About
So, you need a dining spot serving fresh seafood, farm-to-table favorites, and options for those on special diets. Is this an impossible request? Not if you dine at Newcastle Publick House!
Before you comment that we've misspelled "public," rest assured that this is the preferred Old English word. Since 2008, Alex and Rachel Nevens have operated this restaurant, featuring natural and often organic local seafood, meats, and produce.
The team works with numerous oyster farms to bring guests the freshest the river has to offer. Vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners find flavorful options, ensuring a menu everyone can celebrate! The beverages lean heavily on Maine craft beer, seasonal craft cocktails, and a noteworthy wine list.
With the restaurant's success, the Nevens added the Oysterhead Lounge in 2014, located on the second floor. This laid-back dining area features a raw oyster bar, live music, a bar area, and pool tables.
In 2021, the Nevens renovated the restaurant with fresh paint on the walls, new light fixtures, and a reconfigured kitchen to run more efficiently. Additionally, large booths were removed from the dining room to open up the space and improve the flow.
More changes came when the couple sold the restaurant to Tim Cheney in 2024. Later, he opened Medicini, a sister restaurant serving Italian cuisine in a renovated garage attached to the Newport Publick House. Like the Oysterhead Lounge, it features live music, making the two eateries a hub of entertainment in Newcastle.
When seeking a diverse menu, live entertainment, and various dining areas in a renovated 1845 building, head to Newcastle Publick House.
Vibe
The three-story historic brick facade with white-trimmed windows and a classic gold-lettered sign gives the restaurant a vintage New England look.
The renovated interior creates a brighter, uncluttered area. The weathered wood floor, hand-painted murals, and large picture windows keep the mood relaxed yet refined.
The bar area has its own personality, like the beer mugs hanging from the ceilings. Each is numbered and labeled for a local, awaiting their return for a crisp pint of beer.
For an even more unique dining experience, head upstairs to the Oysterhead Lounge. Here, a raw bar, a pool table, a pub area, and a corner for live entertainment offer a festive atmosphere.
With its variety of dining areas, this eatery is your spot to unwind, savor local flavors, and feel like a Mainer.
Newcastle Publick House: Menu & Drinks
Kickstart your epicurean adventure with Angry Al's Oysters. Fresh Damariscotta River oysters are baked golden with bacon, spinach, and gorgonzola compound butter. Add the hot sauce, and you have a lip-smacking appetizer!
The Haddock Rachel is a popular sandwich featuring fried or blackened haddock, slaw, Swiss cheese, special sauce, on marble rye bread. Aside from classic burgers, the creative Jam Burger features a chargrilled Maine Family Farms beef patty with house-made bacon jam, cheddar cheese, and crispy onions.
The entrees feature a wide range of options that will appeal to even your pickiest eater. The Seafood Risotto showcases house-made risotto with fresh seafood, roasted tomatoes, fresh parmesan, and herbs.
The Vegan Meatloaf is a twist on a classic, featuring onion gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetable of the day. The Fish & Chips offers a taste of authentic British pub fare, with crispy, fried haddock, hand-cut fries, special sauce, and cole slaw. The Steak Frites will appeal to those who don't like seafood. The dish features a chargrilled hanger steak from Kinnealey Meats with chimichurri compound butter. Add the lightly dressed greens and French fries, and you have a palate-pleasing meal!
Regarding beverages, the extensive draft list celebrates Maine's vast breweries. Seasonal specialty cocktails like the Blueberry Gin Fizz let Maine's beloved berry shine.
Visiting Newcastle Publick House enhances a Maine getaway, with locally sourced fresh oysters, steaks, and seafood. Add its dining areas, the nightly entertainment, and the historic setting, and it'll be a meal you won't forget!
Local Tips
- Reservations are strongly encouraged.
- Order take-out to enjoy back in your Casago rental.
- The Oysterhead Lounge is open from 5:30 p.m. until close.
- Check social media for seasonal hours, specials, and entertainment schedules.
