From sophisticated lounges, to off-the-beaten-path speakeasies, to rowdy taverns in the heart of the Old Port–there’s a bar to suit every occasion in Portland.
Make sure you stop in and take a load off in a least one of these local favorites:
Map Of Portland Bars
The map below shows the location of every bar mentioned in this post:
Blyth & Burrows
Vintage-themed Blythe & Burrows has multiple levels, including an energetic first-floor bar, a semi-private downstairs lounge, and a real-life speakeasy hidden behind a secret door disguised as a bookshelf.
House-made bottled cocktails, made-to-order mixed drinks, and dozens of spirits ranging from $10 to $500 a pour make up the drink menu at this refined-yet-fun bar in the heart of the Old Port.
Ship Captain Crew accented with lemongrass and pecan wood smoke (the presentation is A+) is a bourbon-lovers delight and Loose Cannon (cold brew vodka, coconut, espresso) is just the ticket if you need a little pick-me-up.
Location: 26 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Blyth & Burrows
The Bar of Chocolate
This decadent dessert and martini bar pairs exquisite drinks with artisan cakes in their small space on Wharf Street.
The Bar of Chocolate is a perfect après-dinner spot for a nightcap and serves the best sweet treats in the Old Port (seriously, it’s worth skipping dessert at the restaurant and heading here instead)! After COVID-19 forced diners and drinkers outside, Chocolate opened up a small side patio with several fire pits.
Compared to some of the bars on this list, martinis start at a reasonable $11. Must-tries include the Espresso, Grapefruit, and Chocolate Salted Caramel. If you’re not into dessert in liquid form, order an original martini and a slice of carrot cake, chocolate torte, or another gourmet slice.
Location: 38 Wharf St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Bar of Chocolate
Sagamore Hill Lounge
Theodore Roosevelt is the inspiration for the presidential décor and regal vibes at Sagamore Hill Lounge. The space feels like an elegant man-cave with the gray and white color scheme, and portraits of the former-president and taxidermized animal torso hanging on the walls.
A few sofas sectioned off to each side offer privacy for a small group, and another long window-facing wood countertop with stools offers plenty of additional seating. The centerpiece of the spacious lounge is a horseshoe-shaped bar that churns out politically-themed cocktails and seasonal specialty drinks.
Expect quality creations made from dry gin, rye, and bourbon mixed with spices, lemon, ginger simple, and fruit liqueurs.
Location: 150 Park St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Sagamore Hill Lounge
Novare Res Bier Café
Novare is the best place to grab a beer in the Old Port. That’s a bold statement, but one you’ll stand by when you see their outdoor beer garden complete with picnic tables, umbrellas, cornhole, and walk-up bar.
The indoor taproom is reminiscent of a beer bar somewhere in Europe, with brick walls and archways, solid beech wood tables, and weathered concrete floors. The rotating menu of international drafts and bottles makes it all too easy to pass hours by sampling different brews and engaging in spirited discussions on how to change the world (Novare Res means “to start a revolution” in Latin, after all).
The modest food menu offers snacks and shareable plates, like meat and cheese boards, chips and (homemade) French onion dip, hummus and veggies, and a few vegan options.
Location: 4 Canal Plaza #1, Portland, ME 04101 (Off Exchange Street)
Website: Novare Res Bier Café
Bramhall
Bramhall is an underground bar and grill for night owls who want to drink the night away (or at least until 1AM).
The dark basement bar exudes major speakeasy vibes with original stone walls, brick archways, small tables tucked into dark corners, and a solid wooden bar with wrought-iron stools. Completing the look is the giant white candle centerpiece that sit atop a cascade of melted wax inside a brick fireplace.
Part tavern, part speakeasy, part witches’ lair, Bramhall is a versatile venue for dinner and drinks, appetizers and humorously-named cocktails (try What’s Up, Doc? or You Son of a Bitch, I’m in), or late-night foolery.
Location: 769 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
Website: Bramhall
The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
Impeccably crafted cocktails and Alpine-inspired bites collide at this family-owned bar in downtown Portland.
Recognized in publications like Thrillist and Wine Enthusiasts, and a two-time nominee for the James Beard’s Outstanding Cocktail Program (2015, 2017), Portland Hunt and Alpine Club has more than earned its supreme reputation.
Snack on their famous green chili-parmesan popcorn, or for something a little more substantial, order the Swedish meatballs, sausages & kraut, or the tinned fish bØrd.
The real highlight, though, are the drinks. Co-owner Andrew Volk knows how to concoct a boozy medley like no other; try the Bonecrusher (mezcal, lime juice, spicy red pepper), Lavender Collins (vodka, Scandinavian spices, lavender), or Blue Smoke (gin, blueberry americano, lemon, egg white).
Location: 75 Market St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
Lincolns
A night out at a secret underground comedy club and bar? Yes, please.
With no sign or marked entrance, Lincolns is Portland’s best-kept secret. It’s the type of place you only learn about through word of mouth, and even then, some locals still don’t know it exists.
The underground, cash-only bar is cloaked in dim lighting and dated decor which lends an authentic speakeasy feel. The bartenders are friendly, the vibe is laid back, and the comedy shows keep the joint buzzing well into the night.
And the best part? Lincolns pays homage to former-President Abraham Lincoln by charging $5 for all drinks, bar merch, and cover on comedy nights.
Location: 36 Market St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Lincolns
The Porthole
The Porthole is a local watering hole for townies, tourists, and everyone in between. The main draw of this bare bones bar is the outdoor patio which backs onto Casco Bay and hosts a plethora of bands throughout the summer months.
The indoor and outdoor bars serve simple mixed drinks and draft beer in plastic cups to a crowd that becomes more rambunctious as the night wears on. The kitchen and restaurant side of the venue stays open until 9PM. in case you need to soak up some alcohol with a fish burger or a basket of fried clams.
Whether you come for one drink, or several, there’s always a good time to be had at the Porthole.
Location: 20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Porthole
Maps
This intimate cellar bar is the perfect place to hole-up in the winter months with a good friend or partner and chat the night away over generous pours of wine and craft beer.
Aptly outfitted with old world maps and classic vinyl records, entering this cozy hideout on a dark evening instantly transports you to old-world Europe.
The selective menu offers several grilled cheese options which should unquestionably be followed up with a large slice of homemade cake.
Location: 64A Market St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Maps
Downtown Lounge
Across the street from the State Theater, Downtown Lounge (“DTL” if you’re a local) is a popular pre-game and post-show hang out. Opened in 1998, this joint claims to be one of the oldest neighborhood bars in the city.
DTL offers a full menu of classic pub food (chicken wings, burgers, nachos, etc.), local beers, and a full bar to its loyal customers in a low-lit den adorned with old U.S. license plates, classic movie posters, and historic photographs. Come for the happy hour deals which include $7 Bud pitchers, $10 craft beer pitchers, and $3 well drinks.
When you’re not taking advantage of HH prices, don’t make it complicated; this is the type of place you come for a shot of whisky and a PBR chaser.
Location: 606 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Downtown Lounge
The Great Lost Bear
This original Portland establishment is a cherished favorite among residents. In operation since 1979, The Great Lost Bear is a beer-lovers delight with over 70 beers on tap.
The food menu is extensive, the interior is dated, and the staff are unapologetically rough around the edges. If you’re looking to experience a true piece of Portland before all the fancy cafes and expensive cocktail bars moved in, this is the place to come.
Sit at the bar or slide into a booth, and plan to post up for a while. Try any number of Maine-made beers, a sour ale you’ve never heard of, or ask for the knowledgeable bartender’s recommendations. You won’t be disappointed with the beer, service, or experience.
Location: 540 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Great Lost Bear
The Jewel Box
Residing on the ground floor of Lafayette Apartments, the drab exterior and fogged glass windows make it easy to miss the discreet Congress Street entrance to the Jewel Box.
Once inside, the lackluster facade transforms into an uber-hip bar and lounge. Disco lights, mesh curtains, lamps with fringed shades, and other vintage furnishings deck out the interior while clusters of candles cast a dim light and create an air of quirky sophistication.
The bartenders mix inventive cocktails and serve them in mis-matching carved-glass stemware to patrons ready to drink the night away. Come for one, and see where the night takes you.
Location: 644 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Jewel Box
Bubba’s Sulky Lounge
A night out at Bubba’s is a night like no other in Portland. Located slightly adrift from the Old Port,
Bubba’s is a commitment that you won’t be sorry you made.
Seedy, divey, boisterous, and a little wacky, this bar boasts a clubby atmosphere featuring multiple rooms, loud music, and a light-up dance floor. The small rooms and spaces on the outskirts of the dance floor add to Bubba’s quirky charms.
Every corner is packed with antiques, mannequins, and other odd knick-knacks you wouldn’t expect to see in a bar. Bartenders stay busy all night long, serving strong mixed drinks in plastic cups to a crowd ready to shut the place down. Plan to stay out late.
Location: 92 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Bubba’s Sulky Lounge
Luna Rooftop Bar
The newest on the scene, Luna Rooftop Bar opened on the 6th floor of Canopy Portland Waterfront in Summer 2021. This bar’s best feature is its covered, open-air balcony, adorned with strings of lights, communal fire pits, and offering uninterrupted views of downtown Portland and Casco Bay Harbor.
Inside, Luna provides private lounges, shared tables and couches, a glass-enclosed fireplace, and a slew of bar seats. The delicate flavors of Luna’s artisan cocktails (named after Greek gods and goddesses) complement the seasonally-inspired small plates of lobster toast, oysters, tuna tataki, honey ginger cauliflower, and other petite bites.
And if it matters, Luna’s restrooms–with polished floors, brightly patterned wallpaper, and illuminated vanities–are pretty impressive.
Location: 285 Commercial St, Portland, ME 0410
Website: Luna Rooftop Bar
Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub (AKA Gritty’s)
Gritty’s has served their locally-brewed beers to a devoted following of Mainers in their original Portland brewpub since 1988. Two other brewing facilities opened in Freeport (1995) and Auburn (2005), but it’s the flagship site in the Old Port that catapulted Gritty’s to best bar status.
The warm-toned wood and brick interior creates a welcoming ambiance and the 360-degree copper-topped bar ensures there’s always a place to slide in for a drink. Look up and you’ll see rows of pottery mugs hanging above the bar with numbers on them–these belong to members of Gritty’s coveted Mug Club and those who partake get to drink discounted beer from their personal stein.
The Pub Style Pale Ale is one of the most popular brews, and pairs well with any of the comfort food (from nachos to chicken tenders to poutine) on the menu.
Location: 396 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub
Arcadia National Bar
The motto of Arcadia National Bar— “Games. Drinks. Food. Fun”—perfectly sums up this popular hangout. Simply known as Arcadia, this bar is beloved by locals yet relatively undiscovered by tourists.
Their recent move into a bigger and better space in 2021 has enabled them to survive the pandemic and continue to offer something that sets them apart from everywhere else in Portland: arcade games.
Customers come to this bar, restaurant, and entertainment center for a drink, some surprisingly creative food (fried avocado tacos, pressed caprese, Chinese take-out fries, etc.), and to play arcade games, pinball, and skeeball.
Location: 504 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Arcadia National Bar
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