Ushering in a new month, a new year, and a new reason to find new places to eat and drink in Portland!
…And whether you’re visiting for the first time and wondering where to get your food and drink on or you’re a local looking for your next hangout spot, here are 4 places to eat and drink in Portland, Maine this January 2023, including a boutique hotel bar and restaurant, an OG in the brewpub scene, a bakery that rises above the standard, and a cocktail bar suited for an island getaway.
Portland’s East End has a new charming boutique hotel bar + lounge, and it’s definitely worth the visit.
Enticing travelers with a dinner menu that features the authentic taste of New England/Maine (See: Baked New England Haddock), hearty American staples (Butcher’s Burger with Thick-Cut Bacon, Local Smoked Cheddar, Bourbon Tomato Jam, and Pickled Onion), and comforting Italian dishes (Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Winter Squash, Italian Sausage, Kale, Sage Cream, Pecorino Romano), Alto Terrace Bar + Kitchen is equally welcoming to full-time Portlanders who are looking to treat themselves to an elevated dinner menu any day of the week. Paying homage to Portland and Maine, Alto Terrace Bar + Kitchen has creatively-titled cocktails such as the Munjoy Margarita, lots of Shipyard beer on draught, and an extensive wine list and canned beer options. For the early risers, Alto Terrace Bar + Kitchen is open with breakfast staples.
Located on the 4th floor of the brand new CAMBRiA Hotel, the crowning feature of the bar and lounge experience is the open concept bar and rooftop terrace premise (to keep in mind for warmer months). The full, covered bar opens to outdoor tables and lounge seating with a central fountain and garden.
Open 7 days a week for breakfast/brunch (6:30 AM – 7 AM start time) and dinner at 5 PM.
Great for: Date night, breakfast, cocktails, a nice night out, travelers, Shipyard beer.
🍸 Happy Hour is currently Monday – Thursday 5 PM – 7PM.
Inside the CAMBRiA Hotel at 25 Hancock Street, Portland
If Surviving the Old Port Scene 101 was a real class, then Gritty McDuff’s would be the lead instructor.
Serving up fresh local beer since its humble beginnings in 1988, Gritty McDuff’s is Maine’s first brewpub and one of its most beloved. Garnering awards such as Best Bar, Best Brewpub and Best Beer with its authentic English ales, “Gritty’s” is additionally praised for its easy-going atmosphere where revelers can comfortably pull up a chair at the copper-topped bar, and/or strike up a conversation at one of the beer hall style tables. With a prime location to take in the street life of the cobblestones of Wharf Street, Gritty’s is additionally a welcomed spot for the musically attuned. With their own line-up, Gritty’s assembles the best of the live and local.
If that wasn’t enough to tempt a visit, Gritty’s has one mean menu. Filled with a choice of juicy burgers (lamb, veggie and their own take on a smash burger), flavorful plates (See: Shepard’s Pie and the Ravioli and Pesto Cream Sauce), and bona fide lobster rolls.
Open 7 days a week 11:30 AM – 1 AM
Great for: Craft and local beer, live music, groups, bar seating, causal eats, sports, mug club, burgers and sandwiches, outdoor dining during warmer months, cozy winter dining.
396 Fore Street, Portland
What may come as an obvious pick for bakeries in Portland, Standard Baking Co. continuously succeeds in delighting tastebuds since its initial inception in the Old Port in 1995.
With artisanal baked goods and pastries (baked with organic ingredients), visiting company can expect a line at Standard Baking Co. on any given day (especially during the summer months), yet one that is worthy of the wait and has been perfectly streamlined over the 20 years of business (Tip: order ahead online!)
Handcrafting their baked goods throughout the day in their 12-ton, stone deck oven, at SBC you’ll find traditional French baguettes, hearty German Vollkornbrot, fragrant Focaccia, and all-organic Miche made from 100% Maine grown and milled whole grains. For those with a sweet tooth, SBC rolls out croissants, morning buns, pain au chocolat, brioche, and scones, all of which are prepared in plain view and often served still warm from the ovens.
Open seven days a week 8 AM- 5 PM
Great for: Fresh bread, sweet pastries, an authentic bakery feel, first-time Portland visitors.
75 Commercial Street, Portland
When in desperate need of some island-style vibes to cure your winter blues, let Paper Tiger be your guiding light.
Opening in early 2022, Paper Tiger ferociously rose to the top of the Old Port food chain with its playful and vibrant cocktail menu, central location, friendly service, and delectable bites. On the food side of the menu, visitors can expect raw bar offerings like oysters and crudo, in addition to poutine dishes and seafood centric plates. The cocktail program promises classic variations such their Trinidad Sour a hefty, tropical dreamboat with rye, orgeat, bitters, and lemon; and their Tropical Old Fashioned with plantation pineapple, smith and cross, allspice dram, and aromatic bitters.
Seating options at Paper Tiger including waterfall tables and booths that can sit larger parties (4 to 10 people), traditional bar seating and a concrete bar facing the large windows for prime people watching. During the warmer months, Paper Tiger has expansive patio seating along Fore Street.
Open until late night (1 AM) 7 days a week. Friday – Sunday open early for lunch at 11:30 AM.
Great for: Groups, bar seating, people watching, tropical drinks, a strong bar program, friendly service.
425 Fore Street, Portland
Missed December’s 4 spots to eat + drink? Check them out here.
