Portland is abuzz with TWO new openings and a full list of exciting events to welcome in spring!
We’re thrilled to announce the grand openings of Cantina Calafia and Sacred Profane Brewing, adding vibrant flavors and craft brews to our gastronomic scene. But the excitement doesn’t end there – as St. Patrick’s Day approaches, we’ve rounded up the best spots to revel in Irish cheer, from festive parades to lively celebrations. Plus, prepare your taste buds for a Maine Maple Sunday Brunch, a Sake Dinner and a Wine Sail with Sur Lie’s Chef Mimi Weissenborn. It’s all right here!
News Update
Anything from recent closings, openings, and headliners:
- Cantina Calafia will be opening for dinner service on Wednesday, March 13th. Bonobo Owners Dominique Gonzalez and Justin Grey have spent the last two years renovating and reinventing their space at 46 Pine Street in the West End. Offering a Alta + Baja California Mexican menu, the restaurant and bar will be open Wednesday – Saturday starting at 4pm. Here’s a sneak peek.
- Sacred Profane Brewing has officially opened at Thompson’s Point within the former Stroudwater Distilling space. The first Portland location, second in Maine, Sacred Profane Brewing is serving a selection of Pale/Dark Lagers as well as draft pours from other local breweries, and a snack menu with cold/warm lobster rolls, kraut dog, hummus plate and more. Open Friday – Sunday from 11am – 11pm.
- Helm Oyster Bar & Bistro has officially closed. As reported earlier this year, Helm’s last night of service was March 8th.
- Judy Gibson Owner/Chef Chris Wilcox will be popping-up across Portland this summer under the new business name, Flash’s Barbeque. He will be offering St.Louis-style barbecue with the same Judy Gibson touch. More details to come. Judy Gibson closed in November 2023.
- The Holy Donut celebrates ONE DOZEN years at their Park Avenue location March 12th.
- Bird & Co. celebrated 5 years on March 11th.
Events, Tastings, and More
Fun for the modern day foodie! Events, happenings, tastings, pop-ups, parties and more!
New Additions
- St. Patrick’s Day is this Sunday, March 17th. We’ve broken down where to celebrate in Portland, Maine – includes live music, drink specials and special Irish-style menus!
- Igloo dining at Portland Harbor Hotel’s Harbor Bistro & Terrace is closing March 31st. Make a reservation online.
- Orange Bike Brewing is hosting a Tap & Taste, Gluten Free Tasting with 2Gether We Cook on Wednesday, March 13th.
- Bard Coffee is hosting Thursday Night Latte Art Throwdown on Thursday, March 14th. This iconic event invites all levels and all bodies to battle for the winners belt and title of best in Maine.
- Bar Futo is hosting a Maine Maple Sunday Brunch on Sunday, March 24th.
- East Ender is hosting Jimmy Drink World’s Pop-Punk Karaoke on Sunday, March 24th. Dance, drink, and sing your heart out to emo classics.
- Chaval is hosting a Sake Dinner on Tuesday, March 26th.
- The annual Feel Good Portland Funk Fest is returning to East Bayside Thursday, May 30th – Saturday, June 1st. 3 days of music, food, and art, participating locations include Maine Craft Distilling, Aprés, Oxbow Blending & Bottling, and The Portland Zoo.
- Portland Wine Week has announced upcoming Wine Wise events including a Wine & Food Sail with Chef Mimi Weissenborn of Surlie on Sunday, June 16th.
Ongoing Events
- Belleflower Brewing Co. 3rd anniversary celebration, “Homecoming” is happening Saturday, March 23rd. David Rogers Berry will be spinning vinyl from 12 – 3pm, plus tacos from Ironclad Eats and cupcakes from Clyde’s Cupcakes based out of Belleflower farm’s home of NH. They will also be dropping their fresh line-up of new tees and glassware for spring.
- A little friendly competition between local bartenders for a good cause! Batson River Brewing & Distilling will be hosting their Annual ChopTails Cocktail Competition Monday, March 25th, 2024 at their Portland location. A portion of the event proceeds to benefit Maine Needs.
- Oxbow Blending & Bottling will be hosting a Maine Oystah Palooza on Friday, March 22nd. Oysters and more from Highroller, Jolie Rogers, Mr. Tuna, Love Point Osysters, Ferda Farms, and Maine Oyster Company. Tickets.
- Maine’s first CiderFeast will be taking place at Oxbow Blending & Bottling, Sunday May 12th. This ALL-INCLUSIVE tasting event celebrates craft ciders from some of the top cider makers in New England and beyond.
- A few of Portland’s finest are going on a winter break:
- Leeward is on a break Tuesday, March 12th – Saturday, March 16th.
- Bao Bao Dumpling House will be closed now through the end of March.
Did we miss something? Have something exciting on the horizon for us to share? Shoot us an email at info@portlandoldport.com
