Upscale, local hang out: Foreside Tavern

Remember the Moose Crossing Restaurant in Falmouth? Me either. For the last 4.5 years, the Falmouth Foreside Tavern and Side Bar has graced the presence of Route 1 in Falmouth and is quite the hot spot for those that live in the area.

Did I use the word "grace?" Interesting, since Foreside owners Peter and Anne Verrill are currently finalizing construction on their newest restaurant venture, Grace. See photos and story here.

While you are waiting for Grace to open, now is the time to check out the Foreside Tavern, if you haven't been there yet. They enter their "slow" season as people tend to gather around decks and docks, giving you the chance to see what the locals already know- a tried and true tavern, reasonably priced food and beverages, no gimmicks and a comfortable atmosphere.

Kid-friendly at the bar and in the restaurant, you will see families here. Also a hang out for the college kids, the business folks on their way home and friends and couples meeting up for drinks and a meal. Really, anyone is welcome and dress is as casual as the crowd.

The "side bar" of the tavern is large and open. With 12 dark wood high-top chairs and tables, and 12 seats at the bar, there is plenty of room to hang out. They also have a small room adjacent to the bar, you can grab a large table or choose a leather sofa in front on the fireplace and t.v. and watch the game or book the room for a private party.

The Foreside Tavern doesn't do any special happy hour pricing, but that shouldn't stop you from drinking a cold one. On draught, they carry Guinness, Peak's Organic Pale, Geary's Hampshire Ale, Geary's Imperial Ale, Shipyard Export Ale, Allagash White, Stella Artois and Miller Lite. (With the exception of Miller Lite at $3, the other draft beers range from $3.50-4.50.)

Choose from an impressive selection of bottled beers include Allagash Dubbell, Sea Dog Blueberry ($3.50), Peak's Organic Nut Brown, Peak's Organic Maple Oat, Estrella Inedit, Harpoon IPA, Corona, Miller Lite, Coors Light, PBR, Sam Adams Lager, Sam Adams Light, Budweiser ($3), Bud Light, gluten-free Red Bridge, Odoul's, Heineken or Amstel Lite ($3.50.) Try a 25 ounce Brooklyn Local 1 ($16) or a Belgium Chimay while you are there.

Everybody wants a good scotch lately and the Foreside Tavern has something for you. Laphroaig ($10), Talisker ($12) and Bowmore 17 ($14) are just a few items on their large list.

With wine and champagne by the glass or bottle, you can grab some house choices for $5.50, or have a glass of Sterling Vintners Cabernet ($8), Kendall Jackson Reserve Chardonnay ($8) or impress your friends with your expensive taste, bottles range from $29 to far exceeding my wallet's standards.

If you need a drink suggestion, they have a list for that too. Be as "Cool as a Cucumber" for $9, made with Hendrick's Gin, cucumber infused Vermouth and a splash of soda water or have a "Southern Bell" for $7, Stoli vodka, Southern Comfort, pineapple, orange juice and a splash of grenadine.

If you are hungry, I suggest starting with the Maine crab cakes, served with cucumber melon salsa ($9.95) or the patio lunch ($12.95) that features three local cheeses, mixed nuts, melon, focaccia bread and saba. The cobb salad looks amazing ($9.95), as does the grilled salmon sandwich with arugula walnut pesto for $9.95. If you stop in for dinner, enjoy the grilled hanger steak ($20.95) of the pan roasted pork chops that are honey glazed and served with peach relish ($18.95.) Check out their full menu.

And if it ever stops raining (yes, another Mainer complaining about the weather), they have a great non-smoking patio. With 13 tables, you can sit under an umbrella, surrounded by flowers and birch trees or warm yourself by a heat lamp, as you dine at night.

Next time you are out and about, but want to avoid the tourist scene, head over to the Foreside Tavern. Catch a game, meet a friend, have a beer and fill your belly.