Things To Do

🦞 Seafood & Lobster Rolls

Eventide Oyster Co.

Best time to visit: Lunch or early dinner Reservation recommended: Yes A Portland staple known for oysters and the famous brown butter lobster roll. Great stop while exploring the Old Port.

Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier

Best time to visit: Lunch or sunset Reservation recommended: No Classic waterfront Maine seafood with harbor views and one of the city’s most iconic lobster rolls.

The Highroller Lobster Co.

Best time to visit: Casual lunch or late-night bite Reservation recommended: No Fun and creative lobster dishes with a lively atmosphere in the heart of the Old Port.

🍸 Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies

Blyth & Burrows

Best time to visit: Evening cocktails Reservation recommended: Suggested on weekends An upscale nautical cocktail bar with one of the best drink programs in Portland.

Bramhall

Best time to visit: Late evening Reservation recommended: No A cozy underground speakeasy with candlelight, cocktails, and a hidden-gem feel.

Portland Hunt & Alpine Club

Best time to visit: Before dinner drinks Reservation recommended: Suggested on weekends Award-winning cocktails and Scandinavian-inspired small plates in the Old Port.

🍽️ Restaurants

Scales

Best time to visit: Dinner Reservation recommended: Yes Upscale waterfront seafood restaurant known for oysters, crudo, and harbor views.

Central Provisions

Best time to visit: Dinner or shared plates Reservation recommended: Yes One of Portland’s most popular restaurants for inventive small plates and cocktails.

The Honey Paw

Best time to visit: Lunch or dinner Reservation recommended: Suggested An energetic Asian-inspired noodle and dumpling spot with bold flavors and a fun atmosphere.

Fore Street

Best time to visit: Dinner Reservation recommended: Yes A legendary Portland restaurant featuring wood-fired cooking and seasonal Maine ingredients.

Duckfat

Best time to visit: Lunch or afternoon snack Reservation recommended: No Known for Belgian fries cooked in duck fat, paninis, milkshakes, and comfort food classics.

Lucky Cheetah

Best time to visit: Dinner or late-night cocktails Reservation recommended: Yes on weekends A stylish modern Chinese-inspired restaurant with elevated takes on classic dishes, creative cocktails, and one of Portland’s newer hot spots.

☕ Coffee & Breakfast

The Holy Donut

Best time to visit: Early morning (before noon for best selection) Reservation recommended: No A Portland favorite known for its famous Maine potato donuts made fresh daily. Popular flavors include maple bacon, dark chocolate sea salt, and blueberry glaze. Perfect for a quick coffee and breakfast stop while walking the waterfront or Old Port.

Tandem Coffee + Bakery

Best time to visit: Morning Reservation recommended: No Excellent coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and biscuits in Portland’s West End.

Standard Baking Co.

Best time to visit: Morning or midday Reservation recommended: No An Old Port favorite for croissants, pastries, fresh bread, and coffee.

Becky’s Diner

Best time to visit: Breakfast or brunch Reservation recommended: No A classic Maine waterfront diner with hearty breakfast and casual local charm.

The Front Room

Best time to visit: Weekend brunch Reservation recommended: Suggested A cozy neighborhood brunch spot known for comfort food and relaxed atmosphere.

Hot Suppa

Best time to visit: Breakfast or brunch Reservation recommended: Suggested Popular Southern-inspired brunch spot with biscuits, hash, and locally sourced ingredients.

🍺 Breweries

Allagash Brewing Company

Best time to visit: Afternoon brewery visit Reservation recommended: Suggested for tours/tastings One of Maine’s most iconic breweries, famous for Belgian-style beers including Allagash White. A must-visit for beer lovers.

Bissell Brothers Brewing Company

Best time to visit: Afternoon or early evening Reservation recommended: No A nationally recognized Portland brewery known for hazy IPAs, great pizza, and a lively industrial taproom atmosphere.

Batson River Brewing & Distilling

Best time to visit: Brunch, dinner, or evening drinks Reservation recommended: Suggested on weekends A large brewery and distillery space in the Old Port offering craft cocktails, beer, oysters, brunch, and waterfront-adjacent dining with a lively atmosphere.

Oxbow Blending & Bottling

Best time to visit: Afternoon or early evening Reservation recommended: No A laid-back brewery known for farmhouse ales, outdoor seating, and great Portland energy.

🎨 Art Galleries & Culture

Portland Museum of Art

Best time to visit: Late morning or rainy afternoon Reservation recommended: No Maine’s premier art museum featuring American, contemporary, and regional artists.

Moss Galleries

Best time to visit: Afternoon Reservation recommended: No Contemporary waterfront gallery featuring modern paintings, sculpture, and photography.

Greenhut Galleries

Best time to visit: Midday while exploring the Old Port Reservation recommended: No Well-known gallery showcasing Maine and New England artists.

SPACE Gallery

Best time to visit: Afternoon or early evening Reservation recommended: No Creative arts venue featuring contemporary exhibits, live music, and local culture.

🌊 Activities & Hidden Gems

Old Port

Best time to visit: Afternoon or evening Reservation recommended: No Cobblestone streets, shops, bars, restaurants, and classic Portland waterfront charm.

Portland Head Light

Best time to visit: Morning or sunset Reservation recommended: No One of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses with stunning coastal views.

Eastern Promenade

Best time to visit: Morning walk or sunset Reservation recommended: No Scenic waterfront walking trails overlooking Casco Bay.

Casco Bay Lines

Best time to visit: Morning or afternoon ferry rides Reservation recommended: Suggested for peak times Take a ferry ride around Casco Bay or explore Peaks Island.