enlarge Tim Greenway/Staff Photographer

Bartender Sam Minervino visits with patrons at Samuel’s on Forest Avenue in Portland.

SAMUEL'S BAR AND GRILL

WHERE: 1160 Forest Ave., Portland; 797-6924

HOURS: Open 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Closes at 10 p.m. Sunday.

CHEAPEST DRINK: PBR Pounders are $2.25.

FOOD SPECIALS: Check out the two-for-one pizza specials on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

GAMES/AMENITIES: Six televisions show all types of sporting events.

MUSIC: Jukebox.

COVER: Nope.

PARKING: Small lot and on-street parking.

PATRONS: Older neighborhood folk, lots of regulars, college kids and families.

PORTLAND — Everyone's welcome at Samuel's Bar and Grill.

In addition to traffic, Morrill's Corner has been the home of this friendly neighborhood spot for almost 10 years. Current owner Tom Lacasse has owned the bar and eatery for the last three, and customers are greeted by a sign on the door that reads: "You're only a stranger once."

I put that promise to the test.

I walked in alone to see several people making the most of their happy hour. A few couples were sitting at tables eating dinner, and I grabbed an empty table in the corner. With some high-top tables, four low-tops that can be pushed together for larger groups and 10 seats at the bar, it's quite roomy for such a small-looking place.

My friends joined me about the same time the waitress brought me a cold Shipyard in a frosted glass. In addition to a full bar and $5 glasses of house wine, Samuel's has an extensive beer list.

On draft you'll find Miller Lite ($3), Coors Light, Shipyard ($4), Shipyard Seasonal, Guinness ($4.50), Sam Adams, Sam Adams Seasonal, Geary's Pale Ale and Harpoon. Bottled selections include Miller Lite, Miller High Life, Heineken ($3), Coors Light, PBR pounder cans ($2.25), Corona, Corona Light, Geary's HSA, Samuel Adams Light, Amstel Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob, Michelob Light, Michelob Ultra and several varies of Smirnoff.

Dan, the kitchen manager, sat down with us and expressed his pride in the food after I told him my mother was sad she couldn't join us for dinner. In addition to daily specials, Samuel's serves homestyle comfort foods like macaroni and cheese and meatloaf. There are also Angus burgers ($5.99), fresh soups and chili ($5.99), salads and seafood on a daily basis.

Grab a fried shrimp roll for $7.99, or nachos with chicken, cheese and veggies for $10.99, or try a pasta dish. In addition to a few vegetarian items, there are children's meals, and kids are certainly welcome.

I love a good happy hour, and what makes it so happy is the specials. Every night of the week, from 3 to 6 p.m., every drink you order is 50 cents off. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday offer the infamous two-for-one pizza special, and Wednesday brings 50-cent wing night. With football season in full swing, Sunday also brings $1.50 Bud Light and Miller Lites, from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.

As the bartender took over and our waitress headed out from a double shift, we appreciated the friendly service that met our demands. This is the type of place where people really do come in to see people they know, and if you're a stranger, no one really cares. Just go ahead and saddle up at the bar or grab a table and make yourself at home.

At Samuel's, I found a relaxed atmosphere, cold beers, warm chicken fingers and some good conversation with friends -- even some who had been strangers.

Amber Olesen is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.