What makes a good college town? Ask a student, and the answer may be this simple: beer. On a recent night in Orono, we found plenty of beer. But we also found a friendly, family-oriented hometown – if not home-team – atmosphere. Abe Furth, one of the owners at Woodman’s Bar & Grill, actually shook our hands and called customers by name as he refilled their beer glasses. He’s 26 – young for a pub man but indicative of the energy on the streets of this college town these days. Furth’s wife, Heather, and their friend Mark Horton, who oversees the kitchen, are co-owners. Families work together at Margarita’s, Pat’s Pizza, The Store-Ampersand and the Blues Cafe, too. College town, yes: Thursday night is College Night, and don’t forget about Full Moon Madness. Discounts and drunken conversations abound those nights. But families also can expect to eat, drink and be merry at all of the establishments in this little hamlet that serves a big university. Here’s a list of our stops. We suggest you give each one the old college try.

-Alicia Anstead

USHUAIA

No, it’s not Chinese takeout. It’s Orono’s answer to a club scene. Cape Cods are the most frequently ordered drink. “People say: ‘I know I like vodka. What can you do with that?'” says barman Tim Smith. Seven bartenders on Thursday nights. Dancing. Swoozy lights. Banquettes with washable upholstery. Need we say more?

THE STORE-AMPERSAND

The popular pumpkin-chocolate chip cookie began life as a school fundraiser for the daughter of owners John and Roberta Bradson. They took it off the menu once and there was public outcry. Peruse the wine and beer selection, too. Order a coffee. Take a seat. Eventually someone you know will show up.

WOODMAN’S BAR & GRILL

After trying the specialty martinis, fight the urge to hum the “Cheers” theme song. Don’t leave without trying the sweet potato fries. Philly cheese steak, fish and chips, New York strip steak and colossal onion blossoms are popular. Ye olde bank successfully makes the switch to ye olde pub. The only thing missing? Norm!

THE STAAR CLUB AT UNIVERSITY MOTOR INN

It’s that ’70s saloon! If you weren’t born by then, think “Twin Peaks.” In a good way. Enjoy photos of great stars of, er, yesteryear: John Wayne, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Princess Di. OK, so it’s not the Old Navy crowd. Don’t be snob. Foosball, anyone? Tell ’em Farrah sent you.

BEAR BREW PUB (pictured above)

Hippies with personalized mugs on the ground floor, mod-fusion-bar-live-music scene on the second, pool tables on the third. Spicy chicken wings and ribs for the guys, creamy artichoke dip for the girls. Microbrew mecca. Allagash White on tap. Dude! Lots of beer, only one stuffed bear. Phew.

THAI ORCHID

Among the local Thai restaurants, this is the dynasty’s most intimate setting for curries, spicy tofu and hot soups. When not serving food, Bangkok native Sumalee Sungvean reveals her own tastes: “I like pizza, spaghetti and Subway.” For the rest of us, it’s singha and pad thai.

PAT’S PIZZA

You gotta love those 9-inch, thin-crust pizzas twirled into the air and still hot when they hit the table. The cigar-toting Pat Farnsworth is gone, but his populist spirit infuses the place. Upstairs is a family mood; the downstairs Tap Room draws sports fans. You can get beer either place. Rallying cry: Go, Pat’s!

MARGARITA’S

A show of hands, please: Who drank their very first margarita here? And their 17th? You must have been sampling the number of tequilas behind the bar. Margaritameister Alex Kenney recommends Hornitos. “It’s smooth,” he says. Eat plenty of tortillas. You’ll be glad you did. Trust us.

BLUES CAFE

Owner Frank Williams built the impressive surf-and-turf-and-pasta menu around his personal tastes. His favorite dish? Wiener schnitzel. Sunday brunch attracts a crowd. So do live blues and jazz bands. Brick walls and low lights add a hip cellar mood. Almost makes you miss the days of cigarette smoke.