Visiting Portland for the first time and wondering where to get your food and drink on? Or maybe you’re just a local looking for your hangout spot? Either way, here are 4 spots in Portland, Maine for foodies to try this August – including a restaurant and cocktail bar, a cafe, a staple on the scene, and a food truck!
The Newbie - The Danforth
Opening at the end of July, The Danforth is the West End’s newest neighborhood restaurant and late night bar backed by the reputable Gin & Luck, the parent company of the popular Death & Company, which has locations in NYC, LA and Denver.
Categorized as an American restaurant, The Danforth offers local fare based on quality and comfort, in addition to a strong cocktail program. The menu consists of seasonal ingredients built into nourishing dishes that are simply and honestly presented. What does that mean? Think Oysters, Dry Aged Ribeye with blistered vine tomato, Beef Tartare with lemon vinaigrette, Corn Succotash, Flake Crudo with strawberry, fenell and lemon, and more.
Open Wednesday – Monday, Bar 4 PM – 1 AM, Dinner 6 PM – 12 AM.
: 211 Danforth Street
The Staple - The Porthole
Waterfront views, weekly live music, and fresh lobster – there’s a reason why The Porthole is the way Portland does summer!
Continuing their reign on the Portland scene, The Porthole has a laid back atmosphere and a classic Maine feel making it a great place to meet and mingle. Better yet – the Porthole is dog-friendly, which means you can celebrate with ALL your besties.
The biggest deck in Portland also welcomed some new additions this summer. New features to their expansive deck including a ship-shaped oyster bar.
Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks! Sunday – Thursday 7 AM – 9 PM, Friday + Saturday until 10 PM.
: 20 Custom House Wharf, Portland
The Food Truck - Eat It & Beet It
The second newbie on this list, Eat It & Beet It food truck made its’ debut earlier this year, hitting the ground running by popping up around Portland and multiple breweries, including Belleflower Brewing Co., Goodfire Brewing Co. and Bunker Brewing Co.
Providing handcrafted gourmet burgers and sides to both meat and plant-based diets, Eat It & Beet It even has gluten free options. All sides are gluten free and all burgers have gluten free capability. Recent specials included their Poutine Burger with your choice of patty (beef or house-made beet patty), cheddar cheese, fries, house made gravy, and local cheese curds and their Sweet and Sour burger with your choice of patty, Swiss cheese, grilled pineapple, sautéed peppers and onions, lettuce, and their own sweet and sour sauce recipe!
Schedule drops weekly on Instagram.
The Personal Pick - Smalls
A cafe and marketplace in Portland’s West End, Smalls has a little bit of everything – especially fun, colorful and local.
Visit during the daytime for a variety of coffee drinks, Standard Baking Co. bread, breakfast sandwiches, small plates, marketplace, wellness goods, local gifts, and of course, WIFI. Join Smalls in the PM for a thoughtfully curated menu of small plates, wine, beer, cocktails, oysters, and more. Indoor dining consists of both bar seating and an alcove window table.
But why do we love Smalls so much? Highlights include the vibrant decor that embraces you immediately at the door, the good tunes, the inviting and friendly staff, and the ricotta tartine with poached peaches that will leave yearning for a second serving.
Open 6 days a week, 8 AM – 8 PM Thursday – Tuesday.
: 28 Bracket Street, Portland