Guide to maine

Double Great

Superb neighborhood coffee, delicious coffee and cozy atmosphere. Mostly a local spot not touristy. Has limited pastries and breakfast sandwiches, no kitchen.

• Where: Munjoy hill, near our apartment
• Hours: 6:30am - 5pm (year round!)
• Tips: All the coffee drinks are good. Lovely spot to sit and relax or take your coffee to go and stroll to the Eastern Prom.

Tandem

Has two locations, the one on Anderson St is cute and less crowded, but the one on Congress has their delicious egg sandwiches. Very well known and often has a long line.

• Where: West End and East Bayside
• Hours: Congress st- 8am-1pm every day, Anderson st- Monday-Saturday 8am-1pm
• Tips: If going to Congress St location, order online and skip the line. The egg sandwich is our favorite breakfast sando in town.

Smalls

Cute coffee shop with gift store of trinkets / candles / knick knacks in the back. Great food menu with a top notch breakfast sandwich. They also do happy hour and cocktails in the evening.

• Where: West end
• Hours: 8am - 8pm (closed some days in the winter)
• Tips: As the name suggests, its small so often seating is not available. You can take your coffee/food to go and sit in the park across the street.

Belville Bakery

Arguably the best pastries in Portland. Most famous for their plain croissant but the cardamom bun is our favorite.

• Where: Munjoy Hill, near our apartment
• Hours: Friday-Monday 8am-1pm
• Tips: Get there a little before they open at 8 for best pastry selection. They do sell coffee or you could pair with a Double Great coffee outing. If it’s not too chilly, enjoy outside on a bench on the Eastern Prom.

Zu Bakery

Amazing and unique breads, no seating, takeaway loaves and pastries. The head baker won a James Beard Award last year.

• Where: West End
• Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 9am-4pm
• Tips: Best bread in all of Portland!! Would recommend going on a weekday.

Scratch Bakery

Cute bakery off the peninsula, we like their bagels.

• Where: South Portland
• Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 7am-1pm
• Tips: Grab bagels and head to Willard Beach to enjoy.

Ocotillo

BRUNCH! Sit down brunch is amazing. The only place in Portland I’ll actually wait in line for. They also serve lunch and dinner which are also incredible. Have never had a bad meal here.

• Where: West End
• Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-9pm
• Tips: They do take reservations but also accept walk-ins. The mushroom taco is delightful, and anything with brisket or meat they will sub in local foraged mushrooms…simply devine. The only thing that isn’t good is the coffee.

Bread & Friends

Cute spot for takeaway pastries/coffee or sit down brunch. Gets crowded.

• Where: Between West End and the Old Port
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-1pm, Friday-Sunday 8am-1pm and 5:30-9pm
• Tips: This place is popular and gets crowded at breakfast/brunch hour so would recommend getting there early or be prepared to wait. If the eggs with onion foam is still on the menu try it!

Ramona’s

Phenomenal sandwiches. Limited seating, recommend ordering ahead for takeaway.

• Where: Washington Ave
• Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 9am-3pm
• Tips: Their breakfast sandwiches are also bomb. But best combo is lunchtime sandwich + ferry ride out to Peaks Island.

Nura

Mediterranean / pita sandwiches and salads to go.

• Where: Old Port
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-4:50pm
• Tips: Nothing crazy about this spot but a staple go-to if you’re downtown seeking a cheaper lunch option that still tastes really good.

Food trucks on the Eastern Prom

Might only be there on the weekends for lunch, but typically an array of options to choose from including falafel, Vietnamese, pizza.

• Where: Eastern Prom
• Hours: Will vary from truck to truck
• Tips: Great for if you’re out and about looking for something quick and easy with a great view.

Duckfat

People love this place, we don’t. The fries are good, but aren’t all fries good? Only put it on here because every online source will tell you to go, but don’t bother.

The Shack at Two Lights

Outdoor seating right on the water, good food and atmosphere. Casual atmosphere.

• Where: Cape Elizabeth
• Hours: Only open in the summer
• Tips: Don’t be turned off by the line, the views, vibes, and rolls are worth it.

Luke’s Lobster

Classic spot in Portland on the pier, sit down restaurant with great vibes. Reservations accepted but sometimes you can get a seat without booking ahead. Can be touristy but we still go there when people visit.

• Where: Old Port
• Hours: Every day 11am-9pm
• Tips: Make a reseravation if you can, they have a fun bar upstairs with nice water views.

Bite into Maine

Two locations, one restaurant with seating in town and one food truck at famous lighthouse in Fort William’s park. It was recently voted best lobster roll in Portland.

• Where: East Bayside and Cape Elizabeth
• Hours: East Bayside - Every day 11am-8pm, Cape Elizabeth - only open in summer
• Tips: Try the Maine style roll :)

Highroller

Sit down but casual, located right in town. No reservations accepted but assume you may have to wait for a table. They serve a variety of other seafoods like mussels, oysters, fish.

• Where: Old Port
• Hours: Every day 11am-10pm
• Tips: Apparently they also have a red snapper tower (if you know you know).

SoPo Seafood

Best spot for buying raw seafood to cook at home. Mostly all local fish, reasonably priced. They also have a menu, you can sit and eat onsite.

• Where: South Portland
• Hours: Every day 11am-7pm
• Tips: If you want to prepare your own seafood, go here. The mussels, scallops, and oysters are particularly tasty.

Eventide Oyster

Hard to get reservations, very popular spot with tourists. Don’t bother going, this is another spot every guide will telly you to go but you can get oysters for half the price at other places all over town. Too overrated!

Wayside Tavern

A bit underrated so you often can get a table without a reservation. Small plates, fresh local ingredients. Some good seafood options on the menu.

• Where: West End
• Hours: Thursday-Tuesday 4-9pm
• Tips: We love the small bites section because everyone can mix and match some appetizer bites. They also have great cocktails. Go here if you want more of an upscale feel with some price flexibility.

Fore Street

More upscale (but still “Maine Fancy” aka nice jeans are plenty nice), very fresh farm to table. One of those places that consistently is rated the best restaurant in town and we 10000% agree. We save this for special occasions as it is pricey, but worth it.

• Where: Old Port
• Hours: Every day 4:30-10pm
• Tips: Definitely try to get a reservation, but we almost always have gone early to put our name in and grabbed drinks nearby.

Crispy Gai

Thai street food / small plates, lots of flavor!! Small restaurant so recommend a reservation or go early/late.

• Where: Old Port
• Hours: Every day 11am-3pm, 5-10pm
• Tips: Known for their fried chicken, we love the crispy herby mushroom dish.

Cong Tu Bot

Vietnamese small plates, delicious. Recommend a reservation, not usually possible to get a walk-in spot unless it’s deep winter time.

• Where: Washington Ave
• Tips: The food is decently spicy if it says spicy, proceed with caution if you can’t handle it.

Terlingua

Very popular, known for their smoked meats if you’re into that. Has a lovely back outdoor patio great for groups.

• Where: Washington Ave
• Hours: Every day 12-9:30pm
• Tips: Good lunch option too!

Izakaya Minato

Japanese small plates, usually have fresh local fish dishes. Great flavor and unique dishes. Restaurant is a bit small so would recommend a reservation or going early/late.

• Where: Washington Ave
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5-9pm
• Tips: If staying with us, would recommend walking there from the apartment to avoid having to park. It’s very popular and always busy.

The Shop

Casual order-at-the-counter-and-sit place with fresh oysters mostly. Nice place to have oysters or tinned fish / various seafood dips without breaking the bank.

• Where: Washington Ave
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday-Sunday 11am-9pm
• Tips: Mid afternoon for happy hour would be my move going here.

Lambs

A classic locals spot, I’d say the only bar we really frequent. Kid-friendly, (limited) outdoor seating, great cocktails, and serves light appetizers. This local spot always is a great choice.

• Where: South Portland
• Hours: Wednesday-Monday 4-11pm
• Tips: It’s a drive, so keep that in mind. They host community events like wine tasting fairly frequently so it might be extra crowded on certain evenings.

Oxbow

Local brewery with tasty, funky beers and a great vibe. Good for a rainy afternoon or brewery hopping, lots in that area within walking distance.

• Where: Washington Ave
• Tips: In the summer, Duckfat has a fried counter here which is the only time I will encourage seeking out eating at Duckfat.

Belleflower

Bit more of a locals spot and less crowded. Usually has a food truck outside. Tasty beer and I think they also do kombucha.

• Where: East Bayside
• Hours: Monday-Tuesday 2-8pm, Wednesday-Sunday 12-8pm
• Tips: Could walk here from Oxbow or any of the other numerous breweries around.

Room for Improvement

Cozy bar among the crazy Old Port bar scent. The only spot I would go to down there, the others are a bit too crazy.

• Where: Old Port
• Hours: Every day 5pm-1am
• Tips: Try a shot of Allen’s here.

Novare Res Bier Cafe

German inspired beer hall, good cozy winter vibes, extensive list of German style beers.

• Where: Old Port
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 3-11pm, Friday-Saturday 11:30am-1am, Sunday 11:30am-11pm
• Tips: Drink some beers here!

Taco Trio

One of the few “cheaper” fast casual options around town, great for when we’re hungry and need food asap without breaking the bank.

• Where: South Portland
• Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm
• Tips: The mole enchiladas are bomb. Good for lunch or dinner.

Taj Indian

Best Indian Food in Maine. You can get this delivered. If you are going to the restaurant, make a reservation as this spot is very popular. Recently renovated and a great spot to sit down!

• Where: South Portland
• Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-2:30pm, 4:30-11pm, Saturday-Sunday 11am-10pm
• Tips: If you’re ordering takeout, order at least 1 hour before you want to pick it up. It will NEVER be ready at the time it says it will be ready. Plan for it to be ready an additional 15-30 minutes after scheduled time.

Take the Ferry to Peaks Island

Hop on the Casco Bay Ferry for a short ride to Peaks Island, a charming coastal escape just 20 minutes from downtown.

• Why Go: Stroll quiet beaches, grab ice cream by the pier (seasonally), or rent bikes to circle the island’s scenic perimeter, take in the ocean views, enjoy a nice boat ride.
• Vibe: Relaxed, local, quintessential Maine island experience.
• Tips: Catch a midday ferry, explore, and return in time for dinner back in Portland. Casco Bay Ferries serves other islands too, Chebeague is really the only other one with things going on. You can also take the “Mail Boat” which is essentially a cheap(er) multi hour cruise of the bay. Would recommend getting to the ferry terminal 15-20 mins before ferry departure to purchase tickets. The terminal is on Commercial street a very short walk from our apartment.

Visit the Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park

Maine’s most famous lighthouse. Perfect for photos, picnics, and coastal walks. We love this park and go frequently. They also have amazing pickleball courts (we have paddles in the back hallway you can help yourself to!)

• Side note: there are other pickleball courts on the Eastern Prom at the end of Melbourne and Montreal streets, close walking distance to our apartment.

Explore the Old Port

Stroll around the cobblestone streets filled with boutique shops and along the piers with working waterfront activity. Catch some glimpses of lobster boats unloading to the local restaurants.

Walk the Eastern Promenade & Trail

This is the large green park you can see from our apartment overlooking the water. Enjoy the Casco Bay views on the waterfront path. Great for sunrise strolls, picnics, or kayaking.

• TIP! End a run with a cold dunk at East End Beach at high tide and scurry home up the hill to warm up with a warm shower & hot coffee.

Shop Local Shops

Browse unique finds at Blanche + Mimi, Viand, Smalls, Ember, Post Supply, and other design-forward boutiques. Most sell local artist crafts and artworks.

Bookstore Hopping

Favs include Green Hand Bookshop, Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop, and Longfellow Books, Mainers love to show off local Maine authors.

Visit the Portland Museum of Art

Home to classics by Winslow Homer and rotating modern exhibits, a great cold or rainy weather day activity.

Relax at the Washington Baths

A local bathhouse offering saunas, cold pools and hot tubs, a perfect way to recharge after exploring the city.

• TIP! I don’t think they take reservations, so you can put your name down and if there’s a wait, go grab a kombucha at Root Wild next door.

Secluded Waterfront Saunas

Sauna + cold dunk by the ocean or tidal river for the most relaxing outing in chilly weather. There are a few great wood-fired and Nordic-inspired saunas within 1.5-2 hours of Portland, and this is one of our favorite outings to treat ourselves to.

• Where: Cedar Grove Sauna at Popham Beach, Glidden Point Sauna (at an oyster farm! Where you can order oysters during or after your sauna)
• Vibe: Peaceful, rejuvenating
• Tip: Book in advance and definitely bring warm layers for after if you end with the plunge.

Scenic Drive to the Midcoast

Hit Route 1 north toward towns like Wiscasset, Damariscotta, Rockland, and Camden.

• Why Go: Small harbors, coastal views, and plenty of lobster shacks and antique shops along the way.
• Vibe: Classic Maine. Relaxed, salty, full of charm.
• Tip: Stop for oysters in Damariscotta or art and snacks in Rockland (great art museum here called the Farnsworth) before looping back to Portland. Long Grain in Camden is one of our fav restaurants in the midcoast. Midcoast is STUNNING even just driving around getting lost you’ll have a great time.

Half Day in Freeport Maine Beer Company

Just 20 mins north of Portland and home to the LLBean HQ and flagship store, there’s always something going on in Freeport. Mostly a tourist shopping destination, I too love visiting the Bean.

• Why Go: Outlet shopping at Patagonia (crazy deals), and beer and pizza after at Maine Beer Company.
• Vibe: Shopping, Maine staple, bright, friendly, Maine Beer Co has a cult following.
• Tip: If you go to Maine Beer Co try “Lunch” the fan fav IPA.

Hike Pleasant Mountain

A rewarding hike near Bridgton with sweeping views of the lakes and White Mountains, including Mount Washington.

• Why Go: It’s one of southern Maine’s best peaks for a day trip, not too long, still a good climb, and great views at the top.
• Vibe: Peaceful, classic Maine woods and summit views.
• Tip: Be sure to check the weather, especially in late fall/early winter to be aware of changing summit conditions and potential snow.