Portland Recommendations (2022)

The lamb burger I had at King's Head was great. I'd probably decide between KH and the rest by checking the draft list online. Last time I went it was because they had something I specifically wanted to try, maybe something by Sassanoa? But that's me on a solo trip, of course YMMV.

 

FTR I don’t even mean to suggest that Kings Head is some epic or “must hit” spot. It’s not. It’s just a really solid place with good food and a very good tap list that I think is often underrated, and one of its best features is how non-hectic it is compared to a lot of downtown Portland. I almost never go out there specifically other than after work for drinks, but we often end up there on nights when we’re hungry, slightly buzzed, and don’t want to wait an hour for a table somewhere.

 

For me a spot like this is Thirsty Pig.

At least this last time we went (two weeks ago) on Friday at 2 pm there was an hour wait at High Roller. We strolled right into Thirsty Pig for some solid beers and a quick hot dog and sat outside on a beautiful day. I had a sausage too because…well because I eat a lot…

…an hour later our table was ready at High Roller so we went there too.

That was a double lunch and double dinner day.

 

I also really like King’s Head for the tap list and the pub food. One of the things I enjoy about it is my family can eat there without waiting forever. I love that it’s not hyped and less crowded.

 

You know, I almost never go to the Pig. I’ve often found the tap list to be pretty average, and the all sausage menu is pretty limiting and not usually what I’m in the mood for, so I’ve never loved it there. And being right across the street to Novare it almost always loses out when I’m choosing a spot. But it’s a classic Portland beer spot that I really appreciate being there. I should stop in sometime soon.

 

I like the vibe at Thirsty Pig. The taplist can be great, decent or just ok, but for some reason, I just like the atmosphere there.

 

Definitely not a "must see" or "go-to" spot in Portland, but for some reason I always end up there for a quick bite and beer...probably partly because of this...see below....

 

Seems like most of my days in Portland fall into this scenario.

 

Curious if anyone has tried the new breweries yet (Hi-Fidelity, Banded, Newscapes). I'm staying in Munjoy Hill for a few days next week. I live in Boston and try to make it to Portland a couple of times a year, so I'm pretty familiar with everything that it has to offer. Would be nice to try out a few new spots though.

This thread is fantastic btw. Definitely my go-to any time I make it up there. Cheers!

 

Also, any recommendations for Baharat? I've heard good things but don't recall seeing it mentioned on this thread.

 

Ha, yeah I went....

Also swung by Banded's new spot in West Bayside. Nice variety of styles, would definitely go back. Haven't tried (or heard of) Newscapes.

 

We’ll be in Portland this weekend. Fully expecting massive crowds. Might have to pass on going to Bissel Brothers because of that

 

First off, love the username.

It seems to me like, pre-pandemic at least, Bissell never struggled to handle busy days. The place was always packed out, but we never had to wait more than maybe 10 minutes to get pours in hand. The lines moved fast. Sadly I haven't made it up as much recently, so I'll let some of our fellow BA's here speak to whether that's still the case.

That said, you won't have trouble finding Substance etc on tap around town, or available at the bottle shops.

 

I'll echo what @yuppiescum said.

Went up two weeks ago and that Saturday was the busiest I've ever seen Portland. Headed to Bissell that day around 11:30/12 and had no problem getting a table and beers. Same deal the following day (Sunday) around the same time.

 

Banded has been around for a while (in Biddeford), but the Portland proper brewery is newer and kinda under the radar. Wasn't able to make it but was able to hit up a Banded tap takeover at Slab while I was there. Beers were decent/good. Feel like they're still feeling out their identity for the Portland location.

 

Such a great informative thread, will be in the area for the first time 7/7-7/12 and excited to explore many of these recommendations. Really hoping for a swish release while in town

 

I also feel like breaking out the can/merch purchases to the left side of the taproom so only pours are served at the long bar helps expedite things as well. Before this change, getting pours early in the day when the can line was huge or getting cans later in the day when the pour line was huge were not ideal.

 

Heading back to Portland for a long weekend for the first time since 2019. Please tell me that Bubba's Sulky Lounge still has $5 PBR tall boys.

 

I was there the day after the Beers With(out) Beards Fest, which was held across the street from them. On *that* day, the server told me, they *struggled*. Had to hire security to deal with the crowds of people pre- and post-gaming.

 

I was there two weeks ago and they held their first ever Resurgam Music and Arts Festival at Thompson's Point. They had people directing traffic and you couldn't even park near Bissell. Tap room was just a normal level of busy. So it likely depends on what type of event is going on there.