The Portland food and beverage scene is serving up some big news and festive vibes!
Oxbow Brewing Co. makes a bold move by acquiring Rising Tide, blending two local favorites into one powerhouse. Meanwhile, Esquire names Oun Lido among the Best Restaurants of 2024—another win for Maine’s culinary cred. Plus, Novel introduces The Archive, a sleek new bar space open on weekends. And let’s not forget the season’s best —holiday cocktails, pop-up bars, and festive happenings are lighting up the town.
News Update
Anything from recent closings, openings, and headliners:
- Oxbow Brewing Company has announced plans to acquire Rising Tide Brewing Company by the end of 2024. The two Maine-based breweries, which have shared a collaborative relationship since the early 2010s, will continue to operate independently under Rising Tide’s name despite the new ownership structure. Learn more.
Oun Lido’s was named one of The Best New Restaurants in America, 2024 by Esquire.
- Novel – Portland’s book bar and cafe – has launched their new bar, The Archive. Open Fridays & Saturdays from 5pm-11pm as well as for special events, The Archive is located in Novel’s lower level where weekly events, readings, shows take place.
- HiFi Donuts is going on a winter break from December 8th, 2024 – January 7th, 2025.
Happenings
Fun for the modern day foodie! Events, happenings, tastings, pop-ups, parties and more!
New Additions
- Looking for Christmas Eve and Christmas dine-in options? Maybe baked goods or holiday meals for preorder? Check out POP’s Christmas Food Guide: Pre-Order and Dine-in Options. Options include a Feast of the Seven Fishes at Regards and more!
- What are you doing New Year’s Eve? For special dine-in options and festive parties happening this New Year’s Eve in Portland, be sure to check out POP’s holiday guide: Where to Dine In, Take Out or Hang Out For New Year’s Eve. Includes Roma Cafe, Evo Kitchen + Bar, Central Provisions, Knotted Apron, and Mr. Tuna.
- Happy hour at Duckfat is back for winter! Enjoy deals on bites and sips Monday – Thursday from 3pm – 5pm.
- Step inside Luke’s Lobster’s Lobster Trap Tree! Luke’s is all decked out for the holidays including their very own Giving Tree, where they are collecting donations for MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital this December!
- Holiday cocktails are all around! New debuts this week include Lazzari’s “I give you the Griswold family Christmas tree”, and Rigby Yard’s Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini!
Fa-la-la-palooza at Room for Improvement is happening all month long! A month long holiday extravaganza with a dedicated menu of tasty holiday cocktails and holiday decorations.
- Burger Night at Sissle & Daughters is happening Wednesday, December 11th. Preorder to reserve your Bistro Burger: Brandied Onions, melty Comte, and Dijon on a Fish & Whistle Bun. Served with crispy red potatoes and a Pimenton Aioli.
- Camp Pennant is hosting Camp Supper on Tuesday, December 17th. Serving up a hearty 4-Course Porchetta Dinner.
Ongoing Events
- Holiday menus are live – includes the addition of holiday-inspired cocktails at EVO (the Nutcracker and the Ice Queen) and ViA VECCHiA (resting Grinch Face shown above)!
- Camp Pennant has introduced their Camp’s Mug Club Starting January 1st, 2025. Limited to 100 members, you can swing into Camp Pennant now to reserve.
- Santa at Salt Yard is happening Saturday, December 14th. Salt Yard Cafe + Bar’s holiday event includes treats from Santa, holiday movies and activities, and a hot chocolate bar. Families and four-legged friends welcome!
- Bissell Brothers’ annual Angels Day set for Saturday, December 14th. Sharing four versions of their annual barrel-aged maple porter.
Did we miss something? Have something exciting on the horizon for us to share? Shoot us an email at [email protected]
