Now that Portland has officially become a food and beverage destination, there’s an ever-changing lineup of restaurants and bars that can be difficult to keep up with. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below are the most recent openings in Portland as well as a few ‘coming soon’ that you should have on your radar.
Rathskeller On Wharf
Months in the making, Rathskeller On Wharf is located in the space once inhabited by the defunct 51 Wharf dance club. Rathskeller On Wharf features a menu of upscale pub food, like burgers and a spin on a true Italian sandwich. Late night crowds can often feast on specialty pizza. They also feature signature cocktails as well as their own Wharf Street Ale.
Friends & Family
Taking over the space at 593 Congress Street is a new bar/cafe called Friends & Family. The cozy spot has already become a hit with locals thanks to a great selection of drinks and snacks. That is, if you call pizza a snack. Friends & Family already has a growing reputation for the pizza they’re serving up. Friends & Family also offers up goodies to take on-the-run, including bottles of wine.
Wayside Tavern
Located next to the Francis Hotel at 747 Congress Street, Wayside Tavern is a perfect spot for those looking to grab an upscale small or large plate of delicious sustenance. Don’t let the tavern in the name fool you, the menu features everything from mussels to foie gras to a classic burger as well as an extensive wine list for any patron to settle in with.
The Clam Bar
Formerly the home of Benny’s Famous Fried Clams, The Clam Bar currently sits at 199 West Commercial Street as a food trailer with a patio and a killer view. As one might assume from their name, clams are on the menu in chowder form as well as lobster rolls, loaded hot dogs and oysters. There’s also a selection of craft beers and cocktails on their menu.
Butcher Burger
Once home to Royale Lunch Bar, Butcher Burger has opened at 7 Union Street. The name may sound familiar, as the restaurant was founded in 2014 with a seasonal location in Old Orchard Beach. They eventually opened a year-round location in Bethel and now a second year-round location in Portland. They specialize in burgers and feature an entirely Maine-based draft list.
Tokyo Sushi and Ramen
Portland Old Port
Formerly home to BRGR Bar, Tokyo Sushi and Ramen opened at 11 Brown Street in late-Summer. Tokyo Sushi is a spinoff location of a popular Windham restaurant Eagle Sushi and Steakhouse. Tokyo Sushi has a vast menu, featuring everything from sushi to hibachi offerings. They also feature a large drink menu.
Portland Old Port
The Portland Board
When it comes to food trucks, it feels like Portland has just about everything for every taste. Then again, maybe not. Operating out of a vintage 1979 Volkswagen Bus, the Portland Board offers up a variety of charcuterie boards, both large and small. The Portland Board plans to collaborate with local businesses on events in the future. Don’t forget, you can find your favorite trucks through the FoodTrux app.
Flores
Flores isn’t necessarily new to Portland as they’ve been operating a location at 863 Congress Street serving up classic recipes from El Salvador. But they have opened a new, second location at 437 Congress Street in the space that once housed Mainely Wraps. The menu will look familiar to fans of Latin cuisine, with a twist.
Falafel Time
Once a long standing Papa John’s location, Falafel Time has opened at 1053 Forest Avenue. Falafel time serves as a dual bakery and vegetarian restaurant serving up authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Falafel Time joins a series of other restaurants along Forest Avenue as Portland’s most diverse road of offerings grows.
More Coming Soon…
The Frying Dutchman
Located inside the Portland Public Market, the Frying Dutchman has been teasing some of their offerings via social media for weeks. They’ll be serving up Dutch-style fries in cones with toppings piled on. The Frying Dutchman plans on opening before the end of 2021.
Free Street
Moving into the space left behind by Binga’s Stadium, Free Street is promising to be a new hotspot for exciting cocktails and intriguing menu items. Free Street has been teasing some significant changes to the inside of the restaurant, including building out a performance space. They’ve also been previewing some of their drink offerings, including the Recess, topped with an ice cream sandwich.
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