Portland recommendations

Ok good, this can replace Tamaso's on my list, haha.

Heading back in less than a month, I'll try to hit it up, thanks for the recommendation!

 

You definitely should. I’ll be interested to hear your feedback since you may be the only person on this board who’s eaten out in Portland more than me!

 

Does the sushi place over passed the Hampton Inn still exist?

 

Tomaso's is my favorite dive-y bar in Portland! Love that place!

 

I know this is a little late to these comments but as someone who spends a lot of time in the Bath area, there is definitely not a great brewery scene. I haven’t been to Trinken yet but the bar for it to be the best in that area is set pretty low. To add, Mast Landing in Freeport is now open (to go with Maine Beer and Oxbow that are close-ish).

 

It’s a cool spot, but regarding food I used to go there for the chicken parm egg rolls. They no longer have them (at least not a few weeks ago), and that was the main draw for me.

 

Anyone been to Bissell recently?

I do not want to start a kids in breweries debate but a stop there on Thursday afternoon and it felt like a McDonald’s.

Packed, dirty tables, and many many children on tablets.

Beer is great but just be prepared.

 

I was there yesterday and it was packed. Lots of families with kids but also just a lot of people in general. With them having a kitchen now and being one of the larger breweries, it’s going to be a very popular spot with families and large groups. Being right next to the brand new children’s museum is going to contribute to that as well.

 

Anybody know a dog friendly spot with outdoor tvs and decent beer to watch the euro 2020 final tomorrow?

 

I reached out to Lone Pine and Goodfire and they will not be showing it at their Portland locations.

Lone Pine said they may be showing it at Gorham but I would message them. I also have not yet been to that spot so I am not sure about dog friendliness.

 

Try Bunker. Nice indoor-outdoor space, not-at-all a big draw for the Vineyard Vines wearing, Land-Rover driving, toddler-totting summer tourist crowd that is Bissell. Plus the beer is excellent, and a great variety of styles. As a Mainer, you are likely already well aware of it, but others may not be.

 

I was there on a Thursday afternoon a few weeks ago (well, like 11:30 - 12ish, so morning/afternoon) and it was fine. Went that Sunday afternoon as well, it was busy like you said, but I don't recall anything bothering me.

 

So this is an interesting topic. Lady and I went two Saturdays ago. We got there a bit after opening and it wasn’t too busy but I knew shit would hit the fan quick. The line to get pours went from nothing and open tables around to a 10+ minute wait in a matter of 2 minutes. We assumed that a kids show or something had let out as it became a mad house with kids. Tables were gone almost instantly and outside was slammed. For anyone who is uncomfortable with this you probably would want to avoid. Most were well behaved and stayed with the parents but not all. A lot of the parents also looked overwhelmed. I’m ok with people bringing kids. Hell I’m a parent. But it’s easier for us to be alone and have some quiet time when we can. Hope this is helpful. I love kids and get it. But it is certainly overwhelming to some. And at times I’m sure the kids would rather be somewhere else. If you see a family in line and you are leaving your table. Maybe go over right before and let them know to grab it. Had a father thank me sincerely for offering our table and standing outside on a nice day. It drops their stress and time for them so they can be in and out quicker. Overall BB does a good job to make sure all feel welcome

 

The kids thing at Bissell the other day didn’t bother me, but @Jbrews post reminded me of something else I didn’t love, which was the lack of any kind of seating system. With every table and available counter space full, we and a bunch of other people were just milling around trying to vulture a spot when someone got up. Which to some degree is unavoidable and happens everywhere. But most places are nowhere near as busy as Bissell and don’t serve food. Since they’ve essentially turned the tap room into a restaurant, and it will always be mobbed on Fri-Sun, I think establishing some kind of order in terms of seating would be helpful.

 

Fucking stoked for DBL LUX

Huge Lux fan here

 

Ok listen. This is EXACTLY the kind of hype that @Sweatshirt would have condemned. We may need to do a BA poll that asks if you are worthy of that avatar.

 

Ohhhh look, JC must be up in Portland giving out his money in bags made of jewels to Noah and Peter. Hey guys, add some sugar and hops and amp up a beer to make more money. Who the fuck even wants more rye? The catcher or just some hazebroskis. Seriously another fucking cash grab. Wow, knew JC would corrupt the world. Maybe make it Luxquila and sell the trub. Bet he still can’t find me…

Better?

 

Good, good. Work on it. I think the real @Sweatshirt was much more pithy and violent. When he was done with a thread, the place looked like a crime scene. He was like the killer in an 80s slasher movie: just emerge from the darkness, kill quickly and violently.

 

My brain is exploding because the Portland trip with my wife is turning into a solo trip starting Tuesday through the rest of this week. Wondering what people may recommend differently between a family/group trip and solo trip, like maybe restaurants with a wait for tables whereas now I can just slide in for a seat at the bar?

I'll be with family at my base in Scarborough, but the rest are only interested in hitting up Novare Res for a lunch one day. I'm on my own for beer stuff and food adventures other than that. My brother is working remotely on the weekdays there, although we may hit a 6:30ish tee time at a local course one morning for us to get in 9 holes before he has to go to "the office".

 

Selfishly...I'd like to hear more about the golf courses nearby - especially any par 3 courses!
My wife and I are going in October, and I could see us playing 9 before going to 15 breweries one day, lol!