The Crafty Traveler

Portland, Maine – my future home. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. I love everything about this place, I just have to convince some other people in my life they can handle the winters here (it’s a battle, check back with me in a few years to see if I have won the war). What do I love about this place? First and foremost, the food and beverage scene here certainly punches above its weight for a city of this size (no shocker this is a selling point for me). Filled with spots that lean into the cuisine and culture of the area. The size of the place itself is also ideal. Big enough to make every day different, small enough for that to be manageable. A waterfront setting (I’m a sucker for a view) pulls it all together and makes Portland a place that puts a smile on my face each time I visit. It’s time to send a few of those smiles your way.  

When picking a home base, anywhere near the Old Port will do. Portland is small enough that you can explore everywhere from here. There are plenty of quality hotels near here to choose from but take a look at Canopy or Press as a couple of my favorite options. To kick off day one, start at Tandem Coffee and Bakery. Upon arrival, a line should be expected (don’t worry, it moves quick). Use your wait to think about how many items your stomach can handle, because it will be hard to pick just one. A cold brew alongside a freshly baked biscuit sandwich would be a good start. As the caffeine kicks in, it’s time to loop around the area, using breweries as your light houses to guide the way.

Head west and grab a pour at Bissell Brothers as stop one. Strategically located near the airport, this could also be your first stop in town depending on what time you land (and if you find yourself hungry, they have more than your ordinary brew food). Stop 2 is the number 1 attraction on Tripadvisor for the city if Portland – Allagash Brewery (a brewery topping that list? I knew I loved this place). A Pioneer in this world in many ways, this is one of those rare places that produces beer on a national scale without sacrificing quality. An Allagash White from the source alongside a piled high lobster roll – this is a perfect Maine lunch. Head east for stop 3 and my favorite brewery in the area, Maine Beer Co. Order Lunch or Dinner, but heads up, they come in liquid form here (actual beer names, a true liquid diet). Clean and crisp styles from a brewery that gives back more than any others out there. I’m in.

It’s time to head back to town for the rest of your day. Since you are staying in the Old Port, it’s worth a stroll around to soak in the scene here. When you are ready for round four, plenty of options await. If beers are still the speed, check out Novare Res. A dying breed of beer bars, these people can curate a tap list like no other. An ode to old world styles, these are the kind of places we need to support while we still have them. If cocktails are more your speed by now, check out Portland Hunt and Alpine Club. Whatever inventive cocktail you order, make sure it comes with a side of green chile and parmesan popcorn. Blyth and Burrows will also do the trick. Enjoy a well-crafted cocktail at the vintage nautical bar up front or look for the not so hidden Broken Dram bar in the back for a different, yet just as satisfying, vibe. A block away, dinner awaits at Central Provisions. While this sits in the heart of the tourist district, it’s no tourist trap. Elevated small plates is the name of the game here. Ready to call it a night? You can sleep when you get home. Your night doesn’t end until you pop over to Room for Improvement. Insanely creative cocktails alongside a fun and local vibe are waiting for you. Coconut fat washed negronis served with cheese puffs you eat with chopsticks. These are those smile vibes I was talking about.

Spend day 2 on one of my favorite streets – Washington Avenue. Think you can’t spend an entire afternoon within one quarter mile? Think again. My day would start with lunch at Terlingua (your day may start with breakfast, but I likely spent too long at Room for Improvement to make that happen). While Texas style BBQ with a southwest vibe is not what you would expect on your Maine menu, it’s the perfect change of pace. Pork shoulder green chili and brisket tacos will cure all your ails from the night before.

Now that you are healed, let’s get those brews back in your body. Oxbow Brewing across the street is the move for next level lagers and mixed-culture ales inside of an inviting taproom. Your hunger level is likely low, but if you need a few more carbs to get you through the day, don’t miss the Duckfat Frites shack on site serving crispy fries with all the sauce. For your next round, the world is your oyster (and yes all of this will lead you to actual oysters). Feeling a cider? head next door to Anoche. Gin lover? Hardshore Distilling Company has your botanicals. Natural wine craving? Maine & Loire has an incredible selection to choose from. Feeling ambitious? Hit them all and see what happens. I support your choices.

As your Washington Street stroll continues, local shops of all types are ready for your pop in. Moonday Coffee has your midday pick me up. Sissle & Daughters cheesemongers has your perfect pairing to that natural wine you just bought. Onggi is an entire store dedicated to fermented foods that set you up for the fermented beverages nearby at Root Wild Kombucha. The hits don’t stop coming until happy hour, which times up perfectly at The Shop by Island Creek Oysters. Half shell happiness knowing you conquered that quarter mile.

If you’ve loved this street as much as I do and don’t want to leave, I get it. Finish your night at Izakaya Minato (you walked right past it early and may not have even noticed it). A small spot that only takes reservations for 4 or more, early arrival may be required (or get on the list and hit any spot you missed above), Japanese comfort food awaits. Sign up for the Omakase to ensure all the highlights are hit. If you’re looking to end your evening closer to your hotel room, the well known Eventide Oyster Co is still at the top of their lobster roll game (don’t sleep on their sister restaurant Honey Paw next door for another Asian-inspired option), or Crispy Gai has you covered for Thai fried chicken and good times (their words not mine, but I’m on board with the marketing).

Now that I sent a few smiles your way, I won’t blame you if Portland could be your future home too. If things go right, we could be neighbors before you know it.