5 Great Places for Adult Beverages in Portland, Maine

There’s a  wide variety in Portland, Maine!  Try these 5 Great Places for Adult Beverages when in town. 

Portland, Maine – a perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway, a week by our beaches or even a lifetime (we won’t tell your boss).  With so many choices, you can find a speakeasy, charming cocktail spot, or local watering hole that will feel like home to you and your best friend, frenemy, crush and/or partner.  As a native to Portland, here are five of my favorites I hope you enjoy.

Portland Beer Hub – Maine’s destination to sample draft pours from the heavy-hitters of the Maine beer scene. They stock everything from the juiciest of IPAs to delicious lagers that might remind you of being right on the cobblestoned patios of Germany.  At the hub,  you can try a recommendation at the bar before deciding to buy the  cans to go.  Tell the owner, Jorgen, we sent you and wish him luck on his campaign of becoming mayor of Boothby Square. Boothby is right in the heart of Portland’s historic Old Port, across the street from our U.S. Customs House.

North Point –  If you are looking to run away to a bistro that reminds you of Paris, I have found the spot for you. Intimate, warm, with artwork that tells stories, North Point is the place to rekindle those sparks, to chat with friends while people watching from the bar, or maybe to find that special someone. Who knows? Try their dangerously delicious cocktails, like their cucumber gin martini, a favorite on the foodie tours, and have the fan favorite nachos to go with your adult bevvies.  You’ll find North Point on Silver Street across from the beautiful Regency Hotel. 

Lincolns – Portland’s well known speakeasy offers cash only – cocktails, wine and craft beer all for a Lincoln (5 US dollars). A favorite of the locals and a place to discover even if you’re only in town for a short bit. You’ll have to figure out the address though  

Hardshore Distillery- Masters of  creative and delicious cocktails all with their house distilled, award-winning, herbaceous  gin. They are creating mixed drinks that will make you say, “yes, why not another drink?” Take a peek at their beautiful distillery located directly behind the bar…sometimes they can even show you around if you ask nicely. Hardshore is on Washington Avenue along with lots of restaurants, brewers, and bakers, a must-see area to learn what is up and coming in town. 

Independent Ice Company – Known for their wide selection of whiskeys and bourbons, this warm and inviting bar is located on picturesque Wharf street in a former ice warehouse. Did you know, in the 1800’s one of Portland, Maine’s  busiest trades was selling ice?  Back then,  you were not considered “somebody” in Boston or New York if you didn’t have fresh Maine ice in your ice box. Wharf street itself is paved with discarded ballasts from the British ships who came to Maine for our pine trees, loads of history in this area to enjoy with a great drink.  

Written by Nicole Brackett, born and raised right here in Portland.