45 Best Cocktail Bars near South Portland

“Went there for New Years Eve at the new location. They told us it was going be at least a 45 minute wait and we were ok with that. Host took our phone number and added us on the wait list on his tablet. Took a seat out by the host stand and waited. Another couple came in about 15 minutes after us, also a party of two, and the same host told them it was going be a wait and they took a seat next to us. Even though we had been there 15 minutes longer and greeted by same host with tablet, he forgot about us and seated them first. Even though we were waiting right next to them and he looked right at us when he came to tell them to follow him to a table. We finally just got a seat at the bar. We ordered appetizers, two rounds of drinks and dinner. Again told it was going be a wait because kitchen was backed up. That was fine. Got our drinks and appetizers. Then my girlfriend’s entrée finally came out but they forgot to bring mine! I thought it would be out in a few minutes, but after 1o more minutes waiting for my food I finally inquired, and they had somehow forgotten my entrée. They comp’d one round of drinks. Love the new location. Love the food. But we chose the wrong night to go! I’ve never gone out to eat and ordered the food and had them forget to bring my entrée out.. By the time I got my dinner my girlfriend was done with her food. Just asked them to bag it for take-away. Still tipped 20% as I’ve worked twenty years in resturants. Kind of disappointed with New Years Eve dinner. Took the night off early to go have a nice meal and they forgot my meal!“

“10/10. Beautiful location with an amazing menu. My 5 year old rates the clam chowder “1000 and some numbers out of ten”. Definitely recommend!“

“Just had your dumpling sampler. So delicious! I was filled up when I finished. But I didn’t want to take the last bite, because I didn’t want the joy to end. Will definitely return soon! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“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!“

“We popped into Central Provisions today on our stay in Portland and I was blown away by this restaurant. It was a very intimate, beautiful space with amazing flavor. Our server, Andy, made the experience. They were very kind and made dining with an allergy a breeze. Do not skip Central Provisions when you come to Portland!

Dietary restrictions: Their allergen menu is wildly helpful. It's color coded and makes it very clear what is and is not safe, and whether or not an allergen can be removed from the dish. I have a severe nut allergy and I felt completely safe eating here.“

“Delicious drinks! Bartenders are knowledgeable and artfully craft fantastic drinks. If you’re looking for a unique drink, try the, “Green Eyes”. It’s made with a unique liquor called, Chartreuse and is a blend of sweet and earthy flavors. The snapper hot dog and pretzel are great items to enjoy. Get the pimento cheese with your pretzel!“

“If I could give this place more than 5 ⭐️, then I would, so I will…. 10000/10 would recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“We’d got pre-dinner drink and love the Sticky Ribs.“

“The espresso Martini and the Salted Caramel Martini were divine! The desserts are also to die for. During my visit, my partner and I shared the creme brulee and the chocolate tart with berries - they were light but decadent and paired perfectly with our martinis!“

“TL;DR: best cocktail bar we tried in Portland, with great service, fun vibes and the most amazing drinks!

We almost walked past the door to this place which made me like it immediately - it's on a busy alleyway with a bunch of other bars and restaurants and has a nondescript entrance. It doesn't try hard at all and that is what sold me on the place.

It's very divey looking on the inside, and has super fun decor and played rock music amongst other things. The service was extremely friendly, helpful and fast and our server was so friendly. The drinks were really well executed and the furthest from divey I've ever tasted! The bathroom is fun - check it out when you're there. Their menu has great aesthetics and very fun to read.

One of the bartenders is a bartender I've seen featured on the Food52 channel so I was feeling very positive about our drinks. And they were... So. Good. And very reasonably priced after drinking through bars in NYC and SF.

Aviation: I loved the addition of pomegranate and cardamom. This is one of my favorite drinks and I loved their take on it.
Espresso martini: ridiculously good - they need to bottle that salty coconut foam and sell it
Pimms Cup: extremely well balanced and not too sweet, this was so refreshing
Oaxacan Old fashioned: not as smokey as expected since they had both mezcal and tequila, and the chili demerara added a nice kick

We got seated right away after an early dinner. But the bar got packed very quickly, though they also had seats outdoors. The bar serves food too but we didn't try anything.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Cozy and inviting dining rooms. The food was delicious, every plate from chicory salad, bread asparagus and the entrees! All were absolutely delicious. Just as important were the staff. So so friendly and happy. You can tell they all really like working here and value every detail. Would highly recommend this place for date night!“

“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!“

“Just an excellent experience overall“

“"Prepare for a sweet symphony of flavors at Gross Confection Bar! This place is truly the icing on the cake when it comes to dessert destinations. From their decadent chocolate creations to their fruity delights, every bite is a spoonful of happiness. The staff are as warm as freshly baked cookies, always ready to sprinkle some extra sweetness on your experience. So, if you're craving a treat that's a cut above the rest, head to Gross Confection Bar and let the dessert magic unfold!"“

“Great brunch spot. The mimosas were delicious. Food was great! I recommend the huevos Ocotillo and Clark Street Eggs Benedict. Churros were an awesome choice for dessert! Busy atmosphere and super friendly and helpful bartender. We will definitely be back.“

“Great hang and no pretense! Hoping they reprise the Thanksgiving Day late nite reboot this year! Henry’s is great anytime of year, but there’s nothing better than the late nite Thanksgiving dinner on a sandwich, with drinks and a “green tea” chaser! Cheers!“

“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.“

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

“Love this place! Great owner, great food and cocktails (and generous happy hour offerings!) and it fills a critical need in this neighborhood for a laid back, easy place to grab a reasonably priced bite/drink — without the typical sports or dive bar ambiance.“

“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...“

“We were on a weekend in nearby Maine when we realized North Conway was closer than the restaurant's in our town so we head over knowing how great this place was from a previous visit. They did not disappoint, service was excellent and the food was great again! Loved it!“

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

“Beautiful evening for outdoor wedding anniversary meal at the Regency Garden Cafe. The server was very attentive and offered us complimentary desert for our anniversary. Second time we celebrated our anniversary at this location and would do it again“

“An atmosphere that should be sought after by any and all. Between excellent food (I’m a pad Thai person) and excellent service you cannot go wrong. I will always stop here, and you can’t convince me otherwise. I wish I could get everyone to come here so the family is overloaded with the knowledge that they are truly the best.“

“We got there at 9:05 pm, they had just closed. But....they let our party of eight in anyways. Food was great and so was the service. Thanks Boones!“

“Awesome atmosphere with amazing food!“

“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.“

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

“Despite staying at The Press Hotel numerous times we never grabbed a drink at the bar here and always went out instead. I kinda regret that and believe this was the perfect spot to end our night before returning to our room. With a small bar but a vast amount of lounge chairs and other comfortable seating, there is area for a good amount of people. Similarly priced cocktails as many other spots in the area with the ability to ask for other common drinks as well. I enjoyed both the Grapefruit Paloma and Bee’s Knees. It was quite a surprising dead night for a Friday according to the bartender but it was nice chatting about local spots including lots about some local breweries. Friendly and knowledgeable bartender with good drinks and nice vibes! What else could you ask for from a hotel bar/lounge? They do also offer some snacks/light bites but didn’t try any so no word on those. A popular spot for people grabbing a drink before or after a show at Merrill Auditorium.“

“Five diners in our party--aged six to sixty-five--all left stuffed and happy! Fantastic pizza, playful and delicious garlic bread, wonderful pasta, fabulous service. Highly recommend!

Kid-friendliness: A pizza option and a spaghetti option... what more could a kiddo want?“

“Great value! Awesome drinks! Comfortable seating. 🤘🏼“

“First of all, this review is coming from a 76 y/o who took his 74 y/o sister to dinner here because she likes ciders. We're both pretty avid restaurant goes having lived in Chicago (me) and the DC area (her). We were twice as old as anyone else in the restaurant and had to ask that the music be turned down (which they gladly did). Told you we were old. I go to restaurants to eat food I have not had before or that is too complicated for me to make well. Service was very good, friendly and knowledgeable. My sister tried two of the ciders (out of around 40?) and these were not your typical US ciders. Very dry and made with various other ingredients. She did not like them. My suggestion would be that Anoche add some more traditionally tasting ciders and highlight them as such. The Spanish white that I had was great as I knew it would be. The tuna and mackerel were out of a can and the cod was dried and flaked. I can do that at home. The cheeses and the Iberico ham are the dishes that I would recommend. The bread was very good. This would be a very good, fun restaurant if you are say 35 and younger. Have a few drinks, eat some snacks and talk with your friends or sig. other.“

“Grace in Portland, Maine, is a venue that blends historic charm with modern elegance, offering a truly unique setting for weddings and special events. Housed in a beautifully restored former church, Grace combines soaring cathedral ceilings, original stained-glass windows, and a stunning mezzanine, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression. It easily lends itself to a bouquet toss.

The staff at Grace is nothing short of phenomenal. Their attention to detail and commitment to creating a seamless event experience make planning stress-free. They go above and beyond to accommodate every request and ensure the day unfolds perfectly.

The food is another highlight. Their catering team delivers an impressive menu that pairs elevated flavors with fresh, local ingredients. Guests raved about the inventive dishes and impeccable presentation. See the Lobster Rangoon at this Maine wedding shot by JMorr Photo

What sets Grace apart is its ability to feel both grand and intimate. Whether hosting a large wedding or a smaller, more private celebration, the venue can adapt beautifully. The combination of breathtaking architecture and exceptional service makes Grace a top-tier choice for any couple looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Portland.“

“Had brunch at this restaurant and it was fantastic!! The atmosphere in the hotel is cute. It used to be the newspaper building, so they carried this theme through. They have vintage typewriters on the wall in the lobby, so cute. Our server, Anna, was so sweet and kind! Food was sooooooo good. I would highly recommend this place. This is off the beaten path in Portland, it’s not in the port area, but the walk is so pretty to get to it. You can go up to exchange street, with so many cute shops. Definitely worth the short walk, especially if you’re there on a Sunday and all the other brunch places by the port have 45 minute waits.“

“Best cocktails we:ve had in ages. Great views, food (what little we had was great), AMAZING staff. Can't wait to come back.“

“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 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.“

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

“We had Dirty Fries for the first time tonight. The flavor from the Sloppy Joe meat combined with a full bodied cheddar cheese made for one of the best appetizers I have ever had. The pickled onions topped off this very tasty dish. We will be back for more.“

“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!“

“Cannot recommend this place enough.

Went for a NYE fixed menu, sitting at the bar. Dishes were beautiful, service skilled and kind, and the owner we met (Kim) was lovely. Drinks were balanced and beautiful.

I loved everything about this place.“