Ned and Rachael's Recommendations for Greater Portland
Food scene
Scales is one of the best places to go for seafood in the Old Port. You will need to plan ahead with a reservation, but everything I've tried on the menu has been delicious and nothing feels gimmicky or catering to tourists.
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Scales
68 Commercial StScales is one of the best places to go for seafood in the Old Port. You will need to plan ahead with a reservation, but everything I've tried on the menu has been delicious and nothing feels gimmicky or catering to tourists.
This is one of my favorite places to eat outside. They have a large deck overlooking Portland Harbor, great atmosphere, and a mix of casual and more upscale seafood options. This is an awesome spot whether you're going for drinks and an app or a full meal. They're also more likely than some other places to be able to accommodate groups.
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Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room
86 Commercial StThis is one of my favorite places to eat outside. They have a large deck overlooking Portland Harbor, great atmosphere, and a mix of casual and more upscale seafood options. This is an awesome spot whether you're going for drinks and an app or a full meal. They're also more likely than some other places to be able to accommodate groups.
This is one of the best Thai places in the area (and there's surprisingly stiff competition). They don't take reservations but if you are able to dine-in I would recommend the late night menu and a seat with a view of Congress St: the perfect spot for amazing food, conversation, and a little people watching.
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Boda
671 Congress StThis is one of the best Thai places in the area (and there's surprisingly stiff competition). They don't take reservations but if you are able to dine-in I would recommend the late night menu and a seat with a view of Congress St: the perfect spot for amazing food, conversation, and a little people watching.
Salvage BBQ
919 Congress StYum. That's it. Just, yum.
If you want a little more from your pizza experience than take-out, Flatbread is the perfect stop. Water views, pizza plus lots of other menu options, and family friendly. There are A LOT of pizza options in Portland, but this one is worth a visit.
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Flatbread Company
72 Commercial StIf you want a little more from your pizza experience than take-out, Flatbread is the perfect stop. Water views, pizza plus lots of other menu options, and family friendly. There are A LOT of pizza options in Portland, but this one is worth a visit.
Delicious ramen. And steamed buns. They've also nailed the Brussel sprout craze. Seating is tight so it would be tougher for groups, but as of the writing of this review they're doing a lot of takeout so that could be a good option.
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Pai Men Miyake
188 State StDelicious ramen. And steamed buns. They've also nailed the Brussel sprout craze. Seating is tight so it would be tougher for groups, but as of the writing of this review they're doing a lot of takeout so that could be a good option.
We've mostly only sampled the appetizer and specialty cocktail menus, but everything is made well, delicious, and not too heavy. It's also walking distance from Ashmont St.
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Woodford Food & Beverage
660 Forest AveWe've mostly only sampled the appetizer and specialty cocktail menus, but everything is made well, delicious, and not too heavy. It's also walking distance from Ashmont St.
This is my favorite place for Pad Thai downtown. It is a vegetarian restaurant and also has many vegan options available. You'll get there and want to order everything on the menu.
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Green Elephant
608 Congress StThis is my favorite place for Pad Thai downtown. It is a vegetarian restaurant and also has many vegan options available. You'll get there and want to order everything on the menu.
If you're into a bit more of a dive-bar feel with good ole fashioned seafood, this is the place to go. It's very unassuming next to its neighbors, but has been a staple of Commercial Street for years and rightfully so.
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Js Oyster
5 Portland PierIf you're into a bit more of a dive-bar feel with good ole fashioned seafood, this is the place to go. It's very unassuming next to its neighbors, but has been a staple of Commercial Street for years and rightfully so.
The Grill Room is my favorite spot for a drink and snack to start the night. Our go-to order includes tuna tartare, duck poutine, calamari, and of course, steaks.
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The Grill Room & Bar
84 Exchange StreetThe Grill Room is my favorite spot for a drink and snack to start the night. Our go-to order includes tuna tartare, duck poutine, calamari, and of course, steaks.
This is one of my favorite lunch spots. Great selection and quality of sandwiches, and more than just the typical tuna melt or caprese. Just try it and thank me later.
CERA
This is one of my favorite lunch spots. Great selection and quality of sandwiches, and more than just the typical tuna melt or caprese. Just try it and thank me later.
Sightseeing
Old Orchard Beach is likely the most popular beach within 30 minutes of Portland. There are lots of dining and entertainment options on the Pier, West Grand Ave, and Old Orchard St downtown including Pirate's Cove mini-golf, Palace Playland (amusement park rides), the arcade, and shops. If you're not looking to be in a crowd, there's plenty of space further down the beach to spread out. Other activities in the area include parasailing, surfing, boat rentals, and basketball and tennis courts. There's a little something for everyone and a very easy ride from Portland.
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Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is likely the most popular beach within 30 minutes of Portland. There are lots of dining and entertainment options on the Pier, West Grand Ave, and Old Orchard St downtown including Pirate's Cove mini-golf, Palace Playland (amusement park rides), the arcade, and shops. If you're not looking to be in a crowd, there's plenty of space further down the beach to spread out. Other activities in the area include parasailing, surfing, boat rentals, and basketball and tennis courts. There's a little something for everyone and a very easy ride from Portland.
The State of Maine does a great job maintaining its parks, and Crescent Beach is no exception. Only a short drive out Rt. 77 to Cape Elizabeth, this is a sandy, clean, and more relaxing beach for families or groups. There are a couple sandwich and ice cream shops along the way, and it's very close to Two Lights State Park if you wanted to see the lighthouse as well.
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Crescent Beach State Park
109 Bowery Beach RdThe State of Maine does a great job maintaining its parks, and Crescent Beach is no exception. Only a short drive out Rt. 77 to Cape Elizabeth, this is a sandy, clean, and more relaxing beach for families or groups. There are a couple sandwich and ice cream shops along the way, and it's very close to Two Lights State Park if you wanted to see the lighthouse as well.
If you're more inclined to fresh water than the ocean, then Sebago Lake is the place to go. Sebago Lake State Park is a great sandy beach within 30 minutes of Portland out Rt 302, there are multiple boat and equipment rental shops and boat launches around the lake, entertainment including Point Sebago Resort and Golf Course and Seacoast Adventure park, and dining in downtown Windham, Raymond, and Naples.
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Sebago Lake
If you're more inclined to fresh water than the ocean, then Sebago Lake is the place to go. Sebago Lake State Park is a great sandy beach within 30 minutes of Portland out Rt 302, there are multiple boat and equipment rental shops and boat launches around the lake, entertainment including Point Sebago Resort and Golf Course and Seacoast Adventure park, and dining in downtown Windham, Raymond, and Naples.
Offerings at Thompson's Point continue to expand but if you're visiting in the winter they have an ice rink with snack and drink shack, heating stations, and awesome water views. There are also Maker's Markets on the weekends featuring local artisans of all sorts (one-stop Christmas shopping!), food trucks, and bar. They are building the new Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine (opening Spring 2021!) and there's frequently other movie-night, restaurant pop-up, and musical events for family-friendly entertainment. Summer Sunset events on Thursday and Friday evenings are free to attend and feature live music and a food truck line-up, just byob (bring your own blanket)! There's a little something for everyone and worth checking out when visiting.
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Thompson Point
Thompsons PointOfferings at Thompson's Point continue to expand but if you're visiting in the winter they have an ice rink with snack and drink shack, heating stations, and awesome water views. There are also Maker's Markets on the weekends featuring local artisans of all sorts (one-stop Christmas shopping!), food trucks, and bar. They are building the new Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine (opening Spring 2021!) and there's frequently other movie-night, restaurant pop-up, and musical events for family-friendly entertainment. Summer Sunset events on Thursday and Friday evenings are free to attend and feature live music and a food truck line-up, just byob (bring your own blanket)! There's a little something for everyone and worth checking out when visiting.
The farmers' market is awesome. There is organic and non-organic produce, seedlings, pickled vegetables, meat and dairy, flowers, honey, soaps, and more. There are also often several artists' stations selling jewelry, crafts, prints, and more. This year (2021) it has also been at Payson Park so I would recommend a quick Google before you go to confirm the location.
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Portland Farmers' Market
92 Deering AveThe farmers' market is awesome. There is organic and non-organic produce, seedlings, pickled vegetables, meat and dairy, flowers, honey, soaps, and more. There are also often several artists' stations selling jewelry, crafts, prints, and more. This year (2021) it has also been at Payson Park so I would recommend a quick Google before you go to confirm the location.
If you've never been to a minor league baseball game then now's the time to go. Maine summer weather is pretty great so this is a great excuse to be outside, take in some sports action, enjoy a little stadium food (SeaDog biscuit, anyone?) and not break the bank. Just a fun summer activity, even if you're not a big baseball fan.
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Portland Sea Dogs
271 Park AveIf you've never been to a minor league baseball game then now's the time to go. Maine summer weather is pretty great so this is a great excuse to be outside, take in some sports action, enjoy a little stadium food (SeaDog biscuit, anyone?) and not break the bank. Just a fun summer activity, even if you're not a big baseball fan.
The Maine Celtics, formerly the Maine Red Claws, play their winter season at the Expo. There are no bad seats in the house and it's easy to get to from downtown or outside Portland. High school basketball is serious business in Maine, and with that many basketball fans there's also often a packed house for Maine Celtics games.
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Portland Exposition Building
239 Park AveThe Maine Celtics, formerly the Maine Red Claws, play their winter season at the Expo. There are no bad seats in the house and it's easy to get to from downtown or outside Portland. High school basketball is serious business in Maine, and with that many basketball fans there's also often a packed house for Maine Celtics games.
Baxter Woods is great all year round for walking, snow shoeing, or cross country skiing. The trails are not groomed in the winter but there is enough traffic that those who don't want to blaze their own trail won't have to. It's a great place to enjoy nature without having to leave the City. (More info on other cross country trails can be found here: https://portlandmaine.gov/2677/Cross-Country-Skiing)
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Mayor Baxter Woods Park
555 Stevens AveBaxter Woods is great all year round for walking, snow shoeing, or cross country skiing. The trails are not groomed in the winter but there is enough traffic that those who don't want to blaze their own trail won't have to. It's a great place to enjoy nature without having to leave the City. (More info on other cross country trails can be found here: https://portlandmaine.gov/2677/Cross-Country-Skiing)
Neighborhoods
The Eastern Prom and the East End neighborhood is an unsuspectingly awesome place to spend a day or afternoon. Pack a picnic (or choose from the delicious food trucks) to eat on the grass overlooking the water, take a walk on one of the trails that loop around the East End and beyond, or explore the local breweries, coffee shops, restaurants, and artisan stores along Washington Ave, Anderson St, and Fox St that have taken root in the neighborhood the past few years.
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Eastern Promenade Trail
Eastern PromenadeThe Eastern Prom and the East End neighborhood is an unsuspectingly awesome place to spend a day or afternoon. Pack a picnic (or choose from the delicious food trucks) to eat on the grass overlooking the water, take a walk on one of the trails that loop around the East End and beyond, or explore the local breweries, coffee shops, restaurants, and artisan stores along Washington Ave, Anderson St, and Fox St that have taken root in the neighborhood the past few years.
Bars and Nightlife
This is one of the most interesting bars in Portland. With three separate bars (the last of which can be accessed via a bookcase door!) that all have their own featured drinks and appetizers, it is a different experience each time you go.
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Blyth & Burrows
26 Exchange StThis is one of the most interesting bars in Portland. With three separate bars (the last of which can be accessed via a bookcase door!) that all have their own featured drinks and appetizers, it is a different experience each time you go.
The Porthole is a great place for groups to enjoy a drink (or two) on their huge deck overlooking Portland Harbor. There is always music playing and a fun atmosphere. The food is decent if you're hungry, but if you're specifically looking for lunch or dinner there are better options nearby. Otherwise definitely a place to go to enjoy a summer afternoon or evening with friends.
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The Porthole Restaurant & Pub
20 Custom House WharfThe Porthole is a great place for groups to enjoy a drink (or two) on their huge deck overlooking Portland Harbor. There is always music playing and a fun atmosphere. The food is decent if you're hungry, but if you're specifically looking for lunch or dinner there are better options nearby. Otherwise definitely a place to go to enjoy a summer afternoon or evening with friends.
This is THE spot to people watch on Wharf St. The food menu is pretty small but everything I've tried has been good, and the cocktails are on par with other higher end bars in Portland. But if you want to sit back, sip a cocktail, and watch the hubbub of inebriated people along Wharf St (which I think is fun from time to time) then this is the spot.
The Independent Ice Co.
52 Wharf StThis is THE spot to people watch on Wharf St. The food menu is pretty small but everything I've tried has been good, and the cocktails are on par with other higher end bars in Portland. But if you want to sit back, sip a cocktail, and watch the hubbub of inebriated people along Wharf St (which I think is fun from time to time) then this is the spot.
Top of the East is the hotel bar for the Westin. In my opinion there's nothing special about the bar menu, but the view is the best in town. Worth a visit, especially if you're staying nearby.
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Top of the East
157 High StTop of the East is the hotel bar for the Westin. In my opinion there's nothing special about the bar menu, but the view is the best in town. Worth a visit, especially if you're staying nearby.
In contrast to the many intimate (i.e., tiny) bars in the Old Port, Sagamore Hill Lounge has a rather spacious bar and lounge area. The atmosphere and decor are interesting and inviting, and has a cocktail menu to match. I would recommend the Second Gentleman.
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Sagamore Hill Lounge
150 Park StIn contrast to the many intimate (i.e., tiny) bars in the Old Port, Sagamore Hill Lounge has a rather spacious bar and lounge area. The atmosphere and decor are interesting and inviting, and has a cocktail menu to match. I would recommend the Second Gentleman.
Half the fun is finding it, and the other half is $5 cash drinks. It has good atmosphere and is worth the effort to find your way there.
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Lincolns
36 Market StHalf the fun is finding it, and the other half is $5 cash drinks. It has good atmosphere and is worth the effort to find your way there.
Don't be misled by the "club" label. This is 2-story arcade and bar with endless classic and new arcade and video games. If you end up spending the entire night playing Guitar Hero, don't @ me.
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Acadia National Bar
504 Congress StDon't be misled by the "club" label. This is 2-story arcade and bar with endless classic and new arcade and video games. If you end up spending the entire night playing Guitar Hero, don't @ me.
Brunch!
Sinful Kitchen is Rachael's go-to brunch spot. It's a good option if you are gluten-free or have other dietary restrictions because they have a variety of gf and vegan options. Very cute little spot (i.e., popular and small dining area so plan ahead with a reservation!)
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The Sinful Kitchen
952 Brighton AveSinful Kitchen is Rachael's go-to brunch spot. It's a good option if you are gluten-free or have other dietary restrictions because they have a variety of gf and vegan options. Very cute little spot (i.e., popular and small dining area so plan ahead with a reservation!)
Bayside American Cafe is Ned's go-to brunch spot. In my opinion, it is the quintessential brunch spot in Portland. High-end and delicious food.
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Bayside American Cafe
98 Portland StBayside American Cafe is Ned's go-to brunch spot. In my opinion, it is the quintessential brunch spot in Portland. High-end and delicious food.
The Front Room specializes in upscale comfort food. Brunch, dinner, or drink and app at the bar - it's all delicious. But plan ahead because the dining area is limited and they don't take reservations.
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The Front Room
73 Congress StThe Front Room specializes in upscale comfort food. Brunch, dinner, or drink and app at the bar - it's all delicious. But plan ahead because the dining area is limited and they don't take reservations.
Breweries
This little street not far from the Portland-Westbrook line is a great spot for beer-lovers. Allagash Brewing Company, Definitive Brewing, Battery Steele Brewing, Austin Street Brewery, and Foundation Brewing are located next to each other. There's always at least a couple food trucks parked there as well, so it's a huge variety of beers (with snacks!) without having to go far at all.
Industrial Way
Industrial WayThis little street not far from the Portland-Westbrook line is a great spot for beer-lovers. Allagash Brewing Company, Definitive Brewing, Battery Steele Brewing, Austin Street Brewery, and Foundation Brewing are located next to each other. There's always at least a couple food trucks parked there as well, so it's a huge variety of beers (with snacks!) without having to go far at all.
Austin Street Brewery and Rising Tide Brewing Company have locations right next to each other on Fox St. Not far away on Anderson St are Belleflower Brewing Company, Urban Farm Fermentory & Gruit Brewing Co, Long Pine Brewing Company, and Blue Lobster Urban Winery. Lastly, there's Maine Craft Distilling near the corner of Fox St and Washington Ave. It's another place with a high bang-for-the-buck value in terms of being able to try multiple different local beers/wines/ciders without having to drive around.
Fox Street
Fox StreetAustin Street Brewery and Rising Tide Brewing Company have locations right next to each other on Fox St. Not far away on Anderson St are Belleflower Brewing Company, Urban Farm Fermentory & Gruit Brewing Co, Long Pine Brewing Company, and Blue Lobster Urban Winery. Lastly, there's Maine Craft Distilling near the corner of Fox St and Washington Ave. It's another place with a high bang-for-the-buck value in terms of being able to try multiple different local beers/wines/ciders without having to drive around.
Bissell Brothers is one of Portland's most popular breweries (that's sayin something..). It's located at Thompson's Point which often hosts concerts and other events. Definitely worth a visit.
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Bissell Brothers
38 Resurgam PlBissell Brothers is one of Portland's most popular breweries (that's sayin something..). It's located at Thompson's Point which often hosts concerts and other events. Definitely worth a visit.
Westbrook
Mast Landing is a popular brewery in Downtown Westbrook. They often pair with a food truck and host trivia nights and other themed events.
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Mast Landing Brewing Company
920 Main StMast Landing is a popular brewery in Downtown Westbrook. They often pair with a food truck and host trivia nights and other themed events.
Frog & Turtle is one of the more popular restaurants in Westbrook and rightfully so. They have a nice range of options from appetizers to bar menu to full entrees that are always available, so there's something for everyone. There's not a lot of lighter fare, so come hungry. They also added a rooftop bar and dining on the 2nd floor deck with great views of the river, and have live bands most weekend nights.
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Frog & Turtle
3 Vallee SquareFrog & Turtle is one of the more popular restaurants in Westbrook and rightfully so. They have a nice range of options from appetizers to bar menu to full entrees that are always available, so there's something for everyone. There's not a lot of lighter fare, so come hungry. They also added a rooftop bar and dining on the 2nd floor deck with great views of the river, and have live bands most weekend nights.
Brea Lu moved from Portland to a bigger space in Westbrook a few years ago, and it's become the most popular brunch spot in town. Food, service, and indoor/outdoor seating are all really good and it's walking distance from Cottage Place.
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Brea Lu
511 Cumberland StBrea Lu moved from Portland to a bigger space in Westbrook a few years ago, and it's become the most popular brunch spot in town. Food, service, and indoor/outdoor seating are all really good and it's walking distance from Cottage Place.
There are three great Thai restaurants in Westbrook, but if I have to pick one Veranda stands out (there are other Veranda locations in Portland and South Portland that all have different offerings but are all very popular). They have the best indoor and outdoor seating options, and range of menu options. Besides one mix up on the spice level that left me a bit teary, I've never had a bad bite at Veranda.
Veranda Kitchen Bar
672 Main StThere are three great Thai restaurants in Westbrook, but if I have to pick one Veranda stands out (there are other Veranda locations in Portland and South Portland that all have different offerings but are all very popular). They have the best indoor and outdoor seating options, and range of menu options. Besides one mix up on the spice level that left me a bit teary, I've never had a bad bite at Veranda.
This is a great spot if you're looking for a big local beer selection to go with some classic bar food. Wings, burgers, dogs, fries, tots, they've got it covered. In the warm months you can sit on the riverside patio to enjoy the scenery as well. This is our favorite late-night or Sunday afternoon spot in town.
Legends Rest Taproom
855 Main StThis is a great spot if you're looking for a big local beer selection to go with some classic bar food. Wings, burgers, dogs, fries, tots, they've got it covered. In the warm months you can sit on the riverside patio to enjoy the scenery as well. This is our favorite late-night or Sunday afternoon spot in town.
When I heard they were opening a location in Westbrook I was ecstatic! Everything is delicious and I inevitably eat way too much. They also have a food truck if you're in Portland and happen to see it. Both serve up the same great eats.
tacos la poblanita westbrook
When I heard they were opening a location in Westbrook I was ecstatic! Everything is delicious and I inevitably eat way too much. They also have a food truck if you're in Portland and happen to see it. Both serve up the same great eats.