Best bars, pubs, lounges and taverns in Portland, Maine | Photo by Chinh Le Duc on Unsplash
If you’re getting married in the Portland, Maine area and you’re thinking of hosting your rehearsal dinner in Portland, why not stay in town and enjoy some delicious cocktails with your guests. Showing you guests a good time in the port city makes for a fun wedding weekend. Consider it a welcome cocktail party (that you don’t have to cater)! Trust me, your out-of-town guests will love you for making “grabbing a cocktail” part of your wedding weekend festivities!
I’ve compiled a list of the best bars, pubs, lounges and speakeasies in Portland, where you can greet your guests. I’ve noted which ones I’ve been to and have personal experience with.
Best Pubs, Bars and Lounges in Portland Maine
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Bramhall Dimly lit speakeasy with a grotto-like atmosphere. Such a cool place!
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Portland Hunt & Alpine Club Cocktail bar with award-winning drinks, serving small bites. A fav of mine
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Dry Dock Relaxed, casual atmosphere with killer bloody marys
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LFK Laid-back neighborhood bar, haven’t been yet
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Vena’s Fizz House Also serving really creative and innovative mocktails
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Brian Boru Traditional Irish tavern in an iconic red brick building in downtown Portland
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Local 188 Great cocktails and yummy tapas
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Top of the East Best view in all of Portland! This swanky bar is at the top of the Westin hotel
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Little Tap House Haven’t been but a friend really likes this place
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RiRa Irish Pub The best of both worlds: fun pub on the 1st floor and completely remodeled dining area and bar on the 2nd floor overlooking the harbor; right next to the ferry terminal
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Blyth & Burrows Seems really nautical and hip, can’t wait to go
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Dogfish Bar & Grille Haven’t been yet but have heard good things
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Porthole Great location and fun for a wild night, probably not the best place to take Nana
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Bayside Bowl Bowling alley and big, open bar, perfect for a bigger gathering
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The Thirsty Pig In the heart of the old port so walking distance from the ferry
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Novare Res Taproom and bier garden, haven’t been yet
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The North Point Haven’t been yet but has good reviews
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MJ’s Wine Bar Haven’t been yet but looks cool
This list is in no way inclusive of all the bars in Portland, Maine. I tried to select ones I have actually been to, have heard about or that have good reviews. Do you research. Some places are a little fancier than others so it really depends on what you’re looking for. For example, if you want a fun dive-bar on the water, then the Porthole would be a good choice, where if you want something a little more upscale and classy, check out Top of the East.
Cheers!
