commercial Street: Silver House Tavern

I like to think I am the type of person that can hang anywhere, anytime, with anyone. To prove this theory, I thought I would venture to a local bar to review, so I opened the door to the Silver House Tavern.

When I walked in all talking stopped. I mean it, not a single person said a word. Trust me, it's not like I'm a real head turner, so I didn't really get the jaw-dropping silence. I walked up to the bartender and said, "Hey, how's it going?" No one resumed their conversation. I'm totally guessing here, but I'm thinking this place is more known for their regulars than not.

Luckily, I had asked my friend John to meet me there and saw him out of the corner of my eye. Ahhh, strength in numbers. I found a nearby chair and order a Bailey's and coffee. It was 9:30 am, after all.

Silver House opens at 6 am every day of the week, except Sundays, of course, on which the State of Maine mandates 9 am as the earliest for drinking in establishments. Silver House stays open until last call.

I asked about the location and it's "three doors of death" reputation. (Mind you, all present were listening.) "Oh, it's not like that at all anymore," I was told. Silver House Tavern moved from Silver Street four years ago and settled near Commercial Street Pub, taking over the space of the Sail Loft and giving the block a milder reputation.

Serving Pabst's Blue Ribbon for $2.25, the bar also carries Budweiser, Labatt's Blue, Miller Lite, Sam Adams, Heinekin, Shipyard, Geary's (all in the $3 range) and Guinness ($4.50) on draught. In a bottle, Silver House stocks Bud, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Michelob Light, Michelob, Mich Ultra and Twisted Tea. All bottle beers range from $3-$3.75. With a full bar to meet your cocktail needs and wine by the glass for $4.50, you can get your drink on a low budget at Silver House.

With 12 seats at the bar, 4 tables placed by the windows and a pool table located in the center of the floor, this tavern is made to feel like your living room. Or maybe your basement.

Four large flat screens boasting satellite - including the NFL package and Nascar on Sundays - a pay phone, a dated cigarette machine and some beer paraphernalia and mirrors adorn the tavern. They do not have live bands or music on a regular basis and there is never a cover charge to hang out. Between the aforementioned pool table and karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights, there is plenty to do at the Silver House Tavern if winter in Maine has left you bored.

Speaking of needing entertainment, that reminds me of a previous visit to the Silver House Tavern. Fifteen of my most obnoxious friends stopped by for a little karaoke last year, and while the inital reaction was the same when we walked in as when I entered the bar most recently, no one seemed to mind our intrusion.

While they do not serve food per se, if you're hungry the bartender will take care of you. They'll hook you up with some catering by Rosies and while I don't quite understand, it's not for my lack of asking ... M'kay?

After using the ladies room, the bartender asked me what I was going to write about that. Let's just say it's spacious.

By the end of all my questions, I think the gang was starting to like me. A half hour after entering, the bartender and I were talking shop, the guys to the left were asking me questions and I was swapping stories with the guys on the right like we were old buddies from high school.

I told you I could hang with anyone.