In this week’s report, we’ve got the rundown of two new openings which includes Portland’s first board game cafe and bar, and Bayside’s new cocktail bar and dance spot. Plus, new owners are moving into the former Petite Jacqueline space and Novel debuts their Secret Garden.
Here’s the rundown of the latest culinary news in Portland, Maine’s food and drink scene!
News Update
Anything from recent closings, openings, and headliners:
- Nominations for Portland Old Port’s Best of 2024 Awards are now open. Nominate your favorite in categories such as Best Overall Restaurant, Beer Bar, Iced Coffee, Burger, Cocktail Bar and more (over 130 categories). Nominations will remain open until 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 30th.
- Bar Publica opened this past weekend at 82 Hanover Street in Portland’s Bayside neighborhood. Bar Publica features a rotating menu of delicious Pan-Latin American street food and fresh, quality cocktails. The space features a relaxed indoor atmosphere, an expansive front patio, and a stunning rooftop. By night, Bar Publica transforms into an energetic scene with DJs, dancing, and live music. They will be open from 4pm – 1am this week through Friday. After that, they plan to be open every day from 12pm – 1am. Here’s an exclusive first look.
- Another Round Maine opened Friday at 549 Congress Street. Portland Maine’s first board game cafe and bar, Another Round features over 250 games for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. A coffee shop and meeting place by day, light bar and gaming space by night, Another Round is open Wednesday – Sunday 8am – 9pm. Another Round is owned by Harry Sultan.
- Arvid Brown, Nick Coffin, Bryce Summers, Garrett Lenderman, and Ryan Nielsen plan to open Cuties in the former Petite Jacqueline space at 46 Market Street in the Old Port. Cuties is expected to be an all-day bar that will feature a coffee shop in the morning and a wine and cocktail bar by evening with mixed bar and lounge seating. Cuties is hoping to open by winter. Arvid Brown and Nick Coffin own and operate Room for Improvement, which opened on Wharf Street in 2023 and was named one of The 5 Best New Cocktail Bars in America in 2023 by Punch.
- Camp Pennant has opened within the former Liquid Riot space. As reported in May, Liquid Riot sold to Mike Fraser (Bramhall, Roma Cafe, CBG, Paper Tiger, Nosh, and Nosh Taco.) Undergoing a brand refresh, “Camp Pennant is meant to emulate that childhood summer camp feeling. That feeling after mom and dad leave. That feeling when you score the top bunk. That feeling when you get your first friendship bracelet.”
- Little Tap House sold back in August to co-owner and head Chef Adam Goodwin. In a recent review by Portland Press Herald’s Andrew Ross, Little Tap House received 3 1/2 stars.
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- Novel, Portland’s book + cocktail bar, has debuted their Secret Garden. Their first summer in Portland, the Secret Garden has a pop-up bar, high tops, and picnic tables.
- Allagash Brewing Co.’s outdoor patio now includes a backyard space that’s family-friendly. The space is a wide-open (and nicely fenced in) space for the whole family that features rocks to climb on, a canoe to play in, and room to roam for the kids.
Fun for the modern day foodie! Events, happenings, tastings, pop-ups, parties and more!
New Additions
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- REGARDS is hosting a Coastal Wine Takeover + Juneteenth Fundraiser with friends, Super Glou. A percentage of sales will go to Juneteenth Downeast on Wednesday, June 19th.
- Portland Zoo is throwing a Beach Boogie Release Party at Bayside Bowl Rooftop on Thursday, June 20th. They will be releasing the newest edition of their Beach Boogie “Sea Salt Series”, Grapefruit Sour Ale~ 4.5% ABV.
Ongoing Events
- Henry’s Public House is now open for Sunday Brunch.
- Wurst Week Ever is returning for its second year. It will be held Monday, June 24th – Sunday, June 30th, 2024. Details to come but for a recap of 2023, head to Sun’s Out, Buns Out: Celebrate Portland’s Wurst Week Ever.
- The 3rd Annual Wavy Days Beer Fest is right around the corner. Presented by Mast Landing Brewing Co., the beer fest will take place on Saturday, June 29th at Thompson’s Point. Over 55+ breweries, unlimited samples, live music, food trucks, local vendors and more.
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- Ocotillo has introduced Industry Brunch. Available every Thursday from 8am – 3pm and includes 10% off the bill for restaurant and bar industry folks. Plus, $5 draft beer and $5 Orange Bike Brewing cans.
- Outdoor dining weather is back, and patios are popping up left and right. Check out our Outdoor Dining blog to stay up to date on patios, decks, rooftops, and more.
Did we miss something? Have something exciting on the horizon for us to share? Shoot us an email at info@portlandoldport.com