The Liberal Cup is a 7 barrel brew pub located in Hallowell, ME. We decided to sit at the bar for lunch. It is a fairly small place with a restaurant side and a bar side. The bartender was good and attentive, even though it was a little crowded and busy. It seemed like there was a mix of local people and tourists, as well as people just passing through, which is usually a good sign.
Our selections are best described as approachable, with many being good complements to our menu. This is because we brew mostly session ales (with a few strong exceptions, like our cult favorite Smelt Camp Strong Ale). Our beers are not boutique or extreme; they are brewed (and priced) to be enjoyed time and again—in the same visit or over the years. Our pints are generous servings of 20 ounces (hence the name, The Liberal Cup; it’s not political, despite our location).
The Liberal Cup opened in 2000, and then the owner opened Run of the Mill Public House and Brewery in 2007 in Saco, ME. We recomend visiting They do have some of the same beers on tap at both places, so we decided to just try a few pints instead of ordering a sampler tray.
State Budget Red Ale
Dark color, even flavor. A touch darker/ heavier than we were expecting. Good beer.
Dog Days Summer Wheat
A little heavier than other summer wheat’s we’ve had. This isn’t a fruit summer wheat though, no hefeweizen coriander flavor.
Alewife Ale
Caramel in color with a bitter, malty flavor.
Beer Cheese Soup
Chowder-like consistency with very sharp cheddar cheese flavor. Very good, we should have ordered 2.
Cajun Caesar
Perfect level of spice.
El Cubano
Mark’s sandwich was good, but messy, so he had to eat it quickly. He tried something different and liked it.
The brewery is in the back of the bar side. There are a few windows you can look in and see the 7 barrel system they have.
They certainly don’t have much room back there, but they are able to get it done
On Tap Now
Bug Lager
Alewife Ale
Dunkel John’s Band
Backhouse Bitter
1762 Rye PA
GUEST TAP
Allagash Black
