While each has its own charms and appeal, Maine-inspired dishes are the common thread connecting these 9 brunch spots in Portland.
And don’t worry if you’re having a hard time choosing–you can’t go wrong with any one of them!
Map Of Portland Brunch Spots
The map below shows the locations of every restaurant mentioned in this post:
Local 188
Originally opened in 1991 as a space for artists to share their work, Local 188 morphed into a full-fledged, locally-loved restaurant over the course of its existence on Congress Street. The Spanish restaurant takes pride in serving traditional tapas and its renowned paella, among other tasty morsels.
The weekend brunch (served on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-1pm) is a lively affair with 8 different kinds of bloody marys, mimosas made with Cava, Spain’s most popular sparkling wine, and several other original concoctions. The menu offers huevos rancheros, Cuban ground beef on a cheesy tortilla, BBQ brisket, and other brunch originals with a Latin twist.
Give yourself plenty of time here; you’ll linger longer than planned as you soak up the eclectic atmosphere, local art on display, and maybe another Bloody…
Location: 685 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
Website: Local 188
The Sinful Kitchen
From the Waffle Pizza to the Ghost Pepper omelet to the BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork sandwich, The Sinful Kitchen offers a decadent brunch for meat-lovers, vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free folks.
Owner and Chef Dave Mallari has Celiac Disease and said he once had to drive 3 hours to find gluten-free pancakes–an endeavor that inspired him to create a menu that can be made (if specified) entirely gluten free! Located in the bottom floor of a revamped apartment building outside of downtown, some of Sinful Kitchen’s stand-out dishes include the Cinnamon Roll Belgian Waffle, omelets and scrambles with the choice of 10 different proteins (vegan options included!), ham, turkey, and cheese-stuffed French toast, and the Vegetarian Waffle Pizza.
Generous portions of these made-to-order dishes guarantee you’ll be taking the left-overs home with you.
Location: 906 Brighton Ave, Portland, ME 04102
Website: The Sinful Kitchen
Hot Suppa
Digging into a plate of comfort food in the dead of Maine’s winter can chase the chills away – at least while you’re chowing down inside the adorable Victorian brick building in Portland’s West End known as Hot Suppa.
Opened by two Portland brothers in 2006, Hot Suppa focuses on dishes made from scratch with quality ingredients. From the Shrimp & Grits and Scambalaya to the Cubano and Fried Green Tomato BLT, many of the dishes are inspired by southern-style cooking.
Perhaps the most creative items on the menu, however, are the Brunch Cocktails. Forget the days of choosing between mimosas or Bloody Mary’s–Hot Suppa handcrafts eleven adult beverages like The Dude (Kahlua, vodka, milk) and Hard Arnold Palmer worthy of accompanying the delicious food they serve.
Location: 703 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102
Website: Hot Suppa
The Front Room
This cozy breakfast and lunch nook in Portland’s East End boasts a semi-open kitchen, bar seating, and charming décor. Specializing in New American Comfort Food, The Front Room is a cherished neighborhood favorite for Savory Brioche French Toast, Biscuits & Gravy, Potato Gnocchi, and eggs any way you want them.
Wash down the heaping portions with a state-inspired morning cocktail, like Maine Maple Coffee (Maker’s Mark, coffee, and a splash of maple syrup) or Muddy Moose (vodka, iced coffee, and chocolate liqueur). After your meal, walk off all those calories with a stroll around the Eastern Promenade, just a few hundred meters away.
Location: 73 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Front Room
Bayside American Café
Dubbed a “Brunch Institute”, Bayside American Cafe (formerly Bintliff’s American Cafe) is housed in an attractive bright blue and white building across the street from the Portland Post Office and a stone’s throw from Deering Oaks Park. In operation since 1990, there’s no doubt that this quirky and cozy Portland stable knows a thing or two about how to serve a good brunch.
The menu features sweet and savory classics, often with a Maine twist, like the Lemon Blueberry French Toast (made with fresh Maine berries), omelets and wrap scrambles (with the option to add locally caught lobster and shrimp, alongside with dozens of other add-ons), and Crabcake Benedict. Sandwiches and salads round out the robust offerings. While you munch, enjoy learning a bit about the city’s past from the historic photographs and art that grace the walls.
Location: 98 Portland St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Bayside American Café
The Frog and Turtle
Located outside of Portland proper, The Frog and Turtle resides in the neighboring town of Westbrook. The up-and-coming town center boasts coffee shops, international restaurants, and several brewhouses.
The Frog and Turtle, a mellow gastropub, is arguably one of the top reasons to venture outside of Portland. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the neighborhood pub also hosts live music in the evenings, but it’s the brunch that keeps customers loyal. The Frog and Turtle is the spot to brunch on Sunday morning from 9am-1pm, where they serve up homemade donuts (try the Heart Foundation – a sausage link fried inside a donut!), a lavish eggs benedict menu, omelets & scrambles, and stuffed French toast.
If you visit in mild weather, sit on the rooftop deck for a view of the Presumpscot River.
Location: 3 Vallee Square, Westbrook, ME 04092
Website: The Frog and Turtle
The Porthole
Boisterous bar by night, popular brunch spot by day; The Porthole is a perfect balance of authenticity, location, and atmosphere. The Porthole prides itself on being a no-frills joint that wins customers over with waterfront views and laid-back vibes.
The breakfast and lunch offerings are just what you’d expect from a local watering hole. Typical favorites include thick-cut French toast, several eggs benedict options (including lobster, naturally), pancakes, and steak and eggs.
The adult drink menu is simple; mimosas, bloody marys (made with a secret house-crafted mix), Irish coffee, and Beth’s medicine (coffee, Grand Marnier, Bailey’s). The porthole is such a chill spot that you may find yourself hanging out after brunch to indulge in a little day-drinking. No shame in that!
Location: 20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Porthole
Miss Portland Diner
The brightly-painted porcelain exterior, marble countertops, hardwood booths, and stainless-steel panels give Miss Portland Diner all the street cred she needs for local legend status. Opened in 1949, the diner car was moved from her original location on Forest Avenue to its current resting spot-on Marginal Way.
Over the years, the diner gained popularity with locals and, surprisingly, with Hollywood, appearing in Mel Gibson’s Man Without a Face in 1993. In 2007, new ownership worked with Portland’s historic preservation department to revamp the diner, ensuring the diner car’s authenticity remained intact.
All that history aside, Miss Portland serves a knock-out brunch to a mostly local crowd. All the usual suspects make an appearance on the menu; scrambles, omelets, biscuits & gravy, corned beef hash, pancakes, French toast, soups, and sandwiches. Large portions are the norm, but make sure you save room for dessert; the coconut cream pie and the carrot cake are the best in town.
Location: 140 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Miss Portland Diner
Becky’s Diner
Becky Rand opened her diner in Portland’s working waterfront district in 1991 with a vision to serve her community wholesome, reasonably priced food. Originally an early morning joint frequented by local fisherman, word spread about the delicious meals served at Becky’s Diner and both locals and tourists began to flock to the Commercial Street establishment.
Fast forward to present day, and Becky’s is now cemented as a fundamental piece of Portland history. There’s nothing extraordinary on the menu, but Becky’s is the spot for a no-nonsense, all-American meal and snappy service––and there’s often a line out the door to get a table. Come hungry, slide into a red vinyl booth or rotating counter stool, dig into gigantic portions, and experience a small sliver of what makes Portland so special.
Location: 390 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Becky’s Diner
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