Portland chef and restaurateur Harding Lee Smith, and his partner and wife Sarah Smith will be undertaking a new expansion project called The Side Bar.
With the recent closure of The Swiss Time shop at 86 Exchange Street, Chef Harding moved on an opportunity to expand the OG Portland steakhouse, The Grill Room. Chef Harding is currently working with the city on permitting, with a goal of opening reservations by peak summer.
As the city of Portland continues to welcome business travelers, tourists, and newly weds, the need for private, intimate dining experiences has grown. The Side Bar intends to fill this need within the city, offering chef-crafted private dining to those wishing to indulge in the signature menu the Grill Room has become known for. In addition, Chef Harding has ensured business travelers needs are met with plans to equip the space with necessary audio and visual equipment for presentations, meetings, and more.
Giving the Side Bar it’s title – the expanded space will include the addition of a raw bar serving up one of Maine’s most classic delicacies, oysters! The Portland Old Port team can’t think of a better way to run a meeting – full bar, fresh seafood, and a complete menu of grilled steaks and classic sides!
Chef Harding has a 17 year successful track record of creating fine dining experiences throughout Portland & beyond, including the The Front Room Restaurant & Bar, The Corner Room Italian Kitchen & Bar, The Mountain Room on Sunday River & The Last Run Room slopeside at the Grand Summit Hotel, and of course, The Grill Room & Bar
