Portland recommendations

I dug a bagel from Rose Foods out of my freezer from my trip two weeks ago for my breakfast this morning. Good stuff. The seem to be Montreal style with the crusty exterior? I was really impressed with how well their lox sandwiches were constructed, not slapped together.

 

Ugh, unfortunately didn’t hit this place up (one of the two places I missed out on on my trip).

They don’t open until 4 pm, and I wanted to grab some pizza later at night and they were closed.

With the outdoor seating/potential for take out this might be trickier to fit in. But yeah, the pizza looks amazing.

I actually didn’t take a single Uber the entire trip. But I stayed in the Old Port at the Hampton.

I did almost call one one night and it showed availability and only a 5-6 minute wait, so that’s a good sign.

My family and I are also a bit nuts regarding walking…logged in over 50 miles of walking over the long weekend.

Damnit! I keep forgetting about this place.

Well, hitting up 36 different establishments in three days ain’t bad…I’ll post a trip report here this week for those who are interested and have Portland questions.

Overall, if you want to go to Portland right now it was of course busy, but no more than usual in the summer. I only had one dinner reservation for the entire trip and had no issue getting in anywhere I wanted to go. Everything is open and there was only one place that required a mask if vaccinated (Bard, and they only take orders outside, can’t go in).

Amazing time as usual, so good to go back. And fuck, lobster is REALLY expensive. $28 for a lobster taco at High Roller…

 

Thanks for the feedback, @AlcahueteJ. Glad to hear ride-sharing is coming back online if I don't stay in the Old Port. I also like to walk, if possible, but Bissell and Industrial Drive are a little too far for me. Looking forward to your post-trip report!

 

You have to drive to Bissell and Industrial, no question.

We always swing by Bissell on the way in, and on the way out (it's tradition at this point). And we have people who don't drink, so we had a driver for Industrial.

 

Bueller?!?

Just kidding, of course. But with a trip coming up this week on Wed/Thurs. it would be great to get the latest and greatest reviews. If not the full review, I'll settle for good breakfast recommendations for now!

 

I was there from Thursday-Sunday, and man I had a blast. Scales and Terlingua were incredible, and managed to get to 10 breweries, the only one anywhere close to disappoting being Lone Pine.

 

Would be curious to hear what was so disappointing about Lone Pine. Also, any highlights of the other nine you visited?

 

It wasn't terrible, but the two beers I had, both IPA, just were kind of bland and muddled. Both drinkable, but I probably won't take note the next time I see them here in NYC. I've had their Oh-J IPA in the past and I thought it was pretty middle-of-the-road even as far as distro'd juice bomb NEIPA type stuff go.

But GoodFire is right next door and was pretty impressive, and Lone Pine has a nice outdoor space so it's worth stopping by for a beer, and both spots aren't too far from Belleflower which was real good.

Bissell Brothers was predictably great. The bottled saisons were really fantastic, and a nice change of the pace from the IPA that usually makes it down here to NY.

I wish I had a bit more time to spend at Definitive, but only had so much time to hit the other Industrial Way spots before making the Terlingua reservation. Both the fruited kettle sours I had were awesome, and the one IPA of theirs I had before the visit was awesome.

 

would it too much to ask for hierarchy of tap room experiences. there will wife and kids this week. Trying to maximize my beer experience before wife and kids get bored/cut me off

 

Bissell has the biggest indoor space I saw and a good food menu, so in terms of a place kids might be able to keep from climbing up the walls that might be the winner. The biggest problem with it is that it's kind of remote, and outside of the winery, distillery and Bigfoot museum there's really nothing else around it at all.

Most of the rest I went to have pretty straightforward/bare-bones taprooms with a good chunk of outdoor seating, not a ton of variety really. Allagash and Oxbow have their spaces decorated with all the barrels which is cool, but probbaly not a selling point for wife/kids. Definitive had Cornhole so if that's free that might help keep kids occupied for a bit depending how old they are.

 

If you're trying to pace yourself it's good to know that Foundation will not do half pours too, everyone else on Industrial Way would do half/sample pours.

 

You missed Bellflower, literally around the corner from goodfire. That shit’s straight fire

ex-trillium employee working his magic there

 

Lone pine losing the ability to bring tap room beer to the outdoor spaces up top sealed the deal for us. The small bar they set up last time we went (2nd time since it changed) had a pretty weak variety of options and too many seltzer’s. We tried to give it a second chance but it’s just not worth it. Reminds us both of Rising Tide now. The tourist trap brewery with a pretty outdoor space. It’s too bad, I’ve enjoyed visiting there over the years but that front patio is too small.

 

Thanks for the ping, I needed a nudge.

Another amazing trip in the books.

Thursday:

Per usual, we always meet up at Bissell to have a couple drafts and pick up some cans for the hotel/home. Their renovated space is even nicer than before. Really enjoyed their Lagerbier and Tile Cutter. Bissell is a sneaky good lager brewery. When I’m sitting outside having that first draft in Portland I’m in my happy place.

After that we hit up High Roller for some lunch…some very expensive lunch. The lobster taco is always killer, super friendly staff and always a great tap list (they’re owned by Bissell). The lobster taco was $28, and the lobster roll was $26. Total bill for six people was about $240. Dinner at Slab that evening was $90 for comparison…

Next up grabbed a coffee at Bard (love this place). However it was the only place that required masks regardless of vaccination status. Not a big deal, but it was sort of odd because they had outdoor service only at a window and you still had to wear a mask.

Next up was a relaxing trip to Oxbow sitting outside having some great beers, followed by Terlingua…which was amazing. This was NOT undersold on these forums. Their patio is incredible, and even better was the famous brisket taco. We also got the ribs, which were equally as amazing. No problem getting in, but it was also mid afternoon on a Thursday.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with more outdoor brewery hopping at Austin Street’s Fox Street location, and then we also checked out the new kid in town, Belleflower. Belleflower was good, more of the same as Austin Street, Definitive, Lone Pine, Goodfire…worth checking out though, especially considering it’s a stone’s throw from Lone Pine/Goodfire.

Slab for dinner was amazing as always. Again, another great tap list and the pizza is…well, just go, you’ll see. The rest of the night was filled with some usual haunts that aren’t breweries with great local tap lists. Thirsty Pig and Mash Tun to start. Finally ended with a quick brew at Amigos (local/divey type “Mexican” bar) and Sebago Brewing for a night cap flight and some food (yeah, we didn’t need more food). It’s the “hotel” bar at the Hampton which is where we stay, so this happens sometimes. Sneaky solid beers though, worth a stop. I remember the Dry Irish Stout being tasty. Nice change of pace with a variety of styles.

Friday:

As always, the day begin early around 7/8ish for a long stroll to walk off the food from the day before and then pick up coffee and pastries. We’re not big sit down breakfast people in Portland due to stellar pastry options.

Speckled Ax for coffee (their old location by Empire Chinese), Holy Donut for donuts (their new, well new to me, Triple C is awesome…caramel, coconut, chocolate), and Standard Baking for a morning bun (a must if you’re in Portland). Note: Holy Donut’s Old Port location is closed, so you have to either go on a lengthy walk through some unsavory portions of Portland, or drive to get to this old location. They have a new location by the water opening any day now though.

After splitting up this feast, it was off to try out Ramona’s. Ramona’s is a sub shop, take out only, but SO worth it for the Italian sub. While this order was in we walked across the street to get some oysters and a beer at The Shop. Highly recommend this place for oysters over Eventide and J’s. The latter restaurants are tourist traps, and the oysters are just as good at The Shop (Island Creek Oysters owns this place).

Picked up the subs and then it was off to Industrial to enjoy the subs and some brewery hopping. Battery Steele was solid as always for IPAs, and Definitive is also a nice spot to swing by. Definitive is IPA/pastry stout/fruited kettle sour heavy. I’ve rarely tried the milkshake/dessert sour style, but I tried it at Definitive. Definitely not my jam, but it was worth trying (they have a bunch there).

And the best part is always Allagash. Always a varied tap list, great outdoor atmosphere, and of course…the Bite into Maine food truck for a lobster flight. Even if you’re full, and don’t want to spend money, get this flight. Three mini lobster rolls, all different styles. It will currently set you back about $25 though.

After we got back we had to hit up Little Tap House. I remember when these guys first opened years ago and I was staying at the Holiday Inn. Such a clutch place to pop into if you’re staying there. Another place with an awesome local tap list, and they do flights if you want to sample some beers.

Pre-dinner we got a flight at Portland Beer Hub (says “Beer House” on the outside). I absolutely adore this place. Super chill owner who loves beer in a super chill cozy spot. It’s a liquor store with many of the beers on tap to try. It’s a nice novelty coming from MA where they don’t do this.

Dinner was at Nosh…sister restaurant of Slab so it’s another place with excessively crazy meals. I always grab the Slab Burger if it’s available, and the Mac n’ Cheese burger if it’s available (it wasn’t this time), and the bacon dusted fries. Highly recommended to split these with friends, otherwise you won’t eat for the rest of your trip.

What is a “Slab Burger” and “Mac n’ Cheese Burger”? The former is a burger with two (smaller) slices of Sicilian from Slab for the buns, the latter has fried Mac n’ Cheese squares for the buns. Bacon dusted fries are fries dusted with bacon flavoring, it’s really good, trust me.

After this we went to Novare Res (we tried to go the night before, but they only have table service for now, no walking in to just grab a drink). This time we got in, and Novare Res is well…Novare Res. Always a great experience, and an absolute must while in Portland for at least a beer. Would have been nice to sit on the patio, but it was packed. So if you head up there and want to have a beer on the patio, I’d try during the day.

We wanted to grab some cocktails at Blyth and Burrows (a speak easy, I won’t give away the secrets to get “in”) but they had a wait. They recommended we hit up Via Vecchia, their new sister restaurant. Really swanky new Italian joint with what appeared to be a focus on wine and cocktails. We just grabbed a Charcuterie board and some bread along with a cocktail, but I’d like to check this place out again for a more extended visit. Note, we went during their “dinner” slot, and if you just want drinks and maybe apps that’s probably not the time to go. Seems like they really expect a dinner crowd, which is understandable.

Finished the night at CBG Bar and Grill. My brother wanted to go to a divey place, and it LOOKED divey, but it sort of isn’t. It looked like one of those “nice” dive bars, that has aspects of both. Super cheap drinks there and we had some apps that were decent too.

Saturday:

Again, up early for walking and attaining coffee/baked goods! Walked to Holy Donut again, but Saturday morning was a different story. Very long line so we scrapped this, walked up to Speckled Ax and then on to Tandem Bakery.

I remember when I first discovered Tandem by accident (I meant to go to the roastery which is by Lone Pine/Goodfire). Walked in realizing it was the bakery and read about their Loaded Biscuit while I was inside. It was amazing and I was hooked. Well apparently everyone else discovered this too. The line just keeps getting worse every summer. This time took about an hour waiting in line. You can order ahead online, but you need to do it the night before. I tried to do it that morning but it was a 1 pm pick up. They’re also already out of some things by the morning.

Picked up their malted iced coffee which was tasty. Followed by the Loaded Biscuit, their salted chocolate chip cookie, and an everything scone (with cream cheese somehow already INSIDE it). It was all amazing, but if you’re going to get one thing, get the Loaded Biscuit (you can go sweet or savory, I like to go sweet). As always, split with friends.

After this we walked through Micucci’s Grocery. I had never been so I wanted to check it out, I was particularly interested in the pizza they sold there. They sell slices of Slab pizza at the back of the grocery from 11 - 2. I didn’t get any, but this is good to know if you just want a quick slice in the afternoon.

We had tickets for the Casco Bay Lines, so we had to grab a quick lunch. Thirsty Pig is great for this. Snagged some hot dogs and a beer (patio was full, would have loved to sit outside) then made a quick pit stop at the Portland Beer Hub for some singles. Baby Genius from Bissell was a nice sipper (well more like a “chugger”, the boat ride was about ten minutes) on the boat.

I like the Peak’s Island boat ride because it’s quick, and you can also bum around the island for about 45 minutes. We grabbed ice cream at Downfront which is a nice take to fill in the time before the boat returns.

Before dinner we walked down to Lone Pine/Goodfire. Goodfire beers were tasty, I think I remember “Moods” in particular being solid (New England IPA). We decided to sit outside at Lone Pine’s tap room, because the beer garden, while nice, only had four beers on tap and then can pours. Got some oysters and an empanada and enjoyed the beers. But the highlight was the “Oh-J” seltzer. I’m not a big seltzer guy, but this might have been the most delicious seltzer I’ve ever had.

We cleaned ourselves up from the boat ride and put on some nice clothes for dinner at Scales. We had reservations and I’d highly recommend you get them if you go here. I’ve only been one other time, but if you want some high quality seafood at a nice restaurant on the water this place is for you. Sister restaurant of Fore Street and Street Co. (also both great places), it did not disappoint. I got the arctic char but I also got to try the scallops…get the scallops. One of their signatures dishes that’s out of this world. Also get the clam chowder, I don’t know what they did to it, but it was an impressive cup of chowder.

Another tradition is we always have to get gelato while in Portland. You can’t go wrong with either Gorgeous Gelato or Gelato Fiasco, however the latter was closed due to construction. The gelato was amazing, and the cannoli they have is also incredible. But they had a new item…a “gelato panini”. Well damn…this blew me away. I believe it was fried dough with gelato as the filling. They recommended the pistachio gelato, I would concur. You can also go full Italian and get a “coffee royal” which is a coffee with Crown Royal in it. I didn’t this time, but I’ve had it before. Not too shabby if you’re into that sort of thing.

Finished the evening brewery/bar hopping. Mash Tun again, followed by the Top of the East (rooftop bar at the Westin) for a Blanton’s Old Fashioned, Oxbow for a nice bottle to split and finally….Tamaso’s. Unfortanately Tamaso’s doesn’t have chicken parm egg rolls anymore which was a major draw. Still a solid list of local cans though, and it’s right across the street from the Hampton where I stayed…so why not?

Sunday:

Up early again! Strolled to Holy Donut and waited in line this time. I need to take donuts home and have them one last time in the morning, so not waiting isn’t an option. Line wasn’t too bad, and they take your coffee order ahead of time while you’re in line. Then we walked to Speckled Ax’s new location by the water for some coffee. They also have these nice little pamphlets for free which details everything that is food and beverage in Portland. Highly recommend picking one up if you see it.

Bookended the trip (as is tradition) at Bissell for some more drafts, cans, and we also tried the new restaurant. I had the burger, tastes like a Big Mac (only better). My brother had the chimichanga which was also tasty. Definitely worth checking out, you’re there for beer anyways, might as well grab some nosh to soak up the booze.

And “that’s it”. Whirlwind Portland trip in 72 hours.

 

Maybe I missed mentioning it, but after Bissell that was my top priority since they're pretty new and I hadn't ever had their stuff. Definitely impressive.

 

As always, a fucking amazingly detailed recap. I remember saying last time I don’t know how you guys manage to eat and drink so much over 3 days, but I’m jealous. Although I’ve done Maine Thurs-Sun countless times I’ve never done just Portland for that length. Thank you for getting me jacked up for my own trip this fall.

 

100% agree. You the man, @AlcahueteJ! I'm already drooling knowing that I have a lot to squeeze in between Wed. afternoon and Friday morning. Reservations already locked for lunch at Terlingua on Wed. afternoon and dinner at Scales that night. I'll report back, but it will be far fewer stops (and steps!) than you.

 

Thanks!

I add a lot of detail not for bragging rights (ok not JUST for bragging rights ) but more to help anyone out who wants a lot of options. It’s also a nice recap for me for future trips. Potentially heading back in August too.

Let us know how both of your trips go too. I always like to hear about places other folks go, or different meals at my go-to spots that I haven’t tried.

If you hit up Radici let us know how it is, food looks damn good on Instagram…