Above: Blue Spoon
I love my Portland. Sure I grumble about things … can our restaurants turn the lights down, please?! … but this is my home and I imagine it will be for as long as I’m kicking around. To that end, I can’t believe I didn’t update my Portland Favorites list last summer! What was I thinking?? I looked at my old list and so much was out of date. I am sorry for anyone who tried to use it and found that places were closed, etc. Here we are in the heart of summer in Maine once again so I wanted to make sure you got my list in case you were coming our way and wanted any recommendations. I know I am missing things here so I’ll add as they come to me (likely in the middle of the night). Meantime, welcome to Portland and I hope you enjoy our special little city.
Above: Bistro Jacqueline
MAV’s PORTLAND
AREA FAVORITES
… in brief …
EAT
Don’t Miss!:
• Steak & Fries at Bistro Jacqueline
• Lunch or Dinner at Blue Spoon
• Growler Nights at Bunker Brewing Co.
• The Best Mexican Food at El Camino (Brunswick is a fun place to check out in general!)
• Snacks & Desserts at Fore Street in the bar
• Tea & Scone at Homegrown Herb & Tea
• Pizza Slab at Micucci
• Noodles at Pai Men Miyake
• Bread, Sweets or Sandwiches at Scratch Baking Co.
• Pour-Over Coffee at Speckled Ax
• Croissant at Standard
• Espresso at Tandem
Other Favorites:
• Sandwiches at 158
• Milkshake & Fries at Duckfat
• Wine & Oysters at Eventide
• Donuts at Frosty’s
• Gelato at Gorgeous Gelato
• Fish To Go at Harbor Fish Market
• Corned Beef Hash at Hot Suppa
• Fish or Lobster Roll at J’s Oyster
• Cheese & Sandwiches at K. Horton
• Drinks at LFK
• Cheese Board at Local 188
• Juice & Smoothies at Maine Squeeze Juice Café
• Beer Outside at Novare Res
• Fresh Pasta at Paciarino
• Grocery-Getting & Homemade Soup at Rosemont Market
• Smoothies at Roost
• Cocktails at Sonny’s
• Brunch at Schulte & Herr
• Cheap Tacos at Taco Escobarr
• Late-night Drink at Top Of The East
• Cheese & Meats at The Cheese Iron
• Outdoor Dinner at The Well
Above: Rabelais
SHOP
Don’t Miss!:
• Unique Homeware at Blanche & Mimi
• Jeans at Bliss (Ask for Michelle to help you!)
• Old Books at Carlson & Turner
• Perfectly Quirky Goods at Ferdinand
• Local Bookshop Goodness at Longfellow Books
• Books On Food & More at Rabelais
• Art & Loveliness at Seawall
• Handmade Goods at The Merchant Company
• Old-School Office Supplies at Wigon
Other Favorites:
• Antiques at Allen & Walker
• Totes & Rugs at Angela Adams
• Good-Looking Goods at Anniebells
• Women’s Clothing & Magazines at Black Parrot
• Second Hand Clothing at Find
• Cute Homeware at Folly 101
• Fun Kitchenware at Le Roux Kitchen
• Vintage & Vinyl at Moody Lords
• Women’s Clothing at Helene M.
• Pretty Homeware at Nicola’s
• Outdoor Gear at Nomads
• Peace, Love & Revolution at Nomia
• Pottery at Portland Pottery Café
• Men & Women’s Clothing & Magazines at Portland Trading Co.
• Full Service Scandinavian at Simply Scandinavian
• Vinyl at Sounds Absurd
• Fun Kids Stuff at Treehouse Toys
• Tons Of Books at Yes Books
Above: Crescent Beach
Above: Two Lights State Park
VISIT/DO
Don’t Miss!:
• Taking a Very Long Walk on A Beach or A Trail
• Visiting Farmer’s Markets Everywhere
• Jazz on Tuesday Nights at Local 188
• Walking Around (literally) Mackworth Island
• A Movie at Portland Art Museum
• Attending Whatever Is Going On at Space Gallery
• A Massage With Amanda at The Body Architect
• Lounging & Picnicing at Two Lights State Park
• Strolling the West End
Other Favorites:
• Sunset or Moonlit Run on the Casco Bay Ferry
• Walking The Eastern Prom
• Wildlife & Nature at Gilsland Farm Sanctuary
• Wandering Around the Portland Public Library
• Cliff Walking at Prouts Neck
• Art at Aucocisco
• Art at ICA, Meca
• Art at June Fitzpatrick Gallery
• Art at Portland Art Museum
• Art at Whatnot Gallery, Spindleworks
