50 Best Bars near South Portland

“Had an amazing time hanging out at the Tavern. Right away we were charmed by the bartender; Niko, shoutout, you’re the best. The bar food is delicious, better than a lot of more expensive places! We played pool, the other patrons were awesome and super chill to hang out with. We’re not even local but anytime we’re in the area we are sure to stop by Spring Point Tavern!“

“Such a fun atmosphere!! Always a great time!“

“I went here in October and I truly have thought about it once a week since. There was a cool vintage seller pop up while we there. The beer was great, the olives were tasty. The bartender was friendly and gave us lots of recommendations. I don’t know what else you could ask for“

“We have been occasional diners since Leluco opened, and it’s always been a lovely treat. This year we also decided to trust them with our Thanksgiving meal, and they did not disappoint! Our 1.5 turkeys were amazingly prepared, lovingly packed, and easy to reheat. Our friends and I are not sure if we’ve ever had a more delicious bird. Thank you, thank you for being a part of our Thanksgiving celebration. We are so glad you’re in our community ❤️“

“We had them cater our backyard wedding and they were fantastic! Everyone raved about the food and the service. Super easy to work with and VERY reasonably priced! I couldn’t recommend them enough!“

“Best part: If you squeeze in between the desk and chair, you can sit on the floor right next to the (floor to ceiling) window, and it's like sitting on the edge of a cliff looking out over the Turnpike. The noise level is well-controlled, and it's quite peaceful looking at cars and trucks roll by from six stories high. Needs to be high room on the back of the West tower for this effect. Quietest a/c / air system in any hotel I've stayed in, and the controls were pretty legible. Bed was comfy and slept well. Some mystery spots on the coverlet. If you're a DIY type, take along a scraper and some paint and you can fix the peeling paint in the bathroom. Stay away from the breakfast, if you're not used to a mass-market diet, either way you'll do just as well at McDonald's. 'Fridge is useful if you want to lightly freeze things. If you want the good ol' days of a freshly-made bed every day, get on it immediately. We waited til day 3, and despite obediently ordering 24 hrs in advance, chaos still ruled when we returned at 6 pm. The same fellow running check-in eventually arrived with a few towels; we decided he was probably running the whole place on his own that night.“

“All I can say is amen hallelujah! I had an incredible eisbock and the pierogi. Perfect pairing, smooth pour, great place. 100% recommend!“

“The wife and I had an amazing time for my birthday. Dinner was perfect. Our bartender Mikey was attentive and entertaining. Highly recommend! 5 stars.“

“Christopher is such an awesome host. He is extremely well connected in the restaurant industry- we came for our first anniversary and he HANR WROTE a recommendations list for us for our trip. The beer selection is amazing, and the taproom is very cozy.“

“Love this spot! Love the cheap grilled 🧀“

“Great venue, great staff. 10/10 would go every night!“

“Great food made on the premises, including homemade desserts and sourdough bread. Try the charcuterie plate with several cheese, fruit, nuts, bread and a rotating sliced meat. Or the grilled shrimp or tuna, both yummy. Cocktails, wine, espresso -- choices galore. gotta love the espresso martini, even a decaf one! Jazz or blues background music, no headbanger stuff. Relax and enjoy...“

“A hidden gem for when you don’t want to head into the old port. :)“

“One of the coolest spots in Portland, definitely worth checking out.“

“Chill intimate environment. Fabulous community. Rotating local art. Fast friendly bar service. Excellent drinks, whether you want a cheap beer or a cocktail. Sober friendly with NA options. Everyone is welcome and treated with kindness. The End is a regular stop for me and I have all the respect for the guys behind it. Check them out! 🤘🏻“

“This is a great local place to hang out. Love my Vanilla White Russians and great food.“

“karaoke Wednesday and Thursday nights. Very chill people to hang around with, my favorite place in town to have some beers!“

“The drinks and food were delicious. The bartender was amazing at his craft. Overall an amazing experience and looking forward to next time.“

“Good survive and good food“

“Great chicken parm calzone.. Courtney was great at the bar she made us a mean margaritas.“

“Cash only, but they have an ATM. Food is delicious and more affordable than a lot of places in the area. Everyone behind the bar has always been very friendly, starting with Rick who retired a few years and carrying on with the new bartenders. I also love that it’s been around since the 1930s, as one of the first bars around to reopen after prohibition. It’s definitely a neighborhood gem!“

“This might be the best overall bourbon list I have ever seen at an establishment. Prices were reasonable as well. I just wished they opened earlier than 4pm. Burger next door at Rigby is 5 stars.“

“I LOVE that DTL is requiring proof of vaccines to enter!! Keep up the great work!! I prefer to not drink/dine in the company of antivaxxers :)“

“This is my absolute favorite place in town. The atmosphere is so pleasant whether on a quiet winter night or a bustling Friday evening. Drinks are incredible, and though pricey, not any more expensive than other spots in town (which is impressive for a hotel bar). The main reason we come here is the staff. They are so friendly and come up with the most amazing cocktails. Sheila, Mena, John, and Sammy can do no wrong!“

“Best place for watching English football. Especially when Arsenal are playing.“

“Amazing tamales and empanadas.“

“What's not to love and Sarah is awesome!!“

“Great staff, food and experience.“

“Great place to visit!!! Bartenders and manager were awesome. Looking forward to coming back!“

“Such a fun bar to check out if you are ever in the OOB area. Drinks were delish and came out quick. the staff were super friendly and on top of things. Loved the mix of seating areas and views of the beach. Perfect place to unwind with friends or catch some live music!!!“

“Absolutely electric experience , the craft brews were positively smashing! My only concern were the general use wash rooms , the lights were far to dim to insert my Mens Liberty Pre Lubricated Catheter. Missed several times but had a michelob ultra to guide my hands , 4.6 stars“

“We had afternoon high tea. It was an enjoyable experience. It is real English tea. Service was great. The food was nice and appropriate for tea. Even clotted cream for the scones. The tea sandwiches were small. The mini lobster roll had very little lobster in it and the other two were petite. We would go back again. It is a little pricey but worth it for the experience.“

“My Mom and I are in Portland on Vacation. So far EVO is defiantly a High Light! Staff was friendly and very helpful! Food was AMAZING! Absolutely a 10 out of 10!“

“One of our favorite places, nice laid back atmosphere with couches & bookcases, reasonably priced beers, and located at the entrance to Portland’s wonderful West End. They serve a great Beyond burger, as well as a black bean burger. They also have a number of other nice options including vegan cheese pizzas, chili, and chili cheese fries! Updated from previous review on 2024-06-25“

“We had dinner last night and it was excellent!!! Service was wonderful, drinks were perfect and the food was amazing. Highly recommend!“

“I always enjoy stopping in when I’m in the Portland area! Only place with other options besides the ol run of the mill lobster with butter or mayo. Delicious!“

“Amazing food, drinks and service, a true gem!!“

“Ate there this evening celebrating my wife's birthday. Service, food, atmosphere was just amazing! Staff singing while presenting a free lava cake and Ice cream.... AMAZING evening! Highly recommended.“

“Warm welcoming staff, happy regulars, creative events, top notch dedication to their draft list pouring from clean lines and glassware, passionate owners who are present and make food from scratch. A true Portland gem!“

“5star but have never been. For owner, why can't you say loss of Canadian tourism is because of donald's threat to annex Canada by economic force? the insult of calling our them PM gov. of his 51st state? The letter to western Canada on how to become part of the US from your Sen. joe martin? Many of us will still boycott even after they are gone. But do hope you do well with w/e you voted for.“

“Oh My God what a gem this place is! First off when you walk in it smells incredible. I had the Godmother grilled cheese. It was so good I couldn't hold a conversation......or maybe it was their margaritas!! Anyway the sandwich was unbelievable and the "secret sauce" on the side for dipping is something I didn't think I needed but ended up wanting to be buried in!“

“The food was phenomenal, very tasty, flavorful, cooked to perfection! Friendly server and chill atmosphere. Definitely a favorite!“

“Holy cow, what an awesome find! We enjoyed everything about this place. They have a fun cocktail menu, and the food is AMAZING! Be sure to order the fried chicken, and get at least a couple of their excellent sauces!“

“Wonderful service and excellent food!“

“Had a drink and oysters during happy hour and it was a great experience. Bartender Andy was so friendly and polite and gave some great recommendations for local spots to visit. Would definitely come regularly if I was a local.“

“Good food, good service, lovely“

“Always great music, affordable / awesome bevs, friendly crew, and overall fantastic atmosphere. Bottomless thanks!“

“Stopped in after a show at the State Theater...what an awesome place! Great everything! Don't miss out on this hidden gem. Justin the bartender rocked it!“

“My girlfriend and I popped into OOB for a long weekend off season and GFB was the place to be. Live open mic blues night rocked our socks off with some serious talent including the likes of renowned guitarist Mike Hayward. Megs behind the bar remembered our drinks immediately and treated us with the best service around. The owners sat at the bar and we chatted music and fun stories of our pasts. We even stumbled in the following night for karaoke! Definitely the best dive in OOB!“

“If you have not eaten here it is a must. Make sure to ask for Sarah as she is a phenomenal waitress.“