Guidebook for Portland
Food Scene
Just opened! A true gem of a dining spot. Great farm-to-table menu. Tell Birch, the owner, that Patrick & Julie sent you!
51 locals recommend
Woodford Food & Beverage
660 Forest AveJust opened! A true gem of a dining spot. Great farm-to-table menu. Tell Birch, the owner, that Patrick & Julie sent you!
Great for breakfast sandwiches or lunch! Their homemade bread is out of this world. Try the challah loaf.
30 locals recommend
Big Sky Bread Company
536 Deering AveGreat for breakfast sandwiches or lunch! Their homemade bread is out of this world. Try the challah loaf.
Opens early for breakfast. Just around the corner, so it's really convenient. Big selection of bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and wraps. Try the Elvis Tribute!
8 locals recommend
Mister Bagel
599 Forest AveOpens early for breakfast. Just around the corner, so it's really convenient. Big selection of bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and wraps. Try the Elvis Tribute!
Might be the Best Restaurant in Portland and one of the top 10 in the country!
145 locals recommend
Central Provisions
414 Fore StMight be the Best Restaurant in Portland and one of the top 10 in the country!
Hands down the best lobster roll you'll have in Maine. Oh and the selection of Oysters in the half shell: marvelous!
272 locals recommend
Eventide Oyster Co.
86 Middle StHands down the best lobster roll you'll have in Maine. Oh and the selection of Oysters in the half shell: marvelous!
This likely is the best cup of coffee in Portland. Not mention the baked goods are out-of-this-world and have been featured in major food publications. A great place for breakfast or lunch!
TIP: Try the malted iced coffee.
163 locals recommend
The West End Deli & Catering Inc
545 Spring StThis likely is the best cup of coffee in Portland. Not mention the baked goods are out-of-this-world and have been featured in major food publications. A great place for breakfast or lunch!
TIP: Try the malted iced coffee.
If you love authentic ramen then you will absolutely adore Suzukiya. Noodles are made fresh minutes before you eat them. The owner is usually there making his traditional dishes. There are only 13 seats, so it's advised you go a bit early. Well worth the wait.
TIP: Try the Hakata-style ramen. A mix of pork and chicken soup base & homemade organic thin noodles. topped with a slice of cha-shu, soft boiled egg, and baby bok choy.
7 locals recommend
Ramen Suzukiya
229 Congress StIf you love authentic ramen then you will absolutely adore Suzukiya. Noodles are made fresh minutes before you eat them. The owner is usually there making his traditional dishes. There are only 13 seats, so it's advised you go a bit early. Well worth the wait.
TIP: Try the Hakata-style ramen. A mix of pork and chicken soup base & homemade organic thin noodles. topped with a slice of cha-shu, soft boiled egg, and baby bok choy.
Consistently ranked one the top 10 doughnut shops in the country. The Holy Donut has appeared in a number of national publications and is a must stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. Doughnuts are made from Potato flour (yum!). There's also a location downtown on Exchange Street if you are in the Old Port.
220 locals recommend
The Holy Donut
194 Park AveConsistently ranked one the top 10 doughnut shops in the country. The Holy Donut has appeared in a number of national publications and is a must stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. Doughnuts are made from Potato flour (yum!). There's also a location downtown on Exchange Street if you are in the Old Port.
Fantastic menu. Small space so go early. Great for happy hour!
TIP: You should checkout Wine Time is Monday - Saturday from 4:30 - 6.
74 locals recommend
Blue Spoon
5 Congress StFantastic menu. Small space so go early. Great for happy hour!
TIP: You should checkout Wine Time is Monday - Saturday from 4:30 - 6.
Super creative Thai cuisine. Fun atmosphere. Walk-ins only.
TIP: Order the Quail Eggs.
147 locals recommend
Boda
671 Congress StSuper creative Thai cuisine. Fun atmosphere. Walk-ins only.
TIP: Order the Quail Eggs.
Salvage BBQ
919 Congress StFantastic BBQ place. Great open space.
This place is magical year round. Great menu of wholesome culinary creations. Nice portions.
TIP: In the summer, dine up in the tree tops on the back deck. It's gorgeous!
27 locals recommend
The Treehouse
484 Stevens AveThis place is magical year round. Great menu of wholesome culinary creations. Nice portions.
TIP: In the summer, dine up in the tree tops on the back deck. It's gorgeous!
Cute little coffee shop. Nice place to hang out. Great neighborhood.
21 locals recommend
Rwanda Bean at Deering Center
463 Stevens AveCute little coffee shop. Nice place to hang out. Great neighborhood.
Great sushi spot. Affordable, creative, and fresh.
TIP: Sit in the garden for lunch or dinner.
44 locals recommend
Yosaku
1 Danforth StGreat sushi spot. Affordable, creative, and fresh.
TIP: Sit in the garden for lunch or dinner.
Fantastic dim sum spot! If you like asian-fusion for a great price, than this is your place.
TIP: Try the Ginger Fried Rice and the Green Beans.
102 locals recommend
Empire
575 Congress StFantastic dim sum spot! If you like asian-fusion for a great price, than this is your place.
TIP: Try the Ginger Fried Rice and the Green Beans.
Isa
79 Portland StGreat for brunch! Menus are on the fridge.
Bayou Kitchen
543 Deering AveCajun cuisine. Fun place for a southern-style brunch.
TIP: Grits!
Abilene
539 Deering AvenueIf you want a good brunch without the wait in line.
Definitely a tourist destination. Sit out on the pier overlooking the ocean and enjoy live music, lobster, and local beer.
131 locals recommend
Portland Lobster Co
180 Commercial StDefinitely a tourist destination. Sit out on the pier overlooking the ocean and enjoy live music, lobster, and local beer.
Standard Baking Co
75 Commercial StBest bakery in Portland.
Best pizza in Portland. Other locations include East End and South Portland.
192 locals recommend
OTTO
576 Congress StBest pizza in Portland. Other locations include East End and South Portland.
Ocho
654 Congress StGreat little burrito joint.
Essentials
Unreal Deli! The owner is there making it fresh everytime. The flatbread pizza is outstanding.
11 locals recommend
The Otherside Delicatessen
164 Veranda StUnreal Deli! The owner is there making it fresh everytime. The flatbread pizza is outstanding.
Multiple Locations around Portland. A great selection of baked goods, provisions and farm-fresh organic produce. Rosemont boasts a well curated wine selection and fantastic butcher shop. If you are thinking about cooking a meal or want to just want to grab a muffin.
223 locals recommend
Rosemont Market & Bakery
40 Pine StMultiple Locations around Portland. A great selection of baked goods, provisions and farm-fresh organic produce. Rosemont boasts a well curated wine selection and fantastic butcher shop. If you are thinking about cooking a meal or want to just want to grab a muffin.
This Whole Foods has been said to be one the best in the country. Definitely worth checking it out if you need to pick up groceries and just down the street!
TIP: Grab a fresh drink from the new juice bar.
151 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
2 Somerset StThis Whole Foods has been said to be one the best in the country. Definitely worth checking it out if you need to pick up groceries and just down the street!
TIP: Grab a fresh drink from the new juice bar.
Great selection of prepared foods and snacks. This is a great place to grab a bottle of wine too or fresh flowers.
TIP: If you like beer, grab a 6 pack of "Fresh Cut IPA" by Portland's own Peak Organic Brewing Co.
148 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
87 Marginal WayGreat selection of prepared foods and snacks. This is a great place to grab a bottle of wine too or fresh flowers.
TIP: If you like beer, grab a 6 pack of "Fresh Cut IPA" by Portland's own Peak Organic Brewing Co.
Arts & Culture
A fantastic place to check out. The collection of Winslow Homer and many local artists make this museum a must see stop in Portland. One floor up were a number of paintings, including some by Cassatt, Picasso, Braque, Leger, Kandinsky, and Miro. Admission is only $12 and this laid back museum has a check your own coat and umbrella room. There is a small restaurant in the basement which serves beer, wine, and food.
412 locals recommend
Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress SqA fantastic place to check out. The collection of Winslow Homer and many local artists make this museum a must see stop in Portland. One floor up were a number of paintings, including some by Cassatt, Picasso, Braque, Leger, Kandinsky, and Miro. Admission is only $12 and this laid back museum has a check your own coat and umbrella room. There is a small restaurant in the basement which serves beer, wine, and food.
The adventure game that has gained popularity world-wide has finally arrived in Portland, Maine!
In 60 minutes or less, your group will work as a small team to escape the locked room by cracking codes and solving puzzles. This is a perfect outing for a group of friends, family members, or coworkers.
Conveniently located in downtown Portland, you can find us next to Port City Music Hall.
Book now and see if you have what it takes to escape in 60 minutes or less!
12 locals recommend
The Escape Room
492 Congress StThe adventure game that has gained popularity world-wide has finally arrived in Portland, Maine!
In 60 minutes or less, your group will work as a small team to escape the locked room by cracking codes and solving puzzles. This is a perfect outing for a group of friends, family members, or coworkers.
Conveniently located in downtown Portland, you can find us next to Port City Music Hall.
Book now and see if you have what it takes to escape in 60 minutes or less!
Parks & Nature
Great for paddle boarding and kayak rentals in the Summer! I beautiful spot to see the sun rise and certainly explore.
93 locals recommend
East End Beach
Eastern Promenade TrailGreat for paddle boarding and kayak rentals in the Summer! I beautiful spot to see the sun rise and certainly explore.
Nature preserve that was the site of an old mill at the turn of the century. Great swimming and nature trails.
6 locals recommend
Shaw Park
55 Partridge LnNature preserve that was the site of an old mill at the turn of the century. Great swimming and nature trails.
Riverton Trolley Park
822 Riverside StWalking trails along the river
Take a picnic or grab a sandwich at nearby Rosemont Market for epic views of the ocean.
251 locals recommend
Eastern Promenade Trail
Eastern PromenadeTake a picnic or grab a sandwich at nearby Rosemont Market for epic views of the ocean.
Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Rd Historical site with great ocean views
Crescent Beach
24 Gold Ribbon DrAlso State Park so small entrance fee charged
Scarborough Beach
Black Point RdNice small sand beach. Grab lunch at Scratch Bakery and ice cream at Willard Scoops.
135 locals recommend
Willard Beach
Nice small sand beach. Grab lunch at Scratch Bakery and ice cream at Willard Scoops.
5K walking trail, access at the end of the Clifton street. Great views of the city with a pleasant breeze off the water.
38 locals recommend
Back Cove Trail
Back Cove Trail5K walking trail, access at the end of the Clifton street. Great views of the city with a pleasant breeze off the water.
Presumpscot Falls
Nature trail along the river with access for swimming.
Drinks & Nightlife
Just might be on the coolest places to grab a craft cocktail. It's a little hard to find because the windows are mirrored glass, but well worth it.
TIP: Try the "Johann Goes to Mexico".
76 locals recommend
The Jewel Box
644 Congress StJust might be on the coolest places to grab a craft cocktail. It's a little hard to find because the windows are mirrored glass, but well worth it.
TIP: Try the "Johann Goes to Mexico".
Incredible craft cocktails, super creative and one of the coolest places to have a toast in Portland.
TIP: Order the popcorn. You can thank me later.
74 locals recommend
The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
75 Market StIncredible craft cocktails, super creative and one of the coolest places to have a toast in Portland.
TIP: Order the popcorn. You can thank me later.
Best views of Portland here. Great bar and comfy lounge. Definitely worth a stop.
68 locals recommend
Top of the East
157 High StBest views of Portland here. Great bar and comfy lounge. Definitely worth a stop.
A fun place for ping pong too. Definitely one of this salt of the earth bars. "Authentic".
Ernie's Pool & Darts
815 Forest AveA fun place for ping pong too. Definitely one of this salt of the earth bars. "Authentic".
This is must see. Kind of a cross between an 80's museum, dance club, and dive bar. There are people from all walk here and 2 light up dance floors. A fun place to boogie down after a few drinks.
TIP: Go with an open mind.
47 locals recommend
Bubba's Sulky Lounge
92 Portland StThis is must see. Kind of a cross between an 80's museum, dance club, and dive bar. There are people from all walk here and 2 light up dance floors. A fun place to boogie down after a few drinks.
TIP: Go with an open mind.
Sonny's Restaurant
83 Exchange StGreat bar! Decent food too. You can't go wrong with Sonny's.
Right across the street! A Portland institution (and nationally known beer landmark) just off the peninsula, this multi-room, memorabilia-stuffed bar has a whopping 69 taps, primarily pouring beer from the Northeast, including 15 craft breweries in Maine.
76 locals recommend
The Great Lost Bear
540 Forest AveRight across the street! A Portland institution (and nationally known beer landmark) just off the peninsula, this multi-room, memorabilia-stuffed bar has a whopping 69 taps, primarily pouring beer from the Northeast, including 15 craft breweries in Maine.
It’s “secret” location adds to the huge appeal of Portland’s beer geek paradise. If you’re seen wandering around Exchange Street looking thirsty, don’t be surprised if a local takes pity on you and directs you through the black wrought iron gate (there is a sign, but it’s easy to miss). Inside, the low-ceilinged, cozy rooms with communal tables are more like a European beer hall than an American bar, in the very best way. In good weather, the deck is a perfect place to wile away a weekend afternoon. The size of the beer list is astounding, but what many don’t know is that the food on the limited menu is all very good too. Strollers and baby carriers welcome.
85 locals recommend
Novare Res Bier Cafe
4 Canal PlazaIt’s “secret” location adds to the huge appeal of Portland’s beer geek paradise. If you’re seen wandering around Exchange Street looking thirsty, don’t be surprised if a local takes pity on you and directs you through the black wrought iron gate (there is a sign, but it’s easy to miss). Inside, the low-ceilinged, cozy rooms with communal tables are more like a European beer hall than an American bar, in the very best way. In good weather, the deck is a perfect place to wile away a weekend afternoon. The size of the beer list is astounding, but what many don’t know is that the food on the limited menu is all very good too. Strollers and baby carriers welcome.
This is a secret bar. Everything is five bucks. Lots of fun. A simple drink menu. To enter, go downstairs near the surf shop, then enter through the secret door.
19 locals recommend
Lincolns
36 Market StThis is a secret bar. Everything is five bucks. Lots of fun. A simple drink menu. To enter, go downstairs near the surf shop, then enter through the secret door.
Tours available. Located near several other excellent local breweries.
156 locals recommend
Allagash Brewing Company
50 Industrial WayTours available. Located near several other excellent local breweries.
Bull Jagger Brewing Company
1 Industrial WayBissell Brothers
38 Resurgam PlRising Tide Brewing Company
103 Fox StBunker Brewing Company
17 Westfield StShopping
Longfellow Books
1 Monument SqFantastic bookstore!
Downtown Portland on the waterfront. Multitude of shops and restaurants. Find souvenirs, gifts, clothing, specialty food. You can book a duck tour, whale watch, or schooner trip.
18 locals recommend
Commercial Street
Commercial StreetDowntown Portland on the waterfront. Multitude of shops and restaurants. Find souvenirs, gifts, clothing, specialty food. You can book a duck tour, whale watch, or schooner trip.
Sightseeing
Quintessential Maine experience. Enjoy a classic lobster roll, no frills, while overlooking beautiful ocean and rocky ledges. Well worth the wait in line to order (typically 30-45 min).
136 locals recommend
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
225 Two Lights RdQuintessential Maine experience. Enjoy a classic lobster roll, no frills, while overlooking beautiful ocean and rocky ledges. Well worth the wait in line to order (typically 30-45 min).