This review was originally posted August 20, 2023. We updated it on July 24, 2025 after a second visiit to Mason’s.
Some places just stick with you. When we first discovered Mason’s Brewing Company during our Bangor Brewery Crawl back in August 2023, we knew we’d found something special. So when we returned to Maine this past July with our son Parker and our dogs Bucky and Raven in tow, guess where we made sure to stop? That’s right! Straight back to Mason’s, where the Penobscot River views are just as stunning and the creative menu continues to surprise us.
The first picture below is from 2023 and the other two are from 2025. Vince and I have both lost some weight, but I still have the same sunglasses!
Getting There
Mason’s sits right off the main road in Brewer, across the Penobscot River from Bangor, and finding it couldn’t be easier. The building caught our eye immediately during our first visit in 2023. It looked fresh and inviting, complete with solar panels on the roof that told us these folks care about their environmental impact.
Here’s the important RV note: we’ve driven our Jeep both times we’ve visited Mason’s, leaving the RV safely tucked away at our campground. There simply isn’t anywhere nearby to park a big rig, so plan accordingly. This summer we made the 30-minute drive from our campground in Newport, and it was absolutely worth the trip.
The good news? Plenty of regular parking right on site, so no circling the block or hiking from distant lots.
A Space That Welcomes Everyone
Step inside Mason’s and you’re greeted with a wide-open taproom featuring beautiful wooden beams and a large wooden bar running along one side. Tables fill the rest of the space, creating that perfect brewery atmosphere. It’s roomy enough to never feel crowded, but cozy enough for good conversation.
But here’s where Mason’s really shines: their outdoor seating area right on the Penobscot River. During our 2023 visit, we admired those river views from inside. This summer, with Parker and the dogs along, we claimed a picnic table with an umbrella on their deck and spent the afternoon watching the river flow by. There’s something deeply relaxing about sipping craft beer while watching the river flow by.
The outdoor setup is perfect for families and dog owners. Picnic tables provide plenty of space, umbrellas offer shade, and everyone can spread out and get comfortable.
Beer Adventures: From Blueberry Dreams to Sour Explorations
Mason’s beer menu has impressed us both times we’ve visited, offering something for every palate. They typically feature several IPAs (perfect for hopheads like Vince), along with ciders and even mead for those wanting to explore beyond beer.
Our 2023 Favorites
During our first visit, I fell in love with their Blueberry Fields Forever, which was a dark purple cream ale with just the right touch of blueberry flavor. Not overwhelming, not artificial, just Maine blueberries done right. Vince started with their Rotating IPA, which delivered the hoppy, refreshing experience he was craving. For round two, he switched to JK’s Farmhouse Ciders Northern Neighbor Farmhouse Cider, which was super sweet and fruity.
Our 2025 Return
This summer brought new adventures. I tried the Freya sour fruited gose, described as a “kettle soured ale with limes, coriander, and pink Hawaiian salt.” I’ve been finding that I sometimes struggle to finish a full pint these days, so I appreciated their 10-ounce pour option, which was perfect for savoring without overcommitting. The combination of tart, citrus, and that hint of salt created something genuinely refreshing on a warm July afternoon.
Vince went with the Hipster Apocalypse IPA, a “hazy and juicy showcase for the Idaho-7 hop varietal” that delivered “dank and piney with strong tangerine characteristics.” Translation: exactly the kind of complex, flavorful IPA that makes him happy.
Food That Surprises and Delights
Here’s where our return visit really opened our eyes. During our 2023 brewery crawl, we were too focused on beer to try the food (and too full of food from our stops at 2 Feet and Sea Dog), though everything coming out of the kitchen looked amazing. This summer, we stopped at Mason’s after a hike in the Bangor City Forest, so we dove into Mason’s creative menu.
Parker went with the tuna tartare, which was crisp wontons topped with chopped and marinated tuna, avocado, sticky rice, spicy mayo, tobiko, wasabi, and ginger. Technically an appetizer, but he made a full meal of it and absolutely loved it. It’s not your typical brewery fare, and that’s exactly what made it special.
Vince tried the Hound Dog burger, which proved that Mason’s isn’t afraid to get creative. This “smash patty” beef burger came topped with cashew butter, blueberry jam, caramelized onions, bacon, and banana chips. Parker and I weren’t entirely sure about the combination, but Vince dove in and declared it delicious. Sometimes you need someone willing to take the culinary leap!
I ordered the Sweet Hot Mess burger, and the name was truth in advertising. Gouda, bacon, pickled apple, candied jalapeño, dirty ketchup, and maple drizzle created exactly the kind of messy-but-amazing experience the name promised. It came with sweet potato fries, which I immediately requested ranch for dipping, naturally. If you haven’t tried ranch with sweet potato fries, you have to do it. Thank me later.
The food quality exceeded our expectations. This isn’t just bar food. It’s creative, well-executed dishes that show real thought and skill.
Family and Four-Legged Friends Welcome
During our first visit, we didn’t see many kids, but the space clearly welcomes families. This summer, with Parker along, we never felt out of place or unwelcome. Granted, Parker is technically an adult at 19, but we did see a couple of families with younger children both inside the restaurant and outside on the deck.
The outdoor seating area is perfect for dog owners. Bucky and Raven were welcome on the deck (though not inside), and they loved having space to settle in while we enjoyed our meal. They also did not mind getting a couple of fries and some bacon from Vince.
I forgot to take a picture of the dogs for the gallery, but trust me, they are adorable!
Service That Makes You Feel at Home
Both visits reinforced part of what makes Mason’s special: the staff. During our 2023 brewery crawl, our bartender checked on us regularly, kept our drinks flowing, and made sure we felt welcome. This summer, even with the added complexity of outdoor service, food orders, and accommodating our four-legged family members, the service remained friendly and attentive.
There’s something to be said for consistent hospitality. It’s what turns a good brewery into a place you actively want to return to.
Why We Keep Coming Back
Mason’s Brewing Company has earned a permanent spot on our Maine must-visit list. The combination of excellent beer, creative food, stunning river views, and genuine hospitality creates something special. Whether you’re looking for a stop on your own brewery crawl or a destination worth the drive, Mason’s delivers.
The fact that we drove 30 minutes out of our way this summer, with a teenager and two dogs in tow, tells you everything you need to know about how we feel about this place. Some breweries you visit once. Others become part of your travel story.
For RV travelers: Remember to leave the RV at your campground and drive your tow vehicle or toad (towed vehicle). The experience is absolutely worth the extra planning.
We’re already planning our next Maine trip, and you can bet Mason’s Brewing Company will be on the itinerary once again. Maybe next time we’ll try out their “Down East” location in Machias!
Quick Facts
- Address: 15 Hardy St, Brewer, ME 04412
- Website: https://masonsbrewingcompany.com/
- Best for: River views, creative food, beer variety, outdoor dining
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Outdoor seating area only
Have you found a brewery that keeps calling you back? What makes a place special enough to earn a return visit? Share your favorite repeat destinations on Instagram!
