Portland Recommendations (2022)

Portland beer hub for singles. Not sure about alchemist but if anyone does in sure it's sporadic drops.

 

I’d go to Bier Cellar, and no Alchemist in Maine.

 

This is good to know!

But not to be a snob, how was the food at Fore Play? Portland is (in my opinion) the best spot in New England for food overall. With more food than you can eat in 3-4 days. I'd hate to waste a meal on pub grub.

But, I've never had their food, so I don't want to pass judgement.

 

I like Bier Cellar but you can find the same stuff (if they have it) at RSVP for a few dollars cheaper.

I was there at end of September and Bier Cellar wanted $60 for 2016 Persica...RSVP had it for $25. Usually it is not that bad, generally $3-5 cheaper.

I prefer RSVP because of the prices, but they have pissed a lot people off in the past. They wont sell to out of state people if you are under 25 is one example.

And Portland food is amazing. A lot of great places closed because of covid, but many still remain.

 

The food at Fore Play was fine but nothing special. The food was free (Sunday buffet) though. I would skip this unless you want to watch sports.

 

Question about Oxbow. Do they allow you to bring in outside food? I know that they have the Duckfat stand but it seems like it's hit or miss on when it's open.

Heading up to Portland Sun-Tues and wanted to get Terlingua, but for some reason they're closed on Halloween and not open on Tuesdays, so Sunday is the only option. They're fully booked, so I was thinking about getting takeout and eating it at Oxbow if allowed.

 

Wow, they're completely booked on a Sunday in November?

 

Yeah I wouldn’t worry about that one but. My lady was just up there for a bachelorette party and they all went with a reservation made a day or so before and were seated no issue in a good sized group. Said there wasn’t anything to worry about if you didn’t have one. And that was peak leaf peeper month.

Also I think they are closed on Tuesdays now that I think about it.

 

Just edited my post to say a "Sunday". But my post still stands (and jives with your reply to my post).

 

Yup. Nothing available for a table of 4 all day. I was surprised as you are.

 

I’d give them a call when open. I would be shocked since the next Sunday is literally wide open. Also, depending how many other are going with you, you could sit at the bar and I believe they keep some areas open for walk in. I know mid summer we’ve never had an issue getting it in any time we’ve been. In groups of 2-4

 

I have eaten Terlingua at one of their outside tables before. Frankly it didn’t even occur to me to ask, but I didn’t notice any side eyes in my direction. The Duckfat window is basically outside food also.

I’m not sure what you mean about the Duckfat window being hit or miss though. Unless something has changed very recently (I haven’t been to Oxbow in a few months) it has always been open during their posted hours on the many occasions I’ve been there.

 

I've ordered takeout while having a beer at Oxbow and then just walking across the street to pick up the tacos, no issues.

 

And you ate the tacos at Oxbow? That is what original post was asking and I'm curious as well. I've eaten Duckfat fries/ramen/shakes/etc. at Oxbow, but haven't taken other restaurant food there.

 

Exactly, I brought the tacos directly from Terlingua and my wife and I dined on them and poutine from Duckfat- no issues.

 

I went in the middle of the day during their normal hours Sept of last year and it wasn't open. Maybe COVID related? I feel like that's happened before too.

Either way, appreciate the info everyone! I did e-mail Oxbow and they are cool with bringing in outside food.

 

I went to Crispy Gai when it first opened, raved about it on here, then for some reason never went back. I finally stopped in again two weeks ago and holy shit it’s amazing. I’m hard pressed to name a place I’ve had a better meal or cocktail.