Portland recommendations

Ha!

Ya know, I did think to myself, "Even if there is a requirement, this probably isn't an issue for me."

Speaking of Slab, they don't take reservations. Most other restaurants do though.

Great, thank you!

 

Have to say Lone Pine threw up a huge miss and bummer recently.

I’m assuming it’s in part with Goodfire opening back up for pours(which were fucking awesome yesterday)

Turns out now you can only take the taproom beers to the front patio (which isn’t big) They no longer allow any beer to cross the driveway to the upper patios. There is a small bar there but before I could even see what they had(which we knew would be bad) my lady laughed and said it’s seltzer’s draft, one beer draft, cans of tessellate, seltzer’s and stouts. So basically it’s now an Instagram bar for the masses. We told the kid working we’re gonna pass(not his fault) and he smiled and said “all good you two, go get what you guys want on a nice day. I don’t blame you”

What a shame

However, Bellflower has expanded and again tbe experience was excellent. Nelson Scrugsy was fantastic. The strong pale ale(just hoppy af and somewhat lower abv) was absolutely fantastic.

We went for the Gyros at Austin street at opening. We were not disappointed. The current pilot beer is great.

Early Sunday is the way to go.

Also, need some help here. Stopped at urban fermentory and grabbed some kombucha flights. There was what sounded like some EDM dance party or something around the left corner kind of behind the building we couldn’t see. Some hippie looking dude in purple pants stumbled out and was puking on the front wall of UF then decided to lay on the concrete. Does anyone know what was going on back there? Wasn’t a good look for a Kombucha place

 

I'm heading into Portland for the day/night Saturday (driving home post-dinner because I have three kids, including a one-year-old that's legitimately never been out of our care).

Oxbow is a given for me, but I was considering MBC (outlets are the draw so we're not JUST drinking) to start rather than Allagash, but I feel like I'd be cheating on Allagash. My next thought was Bissell because I want to try their farmhouse stuff. Anyone have a yay or nay on that? I have no other reason for visiting aside from those style beers. If they're killer, I'll go. If they're not, I'll skip it. Is there a way I can do all of these?

It's likely "lunch" will be something at Duckfat, so my main conundrum is dinner, which I've narrowed down to Scales, Slab, Fore Street, Central Provisions, or Terlingua. All different. Casting a wide net. I've been to all but Scales. Any insight here?

 

Bissel is not currently open for draft or visits now.

I would skip MBC as it’s a ways further up and you can find their stuff everywhere. Allagash is open but get a reservation now or you’ll be locked out of a spot. Outside of that read back and hit the spots! There’s five breweries right there next to each other at industrial way.

jus be prepared for an insanse tourist wait at duck fat now and most other spots after 2-3 pm. It’s back to tourism crowds now. Who haven’t been there in a year.

Get a reservation at Terlingua. Not even a question

 

It's out anniversary NEXT weekend, but we were hoping to get in to some Portland fun before MDW. We usually skip Portland from MDW through Labor Day.

I suppose what this means is that I do Oxbow before Terlingua, so that means ... probably Allagash or Austin Street (I love me some Mr Tuna).

 

I meant the pop up at Oxbow.

 

then you sir, are solid and good to go

 

You weren't joking about Terlingua. Not a rezzie after 4pm. Might have to alter course and maybe Terlingua lunch, followed by Oxbow, then ... ?

 

Totally doable as well!

But I would keep trying and checking this week. Even try calling. A few weeks back we just got a walk up. Or maybe take the 4 and just take your time with good drinks and a good draft list then eat your main around 5

 

I've only been to Scales once. Beautiful inside, floor to ceiling windows overlooking the water. Food is amazing as would be expected for a sister restaurant of Street and Co./Fore Street.

I'm actually going there for dinner in June and made reservations a few weeks ago figuring it would be nuts trying to get in anywhere in Portland right now.

Portions are really small for what you pay, but it's still a very nice dinner.

I've actually never been to Central Provisions, and I'll let a local chime in with better insight. But I seem to recall them pivoting their theme away from tapas style after Covid. Not sure if that matters to you or not.

I'd personally go to Slab, unfortunately they don't do reservations so it might be a bit of a crap shoot. But you know the pizza is amazing and they'll probably have the best draft list out of the places you listed above.

 

Just got back from a long awaited Portland weekend. It felt so good to walk around that city again! Things are certainly opening back up, especially outdoor dining, drinking. Indoors can be tricky right now, so make some reservations. Anyway, the stand out for me was Terlingua! Holy shit that brisket taco! And such a cool vibe just chilling in the outdoor space they have. Do not miss this place. We hit it for lunch because I hear dinner there can be impossible to get a table. It was an easy decision for me, we hit Oxbow for a few beers, then Terlingua for a late(ish) lunch.

 

What’s the deal with all restrictions being lifted in Maine?

That should make it easier to get into places eventually.

 

Knowing your esteemed BBQ background, that’s high praise for Terlingua. I’m sad I missed it a few weekends back.

 

I can’t stop getting the brisket taco.

Their patio having sat in different parts is amazing

 

Best seating option? We are gonna do lunch. (Note: I’ve eaten inside, but that was a couple years ago)

 

still miss the Crow Bar, great happy hour.

 

Is the absolute need for a reservation due to the lack of indoor seating right now? I ask because that may not be the case when I go in a month.

I've never been, it looks more like a lunch type place than dinner. But the high praise here indicates I should check it out. I'm thinking of swinging by for a brisket taco...


As an aside, has anyone been to Miccuci's Grocery for pizza? I saw an article with the best pizza place in Portland and was shocked when Slab wasn't mentioned. And I saw this place.

I then went down a "Portland Pizza" rabbit hole and realized there looks like there's A LOT of great pizza in Portland I've never tried aside from Slab.

Any additional thoughts on Miccuci's and other pizza joints would be much appreciated (because I need to eat MORE food in Portland right?...).

Cheers!

 

just tell them the deck. I know it’s sort of an obscure answer from me but there are different parts to it and almost levels. It’s expanded a lot.

But shit, from the road you’d just think it was just a market. Which there is, and you can buy the meats frozen etc.

Once you walk the path to the back you’ll get it.

 

People who may not have been to Portland in the past year may not realize that Terlingua moved and is in a entirely different building. The old location has a great, takeout only right now, pizza spot in Radici.

The partner in Slab came from Micucci. Same style slab pizza.

And for those looking for other Portland options check out www.portlandfoodmap.com

 

We ate brunch at Rigby Yard recently as well. Really enjoyed it. My friend Shaida runs the coffee shop inside so say hello.