Pacifico opened in a former mill in Saco in November 2020, but I didn’t make it there until last month. I wish I had discovered it immediately after being fully vaccinated, so that I could have been going there over and over again.

Three friends were with me on my inaugural visit, and we all agreed it was absolutely worth the drive from Portland. Once you figure out how to access the restaurant (see its website for detailed instructions), the fun tropical vibe wins you over.

There are backless stools at the long bar area (which has hooks underneath), high-top tables with stools that have backs, and lots of regular seating, including some at a long wooden banquette that runs almost the full length of the restaurant. There’s also an outdoor patio, but not in February. Lots of greenery and an open kitchen complete the atmosphere.

The menu is extensive, both for food and drinks. Naturally, we zeroed in on the cocktails first. One friend opted for the $13 Avenida B: Angostura and chuncho bitters (the Peruvian bitters used in a Pisco sour), my beloved Bimini coconut gin, black bean orgeat (I am not making this up), smoked molasses, lemon, lime and egg white. Luckily, we could not taste the black bean component, and we all agreed that this cocktail was spectacular.

I went with the $12 Mami Chula: mezcal, amaretto, capurro pisco, agave and cocoa bitters. As is often the case, the mezcal overpowered the other ingredients, making it hard to taste the amaretto and the cocoa bitters, but it was still good. Another friend ordered the $10 Cuba Libre: Flor de Cana rum, Fernet-Branca (a type of bitter Italian amaro), cola, vanilla, Angostura bitters, and lime. This drink was by far our least favorite. It tasted like the anemic cousin of a real Cuba Libre, and we weren’t fans of the unusual additions.

We forgave everything, though, when we tasted my third friend’s $12 Killing Me Softly (pineapple rum, Bimini coconut gin, allspice, orange juice, coconut cream and lime). I’d definitely order that one again on what I’m sure will be one of many return visits. Each cocktail was served in a different type of glassware, a touch I always appreciate.

Pacifico cocktails, from left, Killing Me Softly, Cuba Libre, Avenida B. and Mami Chula. Photo by Angie Bryan

If none of those cocktails tickle your fancy, there are seven others to choose from, as well as three mocktail options and three specialty shots. There are also four draft beer options ranging from $6 to $8, four canned and bottled beers ranging from $3 to $8, five Latin wines by the glass (a Chilean chardonnay, a Portuguese vinho verde, a Chilean pinot noir, a Chilean cabernet sauvignon, and a Spanish cava) ranging from $10 to $13, and both white and red sangria for $9 a glass.

Pacifico is owned by Carlos Guzman (originally from Colombia) and Alejandra Herrera (who hails from Chile). They also own Quiero Café. It’s a truly pan-Latin menu, with influences pulled from all over Latin America. I’m still thinking about the $16 tuna tartar that one of my friends ordered. It came with chipotle mayo, pickled jalapeno, radish, sesame seeds, avocado, micro greens, and spectacular tortilla chips. I’d go back just to have that again.

We also enjoyed the $18 Taco Tuesday special – three tacos of your choice from pork belly, fried hake, and carne asada (my personal favorite). We were too full for dessert, but the menu lists both a tres leches cake and a chocolate lava cake, each for $10. Add dessert to the list of reasons why I’m going to have to return.

Retired diplomat Angie Bryan writes about Maine’s cocktail bars while making as many puns as her editor allows.