Guidebook for Portland

David And Bree
David And Bree
Guidebook for Portland

Food Scene

Great coffee and baked good. Sticky buns run out early, so get there before 9! If you sleep in, the biscuit breakfast sandwiches are almost as good.
163 locals recommend
The West End Deli & Catering Inc
545 Spring St
163 locals recommend
Great coffee and baked good. Sticky buns run out early, so get there before 9! If you sleep in, the biscuit breakfast sandwiches are almost as good.
outhern restaurant serving soul and comfort food. Brunch is amazing (order the corned beef hash) but expect to wait on weekends.
152 locals recommend
Hot Suppa
703 Congress St
152 locals recommend
outhern restaurant serving soul and comfort food. Brunch is amazing (order the corned beef hash) but expect to wait on weekends.
Delicious, fun, busy, and affordable restaurant serving thai street food. Expect to wait; put your name in and grab a drink at LFK. Don’t miss the quail eggs.
147 locals recommend
Boda
671 Congress St
147 locals recommend
Delicious, fun, busy, and affordable restaurant serving thai street food. Expect to wait; put your name in and grab a drink at LFK. Don’t miss the quail eggs.
Best BBQ you’ll find in Portland. Large bar with great beer selection. Check out their online calendar for live music, trivia night, and more!
62 locals recommend
Salvage BBQ
919 Congress St
62 locals recommend
Best BBQ you’ll find in Portland. Large bar with great beer selection. Check out their online calendar for live music, trivia night, and more!
Sicilian style slab pizza and other casual Italian street food. Vegan options too and great beer selection too!
40 locals recommend
Slab
25 Preble St
40 locals recommend
Sicilian style slab pizza and other casual Italian street food. Vegan options too and great beer selection too!
Spanish and Mediterranean style small plates on Munjoy Hill. Stop in for “Tapas Mondays”, where they feature a selection of $5 wines paired with a complimentary bite from the kitchen!
32 locals recommend
Lolita
90 Congress St
32 locals recommend
Spanish and Mediterranean style small plates on Munjoy Hill. Stop in for “Tapas Mondays”, where they feature a selection of $5 wines paired with a complimentary bite from the kitchen!
Adorable restaurant cooking up delicious and creative Southern Italian food. Don’t skip dessert. Reservations recommended.
8 locals recommend
Piccolo
111 Middle Street
8 locals recommend
Adorable restaurant cooking up delicious and creative Southern Italian food. Don’t skip dessert. Reservations recommended.
Amazing french fries (fried in duckfat, naturally) with a variety of dipping sauces. Soups, salads, and gourmet paninis as well. Don't leave without having a milkshake. Delicious, but expect a wait at peak hours.
173 locals recommend
Duckfat
43 Middle St
173 locals recommend
Amazing french fries (fried in duckfat, naturally) with a variety of dipping sauces. Soups, salads, and gourmet paninis as well. Don't leave without having a milkshake. Delicious, but expect a wait at peak hours.
Latest from the "Street” restaurant family. Features a large bar, raw bar, seafood centered menu, and waterfront location. Dollar oysters at the bar before 6!
138 locals recommend
Scales
68 Commercial St
138 locals recommend
Latest from the "Street” restaurant family. Features a large bar, raw bar, seafood centered menu, and waterfront location. Dollar oysters at the bar before 6!
51 locals recommend
Bard Coffee
185 Middle St
51 locals recommend
114 locals recommend
Standard Baking Co
75 Commercial St
114 locals recommend
Delicious homemade donuts with unique flavors, made from Maine potatoes.
220 locals recommend
The Holy Donut
194 Park Ave
220 locals recommend
Delicious homemade donuts with unique flavors, made from Maine potatoes.
Take out stand serving homemade fried chicken and other yummy comfort food favorites.
14 locals recommend
Figgy's Takeout and Catering
14 locals recommend
Take out stand serving homemade fried chicken and other yummy comfort food favorites.
Large, open, Spanish style tapas restaurant. Great for a drink, a bite, or full on dinner! Nice brunch menu, too.
142 locals recommend
Local 188
685 Congress St
142 locals recommend
Large, open, Spanish style tapas restaurant. Great for a drink, a bite, or full on dinner! Nice brunch menu, too.
Trendy Japanese-style noodle bar
148 locals recommend
Pai Men Miyake
188 State St
148 locals recommend
Trendy Japanese-style noodle bar
Modern Chinese and dim sum in a modern, fun space. Affordable and delicious, but expect a wait! Don’t miss the buns or soup dumplings. Music venue located upstairs.
102 locals recommend
Empire
575 Congress St
102 locals recommend
Modern Chinese and dim sum in a modern, fun space. Affordable and delicious, but expect a wait! Don’t miss the buns or soup dumplings. Music venue located upstairs.
Mini “chain” of gourmet pizza in Portland. Grab a slice or sit down and enjoy a whole pie.
192 locals recommend
OTTO
576 Congress St
192 locals recommend
Mini “chain” of gourmet pizza in Portland. Grab a slice or sit down and enjoy a whole pie.
Gourmet sandwiches and burgers. Known for their bacon-dusted fries and Apocalypse Now burger.
53 locals recommend
Nosh Kitchen Bar
551 Congress St
53 locals recommend
Gourmet sandwiches and burgers. Known for their bacon-dusted fries and Apocalypse Now burger.
Restaurant and bar located in a former church. Beautiful atmosphere and refined food.
26 locals recommend
Grace
15 Chestnut St
26 locals recommend
Restaurant and bar located in a former church. Beautiful atmosphere and refined food.
Popular, trendy oyster bar. Known for their “ice” toppings on oysters and creative take on the lobster roll! Expect to wait.
272 locals recommend
Eventide Oyster Co.
86 Middle St
272 locals recommend
Popular, trendy oyster bar. Known for their “ice” toppings on oysters and creative take on the lobster roll! Expect to wait.
Perfect for a special occasions. Tasting menu. Seasonal, delicious, and pricey. Make reservations!
30 locals recommend
Hugo's
88 Middle St
30 locals recommend
Perfect for a special occasions. Tasting menu. Seasonal, delicious, and pricey. Make reservations!
A mainstay of the Portland dining scene. Simply prepared seafood in a rustic-chic atmosphere on cobblestone studded Wharf Street. Order the Sole Francaise.
114 locals recommend
Street & Co
33 Wharf St
114 locals recommend
A mainstay of the Portland dining scene. Simply prepared seafood in a rustic-chic atmosphere on cobblestone studded Wharf Street. Order the Sole Francaise.
Yummy small plates in the heart of the Old Port. Head downstairs to the bar for drinks and a more casual vibe.
145 locals recommend
Central Provisions
414 Fore St
145 locals recommend
Yummy small plates in the heart of the Old Port. Head downstairs to the bar for drinks and a more casual vibe.
Great neighborhood Japanese/Sushi spot. Affordable and consistent, with a large menu to please every palate. Beautiful outdoor garden. Say hi to the owner, Tak!
44 locals recommend
Yosaku
1 Danforth St
44 locals recommend
Great neighborhood Japanese/Sushi spot. Affordable and consistent, with a large menu to please every palate. Beautiful outdoor garden. Say hi to the owner, Tak!
Wine bar, restaurant, and wine shop in one! Small menu which rotates daily featuring local and seasonal plates.
35 locals recommend
Drifters Wife
59 Washington Ave
35 locals recommend
Wine bar, restaurant, and wine shop in one! Small menu which rotates daily featuring local and seasonal plates.
Portland famous “floating restaurant”, known for its nautical decor, seafood, and view.
101 locals recommend
DiMillo's On The Water
25 Long Wharf
101 locals recommend
Portland famous “floating restaurant”, known for its nautical decor, seafood, and view.
Great little Italian market. Head to the back during lunch for awesome Sicilian slab slices and the best hot muffuletta sandwiches around.
41 locals recommend
Micucci Grocery Store
45 India St
41 locals recommend
Great little Italian market. Head to the back during lunch for awesome Sicilian slab slices and the best hot muffuletta sandwiches around.
Take the twenty minute drive to Cape Elizabeth for gorgeous views of the rocky coast and fresh seafood.
136 locals recommend
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights
225 Two Lights Rd
136 locals recommend
Take the twenty minute drive to Cape Elizabeth for gorgeous views of the rocky coast and fresh seafood.
If you make it to Fort Williams (which you definitely should!) stop by this food truck. Awesome lobster rolls!
44 locals recommend
Bite into Maine
1000 Shore Rd
44 locals recommend
If you make it to Fort Williams (which you definitely should!) stop by this food truck. Awesome lobster rolls!
Gourmet sandwich shop/market in the West End. Yummy sandwiches and a nice selection of wines, beers, and prepared foods. Great bagel and breakfast burrito!
11 locals recommend
The Otherside Delicatessen
164 Veranda St
11 locals recommend
Gourmet sandwich shop/market in the West End. Yummy sandwiches and a nice selection of wines, beers, and prepared foods. Great bagel and breakfast burrito!
Iconic Portland restaurant, famous for their wood fired grill and rustic atmosphere (they did it before it was cool!). Make reservations in advance!
54 locals recommend
Fore Street
Fore Street
54 locals recommend
Iconic Portland restaurant, famous for their wood fired grill and rustic atmosphere (they did it before it was cool!). Make reservations in advance!
Upscale restaurant located on Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay. Gorgeous views and local seafood. 30 minute ferry ride from Portland.
13 locals recommend
Diamond's Edge Restaurant and Marina
13 locals recommend
Upscale restaurant located on Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay. Gorgeous views and local seafood. 30 minute ferry ride from Portland.
Vegetarian Thai restaurant known for their mock meat dishes
84 locals recommend
Green Elephant
608 Congress St
84 locals recommend
Vegetarian Thai restaurant known for their mock meat dishes

Drinks & Nightlife

Basement bar/speakeasy, located just behind our building through the parking lot. Craft cocktails, local beers, creative bar menu, and cool cavern-like atmosphere. Check their schedule for specials, trivia night, and live music.
47 locals recommend
Bramhall
769 Congress St
47 locals recommend
Basement bar/speakeasy, located just behind our building through the parking lot. Craft cocktails, local beers, creative bar menu, and cool cavern-like atmosphere. Check their schedule for specials, trivia night, and live music.
Dimly lit cocktail bar on Congress street. Yummy drinks. Very romantic/victorian atmosphere.
76 locals recommend
The Jewel Box
644 Congress St
76 locals recommend
Dimly lit cocktail bar on Congress street. Yummy drinks. Very romantic/victorian atmosphere.
Lively bar with pinball, arcade, and video games
25 locals recommend
Acadia National Bar
504 Congress St
25 locals recommend
Lively bar with pinball, arcade, and video games
Cool, laid back bar with a “literary” theme (note the typewriter keys under the bar). Cocktails, local beers, wine, and updated pub food.
88 locals recommend
LFK
188 State St
88 locals recommend
Cool, laid back bar with a “literary” theme (note the typewriter keys under the bar). Cocktails, local beers, wine, and updated pub food.
Rooftop lounge on the top floor of the Westin Hotel. Great views of the city.
68 locals recommend
Top of the East
157 High St
68 locals recommend
Rooftop lounge on the top floor of the Westin Hotel. Great views of the city.
Jazz club. No cover. Drinks and food available.
71 locals recommend
Blue
650 Congress St
71 locals recommend
Jazz club. No cover. Drinks and food available.
An Old Port staple bar/brewpub. Head downstairs where its quieter and grab a Gritty’s Ale.
22 locals recommend
Gritty McDuff's
396 Fore St
22 locals recommend
An Old Port staple bar/brewpub. Head downstairs where its quieter and grab a Gritty’s Ale.
Portland’s only beer garden. Huge selection of beers, both local and international.
85 locals recommend
Novare Res Bier Cafe
4 Canal Plaza
85 locals recommend
Portland’s only beer garden. Huge selection of beers, both local and international.
Mixology-heavy cocktail bar with Scandinavian influenced small plates. Considered to have some of Portland’s best cocktails.
74 locals recommend
The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
75 Market St
74 locals recommend
Mixology-heavy cocktail bar with Scandinavian influenced small plates. Considered to have some of Portland’s best cocktails.
Restaurant/Bar/Brewery/Distillery located right on the water. Most everything (beer and liquor) is made in house!
34 locals recommend
Liquid Riot Bottling Company
250 Commercial St
34 locals recommend
Restaurant/Bar/Brewery/Distillery located right on the water. Most everything (beer and liquor) is made in house!
Wine, beer, coffee, assorted grilled cheeses, and cake. Plus a collection of vintage maps. Peace and quiet in the Old Port!
21 locals recommend
Maps
64A Market St
21 locals recommend
Wine, beer, coffee, assorted grilled cheeses, and cake. Plus a collection of vintage maps. Peace and quiet in the Old Port!
A basement Tiki Bar?? IN PORTLAND? Yes. Order a tiki cocktail and pu pu platter. Great happy hour with drink specials and complimentary apps!
9 locals recommend
Rhum Food + Grog
98 Cross St N
9 locals recommend
A basement Tiki Bar?? IN PORTLAND? Yes. Order a tiki cocktail and pu pu platter. Great happy hour with drink specials and complimentary apps!

Getting Around

Public transportation in Portland is iff-y. Bikes are a great way to get around to places too far to walk!
25 locals recommend
Gorham Bike & Ski
693 Congress St
25 locals recommend
Public transportation in Portland is iff-y. Bikes are a great way to get around to places too far to walk!

Entertainment & Activities

93 locals recommend
Bayside Bowl
58 Alder St
93 locals recommend
Visit a bunch of the local breweries, without having to worry about driving!
43 locals recommend
The Maine Brew Bus
320 Commercial St
43 locals recommend
Visit a bunch of the local breweries, without having to worry about driving!
12 locals recommend
The Escape Room
492 Congress St
12 locals recommend
Hop on one of their cruises for a tour of the Casco Bay Islands. Explore some of the islands and make a day of it!
87 locals recommend
Casco Bay Lines
56 Commercial St
87 locals recommend
Hop on one of their cruises for a tour of the Casco Bay Islands. Explore some of the islands and make a day of it!
Wine and painting class. What more could one want?
6 locals recommend
Muse Paintbar - Portland
245 Commercial St
6 locals recommend
Wine and painting class. What more could one want?
Kayak and Paddleboard rentals on the Eastern Promenade. Lessons and tours available as well!
63 locals recommend
Portland Paddle
1 Eastern Promenade
63 locals recommend
Kayak and Paddleboard rentals on the Eastern Promenade. Lessons and tours available as well!
Pamper yourself. Foot soaks, massages, and teas.
10 locals recommend
Soakology
511 Congress St
10 locals recommend
Pamper yourself. Foot soaks, massages, and teas.

Essentials

You either love it or you hate it. Go early to avoid crowds or parking problems!
148 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
87 Marginal Way
148 locals recommend
You either love it or you hate it. Go early to avoid crowds or parking problems!
Huge supermarket. Everything you will possibly need food-wise will be here. Sells all the name brand stuff, plus a nice variety of local items.
280 locals recommend
Hannaford Supermarket
295 Forest Ave
280 locals recommend
Huge supermarket. Everything you will possibly need food-wise will be here. Sells all the name brand stuff, plus a nice variety of local items.
Basic general store with good Maine-style Italian Sandwiches!
Mellen Street Market
79 Mellen St
Basic general store with good Maine-style Italian Sandwiches!
Closest drug store/pharmacy
35 locals recommend
Rite Aid
713 Congress St
35 locals recommend
Closest drug store/pharmacy
Best US hospital north of Boston. Hopefully you'll never see it, but if you do, know you're in good hands!
18 locals recommend
Maine Medical Partners Cardiovascular Clinic
22 Bramhall St
18 locals recommend
Best US hospital north of Boston. Hopefully you'll never see it, but if you do, know you're in good hands!

Parks & Nature

Historic 55 acre park just a few blocks away. Enjoy the native oak trees, playground, tennis courts, pond with fountain, and Saturday morning farmer’s market.
87 locals recommend
Deering Oaks Park
87 locals recommend
Historic 55 acre park just a few blocks away. Enjoy the native oak trees, playground, tennis courts, pond with fountain, and Saturday morning farmer’s market.
Admire the stately homes, have a picnic on the hill, relax on Portland's only sand beach, or walk the trail. SUP and Kayak rentals available from Portland Paddle!
251 locals recommend
Eastern Promenade Trail
Eastern Promenade
251 locals recommend
Admire the stately homes, have a picnic on the hill, relax on Portland's only sand beach, or walk the trail. SUP and Kayak rentals available from Portland Paddle!
Home of the famous Portland Head Light, as well as a beach, playgrounds, tennis courts, and tons of walking trails. Don't leave without exploring the historic WW2 forts. Also, free!
229 locals recommend
Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Rd
229 locals recommend
Home of the famous Portland Head Light, as well as a beach, playgrounds, tennis courts, and tons of walking trails. Don't leave without exploring the historic WW2 forts. Also, free!
Once of the closest sand/swimming beaches. Dog friendly at certain hours/time of year. Great views of Portland.
135 locals recommend
Willard Beach
135 locals recommend
Once of the closest sand/swimming beaches. Dog friendly at certain hours/time of year. Great views of Portland.
Great place for a run or walk - just about three miles if you do the loop.
38 locals recommend
Back Cove Trail
Back Cove Trail
38 locals recommend
Great place for a run or walk - just about three miles if you do the loop.
Great family beach. Nice walking trails too, as well as picnic spots and grills. Grab an ice cream cone at Kettle Cove after!
124 locals recommend
Crescent Beach State Park
109 Bowery Beach Rd
124 locals recommend
Great family beach. Nice walking trails too, as well as picnic spots and grills. Grab an ice cream cone at Kettle Cove after!
Probably my favorite area beach. Great swimming (if you can handle the cold) and decent waves for surfers! Mainely Burgers food truck serves daily.
110 locals recommend
Scarborough Beach
Black Point Rd
110 locals recommend
Probably my favorite area beach. Great swimming (if you can handle the cold) and decent waves for surfers! Mainely Burgers food truck serves daily.
Best waves around. Expect a lot of surfers! Parking can be difficult.
115 locals recommend
Higgins Beach
115 locals recommend
Best waves around. Expect a lot of surfers! Parking can be difficult.
ONLY beach in Maine that has a boardwalk, pier, amusement park, bars, etc... Expect crowds!
185 locals recommend
Old Orchard Beach
185 locals recommend
ONLY beach in Maine that has a boardwalk, pier, amusement park, bars, etc... Expect crowds!
Beautiful state park with sweeping views of Casco Bay and the rocky coast. Nice wooded trails as well. Stop at the nearby Lobster Shack for lunch!
144 locals recommend
Two Lights State Park
7 Tower Dr
144 locals recommend
Beautiful state park with sweeping views of Casco Bay and the rocky coast. Nice wooded trails as well. Stop at the nearby Lobster Shack for lunch!

Arts & Culture

Newly renovated, featuring local and world renowned artists. Make sure to visit the annex. Free entry on Fridays from 4 to 8pm.
412 locals recommend
Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress Sq
412 locals recommend
Newly renovated, featuring local and world renowned artists. Make sure to visit the annex. Free entry on Fridays from 4 to 8pm.
74 locals recommend
Victoria Mansion
109 Danforth St
74 locals recommend
Tour the home of famous 19th century Maine Poet, Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow. Don't miss the gardens!
76 locals recommend
Maine Historical Society
489 Congress St
76 locals recommend
Tour the home of famous 19th century Maine Poet, Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow. Don't miss the gardens!
Interested in Big Foot, Yetis, and the Loch Ness Monster? Visit this museum, then grab a beer at Bissel Brothers!
23 locals recommend
International Cryptozoology Museum
32 Resurgam Pl
23 locals recommend
Interested in Big Foot, Yetis, and the Loch Ness Monster? Visit this museum, then grab a beer at Bissel Brothers!