Looking for something to eat or do? Portland is filled with hidden gems, historic buildings, art and so much more! Use these recommendations to help jumpstart your planning.
Shopping
Casablanca Comics Welcome to Casablanca Comics, Maine’s coolest comics store for over 34 years! You will find an amazing selection of new comics, graphic novels, back issues, and incredible geeky goodness at our Portland and Windham stores. Now, you can also shop with us online.
Dean's Sweets Dean Bingham, an accomplished architect, applies his fine sense of design to the art of chocolate making. Always attentive to proportion, texture, hue, and above all, taste, Dean’s Sweets creates a unique piece of art with each chocolate. Hand-dipped truffles, caramels, and buttercreams, created from the finest imported chocolate, using the highest quality local ingredients whenever possible. Made in small batches in our Portland store. No preservatives, artificial flavors, and no nuts, ever.
Edgecomb Potters Hand crafted Maine made pottery inspired by the sea and mountains with particular attention to specialty glazes and color. Also offer unique jewelry, glass, metal and wood art. From our shapes and colors to our customer service – you won’t find anything like Edgecomb Potters. Made in Maine & Family Owned Since 1976.
The Honey Exchange Our store is to honey what a sugar house is to maple syrup. Come see us for local honey, see our glass-fronted observation hive, a chance to meet the actual beekeeper, and live demonstrations in Portland, Maine.
Life is Good Your destination for optimistic apparel and accessories featuring refreshingly positive messages and comfortable fits for men, women, kids, and pets. Our diverse product line features casual tees, lifestyle apparel, head wear, bags, home accents, beach gear, organic wear and more.
Old Port Card Works Unique local card shop featuring: cards, post cards, journals, gift wrap, wacky novelties & gag gifts, nostalgia candy, balloons, and so much more!
Stonewall Kitchen Headquartered in York, Maine, the nationally recognized manufacturing, retail and wholesale distribution company has been owned and operated by founders Jim Stott and Jonathan King since 1991.
Treehouse Toys A locally owned shop stocking the very best toys, books, puzzles, and games for kids of all ages! Treehouse Toys carries things that are unique, playful, and best of all, fun!
Uncommon Paws Featuring our own brand of dog collars, leashes, harnesses and Martingale collars. We also carry a variety of wonderful toys and well made accessories as well as healthy and locally made treats. Find beautiful Made in Maine gifts from local artists as well.
Don't see anything that speaks to you? Visit Portland Maine has a more exhausted list!
Eating
Portland, ME was named Bon Appetit magazine’s 2018 Restaurant City of the Year! There are so many wonderful restaurant options in this city and it’s very helpful to have reservations ahead of time. For a more exhaustive and categorized list of restaurants, see: https://www.portlandfoodmap.com/list-view/
Coffee, Tea and Bakeries
Coffee by Design As an artisan craft roastery, we take the words handcrafted seriously. We have a strong reputation among many of the area’s top chefs with whom we have worked closely to develop unique coffee blends to complement their menus. Our coffee is served at many of Portland’s finest restaurants, several of which are James Beard Award winners. Coffee By Design coffee can be enjoyed nationwide at select coffeehouses, cafes, restaurants and gourmet shops. And may be ordered on-line.
Higher Grounds Serving the finest locally-sourced Maine coffee, teas, herbal botanicals, and foods. We’re here seven days a week. We also hold special events like tastings, game nights, and Self-Care Sundays.
The Holy Donut We believe donuts can be wholesome and made with healthy ingredients and still be intensely pleasurable and delicious! Use real Maine Potato in all our donuts. Visit one of our four locations.
Soakology Tea Lounge & Spa Treat yourself: Take a load off and have a seat in our lounge to enjoy a thoughtfully brewed cup of tea and a sweet or savory snack. We offer over 100 hand-selected tea varieties, all of which are fair-trade.
Bars and Restaurants
The Bar New to the Old Port, The Bar at 8 Exchange is a place for you to come in, enjoy a crafted Martini or cocktail, and a light bite or our fresh Maine lobster Sandwich.
Bluefin North Atlantic Seafood Our BlueFin restaurant in the Portland Harbor Hotel harnesses all that Maine is, and positions it into a delicious dish. Our executive chef is a Mainer himself and has a passion for creating new and unexpected meals with fresh, locally-caught seafood. His dishes will impress locals and visitors alike.
Blyth and Burrows A classic cocktail bar steeped in the traditions of exceptional hospitality and a dedication to craft. Our name pays tribute to the two brave captains who perished after the capture of HMS Boxer off the coast of Maine in 1813. Our two level room features a raw bar and creative small plates, in addition to perfectly poured cocktails and impeccable service.
Boone's Fish House and Oyster Room Come experience Maine seafood at its finest, at our two-story restaurant at 86 Commercial Street on Custom House Wharf, overlooking Portland Harbor. Each story has a deck for outdoor seating so you can watch boats on the harbor while enjoying a beverage at our second story outdoor bar or just see what the tide brings in.
Bull Feeney's An authentic Irish pub and restaurant, serving delicious homemade steaks, seafood and hearty Irish fare as well as local craft and premium imported brews and Maine’s most extensive selection of single malt Scotch and Irish whiskies. Bull Feeney’s has seven uniquely designed rooms, four fireplaces, harbor views and two fully stocked bars. We generously welcome large parties as walk-ins, but recommend reservations for parties of six or more.
Copper Branch At Copper Branch, we’re serving a 100% Plant-Based Power Food menu. Enjoy any of our chef-inspired menu items like our Power Bowls, Burgers, Sandwiches, and organic Coffees and Teas.
Eighteen95 Restaurant From modern American fare to award-winning cocktails and even seasonal outdoor dining, Portland Regency Hotel offers truly distinctive food and drink options, popular both with guests and with Portland, Maine residents.
Miss Portland Diner While your eyes will marvel in this preserved piece of Portland’s history, your taste buds will delight in breakfast any time of day or enjoy all your comfort food favorites from the lunch, dinner or children’s menu. Specialties include our homemade corned beef hash, large sized portions, daily specials, desserts, shakes and more.
Pom's Thai Taste Restaurant and Noodle House The only authentic Thai food, Pom’s Noodle House specializes in creamy curries and fine noodle soups. Casual and modern décor welcome diners, while offering the same savory tastes of the other locations. Pom’s restaurants give a pleasant and unique dining experience every time you visit and voted ‘The Best of Portland’ from Portland Pheonix.
Portland Lobster Company Perfect spot to enjoy lunch and dinner with family and friends. Portland Lobster Company offers the very freshest Maine seafood, live entertainment and the best view in all of Portland!
Entertainment and Activities
Allagash Brewing Company Come visit New Englands original Belgian Style Brewery. Belgian-inspired brewing since 1995. We would love to have you come by the brewery for a visit and check out what we are up to. Our tours typically last around an hour, and include a sampling. We can only do samplings in conjunction with scheduled tours.
Bayside Bowl Bayside Bowl is located in downtown Portland, Maine. We take our bowling seriously and have 20 USBC sanctioned lanes of ten-pin bowling, as well as award-winning food and craft cocktails. Our Rooftop deck boasts exceptional sunset views and food served from a 1960s airstream. Come party with us!
Cellardoor Winery Life your life. Be who you are. Drink good wine along the way. Made in Maine, our award-winning wines are created in small, handcrafted batches with grapes sourced from our vineyard as well as premier vineyards across the country.
Fore Points Marina Graciously accommodates vessels of all sizes with first class hospitality and full-service amenities. Nestled in a protected safe harbor, you’ll be surrounded by scenic Casco Bay and just steps away from the Old Port’s exciting culinary scene, boutique shops, and activities. The gated marina is professionally staffed at all times providing you and your crew with any essential or luxury desired to make your short or extended stay delightful!
Geary Brewing Company A dynamic Portland brewery with an important history in both the craft beer world and the state of Maine. Incorporated in 1983, Geary Brewing is New England’s First Craft Brewery in the post prohibition era. Visit our tasting room and during the summer months you can enjoy your beer of choice in the beer garden, and maybe even catch a local food truck or a Saturday event with a live band. Games and snacks are always available.
Greater Portland Landmarks Come hear the mysterious, amazing and amusing inside stories as you explore Portland’s history and architectural treasures. Greater Portland Landmarks’ tours explore examples of the historic architecture that makes Portland a unique place to live, work and play. Tours are designed to be entertaining and educational for all members of the family.
Kotzschmar Organ One of the oldest working municipal pipe organs in the United States. It resides on the stage of Merrill Auditorium and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2012. Whether you are drawn to the music, the world-renowned artists who travel to play here, the historical significance of the pipe organ or the excellence of our educational programs, make a point to visit the Kotzschmar Organ on your next trip to Portland, Maine.
Lucky Catch Cruises Our excursion will guide you through the daily routines of a Maine lobsterman while enjoying close-up views of historic lighthouses, civil war forts, and seals. During the 80-90 minute cruise, we pull traps at several scenic locations around the bay and discuss lobster habits, conservation efforts, and lobster biology.
Maine College of Art MECA is located in the heart of the Portland’s Art District. The Institute of Contemporary Art at Maine College of Art (ICA) features leading edge exhibitions and public programs that showcase new perspectives and trends in contemporary art.
Maine State Ballet Family-friendly shows produced by Maine’s leading professional ballet company; performed in our intimate Falmouth theater or at Merrill Auditorium. The Maine State Ballet Company, established in 1986, has fast become the leading professional dance company in the State of Maine. Its mission is to uplift the Maine community through the medium of dance. The Company, comprised of over 25 dancers, trains and performs throughout the year.
Muse Paintbar Looking for a different night out? Try Muse Paintbar! A perfect girls’ night out, birthday, bachelorette party, first date, or forty-first date. Here’s how we work: first, scroll through our calendar and find a painting that you like on a night that you like. Then call your friend(s), reserve your spots (online or by phone: 888-607-6873), and get excited!
Opera Maine We are dedicated to producing creative, inspiring, and professional opera performances of artistic excellence. We foster young operatic talent, provide educational opportunities related to opera, and reach out to our audience, supporters, and community in collaborative ways that will excite enthusiasm for the art form.
Portland Encyclepedia Our goal is to help visitors enjoy our beautiful area by bike and on foot. Stop by and talk to our knowledgeable Human Powered Gurus about the best places to walk and bike in Southern Maine.
Portland Museum of Art The PMA boasts significant holdings of American, European, and contemporary art, as well as iconic works from Maine-highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the state and its artists.
Portland Stage Portland Stage, Maine’s largest fully professional, non-profit theater, is committed to providing the finest productions for audiences in a broad region of Northern New England.
Odyssey Whale Watch and Nature Cruises A Maine Whale Watching adventure awaits you aboard the Odyssey! Great fun and educational for the entire family. Join our Captain as he sets course on a journey to view those majestic mammals in their own environment. Enjoy the ocean air, narration and sights of Casco Bay forts and lighthouses as we cruise up to 20 miles out to known whale feeding grounds.