Stockhouse is a perfect place to watch the next game.

As soon as you open the door to the Stockhouse Restaurant and Sports Pub, you are greeted with an open layout, music coming from over head, sports paraphernalia and plenty of choices.

When Thatchers opened in Westbrook four years ago, I was pretty excited for the new addition in our small town. Dan Drouin changed the name three years ago, but kept the same staples we all liked- an enormous beer selection, tons of televisions strategically located for your game viewing pleasure, a casual atmosphere and a wide variety of food choices. Getting a waitress to greet you is a bit on the slow side, but I can overlook that- since they are young and mean well. They'll take care of you, once they find you.

As a former beer distributor, Dan really knows how to stock a bar. They pretty much carry ever beer you can think of. Bass ($3.75), Odoul's, Bud Light Lime ($3), Molson Golden, Sam Adams Light, five different kinds of Twisted Teas, Smirnoff, and the many other of your regular domestics are available in a bottle. On tap the Stockhouse carries Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, Shipyard Export, Shipyard Summer, Guinness, Shock Top, Sea Dog Blueberry, Long Trail Ale, Blue Moon, and Gritty's Vacationland. All domestic beers are $5 for 25 ounces. Imports range, but are usually $4.50 for a small (16 ounces) or $6 for a nice cold tall one.

Inglenook is the brand of house wine available, and will run you $5 a glass. They carry Kendall Jackson, Cypress, Beringer and Schmitt and they are in the $6.50 range. Also, with a fully stocked bar, you can order anything you want- from a mimosa to a margarita.

The Stockhouse has a huge menu and plenty of things to choose from. Often overwhelmed by all the choices, I usually go with the buffalo chicken finger wraps, which is on the appetizer menu for $4.99 but totally fills me up. My husband cannot stray from the chicken tenders with sweet chili sauce ($7.99.) Serving quesadillas (starting at $5.99), pizzas and a huge variety of burgers, subs and sandwiches, Stockhouse also serves dinner entrees. Try the stuffed shells ($8.99) or the fisherman's platter ($12.99.) With steak, chicken, seafood and a few vegetarian options, there is bound to be something on this menu that you will like.

I know all of my patio pictures take place in the rain, so I aplogize for the picture but this place really has one of the biggest decks in all of the Greater Portland area. What it lacks in viewing pleasure, it makes up for in space and the fact you can watch or listen to the game from outside, while you enjoy a cold one with your friends.

I find the layout and the ambiance to be one of my favorite things about the Stockhouse. It's super spacious with seating at the bar, tall and short tables, a game room for the children or adults to enjoy and at least 15 televisions located throughout the restaurant. Tables can be easily put together for large groups, my child is welcome, I can watch the game with my spouse and tons of sports fans or can easily meet a friend for a drink. It's extremely casual, regardless of a band playing or a game on and it's never trashy or too rowdy.

Amber Olesen is a freelance writer.