Big things are cooking in Portland!
This week, we’re getting a first look at Silver Street, a new restaurant from the team behind Taj Indian Cuisine, promising a fresh addition to the city’s dining scene. Over at Hunt & Alpine, renovations are all done, giving the beloved cocktail bar a refreshed vibe. Meanwhile, LB Kitchen is celebrating nine years — cheers to that! On the deals front, we’re rounding up some of the best happy hour specials in town. Plus, Maine Restaurant Week kicks off this weekend. Let’s dig in!
News Update
Anything from recent closings, openings, and headliners:Â
- Taj Indian Cuisine in South Portland has officially signed a lease at 35 Silver Street, the former home of The North Point. Owner Sai Guntaka shared with us that the new restaurant, Silver Street by Taj, is set to open in early April. The restaurant plans to operate seven days a week from 5 PM to 1 AM, featuring a bar program led by Jim Baldi and also Cody Brann, formerly of Mash Tun. Guests can look forward to a menu that includes beloved dishes from the original Taj, such as Tikka Masala, Samosas, and Saag Paneer, alongside exciting new creations. Guntaka envisions Silver Street by Taj as a welcoming and relaxed space where people can gather to enjoy great food, drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere.
- After a month of renovations, Hunt & Alpine has debuted their new look. Includes a sleek, modern new look with chic booth seating.Â
- As mentioned earlier this month, Off Track Pizza debuted their Jockey Bar. Open at 5pm, the upstairs bar includes a selection of cocktails, shots, packaged beer, in addition to their pizza and sandwich menu. Enjoy their Beer, Shot, Slice Combo for $11.Â
- Maine Restaurant Week returns this Saturday, March 1st and will run through Wednesday, March 12th. Celebrating 16 years, MRW initially began as a way to promote and show support to restaurants during the slower off-season months. Participating restaurants across the state will once again feature special offers, menus, and events that can only be found during this week. Participating Portland restaurants include The Knotted Apron, $3 Dollar Dewey, Papi, Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier, Ocotillo, Sur Lie, ViA VECCHiA, and The Armory Lounge. Learn more.
- Belleflower Brewing Co.’s is gearing up to celebrate their 4th anniversary.
- LB Kitchen celebrated their 9th anniversary this past weekend.
Happenings
Fun for the modern day foodie! Events, happenings, tastings, pop-ups, parties and more!
New Additions
- In case you missed it, Saturday was National Margarita Day. Here’s a glimpse at 4 spots where you can grab a margarita in Portland – includes El Rayo, Terlingua, Cantina Calafia, and Bar Publica.
- Enjoy Happy Hour at Terlingua daily from 3pm – 5pm. Deals on drinks, including $1 Jello Shots, $10 Margaritas, $10 Spirit of the Day, $5 Mocktails, $3 Tecates, $4 Modelos, $20 Tequila Flight, and $8 Wine Pours. Deals on food include a $9 Frito Pie and Pork Sliders and Brisket Sliders around $3-4 each.
- Enjoy Happy Hour at The Five of Clubs bar and lounge. Enjoy rotating drink specials every day 4pm – 6pm and all day Mondays (3pm -9 pm). Includes $2 oysters.Â
- Root Wild Kombucha runs Happy Hour every Monday – Thursday from 4pm – 6pm. 1/2 off your first pour of 12oz pour of kombucha, hard kombucha, or beer.
- Every Tuesday, you can get a shot of bourbon, a beer, and a delicious burger for just $16 at Bramhall
- If you’re looking for a place to work outside the office or your home, Belleflower Brewing Co.s’ ‘Work from Belle’ hours run weekly from 12pm – 3pm Tuesday through Friday. Enjoy free WiFi, plenty of parking, and a warm quiet space as well as deals on drinks ($3 N/A varieties, $4 short pours, $5 wines, $6 pints under 6%).Â
- The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa will be hosting a Fireside Chat and Tasting at the Ironside Whiskey Bar on Thursday, February 26th. A tasting journey with the El Tesoro Family of Agaves crafted by Master Distiller, Carlos Camarena. They will be talking about and tasting 4 expressions that vary in production methods and highlight unique resting vessels, blending the Whiskey and Agave worlds. $50 per person for a tasting of 4 spirits light snacks and Complimentary Valet Parking. Tax and Gratuity not included. Reservations can be made through Open Table.
- Wild Maine Wednesday with Orono Brewing Company at Bayside Bowl is set for Wednesday, March 5th 5pm – 8pm. Enjoy merch giveaways, new flavors feature and bowling, all leading up to Maine Brewers’ Guild’s New England Craft Brew Summit.
- Friends & Family will be hosting Solidarity Sundays once a month on as a way to raise money for local nonprofits. On Sunday, March 2nd they will be supporting Maine Needs with a kitchenware and socks and underwear drive. Bring a gently loved kitchen item and/or a *new* pack of socks or underwear and get $5 off your check. They’ll also be donating a portion of sales directly to Maine Needs.
Ongoing Events
- As mentioned last week, Bar Publica has debuted a new winter menu. Here’s a glimpse at new drinks + dishes from our recent visit!
- If you haven’t had a chance to check out Ocotillo’s dinner menu, here’s a glimpse at food +drink options from our recent visit! Open for Thursday – Monday from 5pm – 9pm with Happy Hour from 3pm – 5pm. Brunch/lunch can still be enjoyed Monday, Thursday, Friday from 9am – 3pm; Saturday & Sunday from 8am -3pm.
- As part of their year-long 15th anniversary celebration, Po’Boys & Pickles is offering 15% off Fried Pickles all February long.
- Enjoy Sunday Special at ViA VECCHiA. Bucatini & Meatballs for $20. Add a glass of red wine for $5.
- Rose Food’s annual Sandwich Series returns this Friday and will run through Sunday, April 6th. Every Friday – Sunday enjoy exciting sandwich collaborations from local eateries such as Mr. Tuna, REGARDS, Oga Suya, The Honey Paw, and more.
- Maine Brewers Guild’s Freshman Orientation will take place on Thursday, March 6th at The Thirsty Pig. A semiannual showcase of Maine’s newest breweries including Portland’s Camp Pennant, The Vinalhaven Community Brewing, Island Park Brewing and more.
- Isa Bistro is celebrating 10 years in March. On March 18th, they will be hosting a 10 Year Anniversary Dinner featuring a special menu and special dishes. More details to come!
Did we miss something? Have something exciting on the horizon for us to share? Shoot us an email at [email protected]
