20 Best Bars in Portland, Maine, for Hole-in-the-Wall Dives, Sceney Cocktail Lounges, and Waterfront Wine Bars

Beer put it on the map, but now there's lots more to drink that's keeping it there.Five of ClubsSomething’s come over Portland, Maine, lately. The city’s bar life has become a mirror to its exploding complexity, and the only reasonable way to respond is to sip your way through it. For starters, don’t let anyone tell you we’re stuck in the past—not when some of our most revered historic figures are inspiring watering holes far more aspirational than academic. Witness the place where General Lafayette slept, now a tony neighborhood bar serving absinthe frappes; the Jazz Age salon-lounge spawned by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; and the hipster haunt slinging avant garde libations spotlighting War of 1812 naval captains.Of course, Portland retains its place as a proud stronghold of America’s premier craft breweries, and they’re still very much here. Searching for speakeasies? (Read on, but shhh.) How about a La Dolce Vita-inspired scene flowing with as much Missoni as it is grappa? Si, and prego. And if you’re less diva and more dive-y? Or what about a subterranean, Champagne-and-dumpling den lined in cheetah-print? Got you covered. When you just need to dance to some ‘80s tunes; or to shake your hips to Tito Puente at an authentic Puerto Rican outpost, or maybe let loose and party at a glammy French zinc bar…. Done, done, and done.Another seismic upgrade to our bars landscape lately: the best don’t just serve extraordinary beverages, but also fantastic vittles. And that’s no coincidence; this is Portland, after all. (Where we tend to tell places with lame food to go jump in the Gulf of Maine.) But at all of the above, there’s a foundational thread of serious adventure behind the sticks, and perhaps one of the best additions to our list hovers far above the city—an iconic historic lounge where you can look down and raise a glass to all of it.Read our complete Portland, Maine, travel guide here, which includes:The Best Things to Do in Portland, MaineThe Best Boutique Hotels in Portland, MaineThe Best Restaurants in Portland, MaineHow we choose the best bars in PortlandEvery bar on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new bars open and existing ones evolve.ElizabethAs if a seagull simply dropped a slice of Paris’s Latin Quarter onto a cobblestoned side street of Old Port, entering this cosmopolitan zinc bar is a welcome adrenaline surge—albeit a surreal one. Thumping tunes, dim lighting, and a powerful deep crimson from overhead and in glossy graphics—it all adds up to a dreamy party atmosphere. When in France, reach for wine first, non? A plentiful spectrum of whites runs the gamut of prices, from the formidable Sylvain Langoureau Chardonnay to a crisp Joseph Cattin Alsace Riesling. There are around six terrific options for reds (including the beautiful Chaumeau-Balland et Fils Pinot Noir), plus chilled reds and a few choice rosés. The compact cocktail program is like the vibe here: down for fun. The American Amour (“Like a post-coital cigarette,” explains the menu) doesn’t quite deliver on that ambitious promise, but satisfies nonetheless, with a hit of mezcal, vermouth blanc, apricot liqueur, and Suze—the bittersweet French aperitif.Read Full ReviewBenny'sA swirl of Italian-American culture’s greatest retro hits are pleasantly stitched together at this high-energy neighborhood joint: vintage photos smatter the walls; sports trophies shine over the door; jars of pickled peppers and tomatoes crowd the back bar shelves. The retro Italian-American theme may not take itself too seriously, but that doesn’t mean everything isn’t tasty. There’s an entire section dedicated to Campari concoctions, from the beloved Americano (with sweet vermouth, and seltzer) to the house Negroni (with Goldie’s Gin and sweet vermouth). Fun signatures include “Benny’s Dirty Martini,” with house-made Giardiniera brine—as in, the classic Italian relish—with gin and olives, and the “Italian 76,” a bubbly combo of gin, limoncello, Strega, and prosecco. About five each of (all Italian) reds, whites, and sparkling options are available by the bottle or glass, nicely chosen and fairly priced. Beers run from serious and local (Austin Street Patina Pale Ale) to thematically appropriate (Miller High Life) and just plain silly (PBR & a shot of whiskey).Read Full ReviewLucky CheetahDid someone say fearless pan-Asian-globalist maximalism? If the crystal chandeliers and bright lanterns hovering above the red brick-meets-marble-meets-gold-meets-red lacquer bar aren’t enough to convince you to let loose, maybe the cheetah print wallpaper will. Everything about this subterranean dumpling lounge is unapologetically over-the-top, and it’s a complete blast. While the wine list is perfectly sufficient, it’s the exceptional cocktail game and Champagne list that take center stage at Lucky Cheetah. The latter boasts a list of more than ten labels, and can run as mightily priced as a bottle of Aubert et Fils Brut from Eperney, or quite earthly (and still excellent) with Italian Fiol prosecco. All are offered by the glass, as well. Cocktails, creative as they are, take care not to get too esoteric or veer into the sometimes overly sweet realm. Exhibit A: The spicy, tangy, sweetly-sour Thrilla in Manila, concocted of lemongrass and shoyu, yuzu, lemon, sake, bubbles, and Cocchi—a tropical liqueur made from agave.Read Full ReviewTop of the EastSprawling across the 15th floor of the historic Westin Portland Harborview, this lounge scattered with vignettes of clubby leather chairs, sofas, and marble tables has been here since the 1930s. The guests may have changed, but the draw lives on: live bands, strong drinks, and epic views of the city and Portland harbor. Drinks are surprisingly crafty. The Good Morning Alfredo is made by an enterprising gentleman staff member of its namesake who infuses bourbon with bacon himself, and then blends it with blueberry maple syrup, adds angostura bitters and orange bitters. (It’s an acquired taste, to be sure, but after a few sips, you do acquire it.) Then there’s the bracing-but-refreshing Red Sky At Night, a stir of sparkling wine, lime juice, the Licor 43 (a potent and enigmatic–as in, no one knows exactly what’s in it–Spanish liqueur), pomegranate juice, and a generous pour of rum. A full list of Maine and domestic beers is here, and the wine selection could have a few more options (a few less chardonnays, perhaps, and more than one rosé option).Read Full ReviewThe MarquisTo say The Marquis embraces the concept of high/low is beyond an understatement. So let’s start with the high: The apex of Champagne service is topped with bottles such as the Ruinart Brut Blanc de Blancs or the exquisite Tarlant, Brut Zero Rosé, only available by the bottle—but then also perfectly good and more penny-wise options are here, too, available by the glass, like NV Pomelo Pet-Nat Rosé. There’s an inspired selection of delicious and interesting reds, whites, and oranges and rosés (5 or so in each category)—all from around the globe, and almost all available by the glass. Meanwhile, the epic list of liquors includes the absinthes you can order on their own, and also get poured into the Absinthe Frappe—with gin, lemon, bubbles, and fresh mint to soothe the day’s troubles away. And given that New Orleans gets credit for inventing the modern cocktail, little wonder that barkeeps here are having a grand time inventing such things as the Smoked Vieux Carré—a dainty glass filled with rye whiskey, cognac, vermouth, and benedictine, then finished with pecan smoke.Read Full ReviewFive of ClubsEasily one of Portland’s most civilized rooms, this lobby lounge anchoring The Longfellow Hotel is named for a five-man literary group founded by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. (The famed poet grew up nearby, and Longfellow Square sits just steps away.) But with its intricately tiled floor and soaring ceilings, and cushy seating areas between dainty sconces and epic windows, it feels far more like a Jazz Age sitting room. The house does a winning spin on a classic Manhattan, adding a pour of strawberry amaro to rye whiskey, Cointreau, and vermouth. The resulting balance is ideal. Seasonal libations focusing on what’s fresh, such as the superb Gatsby’s Garden—a light mix of chilly St. Germain, vodka, mint, snap pea, and sparkling water. A respectable selection of primarily Maine beers and hard ciders is here, and the compact wine list offers nice by-the-glass choices, and roughly 15 of them.Read Full ReviewVia VecchiaThere’s a multilayered and inspired cocktail program at work here, with a big team dedicated to infusing innovation into Old World classics. (“Via Vecchia” is Italian for “the old way,” so that tracks.) On that front, numbers like the Sicilian Negroni kick things up with additions like amaro dell’etna and, above all, salted grapefruit. The Mirepoix Martini is just what it sounds like: gin infused with onions, celery, and carrots, and then shaken up with Aquavits, smoked tomato water, and dolloped with basil oil. And the olive oil-vodka martinis are so popular, the house can’t seem to stop pouring them. There’s an exhaustive offering of fine liquors, including a few fairly rare labels, plus a selection of Japanese whiskies and—such a fun things to see—excellent grappas, and an impressively lengthy list of no less than 30 amari. And the staff’s whimsy shows in its weekday happy hour, known as “Spritz and Giggles.”Read Full ReviewPapiIt was mixology maestra LyAnna Sanabria who set down Papi’s gutsy, award-winning craft cocktail vision, with modern and surprising takes on the Puerto Rican classics of her youth. She’s since become part owner and handed over the beverage directing reigns to Izzy Stein, and the creativity continues in drinks like the Mami Chula, a rummy mix of vanilla bean, hits of passionfruit and lime, and a luscious foamy top of cava custard. And if you’re at all worried that concoctions like the El Dorado—with adobo honey and mango—might linger on the too-sweet side, don’t fret. Stein has designed it with pink peppercorn, lemon, and that mango gets roasted to keep everything delectably balanced. Old San Juan meets Old Port in this exuberant ode to Puerto Rican culture.Read Full ReviewEast EnderTourists and locals pack into East Ender, a funky, brick-walled spot, for stick-to-your ribs, elevated pub food—and for the welcoming, convivial vibe that promises to make friends out of strangers. The craft cocktails here are among the city’s most admired, with a mix of tweaked classics and original inventions like the Thunderclap Fizz, a house-made grapefruit cordial with vodka and Meletti Amaro. There's also solid list of local beer. Orders like the smoked hake chowder are deceptively simple, teeming not with a deluge of dairy (as so many are), but with the smoky, briny flavors of fresh, local fish. Even the burger isn’t some perfunctory staple; rather, it’s a patty of local beef cold-smoked in-house, on a schmaltz-slathered bun with Monterey Jack. On weekend days, the place becomes a brunch temple with plates of duck confit hash with poached eggs and light-as-a-feather homemade doughnuts.Read Full ReviewCentral ProvisionsCount on discovering some truly fantastically adventurous flavors in your glass. The Kaiso Highball melds Japanese whiskey and soda with sweetly acidic yuzu and then brings in sugar kelp and sea lettuce. The Smoke + Marrow combines mezcal and reposed, with (yes) bone marrow and a flaming orange. If you’d rather play it safe and stick to wine, you’ll do just fine with the very lengthy list made up of largely organic and/or biodynamic selections. It leans heavily on reds and whites from all over, in a diversity of styles, with nice selection of sparkling and reserve bottles for those who are celebrating, as well as after-dinner wines, and wines by the glass. The boldly adventurous cocktail mixology afoot here is reason enough to come, and it’s also a fun, high-energy stop with friends or a date.Read Full ReviewBlyth & BurrowsConsider this cool hotspot your updated version of what might have been, once upon a time, New England’s quintessential crusty nautical bar. Sure, there are ship figureheads cheekily set against the modern whitewashed exposed brick wall above the main bar, but you won’t encounter any dusty ol’ lobster traps or pirate paraphernalia hanging around. One of the most researched, experimented upon, and constantly reconsidered cocktail lists in the city, this is also one of the most fun and delicious to sample. It’s all currently presented on the menu as if on parts of a ship (“Warning Shots” is how they kick things off), and it can range from drinks with elements that are set on fire to those served with an oyster on the half shell. Or those that are just a smidge crazy but also quite incredible—as in the “Tom Yum Punch.” It’s a gin-based, lime-laced cocktail that in every way (hand to God) tastes like a satisfying and cold translation of the classic Thai soup. No joke.Read Full ReviewBramhallAfter sitting dormant for years, The Bramhall was revived in 2014. The subterranean bar is encased in brick and stone and mostly lit by candles, with a hint of natural light coming through tiny, stained-glass windows. The centerpiece of the room is an old chimney, filled with candles and an ever-growing mountain of wax. Though there's a decent array of Maine beers on draught and a good wine selection, the emphasis is on the cocktails. Stylistically they range from the somewhat outlandish (a combination of brown butter–washed rye, coconut, lime, and pineapple), to the more austere (bourbon, Carpano Antica, black tea tincture, and smoked rosemary). This is the perfect spot for a nightcap.Read Full ReviewNovare Res Bier CaféNovare Res Bier Cafe is one of the best beer bars in New England, if not the country. In summer, the biergarten is packed to the gills; inside, patrons thumb through a a thick menu that will feature, at one time or another, all the heavy hitters in the brewing world. The emphasis is on hard-to-find bottles from​ both local and international breweries. There are also plenty of tap takeovers, strong double IPAs, and quads. The most popular choices go best with beer: cured meat, cheese, sausages, and pretzels, with the occasional veggie burger thrown in. The staff deals with quite a few beer "experts," so they definitely have a bit of an edge. If you act cool though, you’ll do fine. Come to drink a lot of beer with other people who enjoy doing the same.Read Full ReviewDowntown LoungeThe “DTL,” as the locals know Downtown Lounge, is as consistent a neighborhood dive as can be. Worn leather booths line the room opposite the bar, and a jukebox is up front. Know before you go: The bathrooms look like they belong in a punk-rock venue. Old-school Portlanders occupy at least a few of the stools; a younger crowd descends as the night wears on. Keep it simple, look around you, and order accordingly; a PBR and a shot of Jameson will do just fine. Surprisingly good pub fare is served until 11 p.m. nightly, with chalkboard menus lining the room. When you need a drink, you’ll get it. If you’re in the way, you’ll hear about it. If you like bars that are lived-in, with character and history, look no further than the DTL.Read Full ReviewMapsMaps feels like a home basement bar in a home owned by someone obsessed with maps. Besides the maps all over, the furnishings are pretty pubby and the ambience changes depending on which vinyl is on the turntable (ranging from Nirvana to Crowded House). You're drinking beer and wine only, but there's good selections of both. When it comes to the food, it's all about the cake—there is always cake. Yes, really. Service is friendly, efficient, and thankful not to have to serve shots to drunk patrons. One of the owners is British, making Maps a good place to talk about soccer.Read Full ReviewOxbow Blending and BottlingOxbow Brewing’s sprawling Portland outpost feels somewhat industrial, and it's no wonder; after all, half the facility is used for production. The cool, warehouse vibe compels faithful regulars to worship at the temple of Maine’s most prolific brewery. Oxbow Beers are on tap: all of them. You'll be able to sample the saisons for which the brewery is known, as well as harder-to-find styles at which Oxbow excels, like bières de garde and grissettes. Right outside the entrance is Duckfat Friteshack. If you're looking for food to go with your Oxbow saison, you can't do much better than that. Oxbow is a mandatory stop for beer tourists in Portland.Read Full ReviewThe Jewel BoxEasily one of the more unique bars in Portland, Maine, The Jewel Box is easy to miss while walking by. Once inside, the music (always a wildly varied selection) immediately sets the tone for the experience. Dim lights, mostly from candles and vintage lamps, illuminate the wall art, while the bar itself takes center stage. The menu here is deep in the cocktail scene with a limited, but always changing selection that often contains some very unlikely combinations. Drinks are inspired by everything from the turn of the 20th century to Game of Thrones. Owner and cocktail creator Nathaniel Meiklejohn has rightfully earned a following for his taste and persona, and that’s what The Jewel Box is all about.Read Full ReviewChavalOn a charming residential street in Portland’s gorgeous West End, Chaval's Iberian-influenced menu offers snacks, small plates, and larger dishes, and you can build your meal in whatever fashion you like. Some favorite tapas include patatas bravas, served with spicy tomato sauce and aioli; deviled eggs with boquerones, queen olives with pimenton, and local wild mushrooms served with a lightly fried duck egg, crisped chorizo, and sherry vinegar. Seasonal salads and larger dishes might include Maine halibut with runner beans, spruce yogurt, and Iberian XO sauce. Save room for the sweets from James Beard Award nominee Ilma Lopez, like Spanish Bar, a chocolate pudding with smoky serrano ice cream, and a drizzle of salty dark caramel.Read Full ReviewLazzariLazzari has more of restaurant vibe, with a lengthy dining room and bar anchored by a beautiful, custom-made wood-burning oven. But the quality playlist is often pretty loud. Because of its location toward the west end, Lazzari has remained a true locals' hangout. It does draw a wide range of ages though. Drinks focus on bold, approachable flavors; try the Italian Mojito and blackberry basil Margarita. The beer changes often; in addition to bottles, there are generally a couple of wines on tap. This is some of the best pizza in the city; in particular, the white clam and garlic pie and the Foresta Bianca (garlic, mozz, ricotta, pecorino, wild mushroom, olives, and a hint of truffle). What really makes it special is the slightly thicker, old-world style crust. Because it churns out pizza late into the wee hours, Lazzari is a great place in Portland, Maine, to hide away in a booth with a carafe of wine and your pie of choice.Read Full ReviewBubba's Sulky LoungeBubba's Sulky Lounge, a cavernous Portland, Maine, drinking institution, is loaded with character, from the armies of taxidermy animals and impressive collection of antiques to the light-up dance floor. If you’re here on a Friday or Saturday night, it’s a madhouse with a very young, hard-partying crowd. If you’re here on a Sunday afternoon, it’s where to kick back and relax over some drinks in peace. Expect Budweiser, shots of Dr. McGillicuddy peppermint, and fruity concoctions for the weekend crowd. Less about the drinks than the vibe, this bar is supremely important to Portland drinking culture. The best place for real dancing and drinking in Portland, Maine, is right here. Especially anyone who misses '80s tunes.Read Full ReviewThis gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.