While Portland, Oregon has gotten quite a bit of press lately as a hot destination Portland, Maine is also hitting the map – especially on the foodie circuit. While Maine conjures up images of rugged coastline, blueberry picking and quaint villages, Portland – only a 2 hour drive from Boston – has a bit of a hipster vibe, not unlike the Portland of the West Coast. I recently took a trip up to Portland, Maine in July. And, if making the drive from Boston as I did, I definitely recommend a pitstop in Ogunquit for a stroll along the Marginal Way Cliff Walk and possibly lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants in “Perkins Cove” (the starting point for the Cliff Walk).
Portland has many activities to choose from – paddleboarding or kayaking along the coast, brewery tours, and shopping along the historic cobblestone streets, but the highlight of my trip was the food. My top spots were:
- The Portland Hunt & Alpine Club – offering craft cocktails, gourmet popcorn, and Scandinavian small bites
Cocktails and Popcorn at the Portland Hunt & Alpine Club
- Union Portland – a new farm to table spot in The Press Hotel
- Duckfat – sandwiches, milkshakes and fries. Known for their fabulous poutine – a must!
Poutine at Duckfat
- Central Provisions – small plates and punch bowls for sharing. Definitely worth checking out for brunch as well (opens at 11 am) – and be sure to order the cornbread skillet.
- Holy Donuts – Made with real Maine potatoes (!), these donuts come in a multitude of flavors and are nothing short of delicious
- Eventide Oyster Co. – a favorite for oyster lovers, but don’t miss their signature lobster roll served warm in a brown butter sauce.
Lobster roll at Eventide Oyster Co.
- Slab – a nice spot for groups with outdoor seating, live music and giant slabs of pizza.
