I think one of the easiest ways to learn about a city is to dive into their food scene. In Portland, Maine, the bar and restaurant scene feels kind of like two worlds colliding – from cafes that feel a bit hipster-y to bars that you could see dock workers frequenting after work. This means no matter who you are, you’re likely to find a place you’ll love. Of course we had to try and eat as many things as possible that Portland (and Maine in general) is known for, like:
- Maine Lobster – both steamed and in lobster rolls.
- Seafood in general – especially oysters and mussels.
- Sweet treats like whoopie pies and potato donuts.
- Craft beer – Portland has 27 breweries!
- Anything with blueberries – Maine blueberries are smaller and less sweet than typical blueberries you’ll find at the store.
There are so many great places to eat and drink in Portland, Maine, it was hard to narrow down the list since we were only there for 2 days. Interested in how we spent all of our time in Portland, Maine? Check out the full 2-Day itinerary!
Coffee & Baked Goods
Tandem Coffee + Bakery
742 Congress Street
When there’s a line out the door even during the offseason, you know a place is going to be good. Tandem Coffee + Bakery is known for their baked goods, most notably the loaded biscuit sandwiches. I personally liked the everything seeded scone with cream cheese. Just look for the converted gas station with all the picnic tables out front!
The Holy Donut
Old Port – 177 Commercial Street
Park Ave – 194 Park Avenue
I never would’ve guessed you could make delicious donuts using mashed potatoes (or potato starch) before visiting Holy Donut. I highly recommend the maple bacon donut – it’s the perfect combination of salty and sweet. Now be warned: they close as soon as they sell out for the day, so get there early!
Salt Yard
285 Commercial Street
While you can also get breakfast, small bites, and cocktails at Salt Yard, the main draw for us was the Salt Yard Latte. This latte made with caramel and sea salt definitely lives up to the hype.
Two Fat Cats Bakery
Bayside – 195 Lancaster Street
West End – 175 Spring Street
I honestly think the thing I like most about Two Fat Cats Bakery is how approachable everything is. They scratch-make an assortment of desserts like whoopie pies, cakes, and bars, but my personal favorite is the Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie! If you can’t make it out to the bakery, you can find their baked goods in many coffee shops throughout the city.
Restaurants & Cafes
Bread & Friends
505 Fore Street
I’m generally not a large breakfast kind of a girl, but I make an exception for Bread & Friends. Be sure to bring your appetite, and a few friends, because the menu has so many delicious breakfast and brunch dishes that are meant to be shared. They are first-come, first-served, and are very popular so expect a wait (unless you get there early!). They’re known for their baked goods, especially the cannoli croissant which is only available on the weekends and sold out before 9:30am on our recent visit! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but I’d recommend the smoked maple rosemary latte, soft scrambled eggs, and crispy potatoes topped with an egg and smoked salmon.
Eventide Oyster Co.
86 Middle Street
If you want a lobster roll and are looking for something a little less traditional, stop in at Eventide Oyster Co. I’m generally NOT a fan myself, because the texture of cold lobster puts me off, but Eventide serves their lobster roll warm! Like many other restaurants in the city their menu is meant to be shared, as the food comes out of the kitchen as it’s ready instead of all at once. They’re also known for their oysters, fish sandwiches (which was really yummy), and New England clam chowder. The beachy vibes inside are super inviting and relaxing.
Fore Street Restaurant
288 Fore Street
If you find yourself on Portland TikTok, you’re likely to come across Fore Street Restaurant. This upscale American restaurant is located in a renovated warehouse with a cozy brick-filled interior and a wood-fire grill/oven. The menu is always slightly different, depending on what ingredients are available and in season. Reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends, but solo diners may be able to find a seat at the bar which they keep available for walk-ins.
I will say we didn’t have the greatest experience the last time we were there, but I put that on the particular server we had and not the restaurant. The scallops I had were average, but I’d give them the benefit of the doubt and go again as everything my friend ordered – beef stroganoff with perogies and a skillet cornbread – tasted great. Even the pork dish they brought to our table by accident looked amazing!
Via Vecchia
10 Dana Street
It’s pretty hard to miss Via Vecchia, with it’s brick exterior covered in ivy. This small plates Italian restaurant and wine bar is a great date night spot, with moody lighting and amazing pasta dishes. They also have a bar looks like a great spot to stop for happy hour! I recommend the focaccia, meatballs, campanelle with shrimp, and garlic ricotta ravioli. Service during our visit was a 10/10 – just the right amount of attention without being intrusive or making us feel rushed. Being a wine bar, their wine list is obviously very extensive – I love that it’s separated not just by type, but also by region in Italy!
Looking for more to eat in Portland, Maine? Check out these food tour ideas!
Bars & Breweries
Allagash Brewing Company
50 Industrial Way
Unlike all the other places on this list, Allagash Brewing is a bit of a drive from the Old Port area. Its takes about 20 minutes, but in my opinion it’s well worth it! If you live in the Northeast United States you’ve likely had their most well known beer, the Allagash White. They are so many other amazing beers to try, many of which you unfortunately can’t get outside of the tasting room so make sure to take a few bottles home with you! There are plenty of seating options both inside and out. If you’re interested in what happens behind the scenes, they also have tours of their beer making process.
Paper Tiger
425 Fore Street
Want a quick drink before heading to dinner? Paper Tiger is the place to go. They serve both quality cocktails and mocktails, all with a tropical theme. While we only stopped in for drinks, you can also order Asian-inspired small plates.
Room for Improvement
41 Wharf Street
Their slogan, ‘a halfway decent bar’, is a huge understatement for Room for Improvement. This is probably my favorite bar in Portland. The whole place feels like a mix of contradictions. A neighborhood bar feel, but with the moody lighting of a cocktail bar. Their menu has a mix of offerings, from the typical beer, picklebacks, and hotdogs you’d probably expect, plus twists on classic cocktails like a white negroni (which was so good btw, you should definitely order it).
Independent Ice Co.
52 Wharf Street
Bourbon and whiskey lovers should definitely head to Independent Ice Co. This bar and restaurant specializes in hard to find whiskeys from around the world! Grab a seat at the bar or a comfy booth if you’re in the mood for food as well. This is a much quieter/calmer weekend evening option than Room for Improvement, its neighbor across the way.
Blyth & Burrows
26 Exchange Street
I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect with Blyth & Burrows when I heard it was an ‘upscale maritime-themed cocktail bar’. But it’s safe to say it ended up being a spot I’d definitely go back to. The atmosphere and music is great (last time we were there they were playing 2000s millennial nostalgia hits). They also make and bottle their own house-made carbonated cocktails – I really enjoyed the Sleight of Hand. Make your way to the back and you’ll find a bookcase, behind which is the entrance to a second floor ‘speakeasy’. It’s also accessible from the alleyway next to the bar.
On The List For Our Next Visit
Unfortunately there’s only so much time in a day (and so much room in my stomach), and I just couldn’t make it to every place on my list. Below are some highly rated spots I can’t wait to eat at on the next visit to Portland, Maine!
Belleflower Brewing Company – 66 Cove Street
A family-owned craft brewery in the East Bayside area of Portland that specializes in hoppy beers.
Twinflower Cafe – 754 Congress Street
Wellness-focused cafe serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch inside of the Longfellow Hotel.
Lucky Cheetah – 11 Moulton Street
Cantonese dumpling lounge known for its atmosphere and amazing cocktails.
Smalls – 28 Brackett Street
Casual all-day cafe and market serving coffee, breakfast, and light bites.
Gelato Fiasco – 425 Fore Street
Locally made Italian-style gelato and sorbet.
Duckfat – 43 Middle Street
Sandwich shop known for its milkshakes and fries double fried in duck fat.
Where’s your favorite place to eat or drink in Portland, Maine? Let me know in the comments!
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