8 Best Bars in Portland, Maine

With cheeky nods to Portland's own Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (to wit: quotes of the famed poet on the cocktail napkins and literary puns on the cocktail menu), this clever and comfy bar has taken up residence in the erstwhile Bull Feeney's space. It's won plenty of admirers for its serious-yet-fun beverage program, its unusually creative pub menu (it's as much an excellent restaurant as a lively bar and performance space), and its solid live music, which happens every night.

Maine's original brewpub serves fine ales, British pub fare, and seafood dishes. There are between six and eight rotating ales on tap, and there's always a seasonal offering. Stop in for regular live music events, too, from rock and folk to country.

This hip, craft cocktail–centric hole-in-the-wall has tons of charm and a speakeasy vibe (indeed, there's no sign on the door). Sip a dainty glass of potent French absinthe, or one of the many creative concoctions on the ever-changing cocktail list. Rotating bar snacks include things like house meatballs, turmeric pickles, and candied popcorn with bacon butter and cayenne pepper. Once named "The Bearded Lady's Jewel Box," the bar's bearded owner has been known to don beautiful dresses. Check out the massive and ornate, hand-painted mural on the wall that pays homage to that, depicting some elegant bearded ladies.

Sophisticated and blessed with stunning views of the city and waterfront, Luna has plenty to recommend as a spot to grab drinks before or after an evening stroll around the city. Perched atop the Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront, its talented bar staff pour creative cocktails and the kitchen turns out enough filling small plates to snack on or make a dinner out of. (The eclectic menu spotlights petite lobster rolls, tuna tataki, Korean barbecue beef sliders, and desserts like ricotta lavender fritters.)

At tucked-away Novare Res Bier Café, choose from some three dozen rotating drafts and about 500 bottled brews. Relax on an expansive deck, munch on antipasti, or share a meat-and-cheese plate. Maine craft beers occupy at least eight of the taps at any given time, and the rest span the globe, with an emphasis on Belgian and Trappist ales.

Scandinavian-inspired dishes and serious craft cocktails drive this hip locale that also offers excellent charcuterie and seafood boards. If it's free, grab a seat in the intimate alpine-style hut, off to the side of the main room. And don't miss the excellent happy hour, weekdays 1–6.

This happening Irish pub has live music Wednesday through Sunday evenings and a pub quiz on Tuesday. For a more mellow experience, settle into a couch at the upstairs bar.

Opened in 1980 under Alan Eames, Three Dollar Deweys was reputed to be the very first place in town to pour a pint. The cozy, brick-lined bar changed hands a number of times since then—including ownership by famed actor Judd Nelson—and even closed once in 2018, only to be reopened again under the current owner. The tap lines have now been extended to 36 and eats like pizza and nachos have been added to the menu.