Now open for business! Showing no signs of slowing down in growth and popularity (Did you see that Portland was just titled #8 Best Places to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report?) Portland has been busy gearing up for new openings these last few months for Summer 2021. Unable to contain our excitement, we have taken the time to round up the recent June and July openings in Portland that you should add ASAP to your after-work, weekend, vacation, etc. itinerary.
Located in East Bayside on Anderson Street, Après is Portland’s newest craft seltzer + cider house. With their house-brewed hard cider, seltzer concoctions, and a beautiful tasting room, Après aims to redefine the experience of craft beverages in Vacationland. Après is also the city’s first hard seltzer producer.
After a soft-opening weekend, Après will be reopening their doors this Friday-Sunday starting at noon.
Serving Costa Rican and Caribbean Fare in the growing Knightville neighborhood of South Portland, the long awaited Cafe Louis opened its doors this past month. Both a small cafe and bakery, Cafe Louis offers brunch during the day, while at night, they offer small plates as a bar and restaurant. Opened by Eaux Chef/Owner Evan Richardson with business partner Ben Ferri, Richardson has Costa Rican and Honduran family, which is the inspiration behind the cuisine.
You can visit Cafe Louis Thursday-Monday 8 AM-3 PM and 5 PM-10 PM
How does elevated sandwiches and salads sound? Sounds pretty darn good, right? If you agree, then you will want to head on over and visit the recently opened Cera (Latin for honeycomb, and hence the honeycomb symbol) in Monument Square.
Open 7 days a week from 11 AM -8 PM for counter service dine-in, meals-to-go, and corporate catering options, the menu includes sandwiches (we are eyeing the Peaches The Pig with house-smoked ham, cheddar, peach-jalapeno chutney, and Greenleaf lettuce), wraps, paninis, salads and more. Everyone loves a company that does good, so it is important to mention that Cera is officially a B Corporation, which focuses on supporting bees and beekeeping, and the importance of both in the food system.
MJ’S Wine Bar turned Citrus, a cocktail bar and dance club that brings bright, fresh fun to the heart of Portland, Maine. Now officially open, Citrus promises frozen drinks, tasty snacks and citrusy cocktails with the dance club experience that adults have been longing. Hours are Thursday – Saturday 7 PM– 1 AM, and Sunday 2 PM – 8 PM. If you are asking when does the party start? Live DJ entertainment starts at 9 pm.
You can find their full list of calendar events here.
If you were hitting the takeout scene hard during the pandemic then Crispy Gai may be no new name for you. Working hard all winter and spring, the highly anticipated opening finally has happened. Previously home to Eaux (which is just moving to a larger space!), Crispy Gai can be found in the heart of the Old Port at 90 Exchange Street.
Launched by Chefs Jordan Rubin (of Mr. Tuna) and Cyle Reynolds, Crispy Gai is inspired by years of living in Bangkok and represents a small tribute to a vibrant people and culture that they hold in great reverence. Thai-influenced dishes include Hat Yai Fried Chicken (brined and fried extra crispy topped with fried shallots), Sichuan Wings, Gaeng Pet Wings, and more!
Indoor dining and takeout are available. Open Wednesday-Sunday 4PM-10PM.
I am sure you have been scrolling through your IG feed lately going, “what’s the deal with this new rooftop bar?” That’s Luna.
Attached to the recently built 135-room Canopy Hotel, Luna is “for stargazers, dreamers, and beyond” and the crown jewel of the hotel. Open nightly from 4 PM-11 PM on a walk-in basis only, Luna’s atmosphere captures the vibrant and artistic spirit of this small city, with communal tables, intimate lounge areas, and accordion glass walls that welcome the outside in. With indoor and outdoor seating, Luna overlooks Portland’s waterfront from Commercial Street and features a mix of classic and contemporary cocktails.
But Luna isn’t the only new opening at The Canopy gaining attention. Their industrial-chic street-level cafe, Salt Yard, is now open as well. Getting its name from the salt-glazed earthenware that was produced next door in the nineteenth century, celebrating the city’s vibrant working waterfront, Salt Yard serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as coffee from Rwanda Bean Company. You can stop by for a hand-crafted latte and pasty, or linger over lunch inside their inviting cafe which hosts a wood-fire oven (with all the action!) at the focus.
You can officially say we are stocked for Stacks! Just opening this past week, Stacks Pancake Co. located at 139 Riverside Street is bound to be your new go-to when you’re craving a pancake breakfast. Offering a unique take on the breakfast staple, Stacks will be open for breakfast and lunch all day. Every good pancake needs something to wash it all down with, so expect mimosas, bloody marys, and coffee from Arabica.
