46 Best Cocktail Bars near South Portland

“Former South Portland resident, and still think an hour + drive is worth it just for Taj. Fantastic food, lovely people, beautiful new location. HIGHLY recommend!“

“The best seafood I have ever had. Fresh! Hand breaded! Delicious! 🦞🍤🦀“

“What a nice place with great tasting food and shakes! We will be back to try different menu items!!“

“Went for Oyster Social/Happy Hour they do on Wednesdays after a local recommended I try…had a little bit of everything and some punch. I’m not easy to impress. It was DIVINE!!! Delicious fresh seafood, excellent quality, great drinks, just a very nice experience I wish I were local to attend every week! Highly recommend!“

“My favorite cocktail bar got more cozy. We love Portland Hunt and Alpine but have moved away from Portland but love returning for a white noise, green eyes and other cocktails. We heard they changed ownership and were pleasantly surprised of the cozy remodel, cute napkins and same great menu and service.“

“Great dive/ cocktail bar off the beaten path. Was recommended from a couple we’d met. And passing along the recommendation. Delicious espresso martini. One of the most amazing pretzels we’d ever had. And the Kraut dog, wow!!! Great place to stop by while on Portland“

“Before attending an evening with Phil Rosenthal, I decided to grab a quick bite to eat at Central Provisions. I walked over from my hotel and not having a reservation, I managed to snag a solo spot at the bar downstairs. By the time I left, there was not a seat to be had so I was very appreciative that I had the opportunity to dine here.

The service was impeccable-friendly and engaging without being overbearing, and the food came out quickly.

Despite wanting to try every single item on the menu, it was just me so I had to limit my options. I finally settled on the beet salad and the bone marrow toast. Both were absolutely phenomenal and well balanced.

For dessert, I could not resist trying the caramelized zucchini cake, and I did not regret it. It was a unique dessert that was not overly sweet and presented the flavors as well.

All in all a fantastic meal and a restaurant that I would absolutely frequent if I lived in the area or the next time I visit.“

“Ordered some Nippers off Etsy. Very tasty drinks. Shipping was very Quick and packaging well done. Only thing in would say is the nippers really Don’t make two full drinks unless you add more than the suggested alcoholic or a mixer. We will buy again just the larger sizes.“

“What a cool, unique spot to get drinks and desert. Highly recommend the mocha martini and the flourless torte. The espresso martini was good, but was very alcohol forward leaving me missing some of the classic espresso taste. The crème brûlée’s flavor was spot on, but unfortunately the sugar crust was a bit thick and didn’t shatter right. Overall a great little place!“

“A cute and welcoming bar on Congress, Jewel has a moody and ethereal feel with blue and pink lights, murals of a french riverside, and eclectic decorations.

The drinks are on a rotation and are usually a good mix of daring new drinks and classic crowd pleasers (usually centered around a theme such as Tarot, the Sailor Scouts, or other touchstones).

There is one bar area with 10 or so stools, with an additional couple of seating areas near the windows and edges.

They regularly host events like viewing nights, Karaoke, costume events and more.

All in all Jewel is a fun and laid back local bar, great for quiet conversation with friends.“

“Just an excellent experience overall“

“What a great place to discover!! One of my new favorites! Loved the cool vibe, incredible food, and special cocktails! Can’t wait to go back!!“

“This place is such a hidden gem in Portland. You may be quick to pass it since it's connected to the Hyatt hotel, but don't - absolute top notch bar tenders and incredible cocktails. I have not eaten here but the food does look good as well. If you like old fashions and/or manhattans, be sure to check this place out. I come here at least once for a drink every time i am in Portland.“

“We absolutely loved our dinner at Knotted Apron. The food was so delicious & inventive but more importantly the service was impeccable and made me feel like I was at home! ❤️ We will absolutely be back soon!“

“Just finished one of the BEST Italian meals ive ever had in my restaurant going life in a place id never have expected to and thats saying something being a 1st Generation Italian coming from NY ! ViA VECCHiA is Portland, Maine was absolutely 10/10 on everything they did! We started with Meatballs, Whipped Ricotta & Grilled Octopus. The meatballs reminded me of my mothers, the ricotta was tremendous with truffle honey & sesame breadsticks and the octopus was grilled perfectly. One dish was better than the next. We shared ravioli with as an entree and we never felt gross like we ate too much. The portion sizes were PERFECT. Wrapped the night off with a espresso infused cheesecake over salted caramel. Wow. Staff was incredibly accommodating, professional and polite. Service was excellent! If youre ever in Portland, ME you must go get a meal here!“

“Excellent desserts that exceeded expectations. Exquisite, unique cocktails. Our server Shannon O. Provided us with exceptional service and is very knowledgeable of the menu.“

“My husband and I recently had our wedding reception at Ocotillo. We worked closely with the amazing manager, Lea, and head chef extraordinaire Al. Al and their team are incredibly talented in the kitchen. The meal was hands down the best food I have ever eaten. Everyone raved about the food, drinks and service all night. The waitstaff was kind and helpful. The drinks were stellar, the atmosphere was perfect. Thank you so much to the whole staff at Ocotillo for helping us create an amazing night we will never forget. I could not recommend Ocotillo enough.“

“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.“

“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...“

“Fabulous crafted cocktails! Great small plates! Wonderful staff!“

“Great coffee, cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Plus awesome book selection!“

“Fantastic menu! I felt like I just walked into a glamorous pub in England when I saw the menu choices. The cocktail list is loaded with great drinks AND there are two happy hours daily! I had a delicious toasted cheese sandwich with bacon and tomato —so huge I could barely finish half. It came with a heap of perfectly fried hand cut potatoes. My sister got a lovely bowl of French onion soup to start and the steak frites as a main course. There was a big sliced steak done to perfection! We will return regularly! *****“

“Warm and comfortable, lovely wine, friendly staff, and tasty food truck offerings.“

“Awesome drinks, cool music and fun environment! Small venue with great service. If you want food you can have a delicious hotdog or popcorn.
Not a dinner spot, but you want a delicious cocktail and great vibes, definitely worth the trip:)“

“Loved this spot! It was magical and cozy during the Christmas season. Mikey was a fantastic bartender and gave awesome drink recommendations then ensured we were happy with what we ordered. Let me tell you, WE WERE! I had the spiked salt yard latte and it was absolutely delicious, the best espresso martini I’ve ever had. The espresso was freshly and ground and you could tell! We also split an order of fries that were super fresh, and we were obsessed with the garlic dipping sauce. I look forward to visiting again next time I’m hanging out in Portland!“

“Went during the day and got to sample 6 of their mixed drinks. The guy behind the bar told us the Boston Tea Party drink was selling out and wouldn’t return, which was too bad because it was the best one on the menu. Everything else, unfortunately, was just okay.

It was really nice they let us bring in outside food! And if you order food and eat there they will give you $2off your drink order.

Parking was easy. The staff were friendly. The space is really cool. They drinks were just alright.“

“This place is the definition of real food done right. Everything on the plate is fresh, intentional, and full of flavor-no filler, no fluff. You can actually taste the quality. It’s beautiful, flavorful food that hits differently. The kind of place that makes you want to slow down and enjoy each and every bite.“

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

“Great deal on happy hour oysters that were huge and tasted fresh. The lobster roll was also delicious and had a good amount of meat.

The bartender was friendly and got us the food out quickly. Overall a great experience in a nice location. 5 stars!“

“Absolutely love Aloft, first time staying at this hip Hotel on Commercial St , in Old Port, best walk in shower ever,,, perfect location. Front desk receptionists were over the top in being helpful. Priced right for winter season“

“We were there at the Regency for a 2 day conference and this was very convenient for us with a short lunch break. The food came fast and was very good. It was a beautiful day and very pleasant. The noise level was what I expected for a summer day in the Old Port with the background music blocking most noise.“

“Todd in the back lounge is the kindest, most talented bartender around. His cocktails are top notch and he is completely dedicated to his guests’ experience. We spend a lot of time at the Press Hotel and have personally witnessed him treating every guest with respect, class and above and beyond service.“

“Wonderful experience at Boone’s last night. Service was amazing and the food…wow. As a local, I am embarrassed to say it was my first time there. It will not be my last (I just saw their Sunday brunch menu !)“

“Was there on Friday afternoon 12/27. A great atmosphere, a moody speakeasy vibe. The three bartenders were awesome!!“

“We had our wedding at Grace, and I’m still speechless when I think about it. The venue itself is so unique and absolutely stunning — it truly speaks for itself. But what made the experience even more special was the incredible team behind it. Kate and her staff went above and beyond to accommodate our large wedding and made the entire day smoother and even more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. Every detail was handled with care, and their professionalism and kindness did not go unnoticed — they made us feel supported from start to finish. I honestly wish we could do it all over again. If you're looking for a breathtaking venue with an exceptional team, Grace is the one. Cannot recommend enough!“

“Very cool seafood shack on the water with a fresh seafood market and counter bar. Servers were all super friendly. Clams and shrimp were super tender and their chowder is fantastic too. Even on a semi cloudy day in the 60s before beach season really hits it was still pretty full up so I'd recommend doing reservations if you're going to be here in the next few months on weekends. Will definitely return on our next trip to OOB.“

“Had a wonderful family dinner here, young children included. Everything we ordered was delicious. We started with the garlic bread which didn't look like much and tasted much better than expected. Just wish it was served warm. The arroncini was crispy and cheesy and my mushroom bruschetta had my grandson, who doesn't like mushrooms, asking for more. The pizzas have a good balance of charred crust. Finished off with the cornbread cake with peach jam.“

“This place absolutely blew me away. For starters we tried the mussels with french fries and aioli dip, pumpkin bisque, and the maple oatmeal bread with maple brown butter. Every single bite was perfection. For our entrees, the mushroom tagliatelle, and veal ragù were rich, flavorful, and beautifully plated. We topped it all off with some Walnut Block wine, pure heaven!

It was my first time in Maine, and fell in love. The food, the flavors, the ambience, everything was incredible. Watching the chefs work in the open kitchen felt like being part of a live Netflix cooking show. I’m officially obsessed.“

“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.“

“Fire pizza service everything about this place is awesome if you haven’t tried not tried it your losing out amazing food get some“

“My three friends and I loved this experience. The creative food was tasty and filling. We were full with three small plates especially since the fried chicken (not what you would expect) was a substantial portion. The waiter was very helpful, and helped me with my choice of orange (yes) wine from a local vineyard. $55 a head with for drinks and yummy bread. Definitely recommend it..“

“We really love this place. Stumbled on it by accident and now its one of our regular haunts when we are in Maine. The food is always delicious, we love trying new things they add. We love this restaurant and can't wait to be back.“

“Visited Saturday night. Delicious food at good prices. Great service. Relaxed atmosphere.“

“An absolute gem in the heart of the old port. The margaritas are the best in all of Portland and served by the friendliest / warmest locals around. Not enough space to talk about the divine cuisine. ¡Salud!“

“What an amazing experience. We would definitely recommend and will be back soon!“

“Delicious whole belly fried clams!!“