Michael’s guidebook

Michael
Michael’s guidebook

Food scene

Opened July 2019, Montes is an italian market that serves sandwiches and delicious roman style pizza by the slice or to order. Local beer, wine, and breakfast foods available to purchase! Bagels from Rose Foods and Pastries from Standard baking company.
12 locals recommend
Monte's Fine Foods
788 Washington Ave
12 locals recommend
Opened July 2019, Montes is an italian market that serves sandwiches and delicious roman style pizza by the slice or to order. Local beer, wine, and breakfast foods available to purchase! Bagels from Rose Foods and Pastries from Standard baking company.
Neighborhood deli that serves delicious sandwiches and sides using high quality ingredients. There is a small, but well curated selection of local beer, wine, and groceries available as well.
11 locals recommend
The Otherside Delicatessen
164 Veranda St
11 locals recommend
Neighborhood deli that serves delicious sandwiches and sides using high quality ingredients. There is a small, but well curated selection of local beer, wine, and groceries available as well.
The best ice cream in Portland is just a block and a half away! Beals serves tons of homemade ice cream flavors with all the fixings available. If you are feeling adventurous try their butterbeer frappe with a secret recipe inspired by the drink from Harry Potter.
18 locals recommend
Beals Old Fashioned Ice Cream
18 Veranda St
18 locals recommend
The best ice cream in Portland is just a block and a half away! Beals serves tons of homemade ice cream flavors with all the fixings available. If you are feeling adventurous try their butterbeer frappe with a secret recipe inspired by the drink from Harry Potter.
A hidden gem in the Back Cove neighborhood celebrating authentic italian flavors. Check out Happy Hour from 4-6pm Wednesday thru Sunday. The Arancini balls, thin crust pizza, and cocktails are all top notch.
24 locals recommend
Tipo Restaurant
182 Ocean Ave
24 locals recommend
A hidden gem in the Back Cove neighborhood celebrating authentic italian flavors. Check out Happy Hour from 4-6pm Wednesday thru Sunday. The Arancini balls, thin crust pizza, and cocktails are all top notch.
Central Provisions is our favorite restaurant in Portland. They do not take reservations and waits are often 2 plus hours long for a table for dinner in the summer. A couple tricks to get a seat: 1) Show up before they open and get in line. 2) try going for lunch or in the middle of the week. 3) Try grabbing a seat at the bar downstairs. Seats are often available and the full menu is available at the bar.
145 locals recommend
Central Provisions
414 Fore St
145 locals recommend
Central Provisions is our favorite restaurant in Portland. They do not take reservations and waits are often 2 plus hours long for a table for dinner in the summer. A couple tricks to get a seat: 1) Show up before they open and get in line. 2) try going for lunch or in the middle of the week. 3) Try grabbing a seat at the bar downstairs. Seats are often available and the full menu is available at the bar.
Delicious asian-fusion with a bit of New England flair. In the summer try sitting outside on the lively patio. If it's available, the Lobster Toast is a must-try.
67 locals recommend
The Honey Paw
78 Middle St
67 locals recommend
Delicious asian-fusion with a bit of New England flair. In the summer try sitting outside on the lively patio. If it's available, the Lobster Toast is a must-try.
Go for the steamed buns (with either tofu or pork belly), stay for the ramen, sushi, and local beers and cocktails. It can get a little smoky inside the restaurant, so sit outside if possible.
148 locals recommend
Pai Men Miyake
188 State St
148 locals recommend
Go for the steamed buns (with either tofu or pork belly), stay for the ramen, sushi, and local beers and cocktails. It can get a little smoky inside the restaurant, so sit outside if possible.
Hot Suppa is a breakfast/brunch institution in Portland, that you should absolutely visit if you can. Waits for a table quickly get up to 45 minutes for breakfast on the weekends, so go extra early or on a weekday if you don't want to wait.
152 locals recommend
Hot Suppa
703 Congress St
152 locals recommend
Hot Suppa is a breakfast/brunch institution in Portland, that you should absolutely visit if you can. Waits for a table quickly get up to 45 minutes for breakfast on the weekends, so go extra early or on a weekday if you don't want to wait.
Fantastic Japanese small plates and creative cocktails. Sit outside in the summer for great people watching of lively breweries and distilleries (OxBow, Maine Mead Works, HardShore Distilling Company) just across the street. If the wait is too long here, walk to either Cong Tu Bot or Terrlingua. Two other excellent choices on the same block.
62 locals recommend
Izakaya Minato
54 Washington Ave
62 locals recommend
Fantastic Japanese small plates and creative cocktails. Sit outside in the summer for great people watching of lively breweries and distilleries (OxBow, Maine Mead Works, HardShore Distilling Company) just across the street. If the wait is too long here, walk to either Cong Tu Bot or Terrlingua. Two other excellent choices on the same block.
Go to Terlingua for a unique barbecue experience featuring house-smoked meats with carribean, south-west and Mexican inspired dishes. Go early for the best selection as the smoked meats always run out by the end of dinner service. Sit outside in the summer for great people watching of lively breweries and distilleries (OxBow, Maine Mead Works, HardShore Distilling Company) just across the street. If the wait is too long here, walk to either Cong Tu Bot or Izakaya Minato. Two other excellent choices on the same block.
77 locals recommend
Terlingua
40 Washington Ave
77 locals recommend
Go to Terlingua for a unique barbecue experience featuring house-smoked meats with carribean, south-west and Mexican inspired dishes. Go early for the best selection as the smoked meats always run out by the end of dinner service. Sit outside in the summer for great people watching of lively breweries and distilleries (OxBow, Maine Mead Works, HardShore Distilling Company) just across the street. If the wait is too long here, walk to either Cong Tu Bot or Izakaya Minato. Two other excellent choices on the same block.
French/Spanish inspired small plates. We have never had a bad plate or cocktail here, and for how good the food is it is suprisingly easy to get a table. Highly Recommended for Dinner and Sunday Brunch. Reservations available through Yelp
47 locals recommend
CHAVAL
58 Pine St
47 locals recommend
French/Spanish inspired small plates. We have never had a bad plate or cocktail here, and for how good the food is it is suprisingly easy to get a table. Highly Recommended for Dinner and Sunday Brunch. Reservations available through Yelp
You will think you are in the middle of New York City after you have a delicious Rose Foods bagel. Grab a half-dozen to go and have a great breakfast at home for the rest of your stay!
30 locals recommend
Rose Foods
428 Forest Ave
30 locals recommend
You will think you are in the middle of New York City after you have a delicious Rose Foods bagel. Grab a half-dozen to go and have a great breakfast at home for the rest of your stay!
Scratch's yeasty sour-dough bagels are world-class and one-of-a-kind. Head to Scratch extra early for the best selection and continue on to Willard Beach or Bug light park to enjoy breakfast with a view.
164 locals recommend
Scratch Baking Co
416 Preble St
164 locals recommend
Scratch's yeasty sour-dough bagels are world-class and one-of-a-kind. Head to Scratch extra early for the best selection and continue on to Willard Beach or Bug light park to enjoy breakfast with a view.
If you have never had Sicilian style pizza, Slab is as good an introduction to it as you will find. Slab's recipe originates from the locally famous pizza sold at Micucci Grocery, and builds on it by offering lots of flavorful appetizers and a great local beer selection.
40 locals recommend
Slab
25 Preble St
40 locals recommend
If you have never had Sicilian style pizza, Slab is as good an introduction to it as you will find. Slab's recipe originates from the locally famous pizza sold at Micucci Grocery, and builds on it by offering lots of flavorful appetizers and a great local beer selection.
When we lived a block away from Tandem in the West End, we went there more than I care to admit. The breakfast sandwiches, served on amazing homemade biscuits, are world-class. Go early or prepare to stand in line. It will be worth the wait.
165 locals recommend
The West End Deli & Catering Inc
545 Spring St
165 locals recommend
When we lived a block away from Tandem in the West End, we went there more than I care to admit. The breakfast sandwiches, served on amazing homemade biscuits, are world-class. Go early or prepare to stand in line. It will be worth the wait.

Sightseeing

A pretty big art museum for a little city with pieces from Andy Warhol, Winslow Homer, Louise Nevelson and Claude Monet in the collection. The museum serves as a focal point during First Friday art walks, Maine's largest free monthly cultural event.
412 locals recommend
Portland Museum of Art
7 Congress Sq
412 locals recommend
A pretty big art museum for a little city with pieces from Andy Warhol, Winslow Homer, Louise Nevelson and Claude Monet in the collection. The museum serves as a focal point during First Friday art walks, Maine's largest free monthly cultural event.
Take a walk or go for a jog in Portland's beautiful, quiet West End neighborhood capped off by the Western Promenade overlooking the working waterfront. The West End has been called one of the best preserved Victorian neighborhoods in the country.
68 locals recommend
Western Promenade Park
Valley Street
68 locals recommend
Take a walk or go for a jog in Portland's beautiful, quiet West End neighborhood capped off by the Western Promenade overlooking the working waterfront. The West End has been called one of the best preserved Victorian neighborhoods in the country.
The Eastern Promenade is accessible on foot or by bike via the Portland Trails network which goes around back cove. The Eastern Promenade is home to East End Beach (a rocky beach) and a large park set on a hill overlooking the ocean. A great place to fly kites, picinic or just relax and enjoy the view.
251 locals recommend
Eastern Promenade Trail
Eastern Promenade
251 locals recommend
The Eastern Promenade is accessible on foot or by bike via the Portland Trails network which goes around back cove. The Eastern Promenade is home to East End Beach (a rocky beach) and a large park set on a hill overlooking the ocean. A great place to fly kites, picinic or just relax and enjoy the view.
This spectacular summer home was designed by the architect Henry Austin of New Haven, CT and is widely considered one of the finest examples of the Italian Villa style in America. Guided and Self-guided tours are available.
74 locals recommend
Victoria Mansion
109 Danforth St
74 locals recommend
This spectacular summer home was designed by the architect Henry Austin of New Haven, CT and is widely considered one of the finest examples of the Italian Villa style in America. Guided and Self-guided tours are available.
Home to Portland Head Light, thought to be the most photographed lighthouse in America. With over 90 acres of recreational space, there are opportunities to picnic, fly a kite, stroll paths, tour the arboretum, walk the cliffside loop, explore the rocky beach, and enjoy the playground. There are four vendors in the park during the season offering crepes, lobster rolls, sandwiches and gelato.
229 locals recommend
Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Rd
229 locals recommend
Home to Portland Head Light, thought to be the most photographed lighthouse in America. With over 90 acres of recreational space, there are opportunities to picnic, fly a kite, stroll paths, tour the arboretum, walk the cliffside loop, explore the rocky beach, and enjoy the playground. There are four vendors in the park during the season offering crepes, lobster rolls, sandwiches and gelato.
Portland Breakwater Light (also known as Bug Light) marks the eastern terminus of the Greenbelt Walkway and is a great destination for a waterside walk, picinicing and kite-flying. Bug light park is also a busy boat launching area, where you can sit and watch the ships, lobster boats, and sailboats go by all day long.
105 locals recommend
Bug Light Park
105 locals recommend
Portland Breakwater Light (also known as Bug Light) marks the eastern terminus of the Greenbelt Walkway and is a great destination for a waterside walk, picinicing and kite-flying. Bug light park is also a busy boat launching area, where you can sit and watch the ships, lobster boats, and sailboats go by all day long.
Back Cove trail is one of my favorite places to run and bike in Portland. One loop around the tree-lined Stone Dust/paved trail is around 4 miles. Great for both walking and biking, and also provides access to the East End and East Bayside via the Portland Trails network.
20 locals recommend
Back Cove Trail
Back Cove Trail
20 locals recommend
Back Cove trail is one of my favorite places to run and bike in Portland. One loop around the tree-lined Stone Dust/paved trail is around 4 miles. Great for both walking and biking, and also provides access to the East End and East Bayside via the Portland Trails network.

Beer/Breweries

Lone Pine brewing's tasting room is a great place to start on a walking tour of East Bayside's breweries. Their Pale Ale launched the company and Tessellation IPA has put them on the craft beer map.
68 locals recommend
Lone Pine Brewing Company
219 Anderson St
68 locals recommend
Lone Pine brewing's tasting room is a great place to start on a walking tour of East Bayside's breweries. Their Pale Ale launched the company and Tessellation IPA has put them on the craft beer map.
A tour of Portland's Breweries is not complete without a trip to Allagash Brewing. Allagash is Portland's largest and one of it's oldest breweries, but don't think that makes it boring. Allagash is world-renowned for their Belgian White, but they offer dozens of other high quality, creative selections on tap and in bottles at their tasting room. Allagash Curieux, a Belgian Tripel aged in Bourbon barrels is a must-try.
156 locals recommend
Allagash Brewing Company
50 Industrial Way
156 locals recommend
A tour of Portland's Breweries is not complete without a trip to Allagash Brewing. Allagash is Portland's largest and one of it's oldest breweries, but don't think that makes it boring. Allagash is world-renowned for their Belgian White, but they offer dozens of other high quality, creative selections on tap and in bottles at their tasting room. Allagash Curieux, a Belgian Tripel aged in Bourbon barrels is a must-try.
If you are a hops-addict, Bissell Brothers, one of Portland's most renowned breweries, is the place for you. They are located on Thompson's point, which is a little out of the way, so plan transportation accordingly.
102 locals recommend
Bissell Brothers
38 Resurgam Pl
102 locals recommend
If you are a hops-addict, Bissell Brothers, one of Portland's most renowned breweries, is the place for you. They are located on Thompson's point, which is a little out of the way, so plan transportation accordingly.
Located at the foot of Munjoy Hill in a thriving part of East Bayside, Oxbow is a must-visit. The bar features an extensive selection of Oxbow and guest brewery drafts and bottles, as well as an eclectic selection of wine and Amaro. In addition to great beer, Oxbow's outdoor courtyard also hosts DuckFat Frites Shack, serving up many of the favorites you can get at DuckFat's original restaurant on Middle St.
106 locals recommend
Oxbow Blending & Bottling
49 Washington Ave
106 locals recommend
Located at the foot of Munjoy Hill in a thriving part of East Bayside, Oxbow is a must-visit. The bar features an extensive selection of Oxbow and guest brewery drafts and bottles, as well as an eclectic selection of wine and Amaro. In addition to great beer, Oxbow's outdoor courtyard also hosts DuckFat Frites Shack, serving up many of the favorites you can get at DuckFat's original restaurant on Middle St.
Austin Street's tasting room is a must-stop on a brewery-hopping tour of East Bayside. Austin St. generally has just IPAs (very good IPAs) on tap, so if that is not your style head to Rising Tide or Foundation right around the corner for a wider selection.
71 locals recommend
Austin Street Brewery
115 Fox St
71 locals recommend
Austin Street's tasting room is a must-stop on a brewery-hopping tour of East Bayside. Austin St. generally has just IPAs (very good IPAs) on tap, so if that is not your style head to Rising Tide or Foundation right around the corner for a wider selection.
Rising Tide is the anchor of the East Bayside brewery/tasting room scene. They have a great warehouse-style indoor area with bay doors that open up in the summer, and a large outdoor area with plenty of seating and outdoor games.
139 locals recommend
Rising Tide Brewing Company
103 Fox St
139 locals recommend
Rising Tide is the anchor of the East Bayside brewery/tasting room scene. They have a great warehouse-style indoor area with bay doors that open up in the summer, and a large outdoor area with plenty of seating and outdoor games.
Named best beer bar in Maine in 2018, Great Lost Bear features 80+ taps, with lots of local selections available. Check their website for an up to date draught menu.
76 locals recommend
The Great Lost Bear
540 Forest Ave
76 locals recommend
Named best beer bar in Maine in 2018, Great Lost Bear features 80+ taps, with lots of local selections available. Check their website for an up to date draught menu.
Great beer and food, with brewing and distilling facilities on-site and visible from the bar and restaurant.
34 locals recommend
Liquid Riot Bottling Company
250 Commercial St
34 locals recommend
Great beer and food, with brewing and distilling facilities on-site and visible from the bar and restaurant.
One of my favorite places to go for a Happy Hour beer and a bite to eat. King's Head has a well-curated list of local and imported beers and offers excellent pub fare. The Fish and Chips and scotch egg are top notch.
12 locals recommend
The King's Head
254 Commercial St
12 locals recommend
One of my favorite places to go for a Happy Hour beer and a bite to eat. King's Head has a well-curated list of local and imported beers and offers excellent pub fare. The Fish and Chips and scotch egg are top notch.

Cocktails

A thoughtfully assembled eclectic atmosphere and creative, high quality cocktails. The Jewel Box is a great place to start or end the night.
76 locals recommend
The Jewel Box
644 Congress St
76 locals recommend
A thoughtfully assembled eclectic atmosphere and creative, high quality cocktails. The Jewel Box is a great place to start or end the night.
Hunt and Alpine Club is my favorite cocktail bar in Portland. It features scandinavian small plates & clever cocktails in a minimalist space with a bar & communal tables. Everything there is expertly prepared and worth trying. Tip: The green chile/parmesan popcorn from the late night menu is delicious.
74 locals recommend
The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
75 Market St
74 locals recommend
Hunt and Alpine Club is my favorite cocktail bar in Portland. It features scandinavian small plates & clever cocktails in a minimalist space with a bar & communal tables. Everything there is expertly prepared and worth trying. Tip: The green chile/parmesan popcorn from the late night menu is delicious.

Lobster

My favorite lobster roll (and French fries) in Portland. High roller lobster is a counter service restaurant in the old port that serves lobster in all kinds of delicious ways: lobster rolls, lobster grilled cheese, lobster pops, and more. They also have a great selection of local beers and a delicious burger on the menu for anyone in your party is not a seafood fan.
61 locals recommend
The Highroller Lobster Co
104 Exchange St
61 locals recommend
My favorite lobster roll (and French fries) in Portland. High roller lobster is a counter service restaurant in the old port that serves lobster in all kinds of delicious ways: lobster rolls, lobster grilled cheese, lobster pops, and more. They also have a great selection of local beers and a delicious burger on the menu for anyone in your party is not a seafood fan.
Js oyster bar is a local favorite and a classic no-fuss New England seafood joint. Go to Js for ocean views and fresh Maine seafood done the old-fashioned way.
83 locals recommend
Js Oyster
5 Portland Pier
83 locals recommend
Js oyster bar is a local favorite and a classic no-fuss New England seafood joint. Go to Js for ocean views and fresh Maine seafood done the old-fashioned way.
You’ll probably have to wait, and, depending on the time of year, it might be a long wait. It’ll be worth it. Bite into Maine offers several different lobster roll preparations and other delicious lobster creations. You can usually find their truck or cart at Allagash brewing company in Portland, or at fort Williams park in Cape Elizabeth. Check hours and locations on their website before you go as they change throughout the year.
44 locals recommend
Bite into Maine
1000 Shore Rd
44 locals recommend
You’ll probably have to wait, and, depending on the time of year, it might be a long wait. It’ll be worth it. Bite into Maine offers several different lobster roll preparations and other delicious lobster creations. You can usually find their truck or cart at Allagash brewing company in Portland, or at fort Williams park in Cape Elizabeth. Check hours and locations on their website before you go as they change throughout the year.