News Update
Anything from recent closings, openings, and headliners:
- Low Key has opened at 89 Congress Street on Munjoy Hill. Just as the name suggests, Low Key is Munjoy Hill’s new causal spot, brought to Portland by Jin Yang owners Britt Langford and Leo Zheng. Transforming the former Blue Spoon space, Low Key’s menu is a combination of small bites, sandwiches and soft serve (which will include a soft serve takeout window open on the weekends). Will be open Wednesday – Sunday 4pm – 11pm. For a first look.
- Cong tu Bot’s Vien Dobui and chef Bounahcree Kim, have opened Oun Lido’s for “express takeout” inside the former Pat’s Pizza Old Port location, 30 Market Street. Renovations are still underway upstairs for the restaurant experience, which is expected to open in fall. Oun Lido’s is serving up Cambodian Cuisine Tuesday – Sunday 11am – 8pm. For a first look.
- Bissell Brothers Brewing Co.’s The Garden is set to open Saturday, May 11th. Seamlessly transforming Rosemont Market & Wine Bar’s former space next door into Thompson’s Point’s newest culinary haven, The Garden’s recent revamp places dinner service and a new elevated menu in the spotlight. Learn more.
- Liquid Riot has transferred ownership to Mike Fraser (Bramhall, Roma Cafe, CBG, Paper Tiger, Nosh, and Nosh Taco) and will undergo a rebrand in the process. The new restaurant will be called Camp Pennant, with a beverage line under the name Pennant Brewing & Distilling. The location will be given a refresh to encompass the new identity, but not undergo any major renovations. The space will have a casual, backyard lifestyle feel, have a nod to camping, and encompass the Maine outdoor lifestyle. Learn more.
- The Shop has reopened their ice cream and hot dog takeout window for the summer.
- Food from Cong tu Bot will now be available at Hardshore Distillery. Cong tu Bot has curated a menu of their favorites for Hardshore’s patio and tasting room this summer.
- Commerical Street’s Porttown Public House is set debut a new raw bar before the summer season arrives. This latest feature will showcase a delectable assortment of local oysters, shrimp, and a wide range of fresh seafood sourced directly from Free Range Fish & Lobster. Along with introducing a new raw bar, the restaurant will add outdoor seating and extend its hours to include a morning menu featuring breakfast and coffee. Learn more.
- The Press Hotel’s Union Restaurant has debuted their lounge and bar “glow up”. Debuting renovations alongside their new spring menu, Executive Chef Christian Bassett has curated a selection of dishes that use local Maine ingredients from land to sea. Here’s a first look.
Events, Tastings, and More
Fun for the modern day foodie! Events, happenings, tastings, pop-ups, parties and more!
New Additions
- Enjoy happy hour at The Clam Bar every Monday – Friday 3pm until 6pm. Includes deals on food, $6 craft beer and $6 Painkillers.
- James Beard Award nominee Woodford Food & Beverage, is hosting a Beard Party Tuesday, May 14th. They’ll be making up rafts of old-school hors d’oeuvres, spinning sweet tunes and raising a glass in appreciation to the communities’ unwavering support. The event is cash bar and a suggested donation of $20 which will go to Locket Project Maine.
- Crispy Gai’s 3rd annual Dinner Together in Celebration of AAPI Heritage Month is set for Monday, May 20th. 5 local chefs join for a 5 course dinner to benefit unified Asian communities. This year you’ll see featured dishes from: Mitr, Thanh Thanh 2, Little Brother Chinese Food, Banh Appetit, Amadeus Florendo, and a special drink pairing by Matcha Mood!
- The 2nd annual Feel Good Funk Fest is set for Thursday, May 30th – Saturday, June 1st. 3 days of live music, food and art. Learn more.
Ongoing Events
- Kölsch Day returns to Bissell Brothers Portland taproom on Thursday, May 16th. They’ll be celebrating the annual release of SchluckeBrau – their take on the classic easy-drinking ale originating from Cologne, Germany – with a day of Kölsch Service. Expect trays (kranzs) full of glasses (stanges) going from table to table. Bissell Brothers Kitchen will be rocking an appropriately German-style menu full of specials for the day. This year BB is asking folks to please sign up for a 2-hour seating ahead of time.
- Onggi Ferments will be hosting a Hana Makgeolli demo and tasting on Friday, May 17th. A fun evening to meet founder and brewer Alice Jun, learn how to make your own makgeolli homebrew, and taste exclusive cuvées.
- Austin Street Brewery will be celebrating their 10th anniversary with a special bash on Saturday, May 18th. Festivities include a live band, food trucks (Great Wave Sushi, Eighty 8 Donuts, Vintage Dogs), a special beer release, face painting, raffle and more.
- Definitive Brewing Co. is celebrating their 6th anniversary on Saturday, May 18th. In Portland, they will be celebrating with a bounce house for kids, live music with 90 Miles Away from 12-3pm and Tumbledown Saints from 3-6pm, and food trucks!
- Other Side Diner is hosting a pop-up Greek BBQ Night on Friday, May 24th as part of their pop-up dinner series. Taking limited reservations, walk ins welcome.
Did we miss something? Have something exciting on the horizon for us to share? Shoot us an email at info@portlandoldport.com
