Sharing some amazing recommendations on this Portland, Maine guide! Our trip took place in the early fall, but would recommend visiting any time of the year. We went to some really great cafes, bars, and restaurants that are a must if you are in the area. The city is so quaint, easy to get around via foot or Uber, and full of culture- it’s a must visit, especially if you are on the east coast! I hope this Portland, Maine guide can be an easy point of reference for a future trip (also check out my highlight on IG which captures moments in real time!)
Cafes
Holy Donuts – 11/10 must-go if you’re in the area! Award winning shop serving potato donuts + gourmet coffee- we loved the dark chocolate sea salt + apple cider donuts. Can’t recommend enough.
Tandem – Incredible coffee, pastries and sandwiches served in a converted 1960s gas station! Highly recommend you try the pastries, they are delicious (we loved the kimchi pastry).
Drinks
Batson River Brewery – Moody + chic brewhouse serving craft spirits, beers + bites! Recommended as a late lunch/ dinner option!
Lone Pine Brewery – Serves yummy beers with weekend food trucks! Great for outdoor seating and hangouts.
Blythe & Burrows – Vintage-inspired cocktail bar with house cocktails + upscale small plates. There is a speakeasy in the back, so definitely ask for that to enhance your experience 🙂
Root Wild Kombucha – Brewery that specializes in kombucha and tea infused beers – highly recommended if you like kombucha. Raspberry, Ginger and Lavender Pine were our faves!
Food
Even Tide – Tiny seafood joint with a raw bar, lobster rolls + cocktails. Lobster roll was delicious in taste but super, super tiny. Highly recommend the bloody mary + extra dirty dirty martini!
Luke’s Lobster – Very laid-back spot on the water. Lobster roll was yummy + fresh, but I wish it was a bit more lemony (my own personal preference). Overall the vibes and views were great here.
Taco Escobarr – Funky + colorful relaxed tavern known for its fish tacos + margs! Open until 1 AM.
Central Provisions -11/10 MUST-TRY! Eclectic menu + serving tapas style plates. Highly recommend the chop salad! Take a seat at the chef’s counter for a unique and personal experience. Can’t recommend this spot enough.
Street and Co – Simple & rustic bistro known for linguine with clams! We personally thought the food was way too salty, but service + ambiance were great.
Via Vecchia – Chic Italian restaurant offering small plates. Highly recommend the campanelle pasta!
Sightseeing
Peaks Island – Popular for biking + kayaking and accessible only by ferry! A few restaurants, cafes and markets are scattered around the harbor. Great for an early day/afternoon visit.
Dearing Oaks Park – Beautiful farmer’s market to walk around, small in size. Open Wednesday + Saturday 7am-1pm.
Cape Elizabeth, Portland Headlight – A staple to visit when in Portland. Oldest lighthouse in Maine – completed in 1791! If you plan to Uber there, schedule your return pickup because the service is extremely poor.
Shopping
Blanch and Mimi – Curated bundle of new + vintage treasures!
Gus and Ruby – Such a cute place to stop. Stationery boutique and letterpress print shop- personal favorite!
Sherman’s Bookstore – Maine’s oldest bookstore! A staple to visit 🙂
