Portland, ME
The best thing to do in Portland, Maine is head to the Old Port and just start strolling around. Old streets full of quirky shops and restaurants, all on the waterfront. Tons of happy hours to check out as well!
J’s Oyster
First, I must say we have both been to Portland, Maine before numerous times- I (Alyssa) am originally from Maine only 40 minutes from Portland, so this was the big city we would go to for shopping, restaurants, etc. The past few trips there have all included one thing… J’s Oyster.
There are soooo many amazing restaurants in Portland, with tons of wicked good seafood, but if you are looking for some insanely amazing lobster bisque, J’s has it. We of course are ours so fast we didn’t take any photos… but I’ve had lobster in so many different ways, in so many different places, and this is by far one of the best. The bisque is so jam packed with huge chunks of fresh lobster and the bisque is perfectly light, creamy and buttery.
Another staple to order- a bucket of steamed clams. So delicious.
Sebago Brewing
Sebago Brewing is unique for one not great reason- it’s in a hotel lobby? Or maybe it just felt like one? While it did have some good brews, it lacked the feel you would expect while in Maine and feels very commercialized and is really set up more as a restaurant rather than a brewery we typically look for.
Shipyard Brewing, Co.
Shipyard Brewing is such a staple for Portland breweries, or even Maine breweries. While the brewery did have a touristy gift shop feel (probably because half the place is a gift shop) we still love visiting there and grabbing a flight and trying some new beers. The tasting room does have a nice vibe to it and they had plenty of different types of beers to choose from. And to be fair… we did enjoy the gift shop and made some purchases, including some six-packs to bring with us.
Allagash Brewing Company
Finally! A brewery that focuses almost solely on Belgian style beers (Alyssa’s favorite) and not just doing IPAs (Richard’s favorite)! This is a brewery stop that you must venture out of the Old Port for, but we would highly recommend! Great vibe, great tour, great beer, HUGE samples. By samples, we mean full glasses. The tour was the perfect length and provided just the right amount of information- split up by drinking the beers after discussing them. Our favorites: the Tripel and Curieux. Both so smooth and way too easy to drink for such high ABV. The Curieux is barrel aged- adding a unique and wonderful complex flavor. Allagash White is their most popular- and is also delicious and highly recommended if you ever see it in store or on menus!
Miller Brother’s Seafood
If you are looking for a hole in the wall to grab a nice yummy and simple lobster roll, head to Miller Brother’s Seafood. Nothing fancy, just good, fresh seafood with a mean lobster roll.
If you are looking for a fancy schmancy but completely delicious meal- head to Eventide Oyster Co. back in the Old Port. It’s directly on the water, has beautiful displays of fresh seafood and is just an elegant seafood option- although the price does reflect that as well.