Touchdowns, tackles, and tasty bites! The cheers of dedicated football fans echo through the streets of Portland, Maine as football season has returned!
Whether you’re a die-hard Patriots supporter, a Green Bay Packers enthusiast, or simply a lover of the game, Portland has got you covered with all the NFL action. From lively sports bars to cozy brewpubs, this charming city boasts an array of fantastic venues where you can catch the gridiron action while savoring delicious food and drinks.
So, grab your jersey, don your team colors, and join us on a journey to explore the nine best places to watch football games in Portland, Maine.
Voted Best Pub in Portland Old Port’s Best of Awards in both 2022 and 2023, Three Dollar Deweys, known as “Portland’s Original Ale House,” is your prime destination for catching football games in Portland, Maine. With a rustic yet inviting atmosphere (not to mention spacious), an extensive menu that caters to all tastes (burgers, sandwiches, lobster mac and cheese, fish and chips) and an impressive beer selection, it’s the ultimate spot to enjoy the game. Plus, they offer exclusive events for their Mug Club members and show their appreciation for first responders and healthcare workers with a 20% discount.
Where football meets waterfront in Portland, The Porthole has the biggest tailgate party on the deck – now and every Patriots game this football season!
The Porthole in Portland is the premier spot for football with a view. With its waterfront deck, fresh seafood, and a lineup of great beers and drinks, it’s where locals and visitors come together. Last year, they even added three massive 100-inch outdoor TVs for a tailgating experience like no other. Enjoy the game, the sea breeze, and a true taste of Maine at The Porthole.
Henry’s Public House knows how to properly do game day.
Nestled in the heart of the historic Old Port district, Henry’s Public House is an American tavern that captures the essence of Portland. Inspired by local poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, upstairs at Henry’s is your go-to spot for game day fun. It’s where you want to be when the game is on.
Dock Fore, nestled in the historic Old Port neighborhood, is your quintessential local sports bar. Known for gourmet jello shots and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot for game day. Open from noon on Sundays, and with up to six TVs, you won’t miss a moment of the action at Dock Fore.
Dock Fore Tavern keeps the good times going with a NFL Specials. Enjoy $3.95 mimosas until 7pm, and $1.97 pints from 3-7pm. Monday night football includes deals like 20oz Sam Adam’s for $3.95. On Thursday football nights get 20oz Smuttynose for $3.95. Plus, enjoy a menu featuring fresh crab and lobster. Sports, history, and charm converge at Dock Fore.
Foundation Brewing Co. isn’t just about great beer and delicious Detroit-style pizza (captures the essence of their Michigan roots); it’s also a go-to spot for watching the NFL games (in addition to University of Michigan games). Located in Portland since 2014, they’ve been serving up a diverse range of beer styles that cater to all tastes on game day (choose from a line-up of Pilsners, lagers, sour fruit beers, American Pale Ales, and IPAs.)
When game day arrives, Foundation Brewing Co. has created the perfect atmosphere for enjoying the thrilling NFL action. Plus, they’re patio (available year-round and has heaters available in fall/winter) is pet-friendly, so your four-legged friends can join in the fun.
Commercial Street Pub, proudly embracing its status as a dive bar in the heart of Portland’s Old Port, is where the good times roll. This informal gastropub is all about drinks, hearty burgers, tacos, and some seriously delicious chicken tenders. When football season rolls around, it becomes a football fan’s paradise.
With ten TVs and the promise of showing every NFL game on Sunday, Commercial Street Pub is the place to be to catch the action. It’s where you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and a welcoming crowd, making it the ideal spot to kick back, watch football, and have a great time in the Old Port.
Oddfellahs opened it’s doors this August and became Maine’s first retail sports wagering location. This venue features 35 televisions, multiple sports betting kiosks, and 85 seats, making it the perfect place to watch the game with friends. They will even open early for international NFL games, while offering a special brunch.
Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub in Portland is the spot for NFL excitement. With TVs and spacious beer hall-style tables, it’s the ideal place to gather with friends and fellow fans. Since 1988, Gritty’s has been crafting great beers and serving top-notch pub food, all while fostering an incredible atmosphere for game day (and having a blast while doing so). Whether you’re perched at their copper-topped bar, or engaging in lively conversations at their communal tables communal tables, Gritty McDuff’s offers the perfect setting to savor the game and share good times! Gritty’s streams NFL games that are available on Fox, CBS, ESPN and Thursdays on Prime.
Fore Play Sports Pub proudly carries the title of “Portland’s Original Sports Bar,” and it’s been serving up beers and cheers for an impressive 24 years. When it comes to sports, this establishment knows its game. With sports packages galore, an abundance of TVs, and a host of old-school bar games like pool, foosball, and air hockey, Fore Play Sports Pub is the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts. This sports pub has been a Portland institution for a reason.
The Garden by Bissell Brothers features a large space with screens to watch the game. In addition to brews from Bissell Brothers, they also have food food inspired by Northern Italy and the Adriatic Sea.
Smoked Portland is the perfect spot to catch a game. In addition to wings, burgers, and BBQ, they have sports memorabilia throughout to get you in the zone. They have TVs all around the space, making sure you never miss a play.
A timeless Irish experience with NFL thrills! Rí Rá’s Irish Pub is your ticket to the cozy ambiance of an Irish pub from yesteryears, and it’s the perfect spot for gathering and catching NFL games. With interiors salvaged and restored in Ireland, this two-level pub boasts three unique areas, including the main Victorian Bar and The Shop Pub, making it ideal for sports enthusiasts (in addition to NFL games, Rí Rá’s Irish Pub is a gathering hub for rugby and soccer games!) And while you’re here, savor a Guinness on tap. Rí Rá’s Irish Pub is where you can embrace Irish heritage while cheering on your favorite team in Portland.
