If you’re hosting a wedding, birthday party, graduation dinner, or bachelorette brunch, you need plenty of room for friends and family to gather and celebrate. Whether you’re looking for a spot to meet up for a casual afternoon before the main event or a decadent dinner celebration, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spots to book for a crowd. Remember to call to reserve seats in advance – in peak celebration season, space is limited!
Did we miss your favorite spot for a large-party celebration? Let us know by emailing [email protected] or tell us about it in the comments.
Group Favorites
Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room: Boone’s has been operating on the Portland Harbor since 1898, serving local seafood in their two dining rooms – each with a spacious outdoor deck overlooking the harbor. Their upstairs event space and deck is available to rent for parties of up to 120 people for any occasion. Boone’s staff will even assist with event coordination and custom menu planning to fully personalize your affair and make it memorable for each and every guest.
Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub: Gritty’s is a great spot for everyone in your group! Offering both patio dining along Wharf Street and beer hall-style dinning indoors, Gritty’s brewed on-site beers, tasty pub grub, and live music all come together to create a casual, celebratory vibe that can fit everyone’s tastes.
Photo: Rigby Yard
Rigby Yard: Located in a historic train depot, this all-day coffee bar, restaurant, and beer hall is a great place to stop by for a few hours of work (or wedding planning) during the day, pre-dinner craft cocktails, late-night happy hour, or a casual dinner with a crowd. Their spacious interiors and large tables offer plenty of room to gather for any occasion.
Rising Tide Brewing Company: This family-owned brewery in the vibrant neighborhood of East Bayside is perfect for parties & events, or to stop by with a group of friends. Since opening in 2010, they have hosted weddings, corporate events, social events, small gatherings, and everything in-between. You can have your party indoor, outdoor, or a mix of both! In addition to the space, you can explore their catering options with “The Galley”.
Three Dollar Dewey’s: “Portland’s Original Alehouse” is known for its extensive draft beer selection, friendly atmosphere, and a menu of elevated pub fare – extensive vegan and gluten-free options alongside Portland’s largest lobster roll means that their selection fits everyone’s needs, regardless of dietary restrictions and preferences. They have plenty of room to gather and an easy location for out-of-towners to find.
Union at The Press Hotel: The focus at Union Restaurant is on local Maine ingredients and community. The convenient location inside The Press Hotel makes this the perfect location for a cocktail party, rehearsal dinner, or birthday party. Book their Market Table for a semi-private dining experience with a custom menu from Union’s culinary team. For reservations and information, email [email protected].
Via Vecchia: This Italian restaurant is housed in a picturesque ivy-covered building on a historic cobblestone street in Portland’s Old Port. The location alone is enough to wow out-of-town guests, but the opulent interior, thoughtful small plates menu, and renowned cocktail program promise to impress with each step of the night. They can accommodate parties of up to twelve guests in their main dining room, and offer the option to book their back room for a more private setting. For pricing and information, email [email protected].
Keep Things Private
Chaval: This Neighborhood brasserie in the West End is known for seasonal French and Spanish small plates, creative cocktails, and great hospitality. Book their PDR backroom for parties of 8-12. If you’re looking to host a larger group, Chaval offers an indoor/outdoor backroom or patio buyout for up to 25 people with a signature multi-course family-style menu. For more information and reservations, email [email protected] and mark ATTN: Stephanie.
East Ender: This neighborhood favorite focuses on elevated casual fare in their cozy space in the East End. Stop by their first-floor bar for drinks and snacks, or book a table or event in the hunting-lodge-inspired Hideaway upstairs. For more information and pricing details, email [email protected].
David’s: Booking a business lunch or large party dinner? David’s Monument Square, the anchor of Chef David Turin’s Maine restaurant group, offers the perfect atmosphere. The interior is designed around Portland’s history and is perfect for entertaining out-of-town guests. Build a custom menu from the team’s comfort food favorites or book the back room for a fully private affair. For more information, Call 207 773 4340 and ask to speak with Kim.
Old Port Sea Grill: The Old Port Sea Grill & Raw Bar is a great place to host a seafood-focused dinner for a crowd. They can accommodate up to 60 guests in their modern-designed dining room and will help customize the experience to fit your unique needs. Fill out their inquiry form to get more information and book your event.
Fit for a Crowd
Après: Looking for a laid-back, gluten-free afternoon? Head to Après for craft hard seltzer and cider made from fresh, whole, and local ingredients. Their spacious tasting room and patio are perfect for hosting your group in a brewery atmosphere without battling with gluten. Snack on their house-made small plates or grab lunch from one of the visiting food trucks during the summer months.
Flatbread Company: If you’re planning a party with children involved, bring the whole family to Flatbread Company for lunch or dinner. The adults will love the opportunity to sip beer by the water; the kids will love the family-friendly atmosphere; and everybody will love the handmade pizza menu full of creative, locally sourced ingredients and combinations.
Rí Rá Irish Pub: Start or finish a night downtown at Rí Rá, a classic Irish pub on the water. Grab a Guinness and let the cozy atmosphere transport you to old-time Ireland. The two-story space offers ample opportunity to gather for a casual drink or pint downstairs, while upstairs calls for a more elevated dining experience, complete with waterfront views. For a raucous night out, Rí Rá frequently hosts live music in the Victorian Bar.
Whether you are hosting a group of friends or planning a weekend gathering for the whole family, Portland offers plenty of spacious options to gather with a group. Book a private room for dinner or simply stake out a large table at one of our many neighborhood bars — what really matters is that you’re surrounded by good company. Let us know about your favorite spots for large party gatherings in the comments!
